Lee's Summit Homes Blog: Roxanne Van Buskirk

Since I am a lciensed real estate professional, of course my answer will be YES!

Even taking that into consideration, with all the changes that have come about since the real estate bubble burst two years ago, it is more critical than ever to have an agent to help you through the ever complex process of buying or selling a home. With more short sales, foreclosures and market uncertainty, you need someone who knows the market, the new rules and will work to protect your interests.

MSN has a great article that points out five major reasons to still use a real estate agent.

Single level living will be the preference of aging Baby Boomers. If you have a ranch plan to sell, the demand (read: asking price) for it could rise in the next few years. If you are looking to buy one, expect supply to drop and prices to rise.

Full article here.

If you bought a house after Nov 6 2009 and qualify for a Tex Credit, the process has become more complicated:

1. If you filed for 2008 after Nov 6. The IRS isn’t accepting requests until they change the form due to the tax credit extension. No word on when that new form will be available
2. Due to fraud, the IRS is requiring proof of purchase. For 2009 the documentation requirement mean you cannot file for the credit electronically. You will need to file a paper return.

Where’s everyone going? I guess, it’s Texas.

Don’t wait around for prices to drop more. Prices have risen for 5 straight months.

We used to only worry about if a house had lead based paint. Now when you are buying a house, you need to make sure it wasn’t used to make Meth. Don’t assume that just run down houses in low income areas are potential “Meth Houses”. They can be found anywhere.

This article from MSN is certainly an eye opener.

Merry Christmas! Here is a sampling of real estate news that you should be aware of. If you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to email or call me. I will be happy to help.

The first of the year brings new disclosure rules for lending designed to help protect consumers.

You don’t have to be moving up to a more expensive home to get the new Tax Credit. Move down buyers can take advantage as well!

Existing home sales continue to improve.

Mortage rates are rising. Get your loan locked NOW.