Loudoun Real Estate Blog

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. This is a great opportunity for first-time home buyers. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. The home buyer is required to repay the credit to the government without interest over 15 years or whenever they sell the house. First-time home buyer is defined in the law as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. There are income limitations but even so those buyers would be eligible for partial tax credits. All buyers are encouraged to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional to fully understand the benefits and limitations.

After a relatively active real estate market over the summer, it seems everything came to a halt in September-at least in the upper price ranges. The market data confirms this. According to the Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc.-MLS Resale Data, in the Ashburn zip code of 20147 during the period from 9/01/08-9/30/08 there were 24 active listings over $800,000 and not one sold during that time. Overall in the 20147 zip code there were 310 active listings with 59 selling during the month of September which basically represents a little over 5 months of inventory.

The Sterling/Potomac Falls zip code of 20165 fared a little better. During the period of 9/1/08-9/30/08, there were 167 active listings with 33 homes selling during the same time period. This represents a 5 month invenotry.  Unlike Ashburn, the upper price ranges did still have some activity in September. During the month of September, there were 6 active listings in the 20165 zip code listed above $800,000 with two homes selling during that time over $800,000.

Hopefully, things will settle down and activity will pick up over the next few months. There definitely are some great buys out there.