Birdsong Real Estate Blog

Today Fannie May announced that interest rates for 30 year fixed have dropped to 4.57% which is the lowest rate for a 30 year fixed since Fannie May has been keeping records. Now is the time to take advantage of these low low rates.

Ah, summer- the days are longer and warmer, which means you have more time to get outside and do the activities you enjoy. Spending time outdoors is part of an active, healthy life. However, as anyone who has ever had a sunburn knows, too much exposure to the sun is dangerous.
More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the U.S. That’s more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined. Follow these practical steps for sun safety.
1. Limit direct sun exposure during midday. UV rays are most intense during the midday hours of 10am and 4pm. Plan outdoor activities before or after these times.

2. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.Tanning beds give out UVA and UVB rays both can cause serious long term skin damage and can contribute to skin cancer.

3. Wear shades and a hat- Invest in a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and a pair of wrap around sunglasses with at least 99% UV absorption.

4. Use sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more- The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays. The higher the number the better the protection. Use 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed areas. Reapply every 2 hours - more often if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget your lips by using a lip balm with SPF and don’t skip the sunscreen just because it is cloudy or overcast. UV light still comes through on hazy days.

5. Check your skin- Check your own skin regularly- have the doctor check too. Watch for moles tha may have changed colors, size or shape. Early detection is key.

Have fun and enjoy the outdoors but use the steps to ensure your skin safety this summer.

FREE HOME BUYING SEMINAR
Historic low interest rates make this a great time to buy a home. Presented by Birdsong Real Estate and Texas Dow Employees Credit Union your Credit Union, we will show you how to buy a home and provide information about a range of mortgage products.
Each attendee will receive a complimentary home buying workbook and refreshments.
Date: Tuesday June 22, 2010
Place: Lake Jackson Civic Center
Registration: 6:00pm, Seminar-6:30pm to 8:00pm
Call Birdsong Real Estate to register 979-297-4200

The tax credit may be over but, do you realize that the principle and interest on a $150,000 is only $805.23 at today’s interest rate! You can buy a whole lot of home for $150,000 in today’s market. No tax credit? Guess what you still get over $8000.00 in tax deductions every year, just because you own a home and pay a mortgage.

You must have an executed contract by April 30, 2010 to be able to get the tax credit. Call today if you have questions about the tax credit.

The homebuyers tax credit has been Renewed and Expanded.

Current Homeowner can now benefit-

The House and Senate have approved an extention of the Homebuyers Tax Credit through April 2010 and certain current homeowners are now eligible for a credit of $6500.00.  Give me a call for all the details.  Ed Birdsong 979-299-4006

Interest rate continue to be near LOW RECORD LEVELS. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get a fixed interest rate. Time is running out on the Stimulus Package. Less than 70 days left on the stimulus package of up to $8000.00 tax credit. Call for details today and take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. The home must close and fund before November 30, 2009. Over 403 single family residence are currently for sale in the Brazosport area. Call today for a list of homes in your price range.

Ed Birdsong of Birdsong Real Estate recently attended the 2009 Star Power Annual Conference in Denver Colorado. The conference was a blend of instructions, interaction, networking, and sharing by 170 stars. The stars share knowledge, drive and experience that have helped each of them to reach the Real Estate industry’s top 1%. Education sessions included topics on, doing more than less, negotiating, working with REO’s, and short sales, social networking, web leads, Facing the Changes and Challenges in Today’s Market, Thriving in Turbulent Times, and Branding and Personal Promotion. In addition to the stars, Howard Brinton presented a session with the CEO’s of the top four real estate franchises, Gary Keller, Keller Williams Franchise, Earl Lee, Prudential franchise, Jim Gillespie, Coldwell Banker and Dave Liniger, ReMax. These CEO’s discussed Positioning Your Business for Tomorrow & Beyond, and Industry Perspectives. “The conference gave me a better understanding of the challenges buyers and sellers face in today’s changing market place. Also, tools enabling me to be better prepared to provide a higher level of service to my clients” said Ed Birdsong of the conference. Ed sees our local market as stabilizing and a good time to purchase a home, especially for first time home buyers who qualify for the $8000.00 tax credit which is due to expire December 1, 2009.

You have less than 100 days left to take advantage of the $8000.00 TAX CREDIT on the purchase of a home. Don’t miss this great opportunity to take advantage of the stimulus package. Your home purchase must close by November 30, 2009. Call today to see if you qualify.

CNN Money.com ranks Lake Jackson, Texas #9 in top US towns in affordability of housing. Residence who live in these growing towns see their incomes go the farthest in affordability of housing. CNN Money reports the median price of a home in Lake Jackson is $143,125.00 and the median family income (per year) is $88,677.00. They describe Lake Jackson as the “City of Enchantment” and details many stats in reference to the quality of living in Lake Jackson. Now may be the time to take advantage of Lake Jackson’s affordable housing with interest rates at forty year lows and $8000.00 Tax Credit avaliable to first time home buyers. Take a look at the July 16, 2009 article on www.cnnmoney.com. I think you will enjoy the article.