April 2008

Taxes! Tenth Innings! Tourists!

Therefore, it must be April on the Potomac. By the time you get this note, you'll have hopefully paid your taxes, thanking your lucky stars (the six of us!) for all the wonderful home ownership related savings you've accumulated. What, you don't have enough deductions and still have a huge tax bill? Now might be a great time to move up, resize, buy a second home or even an investment property…and for first time home buyers, expanded FHA loan limits to $729,950 and 3% down payments really make owning affordable! There are fabulous opportunities out there for savvy purchasers and of course, we are always filled with great suggestions!

The housing market seems to be EVERYONE'S current topic of conversation and the good news is that when The Washington Post finally starts writing articles about the comeback, you know that it's already here! Believe it or not we have begun to see multiple offers again, well priced properties ARE selling, and buyers are beginning to have confidence to write offers, which start the negotiation process. Appraisers are being SUPER cautious these days so we spend a lot of our time discussing and "proving" value. Still, the local close-in market seems to be balancing itself and we are continuing to meet challenges, fulfill needs and solve problems. These days, creativity, patience and optimism seem to be our watch words!

And we thrive on your confidence in us!

PHYLLIS, GORDON, ROCHELLE, BOB, ELYSE, ANNE