Dutchland Woods At Home Because Home Is Where One Starts

June and July Issue 2010 www.Dutchlandwoodsathome.com

Pool is Open!Grass Issues and Clean-Up Day, all inside this issue!

HGTV's FrontDoor.com Identifies Top 10 Things First-Time HomebuyersShould Know

Published: 3/10/2010

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (March 8, 2010)

- Buying a home for the first time can be complex. To avoid mistakes and make a smart purchase, dothe homework and know what to expect. To help start the process, HGTV's FrontDoor.com identifies the top 10 important points every first-time buyer must know. (http://www.frontdoor.com/top10

)

#1:Just because it's a buyer's market doesn't mean you should buy right now.

Don't let the lucrative market dictate a buying decision if thetime isn't absolutely right. Potential homebuyers need to ask themselves if they have a good credit score, if their job is secure and if they can stayin the home for a few years. If the answer to these questions is "no," it might make more sense to wait until life and finances are more stable.

#2:The cost of owning a home is more than just the purchase price.

On top of a mortgage payment, there are several monthly fees and ex-penses any first-time buyer should consider when becoming a homeowner: insurance, property taxes, utilities and maintenance. Think about scal-ing back the home price in order to better budget for the entire package.

#3:Programs are out there to help first-time buyers.

A sizeable down payment is great to have for a home purchase, but not everyone canafford to fork over 20 percent upfront. Fortunately, there are many federal, state and local programs geared toward helping first-time homebuyerswith down payments, interest rates and loan terms sure to make the whole process and affordability a bit easier.

#4:Foreclosures and short sales present great deals, but proceed with caution.

Buying a foreclosed or short sale home can be a risky propo-sition for a first-time buyer. Foreclosures are often sold "as-is," while a short sale transaction can be lengthier and more complicated than a typicalhome purchase. First-timers should consult an agent or attorney with specialization in these areas.

#5:Getting pre-approved for a loan gives you more buying power .

Obtaining lender pre-approvals are important because it establishes ahomebuyer's maximum purchase price, shows sellers that the buyer is serious about buying a home and lets the homebuyer compare interestrates and terms to find the best deal.

#6:Good school districts boost property value.

One of the most important aspects of a home's value is the neighborhood where it's located.Even if the homebuyer does not have kids, buying a home near sought-after schools can help the resale value.

#7: You may be able to access your tax credit upfront.

Buyers using FHA-insured mortgages can apply their tax credit toward their home pur-chase immediately, rather than waiting until they file their income taxes to receive a refund. Prospective buyers who believe they qualify for thecredit are also allowed to reduce their income tax withholding, therefore increasing their take-home pay.

#8:Not all real estate agents represent buyers.

There are three types of agents: listing agents, who represent sellers and help them get the bestprice; buyers' agents, who represent buyers and protect their interests; and agents who represent either (or both). Often, first-time buyers prefer towork exclusively with a buyer's agent so there are no possible conflicts of interest.

#9:Doing your homework can help you make a competitive offer .

Before buying the home, determine the property's market value by havingthe realtor conduct a comparative market analysis. This report will show what buyers were willing to pay for similar homes in the area, giving agood idea of what will make a fair offer.

#10:It's important to have a back-out plan.

Before signing on the dotted line, make sure to have a contingency plan in case things don't go asplanned

in the home inspection or appraisal. If the home has a major flaw or doesn't appraise for the purchase price, an escape plan allows the contract to be voided.

Visit: http://www.Frontdoor.com/news/article/5558 7 to view this article.

Call Tracy @777 -1147 or 324-0339

*Room special is for one coat (second coat $25), 14’x14’ roommax, 9’ ceiling height max, and does not include

ceiling, trim, or cost of paint.MENTION THIS AD AND GET $10.00 off! Exp July 15, 2010Tracy grew up here in Dutchland Woods and continues to donatetime to improve our White House. Her parents still reside here!

What’s on your wish list?

Do you need a vacation, a new car or boat, a kitchen upgrade, or tuition for yourself or your children?

You can increase your purchasing power by talking with your neighbor, Brian Collins, about opening a home equity line of credit at

First Financial Bank

today.

The best thing about a home equity line of credit is that it’s ready when you decide to make an important purchase.

No need to go tothe bank or call anyone for approval.

Credit card access …

A home equity account provides you with a

Gold MasterCard and special checks

so you will have a varietyof access to your line of credit.

It’s the perfect way to increase your purchasing power and write your own loan, saving you ti

me andtravel.

It’s easy

…

You’ll find the process takes very little of your time.

Now

is the perfect time to check out the possibility of using the equity in your home. For more information, just stop in today at theLiberty Crossings banking center (7237 Cincinnati-Dayton Road

in front of the Kroger store). Or

call your neighbor,

Brian Collins,

or Maria Kennedy at 513-346-3740.

Brian

and Maria look forward to helping you be successful in turning your wishes into reali-ties.

Brian CollinsRBC Assistant Vice President/ManagerFirst Financial Bank, NA6945 South Liberty WayLiberty Township, OH 45044P 513-346-3743F 513-755-3317

brian.collins@bankatfirst.com

Dutchland Woods At Home

Page 3

Dutchland Wood’s Social and Rec Proudly Presents “Papa John’s Pizza Night”!

The First Monday of Every MonthSwing by the White House between 4:30 and 7:00 pmPick Up Your Choice of:Medium Pepperoni or Extra Cheese PizzasOr Breadsticks! Any of these items are $6.00 each!

All proceeds benefits the Social and Recreation Committee’s Activities!

NOW

?…..

These fundraisers pay for the social and rec committee activities for the community! I challenge every residentto leave $1.00 extra with their pizza next month! We can all come together and make a huge difference!Brenda Swigert

For More information Please contact Jodi Strutz at 254-0301Sharon Mohan

–

Pierce 759-4160