Paul Dumke

Open House in Chikaming Township on Sunday

Paul Dumke — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:10:00 GMT

Chikaming Township, Berrien County - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 4175 Weechik Rd. on March 14 from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM.

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Home, Garden, and Leisure Show, L.M.C. Mendal Center Benton Harbor, Michigan

Paul Dumke — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:16:00 GMT

The 2010 show will be March 19th - 21st.

Sunday March 21st. 11:30 - 12:30 I will be holding a workshop titled "Buying a Home in Today's Market"

It will cover the buying process, buyer tax credits, inspections, and puchasing foreclosed / short sale properties.

Be sure to attend for tons of free information and hand outs.

Contact me for more information or visit www.swmhomeshow.com

Paul Dumke ABR, E-Pro

Chairman of Public Relations and Treasurer Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors.

269-921-1125 cell

SWMIRealtor@gmail.com

www.BerrienCountyProperties.com

Lot / Land For Sale in Bridgman

Paul Dumke — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:14:00 GMT

Public water and sewer.

• lot / land - MLS® $49,900

Bridgman, Berrien County - Attractive 2 acre building site in Lake Twp. Public water and sewer available.
Close to Weko Beach, golf, wineries, in a rural setting.

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Single Story For Sale in Oronoko Township

Paul Dumke — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:19:00 GMT

• 876 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® $94,900

Oronoko Township, Berrien County - Adorable ready to live in home with great rolling views. Home features two porches, main floor laundry, newer drywall, siding, flooring, windows, heating-a/c, bath, septic system, and two car garage. Taxes are reasonable. Home has city water. Many finacing options available and could qualify for the home buyer tax credit.

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Single Story For Sale in Coloma

Paul Dumke — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:26:00 GMT

• 1,614 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $164,900

Coloma, Berrien County - This home and property has a lot to offer! Main floor laundry, fireplaces, large rooms, wood floors, multi level decks, fenced back yard, hot tub, awesome landscaping, paved circle drive that also leads to the heated pole barn, all on almost two acres. Home is very clean and been kept updated.

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1 1/2 Story For Sale in Bridgman

Paul Dumke — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:57:00 GMT

• 2,300 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story "4th bed upstairs started" - MLS® $225,000

Bridgman, Berrien County - Very nicely remodeled home with newer addition. Newer cabinets, Corian counters, heat/ac, bay windows and large deck with suspended umbrella system just for starters. Master bed 14x18, bath 10x11, 7x5 jetted tub/shower, 8x11 walkin closet. 4th bed started in upstairs. Sprinkler system, 40x64 pole barn w/heat & a/c in shop area, lofts, large sliding and overhead doors. Shop currently houses welding shop. Public water/sewer and great tax base in this Township.

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Price Reduced on 4175 Weechik Rd. in Chikaming Township

Paul Dumke — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:23:00 GMT

Chikaming Township, Berrien County - Announcing a price reduction on 4175 Weechik Rd., a 1,273 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm ranch "Brick". Now MLS® $134,900 - .

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Commercial For Sale in Niles

Paul Dumke — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:23:00 GMT

• 8,930 sq. ft. commercial - MLS® $225,000 - 1.68 acres high traffic

Niles, Berrien County - Prime 1.68 acre commercial opportunity. Complete 8930sqft. restaurant, bar, dining, buffet areas, and banquet room downstairs. Includes equipment, but no liquor lic. Property is 1.68 acres total with addnl. parcel. Road frontage is 264ft. on 11th, 515ft. Cherry, 132ft Ninth, 53ft. Cherry. Building/land has great potential for many uses. Own your own city block! Seller may consider Land Contract.

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Price Reduced on 2999 Pagoda Dr. in Stevensville Village

Paul Dumke — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:00 GMT

Stevensville Village, Berrien County - Announcing a price reduction on 2999 Pagoda Dr., a 2 bath, 2 bdrm 1 1/2 story. Now MLS® $79,900 - Close to Lake MI.

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1 1/2 Story For Sale in Bridgman

Paul Dumke — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:55:00 GMT

• 1,813 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story - MLS® $182,000

Bridgman, Berrien County - Very nice unique design Bridgman home with main floor master w/whirlpool tub, cathedral celings, upper loft, eat in kitchen w/double oven, large bedrooms, heat pump, wood/tile floors and more. Home sits on a very attractive lot with underground sprinkers and a fenced back yard.
Minutes from Weko Beach, Wineries, and more. 90 minutes to Chicago.

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Lot / Land For Sale in Weesaw Township

Paul Dumke — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:50:00 GMT

25 Acres, 14 of woods

• lot / land - MLS® $209,000

Weesaw Township, Berrien County - 25 Acres include 14 acres of woods, pond, 7 tillable acres, 330' road frontage expanding to 660' width with electric & well currently installed & operating. Small septic, pumped in 2007. Improvements include new siding of 32x40 barn with water and electric + concrete floor, outside faucet at well, gravel driveway from street to barn + 40x70 pad adjacent to barn.

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First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit extended & expanded

Paul Dumke — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:17:00 GMT

Good news as of this afternoon 11/06/09.

The President signed the bill to extend and expand the buyer credit. Now even current home owners can benefit from it.

Here are the details.

TAX CREDIT OVERVIEW

Who Gets What?

First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

What are the Income Caps?

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

What is the Maximum Purchase Price?

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.

What is a Tax Credit?

A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by an individual to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the event no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 36 months of ownership, is no longer an individual’s primary residence.

How Much are First-Time Homebuyers (FTHB) Eligible to Receive?

An eligible homebuyer may request from the IRS a tax credit of up to $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price for a home. If the amount of the home purchased is $75,000, the maximum amount the credit can be is $7,500. If the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the amount of the credit may not exceed $8,000.

Who is Eligible fort FTHB Tax Credit?

Anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months, prior to closing and the transfer of title, is eligible.

This applies both to single taxpayers and married couples. In the case where there is a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in the last 36 months, neither would qualify. In the case where an individual has owned property that has not been a primary residence, such as a second home or investment property, that individual would be eligible.

As mentioned above, the tax credit has been expanded so that existing homeowners who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years are now eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500.

How Much are Current Home Owners Eligible to Receive?

The tax credit program includes a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Can Homebuyers Claim the Tax Credit in Advance of Purchasing a Property?

No. The IRS has recently begun prosecuting people who have claimed credits where a purchase had not taken place.

Can a Taxpayer Claim a Credit if the Property is Purchased from a Seller with Seller Financing and the Seller Retains Title to the Property?

Yes. In situations where the buyer purchases the property, even though the seller retains legal title, the taxpayer may file for the credit. Some examples of this would include a land contract or a contract for deed.

According to the IRS, factors that would demonstrate the ownership of the property would include:

1. Right of possession,
2. Right to obtain legal title upon full payment of the purchase price,
3. Right to construct improvements,
4. Obligation to pay property taxes,
5. Risk of loss,
6. Responsibility to insure the property, and
7. Duty to maintain the property.

Are There Other Restrictions to Taking the FTHB Credit?

Yes. According to the IRS, if any of the following describe a homebuyer’s situation, a credit would not be due:

They buy the home from a close relative. This includes a spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild. (Please see the question below for details regarding purchases from “step-relatives.”)
They do not use the home as your principal residence.
They sell their home before the end of the year.
They are a nonresident alien.
They are, or were, eligible to claim the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer credit for any taxable year. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
Their home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
They owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase of your new home. For example, if you bought a home on July 1, 2008, you cannot take the credit for that home if you owned, or had an ownership interest in, another principal residence at any time from July 2, 2005, through July 1, 2008.

Can Homebuyers Purchase a Home from a Step-Relative and Still be Eligible for the Credit?

Yes. As long as the person they buy the home from is not a direct blood relative, the purchase would be allowed.

If a Parent (Who Will Not Live In The Property) Cosigns for a Mortgage, Will Their Child Still be Eligible for the Credit?

Yes, provided that the child meets the other requirements for the tax credit.

Please contact me if you have questions or are ready to buy or sell.

Paul Dumke

Real Estate Consultant

Core Real Estate

269-921-1125

SWMIRealtor@gmail.com

Ranch For Sale in Chikaming Township

Paul Dumke — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:05:00 GMT

Country Setting

• 1,273 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm ranch "Brick" - MLS® $138,000

Chikaming Township, Berrien County - Harbor Country brick ranch with newer kitchen, heating, water heater, 200 amp service. Features include wood/carpeted flooring, two stone fireplaces, Everdry system with transferable warranty, partially finished basement, and fenced park like back yard. Minutes from Beaches, Casino, and Wineries. Easy access to I94 at Sawyer.

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Price Reduced on 2999 Pagoda Dr. in Stevensville Village

Paul Dumke — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:35:00 GMT

Stevensville Village, Berrien County - Announcing a price reduction on 2999 Pagoda Dr., a 2 bath, 2 bdrm 1 1/2 story. Now MLS® $83,900 - Close to Lake MI.

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Southwest Michigan Real Estate Market

Paul Dumke — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:44:00 GMT

The colors are changing in our corner of the state, the air chillier, the grapes are being harvested, Fall is here.

The Real Estate market here appears to have hit bottom and has the slightest upward movement.

Unit sales have been up due to incentives and just plain old "good deals". The Commercial sector has been somewhat busy, offering investment opportunity.

Residential range up to $150,000 is where the first time buyers are cherry picking the market.

Many opportunities awaite the second home buyers, especially in the next six months. Many current owners are looking to shed the extra expenses of the retreats.

Harbor Country and Southwest Lower Michigan's Lakes, Wineries, and charm are sure to assist values up quicker than other surrounding areas.

Paul Dumke

Real Estate Consultant

269-921-1125