Countdown is on...

The First Time Homebuyer Tax credit is only available on homes purchased prior to December 1, 2009. I am definitely seeing an increase in buyers who are looking to take advantage of this. In fact, right now I'm working with 4 different groups of 1st time buyers. I am so thrilled to be able to help them in this HUGE and very EXCITING transaction.

Lately, I'm showings homes in the lower price ranges to 1st time buyers at least twice a week - if you or anyone who is a first time buyer would like to come along let me know - erica.bates@swanagency.com

I've found that by doing this some of the buyers have traded stories, and even made friendships - looking at homes is often nerve-racking for some, and this approach makes things a lot of fun.

See you soon!

SOLD!!!! I promised more...

Very happy buyer and even happier sellers, who also happen to be my inlaws! GREAT combo. This charming 1860s Cape sold last week for $182,000 located at 335 Upper Dedham Road, Dedham.

On another note, I am seeing first time buyers get more serious as we enter into Fall. Good thing since in order to take advantage of the tax incentives (state and federal) a first time buyer must have closed by November 30, 2009. That is sneaking up on us!

There are deals out there, but I am seeing the lower priced inventory start to move and become less and less - a great sign for our local housing market. I emphasize LOCAL because it is easy to hear and believe everything we see on the National News - but remember it may not apply to our local market.

I love when a buyer is soooooo thrilled to buy the house of their dreams and the seller is sooo relieved that their home is being transfered to an appreciative soul! What a great job this is (most of the time :-) )

Home buying and selling is so emotional for most, and this one particular transaction I have coming up is bittersweet for sure - my in-laws are selling. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled for them (and for me, their broker), but today as I walked through the house I definitely was a bit emotional....a few good memories of my now husband and I there as just teenagers - pretty silly.

I love September!

Ahhh, I am SO happy to see September and what a great stretch of weather we are having! I have seen the inquiries really pick up with the first time buyer sector - I've shown a few couples recently that are hoping to make offers within the month. The deadline for the tax credits being offered by the Federal and State governments is November 30th, so the race is on!

On my way back from showing one of my listings the other night, I decided to take the long way home (isn't that a country song?), and I went through Seawall, a portion of Acadia National Park in Southwest Harbor. There were only a few people there, and I was lucky to get there just in time for sunset. The moon was also slowly rising up over the ocean too, what a great scene.

Hopefully now that September is here I will be out and enjoying more of these sites; we live in such a gorgeous setting I must pay closer attention.