Wondering about the First-time home buyer tax credit?

As state on the National Association of Realtors' website:

The bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

Chart highlighting major modifications to the first time home buyer (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

National Assn. of Realtors' presention on first time home buyer tax credit (PDF)

You can also learn more by going to National Association of Realtor's Web site

I hope this helps anyone who is looking to get more information.

I want everyone to know that even during these tough economic times I'm more committed than ever to finding my clients the right house and selling my clients houses...doing whatever it takes.

Frustrated....

So today I was going to do a broker open but as things go Mother Nature decided to give Minnesota a wonderful snow storm.

I am really trying to find some creative ideas for marketing a townhouse, since right now they are not the most sought after options. Hey if you know anyone looking for a great 3 bed/2.5 bath please send them my way.




Until later

Tales from a new agent

My name is Leslie Mueller. I am 41 years old. Wife and a mother of 4 teenagers, we live in Prior Lake, MN. My tale starts when my husband and I were going to open houses. During one of our trips my husband casually said "you would be a good agent". I replied to him "yeah I have thought about it". To which he said "really since when?" To his surprise - 20 years. From this moment on I started my adventure into residential real estate.


I took my classes at through Kaplan University. The Course I is the course you are tested on - I can't even begin to tell you how much information gets jammed into your brain in just a few short weeks. There are two parts general 80 questions and state 40 questions - you need to pass with a 75% on each test - they are scored separately.

Next was to pick a broker. I looked around at a few and decided to go with Edina Realty for one main reason - my manager and the tools the Edina offers their agents. There are lots of good brokers out there make sure you ask questions and find one that fits you and your personality and business style.


By best advice when starting out as an agent is:

• Listen
• Follow up
• Communicate
• Follow up
• Read everything you can about the market
• Ask questions from other agents
• Find a mentor

I hope that this blog will help other agents share best practices and practical advice to home buyers and sellers.


The market right now is great for buying. I know that many sellers don't think that it is great for them, but they have to understand the deal you are getting on the home you are purchasing is the same deal someone is going to get on purchasing your home. Interest rates are at a historical low.