There are 139 days left in 2009 … if you count today. That means the first-time home-buyer tax credit expires in 108 days. Since home loans are now expected to take at least 45 days to close - if everything goes right - that leaves you 53 days to find that first home.

To claim the $8,000 tax credit from the federal government, you must close on a home no later than November 30th. Do you really want to wait until the last minute? The time is NOW to get your loan pre-approval and start the search!

Spend this weekend looking over neighborhoods you think you’d like, call your local lender on Monday (I’d be happy to recommend some excellent loan officers), and I can begin showing you houses by next week! Call or text me at (615) 491-2161 for suggestions.

Right now you have some time, but not a lot!

Posted By: Kathy Tyson

As more and more 1st time home buyers enter the real estate market one comment that I hear over and over is “We don’t even know where to start”. My answer is simple, “Well, you’ve come to the right person, because helping you understand and guiding you through the home buying process is my job.”

As your Realtor® I can help you avoid costly home buying mistakes. There are essential techniques that I recommend to all my clients that have helped them save time, money, and aggravation.

First, get pre-approved for a home mortgage. Mortgage approval (not just qualification) is a major hurdle for many homebuyers and is extremely important in today’s market. Many lenders have stricter guidelines than they did even a month or two ago, and a pre-approval letter will carry much more weight with the seller when you can attach it as part of your offer. Pre-approval will help in determining your price range and help you save time. This vital step will also provide you an opportunity to quickly place an offer when you find your perfect home.

Second, I can help you with finding the home you want to buy. As you think about where and what to buy, there are many important factors you should consider:

• Your work commute – how quickly can you get to and from work? How much traffic will you encounter? Is access to public transportation an important feature?
• Access to shopping – how important is having easy access to a shopping center? What about grocery stores?
• Utilities – Is there access to cable or high-speed Internet?
• Medical services – Is distance to the nearest hospital important to you?
• Parking – Do you want a garage? Is street parking available for guests?
• Recreation –do you need close proximity to parks, lakes, beaches or ski slopes to accommodate your hobbies and interests?

Finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right house. When you are ready to purchase a home, I look forward to the opportunity to discuss all of your needs and ensure you have a house that suits your lifestyle and interests. Contact me at (615) 829-1051, or search for homes on my website at www.middletnrealestate.net.

Posted By: Christine Nale