Rob's Rant

Stay tuned for more details...

Today the US Senate passed an Extension to the Tax Credit.  Here's what we know so far (source: www.washingtonpost.com):

• The new Expiration Date would make more sense: Contract must be written by 4/30/10 and Escrow must be Closed by 6/30/10.
• Household Income to qualify would rise to $125,000 for single people and $225,000 for married couples.
• In addition to the $8000 credit for First Time Home Buyers, there would also be a credit for Move-Up Buyers.
• $800,000 maximum purchase price.

In case you don't recall how bills become laws (or just need a little nostalgia--trust me you'll enjoy this), take a look at the following video clip:

How a Bill Becomes a Law

This passed 98 - 0 in the Senate & is on its way to the House.  It is attached to a Bill extending Unemployment benefits.  It does seem likely to pass and I can't imagine the President vetoing it.  However if there are changes when it comes out of the House, I will certainly keep you posted.

SO--a reprieve for anyone who thought s/he was going to miss the party!

I promised to provide more info on the $8000 Tax Credit Extension.

Please watch my brief overview:

$8000 Tax Credit Extension Explained

Here are the Links I promise in the Video:

IRS Tax Credit Explained at irs.gov

Download Form 5405

More questions? Email Rob

So the Tax Credit Extension was passed by the House yesterday and signed by the President today.

I will pull the info and give a final take on details next week, but promised to update you when it passed.

"He signed you, Bill.  Now you're a Law."

So I have this client whom I helped purchase his retirement home in Arizona earlier this year.  My client is a Viet Nam Veteran, and a recipient of both the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.  (He doesn't like to brag about these things so I do it for him.  I'm proud to know him.)

This particular client sent me an email Friday asking about obtaining a copy of his Deed.  He mentioned that he received a letter from a "National Deed Service" who would obtain a copy for him and provide it to him--for a $49.50 fee.

YIKES!  After spending about 5 minutes on the County Website, I was able to download and forward a copy of the gentleman's Deed to him, at no charge.  That's right--no charge.

In Arizona, the Deed is a matter of public record.  (In fact, our County sells the names on Deeds as an additional revenue source--which is my guess as to where this phony company obtained my Client's info).

You already have a copy of your Deed that was mailed to you by your County Recorder when you purchased your home.  If you need another copy, you can easily obtain one by going online to your County Recorder website.  Depending on the County, there may or may not be a charge for that.  HOWEVER THERE IS NO REASON TO PAY THESE THIEVES TO DO IT FOR YOU.  It is very easy to find.

If you live in Maricopa County, here is the website to find all public records:

http://recorder.maricopa.gov/recdocdata/

If you live elsewhere, just Google "[County name] County Recorder".  It seems like they are almost all online nowadays.  Follow the links, they are generally pretty user-friendly.

You can enter your own name and get copies of any document that has been Recorded there.

If you can't tell, this experience makes me VERY ANGRY.  I HATE it when people take advantage of others because they are perceived to be easy targets, for example Veterans and Retired people.  GRRR.  I think I will encourage my Client to contact the Arizona Attorney General.

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