You can believe in Howard Hanna Mortgage Services…
...because we believe in you!
We believe in our local economy.
We believe in the stability of our local real estate market.
We believe in our local communities.
We believe in the hard-working people of
Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia & New York.
Howard Hanna Mortgage Services has secured over
$125,000,000 per month in mortgage money designated for
you, our clients. You can be certain that there is no shortage of
mortgage money available for qualified individuals.
The Howard Hanna Company has always been the leader in implementing innovation in
real estate sales, servicing our community better than any other real estate firm in the
nation. Our commitment to our clients has not changed:
• Conventional financing is available with down payments as low as 5%.
• FHA programs are available for buyers with credit blemishes and require a
minimal down payment.
• VA loans allow our veterans to finance their home purchase with little to no
down payment.
• Interest rates remain at 40 year lows.
• First-time homebuyers are eligible for a new tax credit of up to $7500.*
Together, we can do extraordinary things.
Howard Hanna Mortgage Services
WE BELIEVE!
*Contact a tax advisor for complete details regarding tax credit. Restrictions apply.
Howard Hanna Mortgage Services is licensed by: The Pennsylvania Department of Banking as a First and Second Mortgage Lender - License numbers 1018 and 0299. The Ohio Department
of Commerce - Division of Financial Institutions - License numbers MB802647.000, MB802719.000, SM 501117.000 and SM 501156.000. The West Virginia Division of Banking as a Mortgage Lender - License number ML12062000-10. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation as a Correspondent Mortgage Lender – License number 485184. Howard Hanna Mortgage Services, Inc is registered to do business in the following states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Colorado, and Indiana.
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugendougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The market is up at Howard Hanna. Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugenedougherty.howardhanna.com
Your Personal Guide to Real Estate
Saturday, September 06, 2008
$7500 Home Buyer Tax Credit
The federal government recently passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The purpose of this act is to jump start the real estate market. Among the many provisions is a first time home buyer tax credit.
First time home buyers may be eligible to receive up to a $7,500 tax credit. First time home buyers is defined as not owning a home in the past three years. Single family residence which includes condos that will be used as a principal residence. The tax credit is effective from April 9, 2008 through July 1, 2009.
Now is a great time to purchase your first home. Contact me for assistance. 330-671-4390
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugendougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
First time home buyers may be eligible to receive up to a $7,500 tax credit. First time home buyers is defined as not owning a home in the past three years. Single family residence which includes condos that will be used as a principal residence. The tax credit is effective from April 9, 2008 through July 1, 2009.
Now is a great time to purchase your first home. Contact me for assistance. 330-671-4390
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugendougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Quick Credit Facts
We all have credit cards, but do we pay our entire balances off each month or do we make the minimum payments? Here are some credit facts on making minimum monthly payments.
A $5,000 monthly balance at 18% interest, making the minimum monthly payment of 2.5% which is $125 per month will take 313 months (26.08) years to get out of debt. The interest alone is $7,115.42 plus the original $5,000 monthly balance equals a grand total of $12,115.42.
A $10,000 monthly balance at 18% interest, making the minimum monthly payment of 2.5% which is $250 per month will take 382 months (31.8) years to get out of debt. The interest alone is $14,615.49 plus the original $10,000 monthly balance equals a grand total of $24,615.49.
Both examples assume of course there are no other charges made to the card.
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugenedougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
A $5,000 monthly balance at 18% interest, making the minimum monthly payment of 2.5% which is $125 per month will take 313 months (26.08) years to get out of debt. The interest alone is $7,115.42 plus the original $5,000 monthly balance equals a grand total of $12,115.42.
A $10,000 monthly balance at 18% interest, making the minimum monthly payment of 2.5% which is $250 per month will take 382 months (31.8) years to get out of debt. The interest alone is $14,615.49 plus the original $10,000 monthly balance equals a grand total of $24,615.49.
Both examples assume of course there are no other charges made to the card.
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugenedougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Natural Gas Rates
Stow and Munroe Falls announced natural gas rates today. The rates, effective from November 2008 through April 2009 will be fixed. The gas is supplied by Vectron Source.
Munroe Falls residents will pay $15.128 per mcf compared to last years rate of $9.38 per mcf. This is an increase of 61%. Stow residents will pay $15.128 per mcf compared to last years rate of $9.59 per mcf. This is an increase of 57%.
Natural gas closed today, 07-17-08, on the commodity futures exchange at $10.62.
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugenedougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Munroe Falls residents will pay $15.128 per mcf compared to last years rate of $9.38 per mcf. This is an increase of 61%. Stow residents will pay $15.128 per mcf compared to last years rate of $9.59 per mcf. This is an increase of 57%.
Natural gas closed today, 07-17-08, on the commodity futures exchange at $10.62.
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugenedougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a great time to complete those chores you've been putting off all year — or in some cases, for the last few years. The process can be overwhelming at times, but if you create a list of projects and complete a few each day, the spring cleaning process can be quite manageable and even fun! Here is a helpful list to get you started:
Wash your blankets, comforters and rugs, and have your carpet shampooed and floors waxed.
Clean all walls, ceilings and woodwork, including baseboards. Repair any cracks in the plaster.
Empty everything out of the refrigerator and freezer. Throw away any unused or expired items and place the rest in a cooler. Scrub down all interior surfaces, including around the doors.
Clean and sweep under the refrigerator and other heavy appliances like your washer and dryer.
Empty your kitchen cabinets and closets, and discard any unused items or stale chips or cereal. While you're at it, organize your spices and put them in alphabetical order for easy access.
Dry-clean all curtains and draperies, and wash your windows inside and out.
Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades, light fixtures and window blinds.
Go through your closets and wash and pack away all out-of-season clothing.
Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks. Also, fix your leaky faucets and remove any water or rust stains in these areas.
Tighten loose doorknobs, pulls on drawers and cabinets, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.
If you have a garage, clean it out. Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment and garden tools.
It's also important that you enjoy yourself during spring cleaning. Turn up your favorite music, open your windows for some fresh air and have fun! If you're looking for more cleaning or home maintenance tips, contact me today.
Feels Like Home
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugenedougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Wash your blankets, comforters and rugs, and have your carpet shampooed and floors waxed.
Clean all walls, ceilings and woodwork, including baseboards. Repair any cracks in the plaster.
Empty everything out of the refrigerator and freezer. Throw away any unused or expired items and place the rest in a cooler. Scrub down all interior surfaces, including around the doors.
Clean and sweep under the refrigerator and other heavy appliances like your washer and dryer.
Empty your kitchen cabinets and closets, and discard any unused items or stale chips or cereal. While you're at it, organize your spices and put them in alphabetical order for easy access.
Dry-clean all curtains and draperies, and wash your windows inside and out.
Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades, light fixtures and window blinds.
Go through your closets and wash and pack away all out-of-season clothing.
Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks. Also, fix your leaky faucets and remove any water or rust stains in these areas.
Tighten loose doorknobs, pulls on drawers and cabinets, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.
If you have a garage, clean it out. Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment and garden tools.
It's also important that you enjoy yourself during spring cleaning. Turn up your favorite music, open your windows for some fresh air and have fun! If you're looking for more cleaning or home maintenance tips, contact me today.
Feels Like Home
Questions or comments write or email:
eugenedougherty@howardhanna.com
http://www.eugenedougherty.howardhanna.com/
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Thinking of Real Estate as an Investment?
According to a recent Merrill Lynch Economic Report, the prices of homes have not decreased, as some may believe. In fact, real estate prices have increased 60% since 2000. If you've owned your home since then and are worried about the return on your property, have no fear because even if prices do decrease when it's time to sell, you'll still be ahead. If you're thinking about purchasing a new home in the current market, keep in mind that real estate is one of the few investments you can make using leverage. This means you can put 10 to 20% down, yet your return is based on the full market value of your home.
In the past eight years, the S&P 500 report has only declared a 1% per year return, despite stocks doubling in the past five years. It's important to think long term when it comes to the value of your investment. Real estate investments have provided larger returns in the same amount of time. Also, consider the "use" benefit of owning a home compared to owning stock. You'll be able to tangibly enjoy a real estate investment. You probably can't make fond memories with stocks, but owning a home provides the opportunity to create traditions and a place to call home.
Finally, considering the recent drops in interest rates, now is the time to buy and lock in a low fixed mortgage rate. It may be tempting to wait for the rates to drop more, but there is a chance you will miss out. Nobody can accurately and consistently predict the market. Investing now, while you know you have the upper hand, will provide you with a comfortable interest rate you'll be happy with. If you've owned your home for more than two years, you may want to consider refinancing. Especially if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, securing a low fixed interest rate can help ensure the stability of your financial future.
Rest assured that your decision to a buy a home is the right decision, and be confident in your investment! Contact me for more information.
Feels Like Home
Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
Your Personal Guide to Real Estate
In the past eight years, the S&P 500 report has only declared a 1% per year return, despite stocks doubling in the past five years. It's important to think long term when it comes to the value of your investment. Real estate investments have provided larger returns in the same amount of time. Also, consider the "use" benefit of owning a home compared to owning stock. You'll be able to tangibly enjoy a real estate investment. You probably can't make fond memories with stocks, but owning a home provides the opportunity to create traditions and a place to call home.
Finally, considering the recent drops in interest rates, now is the time to buy and lock in a low fixed mortgage rate. It may be tempting to wait for the rates to drop more, but there is a chance you will miss out. Nobody can accurately and consistently predict the market. Investing now, while you know you have the upper hand, will provide you with a comfortable interest rate you'll be happy with. If you've owned your home for more than two years, you may want to consider refinancing. Especially if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, securing a low fixed interest rate can help ensure the stability of your financial future.
Rest assured that your decision to a buy a home is the right decision, and be confident in your investment! Contact me for more information.
Feels Like Home
Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
Your Personal Guide to Real Estate
Tax Tips
Mortgage interest The biggest — and most obvious — tax break associated with owning a home is the ability to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage.
Home refinancing If you refinanced, you may be able to write-off the points paid for the new loan. But, you'll have to deduct them proportionately over the loan's life.
Home-buyer loan points The points you pay when closing on a home are deductible on your income tax statement for that year.
Real estate and property taxes Local property taxes can be deducted as an expense against income. However, your real estate taxes are only deductible in the same year they are paid to the government.
Home office You may be able to deduct the cost associated with maintaining a qualified home office. Expenses such as painting and general upkeep are tax deductible.
Health-related improvements Home improvements made for health reasons are deductible from your taxes — as long as they aid those who are chronically ill or disabled, without adding value to your home.
Be sure to consult a tax professional if you have any questions regarding the details of these deductions and how they apply specifically to your returns. If you later remember an overlooked deduction that can be documented, the tax form 1040X can be used to amend your tax returns up to three years after the original due date. It pays off to take the extra time to check into all possible home ownership deductions.
For more home-owning advice, contact me today!
Feels Like Home
Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Home refinancing If you refinanced, you may be able to write-off the points paid for the new loan. But, you'll have to deduct them proportionately over the loan's life.
Home-buyer loan points The points you pay when closing on a home are deductible on your income tax statement for that year.
Real estate and property taxes Local property taxes can be deducted as an expense against income. However, your real estate taxes are only deductible in the same year they are paid to the government.
Home office You may be able to deduct the cost associated with maintaining a qualified home office. Expenses such as painting and general upkeep are tax deductible.
Health-related improvements Home improvements made for health reasons are deductible from your taxes — as long as they aid those who are chronically ill or disabled, without adding value to your home.
Be sure to consult a tax professional if you have any questions regarding the details of these deductions and how they apply specifically to your returns. If you later remember an overlooked deduction that can be documented, the tax form 1040X can be used to amend your tax returns up to three years after the original due date. It pays off to take the extra time to check into all possible home ownership deductions.
For more home-owning advice, contact me today!
Feels Like Home
Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
