While most people believe that listing your home during the holidays doesn't make sense, the new first time homebuyer tax credit and expanded homebuyer tax credit gives you even more reasons to list your home now, even during the holidays. Contrary to what most believe, selling during the holidays gives a seller several important advantages:

1.      There is less competition for buyers. Most sellers erroneously believe buyers don't buy during the holidays.
2.      Winter prospects are more serious buyers. Why look at homes during this time if you aren't serious about buying?
3.      Your home looks better during the holidays with all the fresh holiday decor.
4.      The Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit, for First-Time Home Buyers and Existing Home Buyers (specified criteria applies as defined by law).  If you plan to sell and take advantage of lower prices and interest rates, you must have an accepted purchase contract on the new property by the end of April and close escrow by the end of June 2010.  This gives you just five months to sell your home and purchase a new one!
5.      You may receive more money for your home now because you have less competition with other properties.
6.      Throughout the holiday season, it's reasonable to restrict showings during your personal family events.
7.      Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays, especially during vacations.
8.      January is traditionally the biggest job transfer month and you must be on the market NOW in order for those homebuyers to find your home.
9.     By selling now you can have a delayed closing or extended occupancy until the beginning of 2010, if you want it.
10.   When you sell during the winter you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when more homes are traditionally on the market.
11.   You may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated potential buyers.
12.   Corporate transfers, who need to buy a home now, can't wait until spring. 
  
The expanded and first time homebuyer program is available to those who meet ONE of the following three conditions:  They are buying their first home, OR they haven't owned a home in the past three years, OR they have owned a home for 5 out of the past 8 years and are buying a new property they intend to live in as their primary residence.  In this case, you do NOT need to sell your present home in order to buy a new one.  If you meet one of these three criteria, you may be able to receive an $8000 or a $6500 TAX CREDIT!

The tax credits are simply that...a CREDIT against taxes, not a tax deduction.  Selling during the holidays ALWAYS makes sense.  And now the new and expanded tax credit provides even MORE reasons to list your home at this time.

If you are thinking of selling a home in the Casa Grande Valley, from Maricopa, to Arizona City, to Coolidge or Robson Ranch in Eloy, we'd be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options.  For more info, visit our websites at www.CasaGrandeShortSales.com, or www.YostHomes.com.