A Bright Side to the Housing Bust

EnclaveAtLakeviewLifestyleCNN Staff Writer, Les Christie, writes “Homebuying has not been this affordable in a generation.”  Falling home prices along with the $8,000 federal tax credit for home buyers is creating an incredible home buying opportunity for first time buyers.  Empty Nesters who are rethinking their current living conditions and downsizing or buying a second home also appreciate the more affordable pricing.

For buyers in all stages of life, good schools, good value and an improved quality of life are important considerations when making a decision about where to buy a new home.  Landon Homes, a North Dallas homebuilder, is counting on the fact that their community, The Enclave at Lakeview, has something for North Dallas area new home first time buyers as well as empty nesters:  good schools, four amenity centers, one story and two story floorplans with great value and an easy commute to key business, shopping and entertainment areas.

The Enclave at Lakeview offers some of the best prices in the Frisco Independent School District. Located in Little Elm just east of Lake Lewisville, this master-planned community includes four amenity centers, with pools, parks, trails, and more. Lakeview is served by Frisco’s newest and best schools. Panther Creek Parkway leads directly from the Tollway into the community. Frisco’s key business, shopping and entertainment areas are just 10 minutes away.

New homes in The Enclave at Lakeview are affordably priced from the $150’s.  If you’re a first time home buyer and want a new home in the Frisco ISD, time and opportunity are running out.  In order to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, you must close on or before November 30th and currently there are two homes at The Enclave that can meet that timeframe.  For more information, contact Tanya Smith anytime by phone at 214-707-0347 or just click on our LIVE CHAT feature throughout the Landon Homes website for speedy answers to all of your new home questions.

$8,000 First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

Do You Qualify for the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit?It’s easier than you might think……but time’s running out!

Yes. It’s true.  If you are qualified and close on a new home on or before November 30, 2009, you can receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what you owe on your 2009 tax return.  That means if you owe $8,000 in income taxes you will receive an $8,000 tax credit and owe nothing to the IRS.  If you owe $4,000 on your 2009 tax returns, then you’ll get a credit for $4,000 and a $4,000 check from the Federal Government for the difference. This money does not have to be repaid.

How do I qualify?

There are two qualifying factors:

  1. You qualify if you are a first time home buyer or if you haven’t owned a principal residence during the past three years.
  2. You qualify as a married couple filing jointly if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $150,000. If you are a single person, your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must be less than $75,000.  A partial tax credit is available for individuals earning between $75,000 and couples earning between $150,000 and $170,000.

What type of home qualifies?

Any home that is used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached and attached homes, manufactured homes and even houseboats.

How do I claim the Tax Credit?

All you have to do is claim the tax credit on your 2009 income tax return by completing IRS Form 5405 to determine your tax credit amount and then claiming it on Line 69 of your 1040 tax return.  No other applications or forms are required.

With mortgage interest rates and housing prices at record lows – coupled with the $8,000 tax rebate – this is a golden opportunity for first time buyers to enjoy the benefits of home ownership. But you have to act now.  This tax credit is only available for homes closed on or before November 30th.  That’s just four months away!

If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and want to find out more about how you can use the $8,000 tax credit, because not all home builders know how to make this work for you. But Landon Homes, rated one of the best new home builders in Dallas, does and their homes qualify.

Landon Homes is helping buyers every day take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit.  Call 1-866-898-3603 or log onto:  www.LandonHomesUSA.com for more detailed information about the $8,000 tax credit.

Dallas Foreclosure Homes versus New Homes

Is a Foreclosure Home Really a Better Deal.

Take a close look…..a foreclosure home may actually cost you more than a brand new home

On the surface, homes in foreclosure can seem like a real bargain.  And, in today’s economy, we all want to save a little…or a lot…of money.  But will a foreclosed home really save you money?  Many unsuspecting buyers of foreclosed homes often discover too late that the true cost of a distressed property often doesn’t end with the sales price.  As a matter of fact, when you take a closer look, you’ll find that buying a new home can actually save you money.

Most prospective buyers don’t understand the risks that come with a foreclosed home. In an effort to educate home buyers on the realities of purchasing a foreclosed home, Landon Homes, one of the most respected and successful home builder in Dallas, has put together a comparison chart so buyers know what to look for and the questions to ask when comparing foreclosed homes with new homes in the Dallas area.  Here are a few examples:

                  Foreclosure Homes                 Builder Homes

Cost The repairs may be costly or you may need loan assistance to pay for them. A Home Equity Loan should not be the first thing you do.
Save time and money up front. You may even come out in front when buying a new home once you add up the cost of repairs.
Warranty AS IS means AS IS who will you turn to when something doesn’t work or breaks? Nobody stands behind the work. Not even the bank.
Fully warranted by Landon Homes.
Damage The extent of the damage to the home may not be unveiled until you move in it can be expensive and time-consuming to fix.
Your Landon Home is guaranteed and any small repairs can be handled immediately.
Liens The surprise of possible liens and/or judgments against the property is not what you intentionally signed up for. All new Landon homes come with a clean title.

The cost for repairs, legal fees and clean-up can quickly turn that bargain foreclosure into something you quickly regret. Learn more about the cost advantages of buying a new home at foreclosed pricing over buying a foreclosed home.

One of the biggest un-seen advantages of buying a new home is the latest energy saving and construction techniques incorporated in new homes that save buyers money on their utility bills and their insurance premiums.

Visionary builders like Landon Homes in Dallas build homes that respect both the environment and your budget. At Landon, energy experts work hand-in-hand with architects to create a home that is both beautiful and eco-friendly and conserves energy resources thereby minimizing your monthly utility expenses while maximizing design impact and flex space. 

For more information about how a new home can save you money on new homes in Dallas and Frisco ISD at foreclosure prices, go to:  www.LandonHomesUSA.com or call 1-866-898-3603.