For Buyers

Choosing a Real Estate Broker

Moving Tips Checklist

Disclosure

Information on First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Choosing a Real Estate Broker
Buying a home in Santa Fe is a solid investment that can last a lifetime. That's why it's important to work with a brokerage company that can offer professional advice about homes, architecture, neighborhoods, schools, and all the other amenities you'll need to make your home-buying experience easier.

Before you shop for a home, it's wise to shop around for a REALTOR® . Ask for references from previous clients and consider these questions:

• Do you like the real estate company?
• Does the REALTOR® have sufficient time to show you homes and the neighborhood?
• Does the REALTOR® really listen to you and answer your questions
• Does he or she demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Santa Fe and your needs?

At City Different Realty, it's our job to make sure that our clients can answer "Yes" to all of these questions. With our combined experience and resources, our brokers can give you and your family the information you need to make a sound decision about the kind of home you'll feel most comfortable in, in the neighborhood that best suits your needs. Give us a call. We'd love to help you move to Santa Fe.

Moving Tips Checklist
Moving can be a challenging experience. We’'ve compiled a handy check list of details that need to be dealt with:

• Change-of-address notifications
  1) The Post Office: Fill out their change-of-address card
  2) Notify friends and family, via e-mail or telephone.
  3) Notify credit card companies
  4) Magazines - fill out change-of-address for all subscriptions.
  5) Notify your bank(s) of change of address. If you have a checking account, order checks with new address.
  6) Social Security recipients need to notify the government.
  7) Inform your insurance companies.
  8) Inform the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  
• Change-of-address for services
  1) Inform service companies (water, gas, electricity, fuel, telephone, cable television, Internet, etc.)
  2) Inform delivery services: newspaper, diapers, etc. of your new address and start date.
  
• Health-related
  - If you are moving to another city, ask doctors and dentists for referrals.
  - Arrange to have medical records & birth certificates transferred to your new doctor and dentist.
  - Arrange to have prescriptions transferred to your new pharmacy.
  - Arrange to have your pets' medical records tranferred.
  
• School, Civic, & Religious
  - Arrange to have your child's records transfered.
  - Transfer membership in your church & civic organizations, chamber of commerce.
  
• Home & Hearth
  - Check your home for any small unattached units and fixtures (shelving, lighting, outlet plates, extension cords, mirrors, wall hooks, etc.) that you want to take with you.
  - Empty and defrost your refrigerator - make plans to use up or give away food.
  - Double-check rooms, closets, drawers, shelves, outdoor areas, basement, and the garage to make sure you've taken everything.
  
• Traveling to your new home.
  - If you are driving to your new home, be sure your car is mechanically sound.
  - If driving, map out your travel route. AAA has maps and trip planning. Let friends or a family member know your travel itinerary.
  - Pack clothing you'll need for the drive, toys for the kids, fragile and valuables you want to move yourself.
  - Set aside jewelry, records, important documents, cash, and other items you'll carry with you.
  - Arrange for pets' transportation if they aren't travelling with you.
  - Make sure you have enough cash & traveler's checks to cover you on your way to your new home.
  - Leave old house keys with a neighbor or real estate agent.
  - Before you leave the driveway, make sure everyone is in the car - including all kids, pets, and spouses.

Disclosure

Click here to download the Disclosure Statement. (PDF file, 30k)

The disclosure lists items that are matters which may affect real estate in Santa Fe County.  This list is intended to be a helpful reminder of issues that may develop in the process of the purchase or sale of real property.  It is not intended to be a comprehensive list as rules, forms and practices regularly change. It is recommended that you retain the services of property inspectors, surveyors, legal or tax advisors and other professionals to satisfy yourself as to any and all aspects of the property and the relevance of the issues listed in this document.

Information on First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act TAX CREDIT - EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009

Amount: Maximum credit amount increased to $8000

Eligible Property: All principal residences eligible

Refundable: Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.

Income Limit: Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).

First-time Homebuyer Only: Available for first-time purchasers only. Three year rule continues to apply.

Repayment: No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and Before December 1, 2009.

Recapture: If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.

Termination: December 1, 2009

For more information about the first time buyer tax credit, click the link: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/homebuyer_tax_credit

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