The centerpiece of Congress’ recent $170 billion economic stimulus plan is tax rebates, but few Huntsville AL real estate owners and taxpayers actually understand what the rebates mean or how they may benefit.

Treasury Department and IRS officials are still scurrying to work out the details of the plan, but below are some of the main points that have been made available:

• To be eligible for a full rebate, single tax filers must have 2007 adjusted gross income (AGI) below $75,000.  These filers will get rebates up to $600.
• Joint filers must have AGI below $150,000 and are eligible to receive rebates of up to $1,200.
• Parents will receive $300 rebates per dependent child and there is no cap on the maximum number of children eligible.
• Filers who do not owe income taxes because of various credits and deductions but who do have at least $3,000 in income (can include Social Security or disability payments) will get $300 rebates per person or $600 per couple.
• The rebate is a one-time tax cut – an advance on a credit you’ll receive on your 2008 return.

If you make the IRS deadline and file your taxes by April 15, you can expect to receive a check sometime between May and July.

Why not put your 2007 tax rebate toward the purchase of a new home?  To learn more about Huntsville AL real estate, please visit MoveToHuntsville.com or begin searching for Huntsville AL real estate here.  For more personalized service, please call me at 256-508-0211.

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If you are a first-time Huntsville AL real estate homebuyer, you are most likely becoming very aware of the importance of having a good credit score.  A higher-than-average credit score will help you negotiate a lower interest rate when you are applying for a mortgage, and a lower interest rate means thousands of dollars in interest saved every year.

This short video is a great introduction to the importance of your credit score, and includes some simple strategies to help improve it. 

This is a great time to consider purchasing Huntsville AL real estate.  To learn more about Huntsville AL real estate, please visit MoveToHuntsville.com or begin searching homes here.  For more personalized service, or a referral to a reputable lender who can help you learn more about your credit score, please call me at 256-508-0211.

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Build your nest! Settle down in this all-brick 4-bedroom/2.5-bath brick home in Stallion Run. Evenings can be spent together in the welcoming great room with carpeting and gas fireplace. The spacious rooms also include a classic dining room that could also be used as a formal living area or office/study. The family-friendly kitchen has hardwood floors and plenty of seating at the breakfast bar or eat-in area with pretty bay window. Relax in the huge master suite with 9-foot tray ceiling, a whirlpool tub and separate shower. The newly-painted interior is sparkling clean and full of natural sunlight. Outdoors the large back yard boasts an underground sprinkler system, large patio for entertaining, and a privacy fence. Don’t miss this beautiful home on a prime cul-de-sac lot – meticulously kept inside and out.

To learn more about this home or other Huntsville AL Real Estate, please call me at 256-508-0211 or visit MoveToHuntsville.com.

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On the heels of yet another interest rate cut from the Fed, the National Association of Realtors is expecting the volume of existing-home sales to hold steady through late spring, with a gradual recovery during the second half of the year as the mortgage situation improves in high-cost areas

The federal funds rate was cut by another ¾ of a percentage point, bringing the rate to 2.25% – the lowest it has been since 2004.  This move also marks the second of back-to-back cuts of ¾ of a percentage point.

Along with lower interest rates, Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said many buyers have been waiting for higher mortgage loan limits.  “The higher loan limits for both FHA and conventional loans will increase consumer choice and provide greater access to lower interest rate mortgages in high-cost regions,” he said.  “Therefore, a notable rise in home sales can be anticipated in the second half of the year.”

To get the latest market activity and statistics for Huntsville AL real estate, please check out my newsletter or call me at 256-508-0211.  You may also begin searching for homes here!

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Freddie Mac is reporting that the current weak economic reports are continuing to drive mortgage rates downward.

In it’s weekly update, Freddie Mac reports the 30 year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.03 % last week – compared with 6.24 % the week before.  The rate is also down compared with this time last year, when it averaged 6.14%.

"Weak economic reports that indicated declines in the job market, slowing in manufacturing and low consumer confidence drove bond yields lower this week and mortgage rates followed," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist.

Check out my monthly newsletter for the latest pricing and sales statistics for Huntsville AL real estate.  For more detailed information about the Huntsville area or Huntsville AL market trends, please call me at 256-508-0211 or visit MoveToHuntsville.com.  You may also sign up to receive automated emails of new listings that match your criteria at HuntsvilleHomeHunter.com!

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Attention, potential homebuyers!  CNN.com is reporting that now is the best time since 2004 to purchase a home. 

This article shows the nationwide research and statistics which prove that, overall, prices are dropping as interest rates remain low.
   

 You may also sign up to receive automated emails of new listings that match your criteria at HuntsvilleHomeHunter.com!

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What do the Easter Bunny, Billy Joel, and dinosaurs have in common?  They are all related to fun, family-friendly activities taking place in Huntsville this month!  

From spring break activities for the kids, to free admissions to art galleries and gardens, this month’s event calendar is packed full of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy together.  Hope to see you around Huntsville!

To learn more about living in Huntsville and Huntsville AL real estate, please call me at 256-508-0211 or visit MoveToHuntsville.com.  You may also begin searching for Huntsville AL homes here.

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Even with the recent congressional relief plan, many homeowners have still found themselves unable to pay their mortgages and are ending up in foreclosure. 

Although this CBS News video centers on a scam artist in Southern California, it is important viewing for all Huntsville homeowners who may be facing foreclosure.  As the video shows, it is too easy to be taken advantage of by scam artists trying to make a buck off the vulnerability of others.

Remember, if you may be facing foreclosure – or if you are interested in investing in foreclosures – the best resource is an experienced Realtor who can help explain your options.  To learn more about Huntsville AL real estate, please call me at 256-508-0211 or visit MoveToHuntsville.com.  You may also begin searching Huntsville AL homes here!

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