Monday Morning Coffee

Happy Monday!

Is it time for a change? Please see below before I jump into the weekly market update.
Last but not least I’d like you to do me a favor. I want YOUR opinion! This will take (quite literally) One minute of your time. That’s it! I love keeping in touch with you, I love to reflect on the Real Estate market at hand and share what’s happening in the wild world of Real Estate. I want to hear from YOU on how we can better help you or answer your questions. HOWEVER, I do not ever want to bombard your e-mail inbox with loads of mail in this day and age where we all get tons of junk e-mails. You know these are personally from me, but even I can get wordy sometimes.

Please follow the link below to poll:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CGD3ZKQ

Do you want me to remain sending you weekly e-mail market updates?

Do you want to receive bi-weekly updates?

OR Would you rather receive Monthly Reflections on our Real Estate market?
Your opinion matters! Please let me know today and I will post the decision!

Spring Break is over!!!
Did the cold weather really have to come back? It’s as if the weather is as sad as the kids to get back to school this morning!

I’m super excited to be back! I missed everyone here at home, and the office was buzzing with the excitement and positive attitudes of everyone here. I arrived at 8:00am and we already had 3 people at the office! We typically don’t start until 8:30am so you can really tell just HOW excited we are here at Amanda Howard Real Estate! Real Estate is selling and we have lots of buyers searching for that perfect home…Spring is here, and the beautiful weather is just around the corner!

One piece of positive LOCAL NEWS I’d like to highlight that I heard about upon my return was, according to a report compiled by Moody’s, one of the premier bond rating companies in the world, the Huntsville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Madison and Limestone Counties, is the No.1 safest metro for a positive return on investment. Additionally, Huntsville and other Alabama metros ranked near the top in forecasts on employment growth. Huntsville ranked No.2. If you missed the full article just let me know and I’m happy to send it onto you!

Have a awesome week!

Amanda Howard
Associate Broker, GRI, CRS, ePRO
Amanda Howard Real Estate
Office: (256) 799-9000
Fax: (256) 799-9001
www.AmandaHoward.com
Follow me at: http://twitter.com/HomeSellingTeam
900 Merchants Walk, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35801


*Read more below for other exciting news updates*

Newsletter Contents

¯ February 2010 Summaries

¯ Tax Credit coming to a close…

¯ In the News with Amanda Howard Real Estate



February 2010
Summaries of Price Points Selling and Area price Sales







Home Buyer's Tax Credit Coming to a close...

You're probably up to your neck by now in forms and paperwork as the April 15th income tax deadline approaches. Maybe you've already completed your taxes, paid your bill, or are awaiting your refund check. Either way, now is the perfect time to revisit the extended and expanded Home Buyer's Tax Credit.

Why? Because now, as you calculate your tax bill or your refund, you can finally see in real terms just how beneficial a tax credit of up to $8,000 can be to your bottom line.

Here's the basics:

Qualified 2009 and 2010 first-time home buyers can get up to 10% of the home's purchase price or a maximum of $8,000. In November 2009, legislation extended a tax credit of up to $6,500 (or up 10% of the home's purchase price) to long-time residents of the same primary residence if they purchase a new main home. To qualify, eligible taxpayers must show that they lived in their previous homes for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period ending on the closing date of the new home.

Important details to remember:

1) You don't have to pay it back (as long as you stay in your qualified home for at least 36 months).

2) If you qualify for the credit, you can still apply it to this year's taxes, even if you've already filed your returns, or save it for your 2010 returns.

3) This is a true tax credit, not a deduction. If you qualify for the full credit, there will be an actual dollar-for-dollar reduction of up to $8,000 (or up to $6,500 for qualified repeat buyers) on your tax bill now or in 2010.

4) New income qualification limits have been put in place that expanded the pool of qualified buyers.

5) If you purchased a qualified home or plan to after reading this article, you must have a contract in place by April 30, 2010 (with closing to take place by June 30, 2010), so don't wait!

There are, of course, other details and qualification requirements and restrictions that you'll need to consider. But don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions.

If you know anyone who is looking to buy, sell or refinance a home, please forward their name and telephone number to us. We will happily provide the same high level of service that we have provided to you. The greatest compliment you could possibly give us is the referral of your friends and family.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call 799-9000 or e-mail at info@amandahoward.com



Amanda Howard Real Estate's Services

Thinking of selling or just curious to know your home’s approximate current market value? Click below:
Hey Amanda, What’s my home worth?

Thinking of buying? There's never been a better time! Rates are low and you have a wonderful selection. Click on : Find my Dream Home Today! We will send start to receive instant notification of new listings as they hit the market. Or, e-mail Info@AmandaHoward.com to contact our on-call Buyer's Specialist.

We're proud to offer our customers the following services:
Agent On Call 9AM to 9PM, 7 Days A Week
365-Day Prospecting
Guaranteed Quick Response Time
Full-time Marketing, Listing, Closing, & Relocation Departments
We Market Your Home on 30+ Websites, Direct Mail, & Print Publications
Customized Website -24/7 Web Access to Sale of Your Home
Automatic Prospecting - Instant E-mail Notification of NEW Comparable Homes for Sale
Sales Attendant Checks Listings Weekly
Free Customer Moving Van
Trade-In Program
Rental Assistance
AND MORE!
Interested in learning more about our comprehensive real estate services? Visit www.AmandaHoward.com or e-mail Info@AmandaHoward.com to request our Buyer's Guide or our Marketing Plan.

The Best Resources for Local Information
Madison County Chamber of Commerce
www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

New Comers School Info
www.hsv.k12.al.us/newcomers.php

Huntsville City Schools
www.hsv.k12.al.us

Madison City Schools
www.madisoncity.k12.al.us

Madison County School Information
www.Madison.k12.al.us

Decatur City Schools
www.dcs.edu

Madison County Private Schools
(There could be more but this seemed an extensive list)
http://www.huntsvillemadisonprivateschools.org/school.php

Local News
www.al.com/huntsville

Real Estate
www.AmandaHoward.com

Monday Morning Coffee

Happy Early Monday- on what’s turned out to be a beautiful Friday!

I felt this fitting for the SPRING AHEAD time change and I felt neccessary to update you on some important information!

All of us here at Amanda Howard Real Estate would like to remind you that this Sunday, March 14th is Time Change Sunday. Don’t forget to “Spring Forward ” and set your clocks ahead 1 hour BEFORE you go to bed Saturday night! This is the perfect time to also remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Two perfect weekend tasks!

Also, I thought it would be fun to add our recent News mentions in a link below. Following our market summary I’ll post our recent “In the News” updates as well as some fun clips of our Grand Opening!

I’ll hit on some very important topics regarding Interest rates and, of course, continue to pay attention to those dates. The tax credit IS coming to a close. Additionally, USDA funds have recently reported they will likely be exhausted by end of April. See report details below.

Last but not least, Enjoy Spring Break! I am heading out of town with my husband and daughters to enjoy some good quality family time for the week. This was my other reason to send out the Newsletter today! I wll not be here on Monday, but I encourage you to continue to call the office and

e-mail in your questions. Our entire firm will be in office this week and, as always, we look forward to assisting you with all of your Real Estate needs!

Have a wonderful and productive week and weekend!

Sincerely,

Amanda Howard
Associate Broker, GRI, CRS, ePRO
Amanda Howard Real Estate
Office: (256) 799-9000
Fax: (256) 799-9001
www.AmandaHoward.com
Follow me at: http://twitter.com/HomeSellingTeam
900 Merchants Walk, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35801


*Read more below for other exciting news updates*

Newsletter Contents

¯ February 2010 Summaries

¯ In the News with Amanda Howard Real Estate

¯ Today’s Mortgage Rates with Update from USDA

¯ The Future of Mortgage Rates

¯ Tax Credit coming to a close…



February 2010
Summaries of Price Points Selling and Area price Sales







In the News with Amanda Howard Real Estate

Did you see us on the 5:00pm news on channel 48? If you missed it, here is the online review, click the link to the right of the article to watch the news reel.

Clocks ticking for extended tax credit

Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening Speech. We had well over 400 in attendance come through this day. We thank you all for making us a success!

Speech on YouTube

The actual Ribbon Cutting


Todays Mortgage Rates

Rates are still looking great! The Feds and other moprtgage experts are predicting that rates will start a slow climb very soon, but for now, rates are fantastic! Be sure to get your rate locked for your home purchase as soon as possible to ensure your great rate doesn’t pass you buy. However keep in mind the lock is only good for a certain number of dayes so do keep looking for that dream home! With todays rates and home prices this IS the best time to buy!

If you missed a few weeks ago the break down examples I posted regarding todays prices and interest rates, I will share again following todays rates.



Libor Series ARM’s FHA Loan

3/1 arm - 3.625% 30 Year – 4.875%

5/1 arm - 3.625% 15 Year – 4.250%

7/1 arm - 4.000%

Conventional Rural Housing

15 Year - 4.250% 30 Year – 5.000%

20 Year - 4.625%

30 Year - 4.750% VA Loan

30 Year - 4.875%

Jumbo (>$417,000)

15 Year - 5.500%

30 Year - 5.750%



Update from USDA
(Notice of Funding)
From USDA below...

SFH Origination News
From the National Office in Washington DC
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program


March 10, 2010
Notice of Funding
This message is to notify you that program funding for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program will likely be exhausted by the end of April, 2010.
Once funding is exhausted, the Agency will not issue Conditional Commitments “subject to receipt of appropriated funds.” This is because it is not certain when additional funding will be available.

Limited funding may become available for disaster areas declared in 2008, or in disaster areas declared for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Limited funding may also become available as prior Agency commitments are de-obligated, however, such funding will be very limited.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Should you have any questions, you may contact the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division at (202)720-1452.


The Future of Mortgage Rates
Should I wait, or Buy now?



If interest rates go up by 1% point, you will lose 10% of your buying power. In fact, you will pay the

same monthly payment for a home purchased at $180,000 that you would currently pay for a home purchased at $200,000. I am basing the interest rate off of any banks worst case scenario, our rates

are actually better than this today! (See article previous this.) Note the chart below for a detailed look at how rising interest rates can offset a drop in home prices:



There has never been a better time to buy. You only have until April 30th to capitalize on the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit and The $6500 Tax Credit for current homeowners. And, you don't need to sell your home to get the $6,500 credit! You can keep if for an investment and move up.

You can purchase a house for $270,000 with FHA loan and a down payment of only $9,500. The seller can help with buyer closings costs and you get a $6,500 or $8,000 tax credit. Literally, you can purchase a $270,000 home in Madison County with only $1,500 out of your pocket.

No one can predict where the bottom is until it has made the turn to go up again but I can guarantee you are in the safe zone. Don't delay - with home prices low, interest rates low, and a tax credit to boot, I just can't see a more perfect time to buy! Call on us for all your real estate needs and questions. We have a team of experts available from 9-9, seven days a week. You can reach us

at 799-9000 or Info@AmandaHoward.com


Home Buyer's Tax Credit Coming to a close...

You're probably up to your neck by now in forms and paperwork as the April 15th income tax deadline approaches. Maybe you've already completed your taxes, paid your bill, or are awaiting your refund check. Either way, now is the perfect time to revisit the extended and expanded Home Buyer's Tax Credit.

Why? Because now, as you calculate your tax bill or your refund, you can finally see in real terms just how beneficial a tax credit of up to $8,000 can be to your bottom line.

Here's the basics:

Qualified 2009 and 2010 first-time home buyers can get up to 10% of the home's purchase price or a maximum of $8,000. In November 2009, legislation extended a tax credit of up to $6,500 (or up 10% of the home's purchase price) to long-time residents of the same primary residence if they purchase a new main home. To qualify, eligible taxpayers must show that they lived in their previous homes for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period ending on the closing date of the new home.

Important details to remember:

1) You don't have to pay it back (as long as you stay in your qualified home for at least 36 months).

2) If you qualify for the credit, you can still apply it to this year's taxes, even if you've already filed your returns, or save it for your 2010 returns.

3) This is a true tax credit, not a deduction. If you qualify for the full credit, there will be an actual dollar-for-dollar reduction of up to $8,000 (or up to $6,500 for qualified repeat buyers) on your tax bill now or in 2010.

4) New income qualification limits have been put in place that expanded the pool of qualified buyers.

5) If you purchased a qualified home or plan to after reading this article, you must have a contract in place by April 30, 2010 (with closing to take place by June 30, 2010), so don't wait!

There are, of course, other details and qualification requirements and restrictions that you'll need to consider. But don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions.

If you know anyone who is looking to buy, sell or refinance a home, please forward their name and telephone number to us. We will happily provide the same high level of service that we have provided to you. The greatest compliment you could possibly give us is the referral of your friends and family.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call 799-9000 or e-mail at info@amandahoward.com



Amanda Howard Home Selling Team Real Estate Services

Thinking of selling or just curious to know your home’s approximate current market value? Click below:
Hey Amanda, What’s my home worth?

Thinking of buying? There's never been a better time! Rates are low and you have a wonderful selection. Click on : Find my Dream Home Today! We will send start to receive instant notification of new listings as they hit the market. Or, e-mail Info@AmandaHoward.com to contact our on-call Buyer's Specialist.

We're proud to offer our customers the following services:
Agent On Call 9AM to 9PM, 7 Days A Week
365-Day Prospecting
Guaranteed Quick Response Time
Full-time Marketing, Listing, Closing, & Relocation Departments
We Market Your Home on 30+ Websites, Direct Mail, & Print Publications
Customized Website -24/7 Web Access to Sale of Your Home
Automatic Prospecting - Instant E-mail Notification of NEW Comparable Homes for Sale
Sales Attendant Checks Listings Weekly
Free Customer Moving Van
Trade-In Program
Rental Assistance
AND MORE!


Interested in learning more about our comprehensive real estate services? Visit www.AmandaHoward.com or e-mail Info@AmandaHoward.com to request our Buyer's Guide or our Marketing Plan.

The Best Resources for Local Information
Madison County Chamber of Commerce
www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

New Comers School Info
www.hsv.k12.al.us/newcomers.php

Huntsville City Schools
www.hsv.k12.al.us

Madison City Schools
www.madisoncity.k12.al.us

Madison County School Information
www.Madison.k12.al.us

Decatur City Schools
www.dcs.edu

Madison County Private Schools
(There could be more but this seemed an extensive list)
http://www.huntsvillemadisonprivateschools.org/school.php

Local News
www.al.com/huntsville

Real Estate

Monday Morning Coffee

Happy Monday!

I am sure everyone enjoyed this beautiful sunny, Spring weekend! It was a fantastic weekend to get out there and open some doors! I have been getting a lot more questions since our Grand Opening about wanting a better understanding of our office. Because we are so unique it is understandable that I need to explain what makes us different. I value your opinion very much, so after you read this explanation of our concept, I would love to hear from you on how I can better get our message out there for the public to understand how we work here at Amanda Howard Real Estate. I will post an article written about our Firm that gives a very good description of who we are. Enjoy!

Amanda Howard Real Estate is a unique concept for Huntsville. The first of its kind for the Tennessee Valley, Amanda Howard Real Estate is a boutique, team centric organization specializing in residential Real Estate.

Amanda started as a generalized Real Estate agent/Realtor. As a new agent, she did everything that the entire team does now, but on a smaller scale. As an acute observer of the market and consumer demand, she came to realize that there was a need for a more specialized and streamlined concept. The typical consumer doesn’t want a “one size fits all” answer to their questions or challenges. Recognizing the fact that each client’s needs are unique was the impetus for the change in her business model. Currently, Amanda and Travis Howard oversee a dynamic team of full-time agents and customer experience specialists.

Just as doctors and attorneys specialize, so does each team member of Amanda Howard Real Estate. Although all of the agents are, of course, licensed Realtors; their continuing education goes far beyond that- with exhaustive training and practice, for what are the equivalents of graduate degrees in their field of specialty. Their specialists consist of the best of the best; the elite, if you will.



Buyers Specialists do exactly that: specialize in helping a home buyer find the home of their dreams. Working with buyers poses many challenges that their agents must deal with on a daily basis from knowing up to the minute mortgage information and guidelines, being experts in writing contracts and negotiating purchases and repairs, and offering unique perspectives on the large geographical area AHRE covers.

The Listing Partners specialize in working with Sellers only. Selling is a completely different area of expertise than purchasing. From identifying target market groups, pricing strategies to dissecting net sheets and arranging for staging and presentation of each listing, the Listing Partners are the logistical and Home marketing specialists of the firm.

The Customer Experience Staff ranges from our ‘Director of First Impressions’ all the way to our famous ‘Closing Coordinator’. Their sole function is to offer a consistent level of service to the customer. Clients know that they can call on any team member in the office for information, questions or concerns. This is one area where Amanda Howard Real Estate is setting a new standard for the industry. The client should never have to worry about reaching someone who will know about their sale or purchase; and team members should never have to feel like they can’t take a day off to relax and spend time with their family.

Amanda Howard Real Estate inspires loyalty through creating an entire customer experience! Their model is unique to Alabama. Amanda likes to say, “We are not here just for the one time you need us. We are here for you, here for your family and your friends - again and again. Just like your trusted attorney or doctor - we want to be your trusted Realtor!”

Have a wonderful and productive week!

Sincerely,


Amanda Howard
Associate Broker, GRI, CRS, ePRO
Amanda Howard Real Estate
Office: (256) 799-9000
Fax: (256) 799-9001
www.AmandaHoward.com
Follow me at: http://twitter.com/HomeSellingTeam
900 Merchants Walk, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35801


*Read more below for other exciting news updates*

Newsletter Contents

¯ January 2010 Market Milestones

¯ Tax Credit coming to a close…



February 2010 Sales by Area




Home Buyer's Tax Credit Coming to a close...

You're probably up to your neck by now in forms and paperwork as the April 15th income tax deadline approaches. Maybe you've already completed your taxes, paid your bill, or are awaiting your refund check. Either way, now is the perfect time to revisit the extended and expanded Home Buyer's Tax Credit.

Why? Because now, as you calculate your tax bill or your refund, you can finally see in real terms just how beneficial a tax credit of up to $8,000 can be to your bottom line.

Here are the basics:

Qualified 2009 and 2010 first-time home buyers can get up to 10% of the home's purchase price or a maximum of $8,000. In November 2009, legislation extended a tax credit of up to $6,500 (or up 10% of the home's purchase price) to long-time residents of the same primary residence if they purchase a new main home. To qualify, eligible taxpayers must show that they lived in their previous homes for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period ending on the closing date of the new home.

Important details to remember:

1) You don't have to pay it back (as long as you stay in your qualified home for at least 36 months).

2) If you qualify for the credit, you can still apply it to this year's taxes, even if you've already filed your returns, or save it for your 2010 returns.

3) This is a true tax credit, not a deduction. If you qualify for the full credit, there will be an actual dollar-for-dollar reduction of up to $8,000 (or up to $6,500 for qualified repeat buyers) on your tax bill now or in 2010.

4) New income qualification limits have been put in place that expanded the pool of qualified buyers.

5) If you purchased a qualified home or plan to after reading this article, you must have a contract in place by April 30, 2010 (with closing to take place by June 30, 2010), so don't wait!

There are, of course, other details and qualification requirements and restrictions that you'll need to consider. But don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions.

If you know anyone who is looking to buy, sell or refinance a home, please forward their name and telephone number to us. We will happily provide the same high level of service that we have provided to you. The greatest compliment you could possibly give us is the referral of your friends and family.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call 799-9000 or e-mail info@amandahoward.com



Amanda Howard Home Selling Team Real Estate Services

Thinking of selling or just curious to know your home’s approximate current market value? Click below:
Hey Amanda, What’s my home worth?

Thinking of buying? There's never been a better time! Rates are low and you have a wonderful selection. Click on : Find my Dream Home Today! We will send start to receive instant notification of new listings as they hit the market. Or, e-mail Info@AmandaHoward.com to contact our on-call Buyer's Specialist.

We're proud to offer our customers the following services:
Agent On Call 9AM to 9PM, 7 Days A Week
365-Day Prospecting
Guaranteed Quick Response Time
Full-time Marketing, Listing, Closing, & Relocation Departments
We Market Your Home on 30+ Websites, Direct Mail, & Print Publications
Customized Website -24/7 Web Access to Sale of Your Home
Automatic Prospecting - Instant E-mail Notification of NEW Comparable Homes for Sale
Sales Attendant Checks Listings Weekly
Free Customer Moving Van
Trade-In Program
Rental Assistance
AND MORE!
Interested in learning more about our comprehensive real estate services? Visit www.AmandaHoward.com or e-mail Info@AmandaHoward.com to request our Buyer's Guide or our Marketing Plan.

The Best Resources for Local Information
Madison County Chamber of Commerce
www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

New Comers School Info
www.hsv.k12.al.us/newcomers.php

Huntsville City Schools
www.hsv.k12.al.us

Madison City Schools
www.madisoncity.k12.al.us

Madison County School Information
www.Madison.k12.al.us

Decatur City Schools
www.dcs.edu

Madison County Private Schools
(There could be more but this seemed an extensive list)
http://www.huntsvillemadisonprivateschools.org/school.php

Local News
www.al.com/huntsville

Real Estate
www.AmandaHoward.com