Some tips to achieve a positive impact on value are:

• Cosmetics are important.
  • Fresh paint will always add more value than it costs.
  • Clean or new carpet/flooring adds more value than it costs.
  • Landscaping adds more value than it costs. At the very minimum, make the entrance area neat.
  • If you can, add some colorful flowers and new sod.

Filling out your 2009 tax return is expected to boost averages by $2800. There are a slew of new and expanded tax breaks for home buyers and car buyers, college students and their parents, homeowners who installed energy-efficient improvements, and the unemployed.  Click here to View article at yahoo.finance

Moving OUTSIDE of Southeast Iowa?

Let Davis County Realtors research & find you a Hard Working, Reputable Realtor in your area, anywhere in the U.S.  Call Davis County Realtors if you or someone you know is looking for a Great Realtor!  641.664.2224   

Small Projects = Big Bang

Realtor Magazine has supplied the average cost recouped for 33 home improvement projects.  Here's what tops in

Additions: Attic Bedroom 77%    Wood Deck 83%

Remodels: Minor Kitchen 69%    Basement 65%    Bathroom 65% 

Replacements: Entry Door 75.6%     Roofing 72%    Vinyl Siding 72%

For more information on getting your home ready to sell or to get the entire report, call Davis County Realtors 641.664.2224

Filisko, GM. "Cost Vs Value: Small Projects, Big Bang" Realtor Magazine Jan 2010:p21

The Tax Credit for Qualified First Time Buyers to Receive up to $8000 on their Residence Has Been EXTENDED through April 30, 2010.  Along with this, a tax credit for up to $6500 for Qualified Move Up Buyers has also been added.  Call Davis County Realtors for more information or Click here for FAQs on both tax credits.

Call Davis County Realtors for the most up to date Real Estate Tax Credits, Incentives and Current Information!  641.664.2224

Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in September to their highest level in nearly three years ahead of the expiration of a popular tax credit for first-time buyers, a survey showed on Monday.  It was the eighth straight monthly rise in the index, the longest streak since the measurement started in 2001.

Congress, meanwhile is moving to extend the credit to buyers who sign sales agreements by April 30. Lawmakers also want to add a $6,500 credit for buyers moving into other homes as long as they have been in their current residence at least five years.

View entire article at www.finance.yahoo.com

Now that it’s bow season, Davis County Realtors have several excellent hunting farms listed in the $1600’s/acre!  Take advantage of these great deals while it's still a BUYERS Market!  Invest your hard-earned money into real estate with the benefit of enjoying it.  Call AJ Brown for more information or to set up a showing of great recreational farms in Southeast Iowa.  641.680.9944

Replacement Projects that boost Curb Appeal give you the greatest chance of recouping your money.   New Siding, Windows and Decks rank in REALTOR magazine's top 10 Project Paybacks.  (With new Roofs being right up there as well!)  Inside only kitchen remodels can compare.  

 Cost Vs. Value Report Realtor Magazine Dec. 2008

The governor vetoed a one year delay in the implementation of the septic tank inspection law.  As of July 1 THIS YEAR, all septic tanks, unless exempt, will be required to be inspected and not present an unsanitary condition prior to the county allowing or recording transfer of title.

If a property closes after June 30, this regulation will be effective.

USDA Rural Development has 2 low interest, no-down-payment loans avaliable to help families in rural communities purchase homes. 

Direct Loan- To qualify for this loan, household incomes must fall under income limits (visit http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov) .  No down payment is required and closing costs are included in the loan.  Under this program, an applicant may be eligible for payment assistance, which could subsidize the interest portion of the payment down to as low as 1%- lowering the overall monthly payment! 

Guarantee Loan- Requires no down payment & offers a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at bank interest rates for the purchase of a home.  This is administered by a local lender wtho takes the application, processes it and determines the acceptability of the home to be financed.

www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia