The Attached PowerPoint presentation provides a detailed explanation of the 2009 first-time homebuyer tax credit. Although it falls short of what the industry hoped for, it is a vast improvement on the 2008 plan. Please, do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.

Following are the links that outline the process of reassessing value for tax purposes in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Assessment Appeals Process at the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office Click Here Assessment Appeals Process at the San Mateo County Assessor's Office http://www.smcare.org/library/forms/forms_declineapp.asp

Expansion of Home Improvement Tax Credit The tax credit for making energy efficient home improvements is now 30% of the cost of the improvements up to a maximum of $1500. This means that if the improvements cost you $4,500, you would receive a tax refund of $1,500 when you file your tax returns. Eligible improvements include energy efficient exterior doors and windows, insulation, heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners and water heaters. Generally, most modern improvements like windows, furnaces, and air conditioners meet the n ...

Yesterday the Senate voted to increase the 2009 economic stimulus package with a tax credit of up to $15,000 for homebuyers. It is a move supported by Republicans and a few notable Democrats to add initiatives aimed at propping up the collapsed housing market. The tax credit would give buyers 10 percent of the price of a primary residence bought within one year, with a limit of $15,000. Concerns have been expressed that the incentive is shortsighted, as the lack of available credit needs to be addressed before buyers will return to the ...

"The rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield." -Warren Buffett The National Association of Realtors recently released some very interesting data highlighting the fact that existing home sales were UP 6.5% in December; and even more importantly, inventory is DOWN to 9.3 months—that’s a 25% reduction from the approximate 12 months of inventory reported in November. This is important for any would-be buyer of real estate, as it is an indication that buying is now overtaking selling. In short, the proverbial "bottom' may be in ...

APR Company Statistics: Number of Offices: 18 Number of Agents: 1,232 Total Sales: $6 Billion Total Number of Sales: 5784 APR Palo Alto Office Statistics: Number of Agents: 2008: 94 2007: 94 Total Number of Sales: 2008: 564 2007: 639 Total Sales Volume: 2008: $770 Million 2007: $975 Million Total Number of Listings: 2008: 347 2007: 332 Average Sales Price: 2008: $1,426,146 2007: $1,432,256 The Palo Alto office of Alain Pinel Realtors has the highest production per agent in the Company at 5.57 ...