PLEASE CHECK OUT MY NEW LISTINGS AT www.leighjohnson.realtysouth.com. DON'T FORGET IT'S TIME TO GET GOING IF YOU WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TAX CREDIT. DEADLINE FOR CONTRACTS IS APRIL 30TH WITH CLOSING BY JUNE 30TH. IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BUY. INTEREST RATES ARE STILL LOW AND THE DEALS ARE EVERYWHERE.
Preview my listing in Stonegate Farms at www.101connemara.com

Superbowl Madness

Wow! What a game! And...what a crazy time here at the Johnson house! I was the lone "who dat" fan here and I must say I was enjoyin' some "who dats" after it was all said and done. My guys were not happy and didn't appreciate all my enthusiasm (ofcourse they never do). Funny thing, now that my girls are both gone, these guys don't appreciate my enthusiasm, humor, hormones, OCD tendencies... Go figure!! To make things worse, I thought I needed to take one of those Mucinex D pills. Well, if any of you have never taken one, BEWARE!! I think I sent 50+ text messages during the game. I was staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. trying to plan my menu for Christmas 2015 (I had already planned 2010-14 in the 4 hours I had been lying there trying to get my eyes to close.) Needless to say, at 6 a.m. the meds had worn off and I was ready to snooze only to be awakened by that nasty buzzzing sound next to my head. I slapped at it 'til almost 7, but it refused to obey and I relented and finally got up. I hope I will be able to stay awake to watch Jack Bauer slay whomever is in his path tonight.

HOW DOES $6500 IN YOUR POCKET SOUND?

I'm really surprised by the number of people who aren't aware of the $6500 tax credit. In this economy, so many people, especially those in their 50's-60's are considering downsizing. There are many reasons for this trend but they all have been a direct result of our economy. In the past, those my age and up thought "we'll keep this big house so that our grandchildren will have plenty of room when they come and visit". That mindset is changing rapidly. Now, we are seeing that generation moving to garden homes or even townhomes to be able to help their children financially. Grandparents are even considering part-time jobs to supplement lost income from their investments. The $6500 tax credit is a great incentive for them to sell their homes, move into a smaller home with less upkeep and maybe even pay off their mortgage AND put $6500 in their pockets to help with the unexpected. There are a few limits on the tax credit: You must have lived in your current home 5 of the last 8 years.Singles cannot make over $125000 and couples over $225000. The home you're puchasing must be less than $800,000. You must have a firm contract by April 30, 2010 and be closed on the home by July 1, 2010. It's time to take advange of this incredible incentive for homebuyers. DON'T MISS OUT!

I'm BACK!!

Yes, it's been awhile since my last post, but Praise the Lord, business is picking up and I've been BUSY. Not to mention, my children were home for the holidays, Bowl games to watch and attend, my daughter got ENGAGED and all sorts of other related activities that has kept me from this post. I must say, though, I have needed to VENT! Did I say that loud enough? I NEED TO VENT! OK, now I feel better!! Well... real estate is probably the craziest, most unpredictable, frustrating, hair-pulling, teeth-clinching, foot-stomping, door-slamming business I've ever been a part of. AND it's also the MOST REWARDING business I've ever been in. It's worth every hair pulled, every tooth clinched, every foot stomped and every door slammed. Yes, it's my passion and I LOVE IT!!
I love it when a sweet young couple gets teary eyed at closing because they're so excited they've just bought their first house.
I love it when I help an older couple gets the house they've wanted to share with their children and grandchildren.
I love it when a family gets a home where the kids can spread out and the dogs can run in the back yard.
You see, real estate is not a JOB to me. It's a calling. It's a ministry. It's my passion.
What more can I say...

NO EXCUSE FOR NOT BUYING A HOUSE IN BIRMINGHAM, AL BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Senate voted Wednesday to renew the government's $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers through the first six months of next year. For the first time, the tax credit program would also enable many homeowners who buy a new primary residence to receive a $6,500 refund. Senate votes to renew tax credit for first-time home buyers - washingtonpost.com

How does this affect homebuyers? What are you waiting for? This is not a tax write-off. This is a credit. This means if you owe no taxes for '09, you will get a big fat refund check. ($8000 to be exact) Can it be any sweeter?? Get out of that stuffy, tiny, noisy apartment and call me now. I can get you into your first home before Christmas!! Can't you just smell those "chestnuts roasting on an open fire in your new home? The deals in Birmingham are incredible and the rates are still LOW!!

Let's get started this weekend looking for that cute little cottage or that sheik downtown loft or that home in the country with the big yard. Whatever your taste, we have a home in Birmingham that will suit you and I can help you find it. Home prices have fallen and so have interest rates. It doesn't get any better than this!! DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND!!

Don't Be Hesitant to List Your Home in this Market

Consider the following scenario if you are thinking about selling your home right now. Suppose the value of your house has depreciated since you bought it and you're hesitant to sell, but you would like to move into a new neighborhood. Remember that if your home's value has declined, so has the value of the home you're looking to move to. Go ahead and price your home competitively, get it sold and make that move. Chances are you will get a great deal on the house you want to buy and make up the difference in the amount you lost on yours. Also, interest rates are still in the low 5's. Who knows how long that will last? Please give me a call and let me tell you how I can help you.

It's Time to Buy

No matter if you're a "first-time home buyer", investor, or just looking to make a move, NOW is the time to buy. Interest rates are still low and DEALS are everywhere. The $8,000 FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT is an incredible opportunity for young couples to get out of an apartment and into a house. It is also possible for you to buy a house/condo. for your child while in college and take advantage of this credit. Please email me for all the details. ljohnson@realtysouth.com.