WOW!  What a terrific find!  This charming three bedroom home is loaded with many upgrades.  It features three bedrooms, two and half bathrooms, a lovely kitchen with breakfast area and a walkout to the fantastic backyard and deck.  It also offers a finished lower level, two car garage and more!

2672 Swaps Ct. is located in beautiful Burlington, KY in the Derby Farms subdivision.  It is convenient to the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, shopping, churches, library, parks and is located in the Boone County Public School district.  For your private tour of this dynamite property, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today!

Welcome to lovely, historic and charming 1641 Mears Avenue.  This well made, all brick unique Tudor home is loaded with charm and character.  Located in beautiful Mt. Washington, this home boasts three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a lovely great room, a stylish kitchen, a formal dining room and a finished lower level.

The great room features picrure-frame hardwood flooring, a cozy wood burning fireplace and built in book shelves.  You'll enjoy entertaining family and friends here all throughout the year.

The stylish kitchen includes lovely custom ceramic tile back splash, a newer sink, newer counters, and newer light fixtures.  It also offers wood cabinets, a pantry, Jenn-air and water filter hook-ups and a free-standing, easy to operate dishwasher that can also double as an island creating flexibility throughout the kitchen!!  You'll also love the flat cook top range and self-cleaning oven.

The formal dining room is complete with a gorgeous chandelier, beautiful hardwood flooring, chair rail, crown molding and a walkout that leads to the spacious back deck.

The finished lower level is perfect for a rec room, large office, a family room, a studio, a play room, or whatever fits your family best!  It features a full bath and a laundry room as well.  

You'll love entertaining in the backyard.  Features include lots of mature trees, a new, attractive six foot privacy fence - perfect for kids and pets!  It also offers a beautiful wood deck, a two-car detached garage that features extra storage and double remote openers.

Enjoy gazing at the mature trees from every window of this home.  The window flower boxes will add seasonal warmth as well.  1641 Mears has been lovingly maintained and many stylish improvements have been made.  A High -efficiency furnace and air conditioner were added in 2007 and an insulated water heater in 2005.  It is convenient to shopping, restaurants, parks, the Mt. Washington branch library, the new rec center, Lunken play field, Coney Island, Mt. Washington Elementary school and Sands Montessori.  It is less than 10 minutes to Hyde Park, less than 10 minutes to Northern Kentucky and only 20 minutes to downtown Cincinnati.  It is located in the Cincinnati Public School district.  For your private tour of this amazing home, contact Peter Zimmer/The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today!!  859-992-9654.

This incredible three bedroom ranch home is extremely spacious and offers loads of amenities!  Some of them include a huge yard, an expansive family room with a wood burning fireplace, two full bathrooms, a finished lower level with a walkout, an over sized garage, a wonderful kitchen with breakfast area and a fenced in back yard.

The wonderful kitchen features ceramic tile, laminate flooring, wood cabinets and the spacious eat-in-kitchen.  Appliances included with this home are the oven/range and the dishwasher.

The master suite is complete with lush wall to wall carpeting, an adjoining bathroom and a walk-in closet. 

You will enjoy entertaining family and friends in the dynamite family room.  Complete with a wood burning fireplace, wall to wall carpeting and a walkout to the stunning, huge yard!

994 Wedgewood is located in beautiful Independence, KY and is also located in the Kenton County Public School district.  It is very convenient to shopping, churches and more!  This home offers immediate possession and is easy to show.  Contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today for your private tour!!!

You'll want to call 1325 Arvada Ct home as soon as you step foot in the front door!  Amenities include gorgeous hardwood floors, a large first floor master suite with adjoining bathroom, four bedrooms, two full and one half bathroom, a two car, side- entry garage, a formal dining room, a stunning kitchen and more!

The kitchen is a chefs delight!  Beautiful hardwood floors, stunning wood cabinets, a walkout, a pantry, and an island make this kitchen something you'll surely enjoy.

The master suite is loaded with features and some of them include lush wall to wall carpeting, a large walk-in closet and an adjoining bathroom.  The bathroom includes a separate shower, tub and double vanity sink.

Enjoy entertaining family and friends in the spacious great room complete with wall to wall carpeting and a gas fireplace. 

1325 Arvada Ct was built by Smith builders and is the Browning model.  It is located on a cul-de-sac street and also offers a wonderful backyard and patio.  It's located in the Boone County Public School district and is convenient to shopping, churches, the Cincinnati International Airport and more!  For your private tour of this gorgeous home, contact Peter Zimmer/The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty.  859-992-9654.

Once you step inside this beautiful custom built home, you will want to call it home.  195 Maple Ridge features three bedrooms, two full and one half bathroom, a formal dining room, an incredible kitchen, a large great room with a fireplace, a large master suite with adjoining bathroom, an unfinished basement with a walkout, a first floor laundry, hardwood flooring, an incredible back yard with a fence and a two tier deck.  Custom moldings have been added to all of the rooms on the first floor and attention to detail is very evident in the wall boxes, cornice and the crown molding.

The large two story great room is a great place to entertain family and friends.  It offers lovely hardwood floors, a gas fireplace and loads of natural light.

The kitchen is absolutely breathtaking and is complete with hardwood floors, a breakfast area, stunning wood cabinets, an island - perfect for extra work space, a pantry, a planning desk and a walkout to the backyard.  The appliances in this kitchen are all stainless steel. 

The master suite is located on the first floor and is generously sized.  It contains hardwood floors, an adjoining bathroom, a walk-in closet and window treatments.  The master bath offers double vanity sinks and a tub with shower.

You'll enjoy those family get togethers and endless time spent with friends in the fantastic dining room.  This room is complete with extraordinary chair rail, a stunning chandelier and gorgeous hardwood flooring.

This custom built home has had all of it's lighting upgraded through-out and is located on a cul-de-sac street.  It was built by RW Jackson and is the Cabot Floor Plan.  The backyard was leveled to allow for a beautiful play area for children and it is also fenced in with a wood fence.  You'll also enjoy spending time entertaining from the two tiered deck.  This home is located in the Grant County School System and has all the comforts of home!  Contact us today for your private tour!  This one is too beautiful to pass up!!

View Video Here

Courtesy: Mike Parker
Top 5 Real Estate Network

RISMEDIA, December 7, 2009—

The extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill that extends the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers who purchase their first home and expands the program to offer a credit of $6,500 to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are seeking to relocate. The home must be purchased prior May 1, 2010,

The following details apply to the homebuyer tax credit expansion:

Who Is Eligible

-First-time homebuyers, who are defined by the law as buyers who have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase, may be eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit.

-Existing homeowners who have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight and are purchasing a home to be their principal residence (“repeat buyer”), may be eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit.

-All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate in the program.

Income Limits

Homebuyers who file as single or head-of-household taxpayers can claim the full credit ($8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers) if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $125,000.

-For married couples filing a joint return, the combined income limit is $225,000.

-Single or head-of-household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000, and married couples who earn between $225,000 and $245,000 are eligible to receive a partial credit.

-The credit is not available for single taxpayers whose MAGI is greater than $145,000 and married couples with a MAGI that exceeds $245,000.

Effective Dates

-The eligibility period for the tax credit is for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010. However, home purchases subject to a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, will qualify for the tax credit provided closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010.

Types of Homes that Qualify

-All homes with a purchase price of less than $800,000 qualify, including newly-constructed or resale, and single-family detached, townhomes or condominiums, provided that the home will be used as their principal residence. Vacation home and rental property purchases do NOT qualify.

Tax Credit is Refundable

-A refundable credit means that if the amount of income taxes you owe is less than the credit amount you qualify for, the government will send you a check for the difference.

-For example:

-A first-time buyer who qualifies for the full $8,000 credit who owes $5,000 in federal income taxes would pay nothing to the IRS and receive a $3,000 payment from the government. If you are due to receive a $1,000 refund, you would receive $9,000 ($1,000 plus the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit).

-A repeat buyer who owes $5,000 would pay nothing to the IRS and receive $1,500 back from the government. If you are due to get a $1,000 refund, you would get $7,500 ($1,000 plus the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit).

-All qualified homebuyers can take the tax credit on their 2009 or 2010 income tax return.

Payback Provisions

The tax credit is a true credit. It does not have to be repaid unless the home owner sells or stops using the home as their principal residence within three years after the purchase.

Examples of Who Can Benefit

“The new version of the tax credit has the potential to stimulate the housing market even more than the old version due to the fact that more people will qualify under the new rules,” said Gibran Nicholas, Chairman of the CMPS Institute, an organization that certifies mortgage bankers and brokers. “Although the tax credit remains at $8,000 for homebuyers that have not owned a primary residence in the last three years, it has been expanded to include a $6,500 tax credit for homebuyers that have lived in their current primary residence for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight years. Under the old rules, move-up homebuyers did not qualify.” Consider these three examples:

Example 1:

Jane purchased a home in 2002, lived there for 5 years as her primary home, moved out in 2007, and turned that home into a rental property. If Jane decides to buy a new primary residence today, she would qualify for the $6,500 tax credit based on the fact that she lived in the same residence as her primary home for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight.

Example 2:

Harry purchased a home in 2004, and lived there for the past 5 years as his primary home. If Harry decides to buy a new primary residence today, he would qualify for the $6,500 tax credit based on the fact that he lived in the same residence as his primary home for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight.

Example 3:

Nicole purchased a home in 2006, and lived there for the past 3 years as her primary home. If Nicole decides to buy a new primary residence today, she would not qualify for the $6,500 tax credit based on the fact that she did not live in the same residence as her primary home for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight.

“If you sign a binding contract to purchase a home before May 1st, you would need to close on the transaction before July 1, 2010,” Nicholas said. “It works kind of like a gift certificate that can be redeemed for cash. You simply file a form with the IRS right after you buy your home, and the IRS will send you a check for the full amount of your credit.”

The income limitation for single tax payers went up from $75,000 under the old rules to $125,000 under the new rules. For married tax payers, the income limitation went up from $150,000 to $225,000. “This means that more people will qualify for the credit – especially in parts of the country with higher costs of living,” Nicholas said. “This should help stimulate parts of the housing market that may not have been impacted by the old version of the credit.”

There are many creative ways of structuring your home purchase transaction in ways that maximize the benefits of the credit. Here are a few examples:

-The credit applies to 1-4 unit homes as long as you live in one of the units as your primary residence – you could live in one unit and rent out the others

-If two unmarried individuals buy a home, and only one of the individuals qualifies for the credit based on their income or past home ownership status, the individual who qualifies for the credit can claim the full credit. (Note: In the case of married couples, both spouses must qualify for the credit).

-The credit applies even if you have co-signers on your mortgage loan

The www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com site has been updated. Check this site or www.CMPSInstitute.org and www.nahb.org for more information.

WOW!!!  What an incredible value!!  This fantastic property offers three generously sized bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large great room that includes a fireplace, a formal dining room, an unbelievable kitchen, a first floor master suite, and an inground pool!!

The chef in your family will adore the amazing kitchen.  It offers a breakfast area, beautiful wood cabinets, a pantry, an island that is perfect for extra work space, a planning desk and a walkout to the incredible back yard.

The family room is located on the second level and is the perfect spot to entertain family and friends.  It is complete with wall to wall carpeting, a fireplace and a wet bar!

The master suite, as mentioned above, is located on the first floor and features a private patio, LOADS of space, lush wall to wall carpeting, an adjoining bathroom, and a walk-in closet.  The adjoining bathroom offers a double vanity sink and a whirlpool tub.

6169 Indian Trail sits on a cul-de-sac street and a corner lot.  You'll love lounging next to the pool during the summer and entertaining on the fantastic patio.  It is located in the Lakota School district and shows extremely well.  For your private tour, contact Peter Zimmer/The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty!  859-992-9654.

• 

  Tax Credits for Solar Water Heaters

  A federal tax credit makes energy-efficient solar water heaters a more affordable and sustainable option for many homeowners. Read

• 

  Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

  Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and earn you a tax credit worth as much as $1,500. Read

• 

  Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof

  Replacing your roof with a qualifying energy-efficient metal or asphalt roof can cut your cooling bill and earn you a $1,500 tax credit. Read

• 

  Tax Credits for Adding or Replacing Insulation

  A federal tax credit makes adding insulation an even cheaper way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and cut your heating and cooling bills. Read

• 

  Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

  If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable. Read

5 Acres of Southern Charm overlooking the Ohio River. Priced to sell. Historic southern plantation. 5 bedrooms, 5 fireplaces and rich hardwood floors. Outstanding river view. More land available.  Contact The Mike Parker Team today for more information and plat.  859-647-0700

according to the article titled, "New Homebuyer Credit Form Released; Taxpayers Reminded to Attach Settlement Statement and Other Key Documents," written by the TaxAlmanac, "the new form and instructions follow major changes in November to the homebuyer credit by the Worker, Homeownership, and business Assistance Act of 2009.  The new law extended the credit to a broader range of home purchasers and added new documentation requirements to deter fraud and ensure taxpayers properly claim the tax credit."

Early taxpayers claiming the tax credit may see tax refunds take and additional two to three weeks.

In addition to filling out Form 5405, all eligible home buyers must include one of the following documents to receive the tax credit ALONG with their 2009 tax return:

1.  A copy of the settlement statement showing all of the parties' names, signatures, property address, sales price and date of purchase.

2.  If you purchased a mobile home and you are unable to get a settlement statement, you can use a copy of the executed retail sales contract showing all of the parties' names, signature, property addresses, purchase price and the date of purchase.

3.  For a home that is new construction where a settlement statement is not available, you can use a copy of the occupancy certificate showing the owner's name, the property address and the date of the certificate.

The new law also allows a long-time resident of the same main home to claim the home buyer tax credit if they purchase a new principal residence.  Eligible taxpayers who qualify have to show that they lived in their old homes for five consecutive years during the eight year period ending on the purchase date of the new home.  As stated by the TaxAlmanac, " 

The IRS has stepped up compliance checks involving the home buyer credit, and it encouraged home buyers claiming this part of the credit to avoid refund delays by attaching documentation covering the five-consecutive-year period:

  1.  Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement, or substitute mortgage interest statements,

  2.  Property tax records or

  3.  Homeowner’s insurance records.

The IRS is also reminding home buyers that these new documentation requirements mean that if you are claiming the credit, you cannot file electronically and you must file a paper return.

When can you expect your refund?  Normally, it takes from four to eight weeks to get a refund claimed on a completed and accurate paper return with all the correct attached documents.  For home buyers who file early, the IRS is expecting the first refunds based on the home buyer tax credit, will be issued towards the end of March.

The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to use direct deposit to expedite their refund.  To tract the refund, taxpayers can visit www.IRS.gov and use the "where's my refund?" portion of the site.

If you are interested in finding our more details on claiming the tax credit and the instructions to the Form 5405, please visit www.IRS.gov.

This beautiful ranch home is for lease for $1200 a month!!  It is located in beautiful Burlington, KY and is near shopping, churches, the airport and is located in the Boone County Public School system. 

It features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a two car garage, a partially finished lower level with fireplace and sits on one acre!!

Contact us today for more details!!!

This gorgeous four bedroom home won't last long!!  Features include a two car side entry garage, a cul-de-sac location, a finished lower level with a walkout, hardwood flooring, generous room sizes, two full and two half bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a first floor laundry, two gas fireplaces and more!!!!

The stunning kitchen includes hardwood flooring, a breakfast area, lovely wood cabinets, a pantry, an island, a solid surface center, a walkout to the incredible yard and a planning desk. 

The formal dining room is perfect for entertaining family and friends.  It offers hardwood floors, a beautiful chandelier and chair rail.

The master suite will surely be a hit.  It's located on the second floor and offers wall to wall carpeting, an adjoining master bathroom, a walk-in closet, a dressing area and a fireplace.

Enjoy the finished lower level with all of it's space.  It includes a walkout and wall to wall carpeting.

This home is located in the Boone County School district and is convenient to shopping, the airport, churches and more!  For your private tour, contact us today!!

Residential Property SOLD in 2008  - 5,142 Units

Residential Property SOLD in 2009 - 4,852 Units

THIS TOTALS TO a -5.65% DECREASE from 2008

Average Price SOLD in 2008 - $160,531

Average Price SOLD in 2009 - $139,537

THIS TOTALS TO A -13.08% DECREASE from 2008

Median Price in 2008 - $132,000

Median Price in 2009 - $126,600

THIS TOTALS TO A -4.17% DECREASE from 2008

Total Dollar Volume for 2008 - $825,452,718

Total Dollar Volume for 2009 - $677,032,211

THIS TOTALS TO A -17.98 DECREASE in SALES VOLUME

Northern Kentucky got hit pretty hard the first part of 2009 until about mid-year.  Currently, the market is brisk due to the $8,000 and $6,500 tax deduction.  REMEMBER, now is an EXCELLENT time to buy!!  In order to take advantage of the tax credit you must have a SIGNED contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 2010.  Questions about the tax credit?  Click Here for more information!!!

For Northern Kentucky properties currently for sale, Click Here.

For The Mike Parker Team properties for sale, Click Here.

For Northern Kentucky properties currently for sale by SCHOOL DISTRICT, Click Here.

We can help you find any home in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area!!  Contact Us today!!

•Box it up right – Begin by stowing away the holiday décor in well-marked and sorted boxes. Try using empty wine cartons (you can probably get them free from your local liquor store) for fragile ornaments, and buy a few plastic storage cases that can be stacked and stored out of the way.

•Make some lists – Add any new names to your card and gift list, so that you are ready for next year.

•Get a new calendar – first, transfer in all birthdays and other important dates you want to be sure to remember.

•Schedule it – then begin scheduling annual medical, dental and veterinarian appointments for the family and pets, and note any other dates you want to remember, such as car maintenance, registration times, etc.

•Get it on sale – Get a head start on next year by taking advantage of after-holiday sales on wrapping paper, cards and gifts.

•Budget for next year – Take a look at your receipts to see how much you spent this year; then divide by twelve and begin a savings plan to help you get there stress-free.

•Hidden agenda – Designate a private spot for storing gifts you buy when they are on sale during the year. Keep a note in your wallet listing what you buy and for whom.

•Be tax ready – Create a folder or storage box for all receipts, check stubs, and other materials you will need when tax season rolls around. Make this the year you throw everything into the designated file or box.

•Be car ready – Keep a box in your trunk to hold blankets, umbrellas, diapers, flashlight and anything else you may want to have handy in an emergency.

•Check on your resolutions – Keep a written list of what you want to accomplish this year: losing weight, eating better, exercising, or even being more organized. Check the list each month to see how well you are doing.

While it seems impossible at times, staying organized is simpler than you think—and the rewards are tremendous—so forward these great tips to your family and friends. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2010 and be sure to e-mail me for any real estate-related assistance you may need in the New Year.

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Did you also know that *87% of home-buyers search the Internet for a new home, 38 million people search the internet each month for real estate information and *1 in 3 buyers find the home they end up buying on the Internet!!!  By distributing your listing information to a wide array of premier consumer real estate websites, we are making sure we are maximizing every opportunity to attract potential  qualified buyers to the table!!

*Data taken from the 2008 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

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Interested in selling?  Click Here for a complimentary Current Market Analysis.