So, what kind of down payment will you need? Well, 20 percent is a good, solid figure, although you might be able to get away with 10 percent. The more you have to put down on your house, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

Consider this: a lower down payment may mean that you have to provide proof of private mortgage insurance, which can add roughly $100 to your monthly payment. And the smaller your down payment is, the higher your monthly mortgage payment will be, just because you had to finance more.

Now consider this: Do you have closing costs covered? Closing costs will be another few percent of the property value. Closing costs and points can add between three and seven percent to the amount you’ll have to hand over when you sign on the dotted line.

So the bottom line is this: Start saving and save a lot! I don’t want to discourage you. I want you to be fully prepared for that big step.

Some suggestions for helping you save for your first home include opening a separate savings account that you can have regular automatic deposits go to. A separate account makes it very easy to see how much you have, and to keep from using house down payment money for other things. If you’re starting early with saving for a first home, consider putting that money into certificates of deposit, or if you are really starting early, you can invest it in stocks and bonds.

Another good way to gather down payment cash is through down payment assistance programs. Many lenders, charities and local governments offer help in the form of loans that don’t have to be repaid until the house is sold, paid-off, or refinanced.

Gifts from relatives can come in handy for home down payments. Newlyweds are often fortunate enough to receive gifts of money that they immediately stash away as part of a down payment for a house. Sometimes relatives are happy to gift new homebuyers with financial help – just because.

One last thought about gathering money for a down payment and closing costs on a home: Do everything you can now to make sure that your credit is in tip-top shape when it is time to apply for a mortgage. Pay down credit card debt and make sure that you do all you can to repair anything that looks negative.

Is it going to take time to save up a good down payment? Sure it is. But when you have that 20 percent in hand, you’ll be well on your way to securing that great first home!

Visionaries are moving toward an outcome for Superstition Vistas that promises to set an example for sustainability and prosperity in this region. The beginning processes took five years, and now scenarios for living and economic development are being discussed and finalized.

As a neighboring development to Queen Creek, planning for Superstition Vistas is at the point of placing freeways, parkways, transit and education centers. Open space and housing densities are also being explored, along with how development at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport could be incorporated into Superstition Vistas’ development, bringing many opportunities for attracting new businesses and the development of corporate headquarters to the Queen Creek/Superstition Vistas area.

The business, living and recreation opportunities for Superstition Vistas and surrounding areas hold promise for the entire region and its current and future inhabitants – close to Phoenix, and close to nature.

Queen Creek Encanterra

The LPGA might be on its way back to the East Valley.

Mike Nichols, vice president of tournament business affairs for the LPGA, confirmed Thursday that talks are ongoing to hold the tour’s annual Valley stop at Encanterra Country Club in Queen Creek next March.

“I think it would be premature to be exceedingly optimistic but at the same time I have a certain cautious optimism,” Nichols said.

Nichols said the LPGA also is talking to the Portland, Ore.-based Tournament Golf Foundation, which ran the LPGA event at Papago Golf Course in Phoenix last March and at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club from 2004 through 2008. But Nichols said negotiations with TGF have “yet to reach a conclusive outcome” and characterized discussions with Encanterra as “productive.”

Both housing and automotive markets “have the potential to generate some quite large percentage increases,” says Bill Cheney, chief economist at MFC Global Investment.

Overall, economists say unemployment won’t peak until the first half of next year and credit markets will remain tight.

“I think (the recovery) is going to be anemic,” says Allen Sinai, chief economist at Decision Economics. “I don’t think consumers have the wherewithal to buy a lot of cars and a lot of houses.”

Source: USA Today, Paul Davidson; Barbara Hansen (07/27/2009)

Plus, there’s Tempe Town Lake’s Fourth of July Festival, Fabulous Phoenix Fourth held in the heart of the city, Rawhides’s Star Spangled Shoot Out, Schnepf Farms’ celebration, and much more.

Fourth of July Needlepoint Flag: 2:30-3:30 p.m. July 1. Begin decorating early for the Fourth of July by making the American flag. Step-by-step instruction is given on completing a needlepoint American flag. Guadalupe Branch Library, 9241 S. Avenida del Yaqui, Guadalupe. Free. 602-652-3000. www.mcldaz.org.

Carefree Fireworks Extravaganza: 4 p.m. July 2. The Carefree Fireworks Extravaganza features a cowboy-style barbecue cookout and beverages available for purchase. Attendees can also browse through the Market Place Shops in the Mesquite Room or listen to live music and dance in the Opera House. A fireworks display begins at dusk. Carefree Resort and Villas, 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree. $5 per vehicle. 480-488-5300. www.carefree-resort.com.

Red, White and Beautiful: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. July 2. Scottsdale’s hot spot offers an East Coast-style Fourth of July party inspired by the Hamptons. Don an all-white outfit and celebrate America with a DJ, a champagne campaign and a bikini fashion display. Party the night away with Independence Day favors and signature cocktails. Stone Rose Lounge, Fairmont Scottsdale 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. Free admission; $10 champagne campaign. 480-585-4848. www.fairmont.com/scottsdale.

Anthem Independence Day Celebration: 6 p.m. July 3. The Anthem Independence Day Celebration event is held on the ballparks of the Anthem Community Park. The celebration kicks off with the singing of the National Anthem and is followed by additional live entertainment including a DJ and the band Persephone. A Color Guard presentation and an F-16 flyover rounds out the rest of the patriotic events. The event also includes temporary patriotic tattoos, bounce houses and food, beverages and souvenir booths. The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. Anthem Community Park, 3500 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. Free. 623-879-3000.
Light Up the Sky: 7-9 p.m. July 3. The Light Up the Sky event held at Maryvale Baseball Park features games and contests, food, beverages and information booths. The night concludes with a grand fireworks display. Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix. Free admission. 602-262-6575. phoenix.gov/SPORTS/complexs.html.

Fireworks and Family Fun: 7-9:30 p.m. July 3. Wickenburg’s annual Fireworks and Family Fun event features games, races, vendor and club booths and a fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted. Coolers and alcohol are not permitted. Sunset Park, Highway 60 West and Sunset Park Road, Wickenburg. Free. 800-942-5242. www.outwickenburgway.com.

Red, White and Boom: 9 p.m. July 3. The Red, White and Boom event features a fireworks display. Food and beverages are available for purchase. The Ahwatukee Country Club offers dinner inside and refreshments and grilling outside. Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St., Phoenix. Free. 480-893-9772.

Fireworks Extravaganza: 6 p.m. July 3. Families enjoy a Fourth of July celebration with a barbecue, live music, kid-friendly activities and a fireworks display. Enjoy face painting, drink specials and performances from country/pop band, Young Country as well as local rock band, EastonAshe. The evening concludes with a colorful explosion of fireworks. Reservations required. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Free. 480-488-1906. www.haroldscorral.com.

Fourth of July Festival: 4-11 p.m. July 4. Tempe Town Lake’s annual Fourth of July Festival features a Fantastic Family Fest with a free inflatable village for all ages plus a variety of rides and rock climbing walls. The event also includes kid’s entertainment, face painters, relay races and live entertainment from the bands Telescope, Lil Debbie and Blue Plate Special, the Joey Arroyo Band and Calumet. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and last an hour. Attendees can bring one gallon of sealed water per person, blankets, portable chairs, personal cameras and umbrellas up to 48 inches. Pets are not permitted. Military admitted free with ID. Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. $15 for two at gate; $8 for individual at gate; $6 in advance; free for children 12 and under. 480-350-8625. www.tempe4th.com.

Fourth of July All-American Festival: 5-10 p.m. July 4. Sure the fireworks are great, but check out what else is happening at this event. Attractions include food, entertainment and water zones, live music, an F-16 fly-over and plenty of vendors. Gates open at 5 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and grab your spot on the lawn early. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. $5 for 13 and older; free parking. 623-773-7110. www.peoriaaz.gov/specialevents.

Fourth of July Celebration: 5-8:30 p.m. July 4. The Fourth of July Celebration features a Rookie League baseball game where the Texas Rangers take on the Chicago Cubs. Kids can have fun in the Kid Zone for $2 that includes giant slides, obstacle courses, face painters and balloon twisters. Food and beverages are also available for purchase at concession stands. The evening concludes with a 20-minute fireworks show set to patriotic music. Space is limited. Surprise Recreation Campus, 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. Free with canned food donation. 623-266-4500. www.surpriseaz.com.

A Star Spangled Shoot Out: 5:30 p.m. July 4. A Star Spangled Shoot Out at Rawhide features a night of celebration including live music, face painting, a “best dressed” cowboy and cowgirl costume contest, action packed performances by Rawhide’s own Rough Riders, seasonal food items at the Steakhouse and Saloon and an aerial fireworks finale. Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. $10 per person for ages 5 and up. Parking is Free. 480-502-5600. www.rawhide.com.

“Community Spirit, National Pride”: 7-10 p.m. July 4. The “Community Spirit, National Pride” Fourth of July event features a DJ with music, a salute to America with an F16 flyover from Luke Air Force Base, food and beverages for sale plus glow-in-the-dark necklaces. The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Chairs and blankets are allowed but alcohol and glass containers are not permitted. Litchfield Park, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Free. 623-935-5033. www.litchfield-park.org.

7UP Fireworks Spectacular: 4 p.m. July 4. The 7UP Fireworks Spectacular features a free kids carnival, a bike parade, food and beverage vendors, plus a 35-foot water slide, rock-climbing wall and dunk tank. The Arizona Veteran Rodders Club displays more than 100 classic cars. The Cactus Bike Push, Pull, Peddle Bike Parade is held at 6 p.m. and features decorated bikes. The participant with the best decorated bike wins a Harro children’s bike. Live music is played by Plastic Gladys at 6:30 p.m. and Panhead Ronnie at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler. $5 per vehicle. www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=162.

Cave Creek Fireworks: 8:45 p.m. July 4. The Cave Creek Fireworks event at the Silver Spur Saloon features a dunk tank and music from the country band, Tumbling Dice. The fireworks display begins at 8:45 p.m. Silver Spur Saloon, 6245 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Free. 480-488-3317. www.silverspursaloon.com.

A Star Spangled Shoot Out: 5:30 p.m. July 4. A Star Spangled Shoot Out at Rawhide features a night of celebration including live music, face painting, a “best dressed” cowboy and cowgirl costume contest, action packed performances by Rawhide’s own Rough Riders, seasonal food items at the Steakhouse and Saloon and an aerial fireworks finale. Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. Free. 480-502-5600. www.rawhide.com.

Fabulous Phoenix Fourth: 6-8 p.m. July 4. The Fabulous Phoenix Fourth features local entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. including a giant misting area, inflatable rides, a kid’s world stage, a classic car exhibit and a fireworks display plus plenty of food and beverage vendors. The Phoenix Fire Department is on-site to cool people down in the water spray zone. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Free. 602-262-6412. http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/parks.html#S.

Splash Bash: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4. The Splash Bash 4th of July celebration at Litchfield Park Recreation Center Swimming Pool features diving for coins, relay races, biggest splash contest, greased watermelon chase and a watermelon seed-spitting contest. A snack bar sells hot dogs, sodas and Hawaiian shaved ice. Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. $2. 623-935-9040. www.litchfield-park.org/.

Fiesta of Independence: 10 a.m. July 4. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and South Mountain Community College welcome more than 200 Valley residents as new U.S. citizens at the annual Fourth of July naturalization ceremony. Held in the gym. South Mountain Community College, 7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix. Free. 949-360-3000. www.southmountaincc.edu.

Fourth of July Celebration: 5 p.m. July 4. The Fourth of July Celebration at Schnepf Farms features arts and crafts, children’s booths, a rock-climbing wall and inflatables. Ride wristbands are $10. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek, an organization that raises money for local children’s charities. Schnepf Farms, 24810 Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $10 per carload. 480-987-3100. www.schnepffarms.com.

Fourth of July Celebration: 6 p.m. July 4. The Apache Junction Fourth of July Celebration features kids activities, game booths and bicycle-, wagon- and tricycle-decorating contests. Free watermelon slices are available until 6 p.m. Live musical entertainment is offered from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring Jann and the Moondoggs. The night concludes with a fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood, Apache Junction. Free. 480-982-1110. www.ajcity.net.

Goodyear’s Star Spangled Fourth: 6-10 p.m. July 4. Goodyear’s Star Spangled Fourth features balloon twisters, airbrush tattoos, food and beverage vendors, a “Cool Zone,” with beer and margaritas and an F-16 flyover. Rides and bouncers are available for $5 for five rides or $10 for unlimited ride wristbands. Live music is provided by Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns and Capt’n Henry and the Rum Runners. The APS Fireworks Spectacular begins at 9:35 p.m. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Free admission and parking. 623-882-3120. www.goodyearaz.gov/ballpark.

Celebrating Americanism: 9 a.m. July 4. The Celebrating Americanism event kicks off with a patriotic parade at 9 a.m. and includes demonstrations from local police, fire and K-9 units, an American flag motorcade, bagpipe music, patriotic speeches, local dance performances and barbecue food. Free swimming is available at the Miami Hostetler Pool. A fireworks display closes the night. Downtown Globe, Broad Street, Globe. Free. 928-425-4495.

Scottsdale Fourth of July Parade: 7:30 a.m. July 4. Scottsdale’s Fourth of July Parade includes decorated bikes, roller blades, skateboards, horses and dogs all making a processional through Mescal Park to celebrate Independence Day. The event also features a bubblegum-blowing contest and water balloon toss for prizes. A drop site is available for packages for troops. Mescal Park, 11015 N. 68th St., Scottsdale. Free. 480-312-2771. www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Parks/neighborhood/mescal.asp.

Fourth of July Celebration: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4. The celebration includes barbecue dishes and drink specials plus a bounce house just for kids. Then take a free trolley ride to Tumbleweed Park for the festive fireworks show. Red, White & Brew, 4850 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler. Menu prices vary. 480-305-6993. www.rwbaz.com/.

Interfaith Celebration of Prayer: 7-9 p.m. July 4. Celebrate our nation, its citizens and the world with chanting, music, movement and prayer through the Dances of Universal Peace. Learn sacred mantras, phrases and traditions step-by-step. The attire is casual and comfortable. Refreshments are served and art is displayed following the dance. Space is also provided to view a nearby fireworks display. Shrine of Holy Wisdom, 4625 S. Ash Ave., Suite J-19, Tempe. $10 suggested love donation. 480-219-9633. www.tinyurl.com/qyyu2w.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July: 10 a.m. July 4. Tubac’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July features free games for kids from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Games include cake-walks, water balloon toss, hula hoops, face painting and crafts. Hot dogs and watermelon are provided free for children. Evening events begin at 4 p.m. at the Tubac Golf Resort and feature food vendors, face painting and a DJ. The fireworks display begins at 8:45 p.m. Blankets and chairs are permitted but coolers are not permitted. Donations are requested and benefit the Amado Food Bank. VIP packages are available for $35 for adults and $15 for kids and include a Ranch style barbecue plus special parking and seating for fireworks. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, 1 Burrel St., Tubac. $7 per vehicle. 520-398-3545. www.tubacaz.com.

Fourth of July Special: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4. Celebrate Fourth of July without breaking the bank. The first 100 skaters receive admission for $4. Admission does not include skate rental. All ages welcome. Polar Ice Gilbert, 2305 E. Knox Road, Gilbert. $8; $4 if one of first 100 skaters; $3.25 skate rental. 480-503-7080. www.polaricegilbert.com.

Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration: 5-10 p.m. July 4. Commemorate American independence with free water slides and a fireworks spectacular. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and sit on the grass for the Luke Air Force Base F-16 flyover or get a bite to eat from the many food vendors, including free watermelon. Fireworks start at dark, and free parking and shuttle service are available from the Star Nursery and Tolleson City Hall. Tolleson Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson. Free. 623-936-2705. tollesonaz.org.

Fourth of July Celebration: 7 p.m.-midnight July 4. Come celebrate Fourth of July with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Cave Creek Coffee Company is hosting the event with activities, including live music, $5 Red Bull vodka drink specials and a fireworks display. Donations are accepted for the Open Space/F.O.R.C.E. charity. Cave Creek Coffee Company and Wine Purveyors, 6033 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Menu prices vary. 480-488-0603. www.cavecreekcoffee.com.

Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebration: 4 p.m. July 4. The Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebration includes a free Great American Picnic from 4-9 p.m. and features activities like hayrides, folk guitar music, history tours of the Old West, children’s arts and craft activities, fireside s’mores, storytelling and a live DJ spinning American classics. The event also features a display of the latest military vehicles and equipment from the 944 Reserve Wing stationed at Luke Air Force Base plus an F-16 flyover. A barbecue is available from 5-9 p.m. at $15 for adults and $9 for children 10 and under. The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Free. 623-935-3811. www.wigwamresort.com.

Barbacoa Weekend: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m. Sunday, July 3-5. The three-day celebration features grilled combos, nonstop happy hour and a free kids meal. Enjoy entrees such as Maine lobster or barbecue ribs for $16.95 along with $4 house mojitos. Plus, kids get a free hot dog or hamburger with the purchase of an adult entree. Offer valid for dine-in only. Havana Cafe, 4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Menu prices vary. 602-952-1991. www.havanacafe-az.com/.

Barbacoa Weekend: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m. Sunday, July 3-5. Fourth of July specials include grilled combo deals, all-day happy hour prices and a free kids meal. Enjoy feasting on a flat iron steak offered at $16.95 along with $5 sangria glasses or $4 house mojitos. Plus, kids get a free hot dog or hamburger with the purchase of an adult entree. Valid for dine-in only. Havana Cafe, 4232 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix. Menu prices vary. 480-704-2600. www.havanacafe-az.com/.

Barbacoa Weekend: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m. Sunday, July 3-5. The entire family can take advantage of the three-day celebration. Enjoy grilled combos of Maine lobster or flat iron steak for $16.95 and $4 house mojitos. Kids can eat a free hot dog or hamburger with the purchase of an adult entree. Valid for dine-in only. Havana Patio Cafe, 6245 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. Menu prices vary. 480-991-1496. www.havanacafe-az.com.

Queen Creek has a new sports complex called the Barney Family Sports Complex.
The Barn is a family oriented sports facility, part of the Barney Family Sports Complex. As a family organization, we are here to provide an environment for positive sporting activity. A place where the underlying rules are play hard, play fair, and positively encourage teammates, friends, and opponents to do the same. So from our family to yours, have fun and enjoy the experience.

Multi-Sport Floor
Monday: Basketball
Tuesday: Volleyball
Wednesday: Hockey
Thursday: Volleyball
Friday: Hockey
Saturday:Volleyball   

Turf Floor
Monday: Men’s Soccer
Tuesday:Youth Soccer
Wednesday:Youth Soccer
Thursday:Co-Ed Soccer
Friday:B.E.S.T / Mens Soccer
Saturday:B.E.S.T / Youth Soccer
Come by and Check it out!!!!!
http://www.thebfsc.com/

Convenience of the city, comforts of the country.

That’s the phrase Queen Creek’s marketing department developed a few years ago to capture the town’s brand. And it’s the one they hope to expand on in the coming months as officials embark on a branding initiative to define the town as a destination – not a bedroom community on the outskirts of the Valley.

“It’s more than just homes,” town spokeswoman Marnie Schubert said. “There’s a lot of culture that happens out here, like Schnepf Farms and the performing arts center and Horseshoe Park.”

The Town Council will consider the promotion plan Wednesday. The two-year process will include analyzing what residents think of the community, determining which groups should be the target of marketing campaigns and determining the best ways to reach those groups.

It also means trying to merge the two dominant opinions of what Queen Creek is – both from established residents who shaped the small country community and new residents who came to the developing area in the past five years, Schubert said.

The marketing department will promote the image of the town forged by those two groups rather than letting the opinions of others in the Valley define Queen Creek, she said.

“Branding is a lot about what people say behind (your) back,” Schubert said. “Since we’re a growing community, it’s a great time to create that image from the get-go” instead of letting others create the image and fighting it later.

Starting the project during a slow-growth period gives the town time to assess its image, said Rebecca Gledhill, one of the management assistants working on the plan.

Queen Creek Realtor

One of the best reasons for using a good real estate agent to help sell your home is that it saves you a lot of time and trouble. You already have enough on your plate. Your agent is there to take the process over, work closely with potential buyers and sell your house for you. Your job is to just let your agent do his work – finding the perfect buyer.

An experienced agent has the expertise that comes from being immersed in the real estate market every day. Your agent has gained knowledge from working in the heart of it. A good agent also works to upgrade his skills by participating in classes and seminars. The bottom line is that your agent fully understands the ins and outs of real estate and knows what’s going on and what needs to happen. Then he makes it happen.

A great real estate agent has contacts where you don’t. He has access to fellow agents and other various contacts, and knows where to go to find the kind of information and knowledge that can help lead to selling your home. Your real estate agent also has access to MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The MLS is something that experienced agents understand, and even though you yourself can gain access to the MLS, looks like Greek to a layperson and it difficult to read and interpret without the kind of knowledge that your agent has. The MLS is an extremely vital tool in real estate, and it can help your agent sell your home.

Your real estate agent can help you understand the ins and outs of buying and selling a home. Especially in this market, with tax credits for new buyers, short sales, and lots and lots of really nice homes looking for new owners, it’s to your advantage to have someone who can explain things, advise you and help you sell your home.

When it’s time to sell your home, it’s time to employ the services of an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent – one that can take the mystery out of the process and find the right buyer for your home quickly.

Let’s look at an overview:

 In order to be considered a first time homeowner, you will not have owned a home for at least three years.
 Single taxpayers can earn no more than $75,000 a year. Married taxpayers are limited to $150,000 combined earnings.
 If married, both spouses have to be first time homeowners.
 The home cannot be purchased from a close relative such as a spouse or parent. You can purchase from siblings, cousins, etc.
 If you are single, but purchasing with a partner, and both are first time homebuyers, the tax credit will be split.

For homes that are purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, the tax credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home, but the credit cannot exceed $8000. If you live in the home as your primary residence for three or more years, you will not be required to repay the tax credit.

This is a great opportunity for someone who has good credit and is ready to purchase a home for the first time, or own a home for the first time in over three years. For those ready to make a start in life, or a fresh start, homeownership could be an important first step. And receiving a tax credit of up to $8000 is a great incentive to start looking.

Before you make the decision to buy, be sure to consult with a trusted real estate agent and possibly even a lawyer to be certain you have a complete understanding of how the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 works, and what your rights and responsibilities are.

Some of the benefits of buying a home will be realize immediately, such as the tax credit and the pride of owning your own home. You’ll also realize another benefit over the long term – you’ll see that your home is a wise investment as values begin to rise again.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, now is the perfect time to become a first time homebuyer, thanks to a hefty tax credit and great home prices.

Look me up @ www.Shawnstagg.com for more info.