YES, there is REAL HELP in the Stimulus Bill

After months of economic freefall, weeks of political wrangling, and 800 billion dollars, the bill finally passed by Congress and signed by President Obama has some real help for first-time homebuyers. The details add some complications - call me and I'll talk you through them - but the basic benefit is an $8,000 tax credit for new homebuyers whose income is below $75,000/year for an individual, or $150,000/year for a couple.

A tax credit is ALMOST like money in your hands - it gets deducted directly from what you owe the Federal government in income tax. It brings you that much closer to the home your family needs; it expands your buying power and helps you build equity in a home of your own instead of spending money on rent.

But there's a clock ticking on this great incentive: It's only good until December of this year. Now's the time to start looking for that home you've dreamed of. Prices are LOW. Interest rates are LOW. And the Federal government has $8,000 to help you. Call me!

Real Estate Investors: Click here to get my free "Investors Only" email bulletin.

You may know that I handle foreclosure properties for many leading banks, mortgage companies, and financing institutions (like  "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac").  The foreclosure market is full of properties of all conditions, sizes, locations and prices, from $20,000 to over $700,000.  Because of price competition, selling prices for these properties are better now than they have been in years.   

Investors who have been sitting on the sidelines for the past few months because of tight credit and uncertainty are beginning to take advantage of the great values in the market.  While no one can guarantee future real estate values, wise, well-structured purchases at today's prices stand a good chance to benefit from the eventual upturn.  

There's another way of saying this:  "Buy now!  Prices are good!"  Contact me and get the best in formation first on investment properties in the Elkhart area as a recipient of my "Investors Only" email bulletin.  

Attention SELLERS - BUYERS are starting to appear!

I've just spent an hour on the phone putting together a deal for a beautiful riverfront property. The buyers are thrilled - and so are the sellers! It's a great home and a good price. Lives will change - for the better. (That's what I love about this job!)

Business as usual? No, I wouldn't say that. But with a little bit of work, understanding and creative thinking, it all came together. In the midst of all the doom and gloom proclaimed in the newspapers and on TV, two families are doing what families have always done.

Sellers - there are buyers who need what you have.
Buyers - there are sellers ready to deal.
. . . Let's get things started - Contact me!

Have we been doing this for TWENTY YEARS?

We were counting them up the other day... What started as a 'crazy idea' between two women has lasted - and thrived - for more than twenty years. Back when we started the first and only RE/MAX office in Elkhart, the established companies didn't give us much of a chance to last a year, let alone twenty.

Now when we stop to check, we realize we've been running our office at the same location, with the same owners, under the same name longer than any other real estate office in Elkhart. And, in a lot of ways, no one does it better, either - The people of RE/MAX Excellence sell an average of four times as many homes as the average agent in Elkhart. We know how to get things done.

It's not just the years, though. Since RE/MAX Excellence opened, we have helped over 10,000 families buy and sell their homes. We have touched a lot of lives - and a lot of lives have touched ours. We love what we do and - after twenty years - we're good at it too. Something to keep in mind when you pick up the phone to find the right person to help you buy or sell your home.

Shhhh...There's a treasure hidden on Heron Cove.

Heron Cove is a quiet, picturesque residential lane that follows the south shore of the St. Joe River just west of Six-Span bridge on the eastern edge of Elkhart. When you find it, you'll wish there was some way you could live there. Lined with stately custom residences, beautiful landscaping, and breathtaking waterfront views, Heron Cove is close enough to everything in Elkhart, yet secluded enough to become your personal refuge.

The people who come and go from these unique and dramatic homes know what they have - and don't let go of it lightly. That's why I want you to know that one of the finest, most extraordinary homes on Heron Cove is available for purchase. It's a million-dollar property, available for just $725,000. You just have to see it. Five bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, a waterfont pool, and so much more! You can get a glimpse here - eleven pictures. But you really should see it in person - and I'd love to show it to you.

What's so special about riverfront property?

Elkhart is blessed with miles of riverfront property along the majestic St. Joe and picturesque Elkhart Rivers, and throughout the history of the area, the shorelines of these graceful waterways have attracted some of the area's most elegant homes. What's so special about riverfront property? Here are some of the things residents of riverfront homes say:

• It's a source of recreation - boating, skiing, rafting, tubing, kayaking, and fishing
• It's a source of beauty - the water shimmers in a thousand different ways, catching and reflecting the light like an artist.
• It's a source of peace and quiet - as a neighbor, the river has no barking dogs or loud parties, no noisy power tools or other intrusions - just gently flowing water.
• It's a natural high - water birds swirl through the sky, fish swim, a wet universe of life teems just steps away from the hubbub of your daily grind.
• The daily explosion of color - sunrises and sunsets too glorious to describe and too compelling to ignore.

Homes on the river often cost more than comparable homes on other lots. But people who live on the river put the cost in perspective: The benefits are priceless.

I offer riverfront homes in a remarkably wide range of prices. Don't overlook the opportunity that could easily be yours - a home on the river. Contact me.

Good time to buy?

The current credit crunch is a real deal, and it has added a complication to getting the financing new home buyers want. Banks and other financing outlets are paying more attention to the basics - income, debt, credit scores, etc. For most buyers, that's not bad news. It may mean a few more forms have to be filled in, and a few more details have to be attended to. But credit-worthy buyers can find (and are finding) mortgage money for the home of their dreams.

There's more good news buried in the negative headlines, too:

• Prices are VERY attractive! If you're looking for good values, there has NEVER been a better time to buy.
• Interest rates are INCREDIBLY LOW. Write a mortgage now and you'll be paying LESS interest than any time in the past 40 years! Add it up - Interest savings alone will reduce your monthly payments significantly. Those monthly savings really add up over time, too.

Bottom line? Don't give up your dream. It's a great time to buy. Contact me and I'll help.

Have you taken the tour of 2515 Waterbend?

I can't resist taking you inside this glorious home.  This amazing residence is truly one of the best luxury estate values in the Michiana area.  I'd just love to show it to you!  The owners created the perfect waterfront paradise for discriminating owners, with plenty of accommodations for an active social life.  

When you drive up to the home, you can see how it curves across the property, the same way the Lower St. Joe River shoreline curves.  It also provides water views from all the major living areas of the home.   

I could go on and on - but let me mention just a few highlights:  

• An indoor all-season pool! - What fun! - there's a fireplace and a hot tub in there too.
  
• A hand-carved hardwood bar imported from an old Chicago lounge
  
• A 'his and hers' kitchen - matching appliances for two people who love to cook - or love to throw great parties!
  
• Terraces for each bedroom; real tiled patios with wrought iron railings - no wood decks!
  

Want to know more?  

Here's a look inside...39 pictures - come explore!