More Fall Classes Added

Two more first time homebuyer classes have been added for the Fall. The dates are, Wed. Sept. 9th and Thurs. Sept. 24th from 6:30 - 8:00. Check out www.darkecountyproperties.com for more details or check out one of the previous posts. Give me a call (937-423-3316) or email (trfinch@gmail.com) to register.

Free First Time Homebuyer Classes Offered Again

Does the thought of buying your first home leave you feeling overwhelmed or confused? Well, help is on the way. On Thursday July 30th, Wednesday August 12th, and Wednesday August 19th from 6:30 – 8:00 at Chestnut Village Center in Greenville, Leis Realty and National City Mortgage will be offering a free class for anyone wanting more information on the home buying process.

The timing for buying that first home could not be better with a large number of homes on the market, low interest rates, lower home prices, and of course the $8000 tax credit (which will end Nov. 30, 2009) offered to first-time homebuyers. Home ownership offers many advantages over renting. It is a strong investment (yes, even now), and it comes with many tax advantages. You also have control over your environment, pride of ownership, and independence. Since historically, homes appreciate in value over time, every time you make a payment you get a step closer to paying off your home and you build equity, unlike rent.

The process of financing and purchasing your first home can be overwhelming, frightening, and confusing. We will attempt to provide you with some valuable information to help you on your way to probably, your biggest investment. Topics covered will include:

 Prequalifying and preapproval for a home loan
 Credit rating
 Using a realtor
 Making an offer
 Disclosures
 Equal opportunity
 The new stimulus tax credit
 The steps to closing on your first home

The class is free, but you need to pre-register because seating is limited. To reserve your place call Todd Finch at Leis Realty at 937-548-5750 ext. 245 or Diane Hill at National City Mortgage 937-548-1300. If you prefer to email, contact Todd at trfinch@gmail.com or Diane at diane.hill@ncmc.com . When registering please leave your name, address and phone number along with which class you’re signing up for. If you have questions, leave those as well and we will return your call.

New Listing in a Perfect Setting

You will be hard pressed to find a place that has a more picturesque setting with a house that fits just right on the property.

Quality built home on two lots in a very quiet country location just minutes from Greenville and Pitsburg. This cedar sided house features large bedrooms with an abundance of storage, split design bathrooms, oversize laundry, attached two-car garage with extra room for a large shop and a very roomy open kitchen design with huge island. The basement has poured concrete walls with one room finished and the rest has many possibilities.

The setting for this family home is absolutely gorgeous, with many mature trees and the extra lot is a mostly wooded area. This all electric house is priced to sell quickly so don't miss out. You can see more of this place at www.darkecountyproperties.com

Check it out then give me a call to set up a showing.

Todd Finch

937-423-3316

trfinch@gmail.com

Is Real Estate Picking Up?

In the last few weeks I've noticed that for me I've been searching for a lot more people, showing more homes, answering a lot more questions and emails, and listing more homes but not writing new blog posts. I guess when the market is picking up the last thing on my mind is writing. What I've noticed is more people taking advantage of the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit and the Rural Development loan available here in Darke Co. for first-time homebuyers.

If you are a first-time homebuyer and have even considered the possibility of owning your first home or it's been at least three years since you've owned one, please take advantage of this credit, historic low interest rates, and this loan. If you are working with a realtor give him or her a call today to get started, if not call or email me and I can give you all the information you need. You can also check some of my past posts for more general information.

Todd Finch
937-423-3316
trfinch@gmail.com

Successful Classes

Well my first ever first-time homebuyer classes are finished (for now) and I feel that they were successful at getting some valuable information out there for first-timers. This is such a great time to buy your first home. I've asked a number of Realtors who have been in the business for over 30 years and they believe this is the best opportunity since they've been in real estate. This is a time when I wish I could be buying my first home. I mean look at all the bonuses:

- $8000 tax credit (see previous post)
- Rural development loan (see previous post)
- A large inventory of houses on the market
- Nearing historic low interest rates

If you missed the class but would still like more information on any of the above I'd love to sit down and discuss these with you. You can contact me at trfinch@gmail.com or give me a call at 937-423-3316.

Homebuyers Class Sign-up Reminder

Remember to sign-up for the free first-time homebuyer class offered by Leis Realty and National City Mortgage in Greenville, Ohio. The dates are Wed. Mar. 25th and Mon. Mar. 30th from 6:30 - 8:00 at the Chestnut Village Center in the Brethren Home Retirement Community. This is free but you need to sign up because of limited seating. You can email me at trfinch@gmail.com or Diane Hill at diane.hill@ncmc.com or you may call Leis Realty at 937-538-5750 ext. 245. Make sure, if leaving a message, that you include your name, phone # or email and the date you wish to attend. More information can be seen in one of my earlier posts. See you there.

New First-Time Homebuyer Loan

I just listened to a presentation on the new USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan at a meeting yesterday and it looks like the ideal type of loan for first-time homebuyers in the Darke County, Ohio area.

Some of the details are:

- No down payment required
- 30 year fixed rate
- 102% LTV (loan to value) means you might be able to get some of your closing costs paid too
- No mortgage insurance
- No cash contribution required from the borrower
- Unrestricted gifts from others and no need to document the source of the gift
- No maximum loan amount
- No reserve requirement

A designated "rural area" include open country and places with a population of 10,000 or less and under certain conditions, towns and cities between 10,000 and 25,000 residents. Every town and rural area in Darke County falls within these requirements. If you need further questions answered, leave me a comment or give me a call and I can give you the names of some of the banks and mortgage companies that offer this loan program.

This loan program will also be explained at the First-time Homebuyer Class offered Mar. 25th & Mar. 30th (See previous post for more information about this class). Hope to see you there.

Todd Finch
trfinch@gmail.com
937-423-3316