The Mesquite Nevada Real Estate Blog

Mesquite NV Home for Sale with Courtyard and Casita
Sunset Greens Gated Community Golfcourse Views RV Parking

Lakeridge Home with Casita and Gated Courtyard in Mesquite NV Golfcourse Community

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:24:00 -0400

Lakeridge Home for sale in north Mesquite NV Golfcourse Community - Gated Courtyard with Hot Tub - 515 Greens Way - Mesquite Homes with Casitas are available in several of our golf course communities. The casita in this home for sale is separate from the house with it's own entrance to the walled courtyard - great for a mother in law unit or guest cottage.

Place your mouse on the slide show pictures for a description!

Mesquite NV Home for Sale with Courtyard and Casita

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats

$400,000 Single Family Home
For Sale Main Features 5 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2761 sqft
Lot: 0.28 acre(s)
Location

515 Greens Way
Mesquite, NV 89027

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Virginia Hepp

Virginia Hepp - REALTOR
(702) 622-1177
vhepp@rconnects.com
http://www.mesquitehomesandcondos.com

Listed by: ERA Brokers Consolidated

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Mesquite NV Listings Are "Hot" in The Summer - Is Your Home the "Cool" One?

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:41:16 -0400

Is your Mesquite NV home listed for sale? Summer temperatures in Mesquite can get up over 110 degrees or more - in fact, count on it! Many of our home buyers are from up north and are not used to our heat. Make sure your home is ready to show and turn down the air conditioning so that the buyers want to stay in the home long enough to really see it - there are many competing listings in Mesquite.

Leesa Finley has some good tips for having your home for sale really ready to show:

Via Leesa L. Finley, REALTOR®/RE Strategist Wake Forest NC Real Estate and Area Info (Circa Properties - Your Wake Forest NC Homes Specialist):

Showings Are "Hot" in The Summer - Is Your Home the "Cool" One?

If your home is currently on the market then this is a post for YOU! While I am SURE your Realtor® prepared you for what to do when you have scheduled showings like lights on, soft music, etc there are some special touches that you can do for a showing in the summer that just might make your home stand out!

Summer conjures up memories of cookouts, swimming pools, lemonade and fireflies......so, why not get the buyer that will be previewing your home in the right frame of mind?

Be sure you have some "punched up" flower power for when the buyer first shows up! Whether it be some fresh new plantings around the mailbox or some bright potted flowers on the porch you just can't ignore the visual of flowers!

Is your doormat fresh and clean? If you have one that indicates you have pets - remove it. Instead, opt for a crisp, clean straw mat in perhaps a summer color that coordinates well with other attributes of your exterior. (shutter colors, front door color, etc)

Open all the blinds so that buyers have a clear view of the front and back yards. Let the sun shine in! (don't forget to clean your windows!)

Make sure your air conditioner is set to a very cool temperature! Like my friend Pat Kennedy mentioned you want it CHILLY in your home for showings!

If you have scents in your home you may want to go for a summer scent such as a citrus smell, a crisp herb smell such as basil or even a light honeysuckle scent.

Offering a light snack? Many sellers do! If so, opt for a lighter snack such as a lemon cookie (instead of chocolate chip) and some small bottled waters or a pitcher of lemonade! Don't forget to offer some napkins as well!

Show off your deck and grilling area! If you have a table on your deck be sure to have the umbrella opened and the table staged. Yes, stage the table on the deck! Outdoor serverware is perfect for getting the buyer to visualize what it might be like to sit on the deck and have a late summer afternoon dinner.

Have a large yard? Show it off! You may want to consider a soccer net or a Bocce Ball area.

Do swimming pool? If so, make sure it is crystal clear and stage the decking area with clean and well maintained chairs!

Choose your music wisely. It's always wonderful to have soft music playing in the background when your home is being shown. Light jazz or blues is always a safe choice!

Show off your homes BEST assets and how comfortable it is in the hot summer months! The more you can get a buyer in the mood and "living in your home" the better the chance you have that it will stand out when compared against others they have seen!

If you are considering putting your home for sale in Wake Forest NC I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you! As a top real estate agent in Wake Forest NC I have the resources, network and skills to get your home sold in the quickest time frame with the least amount of stress and for the highest amount. Feel free to visit my website, Wake Forest NC House Chick, to research me! You can also call me at 919-649-6128 or simply send me an email - it's just that easy!

To keep up with all the latest on the Wake Forest NC Real Estate Market you just can't miss my Facebook Fan Page - Wake Forest NC House Chick!

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area! I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home! For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....

Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Beaver Dam & Scenic AZ - Chicago Style Hot Dog Stand - Have Dogs will Travel

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:46:41 -0400

Britt and John live in Scenic Arizona and have an interesting hobby - a traveling hot dog stand. Coming off the I-15 exit to Beaver Dam AZ on my way to the post office, I saw the red umbrella and the red Hot Dogs sign right by the side of the road, all by itself. Hot dogs happen to be one of my very favorite home cooked meals, so I pulled over.

I rolled down the window and called out, "I'll take one!" The man said, "OK, let me steam the bun, you want everything on it, right?"

"No, just mustard - lots of mustard."

He actually stopped and stared at me for a moment, kind of indignantly. The lady beside him started laughing.

Then she explained. John is from Chicago and knows what a good hot dog is. These are Vienna beef hot dogs, flown in from Chicago, then they are steamed (NOT boiled), and they are NOT usually served with "just mustard."

"Well, what usually comes on it?"

Onions, neon green relish (also flown in from Chicago), cucumbers, tomatoes, celery salt and of course, mustard.

I have been doing it wrong all of these years.

Sometimes Britt and John park by the side of the road if there is an event nearby, some weekends they will be at the Scenic General Store in Littlefield AZ. Wherever they are, they usually start around 11:00 am and are sold out by 2:00 pm. One day, while working their stand at the Scenic General Store, a gentleman tried one of these hot dogs and asked them to come sell them at his store in California - so John and Britt will be in Santa Clara for the rest of June.

They also do catering and private parties - think about that for your next Super Bowl party.

OK, I confess. I got 2 hot dogs, not one. And I ate them both on my way home to Mesquite, which is only about 10 miles from Beaver Dam. They were good. Very good. Too good to share with Mikey, who was riding around with me.

He is still mad at me.

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Memorial Day - 300 Soldiers Came Home from Afghanistan Last Night

Mon, 31 May 2010 23:49:46 -0400

My husband is a Vietnam Vet who made it home safely years ago - My son in law, Dave is a Seabee who came home from Afghanistan last month. Last night 300 soldiers came home from Afghanistan to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Co.

And one of those 300 is my son in law. Welcome home, Larry, we are so glad you are home safe.

Thank you to all of the members of our military and their families.

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Mesquite NV - My most often stolen Picture - Can you see the duck?

Mon, 10 May 2010 01:13:20 -0400

I took this picture from someone's balcony - I was taking BPO pics of the one next door and turned around and saw a duck walking across the golf course - not unusual, but it was in the very hot summer of 2008, ducks aren't usually hanging around until after the golfers go home or to wherever golfers go when they aren't golfing. The lone duck was heading to the pond.

I first published it on my website in June 2008, also on my blog, also on Localism. It is actually still on my camera memory with those BPO pics - I can't figure out how to delete that file.

The first thief was an Active Rain member, who had it tagged as Sun City Mesquite. Not even close, a whole different area, whole different zip code. (Still on their website)

This picture, has turned up all over the place - I have seen it on Realtor blogs, websites, golf online mags.....

It is not even that good, just my point and shoot Canon. The zoom distorted it.

And you can't even see the duck.

Well, I know it was there.

I am waiting until it gets stolen a few more times, then I am going to file a reverse class action lawsuit for copyright infringement. :)

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Homes with Casitas Mesquite NV Southwestern guest cottages - Lakeridge Golfcourse Community

Fri, 21 May 2010 05:46:41 -0400

Homes with a Casita - Lakeridge in Mesquite NV - Southwestern guest homes - Casitas are popular in Mesquite NV and in several of the southwestern states. Used as a guest cottage, mother-in-law residence or even a home office - a casita is a well liked feature in Mesquite and found in homes in several gated golfcourse subdivisions including Lakeridge golfcourse community. Sometimes detached from the home and across a courtyard from the main home with a separate entrance, a casita allows guests to have privacy and come and go without disturbing the occupants of the main home.

Some subdivisions like Sun City Mesquite and Vista Del Monte also offer floor plans with a choice of a casita or a 3rd car garage. Some casitas are built under the main roof line but still have a separate entrance, usually near the front of the home or within an enclosed courtyard - some have a casita under as a separate unit. A few of the more expensive custom home subdivisions like Calais have homes with 2 separate casitas.

Casitas usually have a separate heating and air conditioning unit, allowing the guest to be comfortable, as well as giving the homeowner the opportunity to save expense on utilities while the unit is not occupied.

Some folks use their casita as an office, or as a mother-in-law studio apartment. Mesquite does not allow an actual stove/range for cooking, but many come with a sink, small fridge and microwave.

One of my friends used theirs for their noisy daughter while she was in college. How do they study with that music blaring?

A casita can be a small room with just room for a bedroom set with a small closet and bathroom, or it can be as big as a studio apartment, such as the one shown in the following video. The extra square footage is not always reflected on the Clark county assessor site, especially with Sun City Mesquite and Lakeridge homes - so you should be careful to include it while shopping for homeowner insurance.

This casita across a courtyard belongs to an upcoming listing in the Lakeridge golf course community in Mesquite NV.

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Mesquite NV Gated Golf Course Community - Copper Bluffs Subdivision

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:30:04 -0400

Copper Bluffs is a small gated golf course subdivision on the north side of Mesquite Nevada, situated in the bluffs between the Palmer and Canyon Crest Golf Course, right above the Oasis Golf Club - home of the Big Break Mesquite show on the Golf Channel.

With less than 150 homes in this community, Copper Bluffs is the lowest priced gated subdivision in Mesquite Nevada.

The Home Owner Association Fees are only about $100 per month and includes maintainance of the frontyard landscaping, community park and community areas.

Pride of ownership shows through out this small gated community with well kept yards and mature landscaping.

Mostly single story homes, with square footage from 1088 to 2148, current prices range from $184,900 to $354,900.

The homeowners have voted to make Copper Bluffs all owner-occupied homes and there is currently just a few bank owned foreclosure properties in this small golf course community.

As part of the Mesquite Vistas development, all homeowners can swim, play tennis, workout, or host a special event in the Oasis Golf Clubhouse.

The homeowners in Copper Bluffs enjoy some of the prettiest views in Mesquite. Depending on where the home is situated, the homeowners might view the southern and eastern mountains, rugged desert bluffs, or expansive golf course views.

Mesquite NV Homes for Sale in Copper Bluffs - Gated Golf Course Community

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Sunset Greens Mesquite NV Gated Golfcourse Community - Low HOA fees & RV Parking

Wed, 19 May 2010 03:12:51 -0400

Sunset Greens is a gated golfcourse community in Mesquite NV with low HOA fees, located in the southwest corner of the city - kind of in a world all of it's own. Like the neighborhoods on the North side of Mesquite, it is surrounded by the Casablanca golfcourse and situated with views of the surrounding mountains and rugged bluffs of the desert mountains....

Sunset Greens has integrated townhomes and single family residences with curving streets that wind through the subdivision allowing private fenced backyards and secluded covered patios. There are about 200 homes in this development and yet it feels like a smaller subdivision.

With 2 Separate Gated Pools and Spas for adults and children, this friendly, yet private community is a perfect location for adults or families. The kids can swim in the kid friendly gated pool or shoot some baskets on the small court next to a picnic area.

Adults can have a little quiet time relaxing by the adults only gated pool and spa area.

Walking trails with paths through the lush green grass and mature landscaping are located throughout the subdivision with occasional benches and picnic tables under shady trees.

Pets are welcome in Sunset Greens - the walking trails are pet friendly, too - pet stops with plastic bags and garbage cans along the paths make walking your dog feel like a day in the park. Keep them on a leash while off your property and be sure to pick up after them.

The lush green lawns and mature landscaping in the front and back yards and the common areas are maintained by the Homeowners Association and included in the low monthly HOA fee of $140.

Structural insurance is also included in the Homeowners Association fee.

The Gated RV & Boat Parking Lot within Sunset Greens is for residents only. Nice place to park your RV or Boat for a small monthly fee - registration is required.

Sunset Greens residents also get a discount on golf at the Casablanca golfcourse which surrounds the subdivision and affords some beautiful golfcourse views from many of the homes and townhomes. A discount is also available at the Casablanca Casino Resort - sorry, no discount on the slot machines or table games!

All homes and townhomes in Sunset Greens have 2 car attached garages and fenced back yards with covered back patios to enjoy our year round barbecue weather. Town Homes with Pool and park views are available, as well as the mountain and golfcourse views, depending on the location of the home within the subdivision. All landscaping is maintained by the Homeowners Association and included in the HOA fees.

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

$8000 or $6500 Tax Credit Still Available to Qualified Service Members

Wed, 19 May 2010 02:53:06 -0400

The deadline for the IRS $8,000 or $6500 tax credit has passed for most of us. But what about the members of the military who were stationed overseas or were not sure if they would be?

There is still time for "qualified service members" to take advantage of this program.

Thanks, Utah Dave, for providing this reminder to our military service members that they can still get this tax credit.

And thank you to our service men and to their families for their sacrifice and dedication to our country.

Via Utah Dave and Utah Homes for Sale (Robison & Company Real Estate):

We have passed the dealine for the $8,000/$6,500 tax credit. What now? There is still money available!

There is still time for "qualified service members" to take advantage of the program. The government has extended the tax credit to April 30, 2011 for any "member of the uniformed services of the U.S. military, a member of the Foreign Services of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community."

This extension is to honor the sacrifice and services these individuals have provided for our country. It is also in consideration of the possibility that these individuals were stationed oversees during the tax credit and have had no opportunity to take advantage of the program.

Because of the nature of their service there has been an additional modification to the tax credit. Those who receive their $8,000/$6,500 tax credit must remain in the home they purchased for at least three years. If they move out before the three year period they will be required to repay a portion of the tax credit. This restriction does not apply to qualified service members if their early move is the result of government orded service. The income restrictions of the previous credit still apply. For more information about these financial and circumstantial restrictions see my other blog about the tax credit qualifications.

If you were able to get under contract before the deadline and will close before June 30th be sure to claim the credit on your federal income tax return. There is a specific IRS Form that will help you determine how much money you will be credited. It is important to talk with your tax advisor to ensure you submit the form correctly and get your tax credit.

Congratulations to all those who were able to get into a home with the assistance of the tax credit.

Also a very big thank you to all our service members who do so much to protect our freedoms!

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Sunset Greens Mesquite NV Town Homes for Sale Gated Golfcourse Community

Fri, 14 May 2010 02:13:30 -0400

Sunset Greens in Mesquite NV is a gated Golf Course Community with single family homes and townhomes for sale. RV and Boat Parking, 2 Pools - one for adults only, pet friendly walking trails, lush lawns and mature landscaping - front and fenced back yards are maintained by the Homeowner's Association - a great subdivision for a second home or retirement home. Residents get discounts for golf and preferred tee times at the Casablanca Golf Club and the Casablanca Casino.

Move your mouse over the slideshow below for a description of this town home for sale with golfcourse views.

Sunset Greens Gated Community Golfcourse Views RV Parking

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood

$215,000 Townhouse
For Sale Main Features 2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1612 sqft
Lot: 0.10 acre(s)
Location

1228 Madrigal Dr
Mesquite, NV 89027

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Virginia Hepp

Virginia Hepp - REALTOR
(702) 622-1177
vhepp@rconnects.com
http://www.mesquitehomesandcondos.com

Listed by: ERA Brokers Consolidated

See more Mesquite, NV real estate for sale

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Mesquite NV - Hafen Park - Pet Friendly - Fishing on a Sunday afternoon

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:33:32 -0400

It's a desert out here but Hafen Park in Mesquite NV has more to offer than just a picnic area - we have fishing - real fish! And how do they get there? The city stocks the pond every month or so - trout in the winter and catfish in the warmer months. Mesquite has many parks, most are pet friendly all are kid friendly - I take my little poodle out to socialize at all of them. Mikey has a lot of friends in town.

This young man was pretty proud of his catch - a nice dinner sized trout - pass the lemon wedges!

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Conestoga Golfcourse - Sun City Mesquite - 50 - 55 + Active Adult Community

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:15:07 -0400

Conestoga Golf Course is located in Sun City Mesquite 55 plus community for Active Adults - a public course that is breathtaking and challenging. As my husband said when we played it - Conestoga is not an old man's golf course :) He thinks it will be as amazing as Wolf Creek Golfcourse. Residents of Sun City have exclusive use of the Pioneer Rec Center and VIP privileges - huge discounts on golf rates and the big bonus - preferred tee times! It is hard to get a good tee time in our busy winter season.

Conestoga Golfcourse in Sun City Mesquite Active Adult Community for 50 - 55 + residents

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Our Seabee is home from Afghanistan - Thanks for serving our country, Dave!

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 03:17:54 -0400

My son-in-law, Dave, is a Seabee and just got home from Afghanistan! Long trip home from an extended detail, but he finally arrived in Gulfport, Mississippi - he was tired from the trip, but so happy to be back home with his family.

The Seabees are only allowed to take 300 lbs in their gear when they are sent overseas. With the necessary tools, clothes, sleeping bag, guns and other work accessories, there is not much room left for personal things.

Most of the packages that the families send are full of food - snacks, cheese, baby wipes, chocolate, gum, socks, cigarettes.

Most people, even some in the armed forces, do not even know what a Seabee is.

The name Seabee comes from CB - Construction Battalion - they get dropped off with a group of Marines at remote places all over the war zones to build the bases or quarters for the rest of the military to live and work to defend our country. Dave didn't even know where he was at the time - in this detail, it was to build an outpost on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan

The Official Seabee Motto is "Construimus, Batuimus" - translated into English as "We Build, We Fight".

Another Seabee Motto:

With compassion for others, we build, we fight, for peace with freedom.

With willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once, the impossible takes a bit longer.

Miracles by appointment only.

What is a Seabee, anyway? What do they do?

From the website Operation: Seabees Knowledge -

'Seabees are trained for combat, but usually don't serve in front-line offensive operations, yet their weapons training and qualifications standards are very rigorous -- they are difinitely not support or rear-area personnel. Their specialty is erecting good things and neutralizing bad things, whether this is building roads leading inland from an amphibious assault beach or through a swamp, or sealing up caves containing enemy snipers, or laying water pipelines to serve parched areas, or building and improving hospitals and schools.

The level of ingenuity in solving open-ended problems while under fire, demonstrated by each generation of Seabees, is something of legend. Seabees routinely operate bulldozers or jackhammers while enemy bullets and shrapnel fly on their often-hellish worksites around the globe. They do so with the same courage and determination that Soldiers or Marines operate main battle tanks, or machine guns. The only difference is that their primary implements are "unconventional" as weapons go: They are construction tools.'

Welcome Home, Dave. Good job and thank you!

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative

Mesquite NV Short Sales and the IRS tax credit - a binding contract is needed

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:40:20 -0400

Mesquite NV Short sales and the 8000 first time buyer or 6500 repeat buyer tax credit - what constitutes a binding contract? A signed contract with both buyer and seller in agreement has usually been considered a binding contract. The deadline to have a binding sales agreement to qualify for the tax credit is April 30th. A short sale agreement is between the buyer and seller - the bank's approval of the short sale is a contingency. The question is:

Does IRS consider a short sale contract a binding contract?

Will IRS allow the buyer, who has a contingent contract on a short sale, to take the tax credit if the bank has not approved the sale, even if the transaction closes before the June 30 deadline?

Lola Audu asks the question on her article:

Racing to Meet the Deadline....What Constitutes a 'Binding Sales Agreement' when Your Short Sale Approval Occurs AFTER April 30th?

Via Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate:

I get a lot of e-mails. I'm sure most of you do too. However, from time to time, I'll click on an e-mail which looks like it may qualify as spam just out of sheer curiosity. This e-mail arrived courtesy of Wells Fargo, a company which is currently processing tons of short sales. It's excerpted below: (italicized bold portions are my additions)

********************************

April 30 is quickly approaching

The homebuyer tax credits have been pivotal in helping move inventory. At this time, it appears that the government will not offer another extension. Any first-time or move-up buyer who is interested in taking advantage of the tax credit must have a binding sales contract by April 30, 2010 - with the home purchase completed by June 30, 2010. Our team is ready and eager to help your clients meet this deadline.

Short Sales remain significant factors in today's marketplace, allowing more prospective buyers than ever to become homeowners. Because these transactions are more complex, it is imperative that real estate and lending professionals work efficiently as coordinated teams to help our customers. To this end Wells Fargo has created a step-by-step REALTOR® Short Sale Guide, which you can access here.

We are committed to accelerating the short sale process. In fact, for those loans we hold in our portfolio, we have already undertaken efforts to streamline the sales approval process. The majority of the loans we service, however, are owned by other investors. So in many cases, Wells Fargo must obtain the approval of the first and any second mortgage investors. Our goal in these situations is to move the process along as quickly as we can.

****************************

The Question?

Is the definition of a binding sales agreement referencing the agreement between the buyer and seller applicable when a bank must approve the sale for the transaction to close? In this case, the e-mail seems to intimate that the binding sales agreement includes their clearance of first and second mortgages.

A subsequent call to another senior loan officer confirmed my uneasy suspicion. This loan officer also agreed with the position that states that the sale is NOT binding until the bank signs off on it! There may be a significant disagreement about what constitutes a binding sales agreement for the purposes of the buyer's ability to legally claim the Tax Credit.

What's at Stake?

For the real estate community, a binding sales agreement occurs when there is a binding agreement between buyers and sellers. The approval by the mortgage company is viewed as merely another contingency to the contract.

If the alternate view expressed by some lenders is ever deemed to be the correct definition of a binding sales agreement, this could prove troublesome for many potential home buyers who are staking their claims on homes which will require short sale approvals that may not be delivered prior to April 30, 2010 although they have an agreement with the seller AND may be able to close prior to June 30, 2010.

Curious...

What are your thoughts on this? Has anyone explored this issue with the tax authorities?

Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.

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Virginia Hepp - REALTOR

Pet Friendly Mesquite NV

Homes - Townhomes - Condos for Sale

50 - 55 + Active Adult Communities

702 622-1177

vhepp@cascadeaccess.com

Buyer Representative