farmhomesrealty

Summer’s here and the living is easy in Southwest Missouri.  Although we are blessed with all 4 seasons, summer is my favorite .  There are so many things to do when the weather warms up, it’s hard to fit everything in after work or on the weekends.   So far we’ve been lucky to have nice rains to keep the rivers running at a good pace. This is great for those of us who enjoy a lazy day on the river without having to drag the canoe too much.

Locally, the Raymondville Picnic starts this week.  The 59th annual event is held in the small village of Raymondville, Mo.  It’s always a great time for the kids since there are carnival rides and games and for adults who gather for gospel music, country music, dancing,crafts, food and fun.

Then begin the 4th of July celebrations.  June 25th the Houston Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a fireworks display at the fair grounds.  This is always a good time. 

This year the “Wall that Heals” will be in Cabool, Mo. beginning July 1 thru July 4th. The half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be located at the Cabool High School football stadium and will be open 24 hours a day.  Freedom Celebration fireworks display sponsored by Cabool Park Board begins at 9:45 p.m.

Every 4th of July we are reminded that we are privileged to live here, raise our families here and celebrate with our neighbors the freedom to enjoy living in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks.

Happy Summer everyone!

                                                           God Bless America

Our local office of the USDA is holding a realtor’s meeting March 24, 2010 from 10:30-11:30 at the MSU Research Center in Mtn Grove. 

Missouri has over $45 million in single family housing direct funds to lend.

This meeting will help educate realtors on how to inform perspective buyers of this additional  option when  applying  for home loans.  

Time is running short as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will expire September 30,2010.

Try to attend and learn how your clients can make the most of this program before the deadline.

Agents from our office plan to attend so that we can better serve our clients with all of their real estate needs.

For more information you can contact USDA Rural Development Houston, MO. 417 967-2028

We received some encouraging news from our local USDA representative. She informed us that Rural Development has money to loan. The terms are pretty simple.
Applicants must:
* Have an adequate & dependable income
* Be a US citizen or permanent resident
* Have an adjusted annual income that does not exceed the limit for the county in which they are purchasing a home.
* Have a credit history that indicates a reasonable willingness to meet obligations & ability to repay debts
* Qualify within the flexible guidelines offered by Rural Development for housing and other debt loads.

Housebuyers may work with an approved lender of their choice to gain approval for guaranteed financing.

We were also reminded that 100% guaranteed financing is not just for first time homebuyers.

For more information on this type of loan you can go to www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo/grhpage.htm or give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process.

Each year, downtown and other city merchants set up tables along Grand Avenue in Houston to hand out treats to area children.

The street is blocked off to traffic so little ones can safely trick-or-treat on both sides of the street.

This activity has proven to be a safe and fun time for all involved. The little ghosts and goblins are rewarded with treats while the adults can be assured their children are having fun in a safe environment.  This program has worked out great for merchants and participants alike.

We are expecting our second frost of the season. Brrrr!
The fall foliage has been absolutely gorgeous this year. Bright reds and yellows mixed in with the greens of the pines and cedars have painted the beautiful Ozarks hills in a pallet of natural beauty.
We’ve been blessed this year with a chance to enjoy a long spring, mild summer and now a brilliant fall.
Life is good in Missouri.

I recently received a forwarded email from a friend of mine.  My friend thought I would enjoy it because I’m from Missouri.  Once you read it you’ll understand.  Enjoy!

“Phones in Church”

A man in Topeka, Ks decided to write a book about churches around the country.  He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there.

Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and taking notes.  He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign which read “Calls: $1000 a minute”. Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign.  The pastor replied that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to GOD.  The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way.

As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, Milwaukee and many other cities and towns all around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign and received the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Missouri.  Upon entering a church in the beautiful Ozark region of Missouri, behold, he saw the usual golden telephone.  But this time the sign read, “Calls: .35 cents”.  

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor.  “Reverend, I’ve been in cities all across the country and in each church I’ve found the golden telephone.  I’ve been told it’s a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD.  But in the other churches the  cost for the call was $1000 a minute.  Your sign reads only 35 cents a call.  Why?” 

The pastor smiled broadly and replied, “Son, you’re in Missouri now…..You’re in GOD’s country so it’s a local call”.

Since I’m from Missouri I understood completely!

American by birth – Missourian by the Grace of God,

Barb  

P.S. Why do Missourians go barefoot? – Because when you’re in Missouri you’re on holy ground!

The National Association of Realtors has issued a “call to action” for all realtors to contact their local and state representatives to extend the $8000 first time home-buyer tax credit.

Officials have cautiously suggested that we may be recovering from the recession. This is partly due to the rebound of the real estate market. If we want this trend to continue, it is very important that we support the effort to extend the first time home buyers credit and possibly expand it to include all home buyers.

We all recognize the impact real estate has on our economy.  The first time buyers tax credit has played a part in stimulating the real estate market.  In order to continue the current recovery it is essential that the first time buyers tax credit be extended for at least 6 more months.   

 The current deadline for this valuable program is fast approaching.  As it stands now you must have your home bought and the transaction closed by November 30.  On average, most home closings are taking 30-45 days so it may already be too late for some.   We are asking everyone to contact your state representatives, congressman and senators to get to work NOW to extend the first time buyers tax credit.  Time is running out.

Let’s let our voices be heard in Washington and do our part to  keep our economy growing!

School has started all across the Ozarks!  Please use extra caution in the mornings and afternoons and watch out for the little guys.

Growing up in a small town is an experience that most of us cherish for the whole of our lives. In many of the small towns across  southwest Missouri, school children walk and ride their bikes to school.  Parents feel safe letting their youngsters take the short walk or ride to school  then back home

. 

As the children pour out of the school,we are assured that some day they too will look back on fond memories of growing up in small town U.S.A. – Houston, Missouri.

We always welcome new neighbors so if you’d like to experience the good life in a small town give us a call at 417-967-2221 or visit us on the web at www.farmhomesrealty.com.

Where did the summer go?

School starts in 1 week!
The anticipation of the first day of school is building for school children everywhere! New shoes, fresh haircuts, and best of all – SCHOOL SUPPLIES!
We feel fortunate to live in a small town where the school is the hub of the community. Because of this, it seems everyone shares the excitement of back to school.
In one short week we’ll see children walking to school, waiting for the school bus or hopping out of the family car carrying backpacks, greeting old friends and anxious to make new ones as they burst through the doors to a new year of wonder, excitement and hopefully some learning – ha!

www.farmhomesrealty.com

Time is running out on the first-time home buyer tax credit!  November 30 is the current deadline to qualify for the credit.  Figures released for June show a substantial rise in home prices and sales.  The tax credit could be the reason for the up beat in figures.  Overall we are hopeful that this is a good sign that the real estate market is improving nationally. 

Because the homes in our area were never over-inflated, our local market has remained steady.  This is an added incentive for buyers to take advantage of the first-time buyer tax credit. 

A recent survey conducted by the Re/Max network in northern Illinios found that  most qualified buyers only understand a few of the program’s details.  Being a government program, the details can be confusing at best.  

Did you know….

* With the real estate numbers improving slowly, we hope the program will be extended.  However, at this time to qualify for the tax credit, the purchase must be closed no later than November 30, 2009. 

* You  CAN have owned a home previously, as long as you have not  owned a home for 3 years before making a home purchase that qualifies for the tax credit.

*Qualified buyers will receive the FULL benefit of the tax credit to which they are entitled.  For example, if a buyer qualifies for the full $8000 credit but owes only $3000 in income taxes for the year, their entire tax bill would be paid and they would also receive a tax refund check for $5000.

*Individuals with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 can qualify for the full $8000 credit.  Couples with an adjusted gross income of $150,000 can also qualify for the full $8000 credit.  Qualified buyers with higher incomes can receive a smaller tax credit.  The credit phases out at $95,000 for individuals and $170,000 for couples. 

*The updated version of the tax credit DOES NOT have to be repaid – unless the home is sold within 3 years.

This is an excellent program that can benefit many people but time is of the essence!  Act now and take advantage of program. 

For more details and facts call one of our agents at 417-967-2221 or 1-800-753-0103.  We are always willing to work with you to help you find your perfect home.   Whether you’ve got questions about the first time home buyers credit, a property or any other real estate related question we are here for you.