Tax Credits, Interest rates... and my new iPad!

This week's thoughts on the soon-to-expire tax credits, rising interest rates... and my new iPad.

Here's a link to info on the Tax credits.

Here's a link to a New York Times story on rising interest rates.

Thoughts on the Tax Credit

Here's my take on the soon-to-expire First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. Congress may extend it until April, and there are some suggestions that there may also be a provision for people who've been in their house for 5+ years to get some form of credit as well.

Just some thoughts to ponder.

PRACTICING FULL DISCLOSURE

NOTE:

876 IAC 1-1-37 Disclosure of interest by licensee
Authority: IC 25-34.1-2-5
Affected: IC 25-34.1-2-5
Sec. 37. A licensee shall not directly or indirectly buy, offer to buy, sell, offer to sell or receive compensation for property in which he owns an interest, unless he shall disclose in writing his interest to all parties to the transaction and the fact that he holds a valid real estate license. (Indiana Real Estate Commission; Rule 38; filed Sep 28, 1977, 4:30 pm: Rules and Regs. 1978, p. 803; filed Dec 11, 1986, 10:40 am: 10 IR 879; readopted filed Jun 29, 2001, 9:56 a.m.: 24 IR 3824; readopted filed Jul 19, 2007, 12:57 p.m.: 20070808-IR-876070067RFA)

While the Indiana Real Estate Commission Laws and Regulations do not specifically state that an agent who owns property must use the words "Agent Owned" on the "For Sale By Owner" sign in the yard, it is my belief that some reasonably apparent reference to the agent's ownership interest must be provided on the signage. I do not believe that a consumer ought to rely on the agent's willingness to share that information at the first in-person contact.

And I'm not a lawyer. Take my opinions as such, please.

HOW MUCH PER SQUARE FOOT?

WHO HAS THE UPPER HAND IN NEGOTIATIONS?