Senate Extends Date on Home-buying Tax Credit

"The U.S. Senate today approved a measure extending the closing deadline to Sept. 30 for home-buyers attempting to take advantage of the federal tax credit.

The National Association of Realtors estimates that 180,000 buyers who met the contract deadline of April 30 would not be able to close their transaction by the June 30 deadline.

Association members have reported as many as one-third of qualified applicants - who could get a credit of as much as $8,000 - have been notified by lenders that their mortgages will not close because of the sheer volume of applications in the pipeline.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tacked the extension to a bill extending jobless benefits through the end of November.

The measure now has to go to the House."

- Alan J. Heavens, Philly.com

For more information on the homebuyers tax credit, please contact Henderson Properties!

10 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

"1. What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Association of Home Inspectors?
2. Do you have a current license? Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state.
3. How many inspections of properties such as this do you do each year?
4. Do you have a list of past clients I can contact?
5. Do you carry professional errors and omission insurance? May I have a copy of the policy?

6. Do you provide any guarantees of your work?
7. What specifically will the inspection cover?
8. What type of report will I receive after the inspection?
9. How long will the inspection take and how long will it take to receive the report?
10. How much will the inspection cost?

We would be happy to recommend Home Inspectors in the area that we have used in the past with great results."
~ Source: Rick Frissell, Florida's Beautiful Homes

For more home buying tips, please contact one of Henderson Properties agents!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Midwood

"Rapidly becoming one of the most popular neighborhoods in Charlotte, Midwood has the perfect balance of the charming Southern neighborhood and the exciting lifestyle of an Uptown locale. Just a stone’s throw away from Charlotte’s downtown area, the characteristic Craftsman and cottage-style homes bring the right blend of classical style and unique flair. Midwood is one of Charlotte’s most well-known Historic Districts, and a drive down The Plaza will showcase this effect to its credit. The beautiful Van Landingham Estate and its surrounding gardens are a perfect example of the beauty that you can find in Midwood.

Many of the homes are situated on city lots that are usually about a quarter of an acre. There are a number of streets that have much larger lots - some up to close to an acre. The curving quiet streets of Midwood are lined with sidewalks and it is hard to find an evening when they aren’t filled with neighbors with baby strollers and happy dogs.

Take a stroll down to the central business district, where there are cool furniture shops, a tattoo parlor or two, Nova Bakery and the “No Grease Honey” barber shop. You’ll also find a public library, the local Harris Teeter grocery store, post office, and an art supply shop in an old church. Even your dog will be happy for a visit to Commonwealth Animal Hospital, one of the city’s few animal chiropractor and acupuncturist. They’ll also love You Dirty Dog, a self-serve dog wash with cool accessories for your best friend.

Do you have a craving for some Southern comfort food? You must try Dish, a popular local hotspot. Don’t miss the chicken and dumplings or the meatloaf served with a deviled egg and butter-topped biscuit. The neighborhood’s favorite diner, Penguin, is famous for its fried pickles, hand-dipped corn dogs and their “Hemi Burger”. Ask for it Southern style - that’s with chili, slaw and onions for a true taste of the South.

If you want the perfect balance of city life and the warm intimacy the South is famous for, look no further than Midwood! Homes range in price from the mid $150's to well over a million."

~ Source: SavvyAndCompany.com

For more homes for sale, please visit Henderson Properties website!