A recent article in the Wall St. Journal by Anne Marie Chaker reported an uptick in an unexpected area of real estate; cemetary plots! As if the recession hasn’t ruined enough people’s plans in this life, it now seems to be disrupting the hereafter as well. Cemeteries and funeral-property Web sites report a burgeoning marketplace for the sale of burial plots by individuals, many of which have been in families for years. As times get tough, they are now being liquidated to make ends meet. The apparent increase in sellers of cemetery plots has to do with more than just economic necessity. Changes in how people live and wish to be buried also play a role. Increased mobility means individuals may no longer live near a family plot and would rather sell off unused spaces. And growing acceptance of cremation as an alternative to burial means people realize they may have no need for previously purchased in-ground plots. Plots sell quickest and cost the most in places where people tend to retire—such as Florida, Arizona, Texas and Southern California.

It was with great concern that I read the latest issue of my favorite periodical The Real Deal (Vol.7 No.6) The disturbing news articles outlined the closure of 2 well known NYC real estate firm’s here; JC DeNiro, and Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy. I agree with Publisher Amir Korangy’s sentiment that the summer of 2009 may be a time to fight on and figure out how to work with the hand the market has dealt us.

2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Info

Written by JOE RUNFOLA, Broker in Staten Island

May 20, 2009 5:23 PM Home Buying

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WHO QUALIFIES? First time buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. To qualify as a first time home buyer the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.
WHICH PROPERTIES ARE ELIGIBLE? The 2009 first time home buyer tax credit may be applied to primary residences, including:single family homes, condos, townhouses, and co-ops.
HOW MUCH WILL THE CREDIT BE? The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer’s credit is determined by two factors: The price of the home-the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000. and the buyer’s income-single buyers with incomes up to $75,000. and married couples with incomes up to $150,000.-may receive the maximum tax credit.
IF THE BUYER(S)’ INCOME EXCEEDS THESE LIMITS, CAN HE/SHE STILL GET a CREDIT? Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit. The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000. and $95,000. for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum qualifying income-over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000. for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Recently I have noticed some Real Estate Brokers and Sales agents with very poor or negative attitudes. Your attitude is a badge on display, at all times. Your facial expression, how you hold your body and the way you walk reflect your attitude. Personally I choose not deal with these pissey attitudes especially from uneducated, sloven, miserable,  tardy, hustling pot bellied little men. They can attempt to do business elsewhere, I’ll deal with well adjusted professionals when I can find them. Remember if you are a home owner searching for a Broker or Sales Agent to sell your home the person you choose to buy, sell, or rent a home represents YOU. I would want to be represented by one with a positive attitude. Do you know any pissey attitudes real estate know it all wannabes, you want to “OUT” publicly? Any Real Estate experiences you with to share?

Most people ask when is garbage pickup? When is my recycling pickup? When can I throw out my refrigerator? The answers to these questions can be found at the NYC Dept. of Sanitation’s Website. Click HERE for the link.