Summer is off to a quick start this year.  The calendar page hadn’t even turned to June and we’ve had several days in the 80′s.  With the clouds away for a few months now is a great time to begin searching for a home if you’re thinking about purchasing.  As previously mentioned in my First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit post, the Federal Government is now offering an $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit.  The tax credit is literally free money people!  A first time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the past 3 years.  If you don’t meet this qualification, I’m sure you know someone who does.

Here are some great reason to buy in 2009

Historically low interest rates: Despite what you may have heard in recent weeks, mortgage rates are still at all time lows.  Mortgage rates below 6% only come around every 10 years or so.  To see them in the sub-5% range is even more of a rarity.  First time homebuyers can fit a larger purchase price into their personal budget when interest rates are low.

Historically low home prices: We are definitely beginning to see a great amount of movement of home purchases in the Willamette Valley this year, but we are still have plenty of homeowners with the need to sell.  The inventory of homes on the market is greater than ever which makes it a perfect buyer’s market.

Loan programs designed for first time homebuyers: There are several programs that have been designed and adjusted for first time homebuyers (although they are not necessarily exclusive for first time homebuyers).  The FHA home loan program only requires a down payment of 3.5%.  FHA also offers a rehabilitation home loan which allows borrowers to finance up to $35,000 of improvements.

Free money: The $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit is definitely a once in a life time opportunity.  The tax credit is only available for those who purchase before November 30th, 2009.  There are a few important steps to buying your first home, so it’s best to get prequalified now to know if you can take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

If you want to discuss how you can take advantage of this market then contact me today.  If you don’t qualify as a first time hombuyer i’m sure you have friends or family who do and should get the education they need to learn about this epic time.

Bishop building - 145 Liberty St Salem, OR 97301 - Future site of Bishop's Grocery and Deli

There has been a new revealing in recent weeks of a much needed grocery development in downtown Salem.  Owner and developer of the Bishop Building located at 145 Liberty St in downtown Salem, Scott McKinney, is planning a summer opening of Bishop’s Grocery and Deli.

As many of the downtown residential developments are at or begin to near completion, this grocery/deli project will fill a gap for those looking to reside in the core of Salem.  Scott McKinney and business partner Roy Carmen are also responsible for several redevelopment of historic buildings in downtown Salem which have created mixed use (residential/commercial) properties for sale or lease.  Other notable residential projects that will benefit from the grocery store will be The Rivers Condos, 295 Church St, and The Meridian.

The continuous growth and development of the downtown area is encouraging.  The community in our beautiful and historic downtown area is thriving with successful restaurants, boutiques, and businesses.  The development of Bishop’s Grocery and Deli will only strengthen the synergy of the residential living in downtown Salem.  I know I’m excited to check it out!

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As the beautiful sun begins to show itself again we are refreshed with thoughts of summer activities. It’s always fun to stay around the Salem area when the weekends roll around. A growing trend in our community is the weekly visitation to the Wednesday Farmer’s Market or the Salem Saturday Market. These two markets offer a great opportunity to buy locally grown food and support local small businesses.

Saturday Market Gang (courtesy P. Lopez)

A few weeks ago K and I decided it would be fun to venture down with M&N to walk around the Saturday Market. We saw a Facebook update from a friend saying they were going to be there as well. When we arrived the place was packed. We’ve visited the market several times in recent years, but this year the market really seems to have taken off. We texted our friends and ended up running into about 6 families we knew. We thought it’d be fun to grab a quick photo of our gang.

Salem Saturday Market
Every Saturday April through October 9am-3pm state parking lot at the corner of Summer and Marion Streets NE
Wednesday Farmers’ Market
Every Wednesday May through October 10am to 2pm Chemeketa Street NE between High and Liberty Streets

If you have not been to the Salem Saturday Makret or the Wednesday Farmers’ market, you are missing out! Spring is in the air and the harvests are plenty. These two markets give us plenty of opportunity to purchase healthy locally grown fruits and vegetables.

The mission of Salem Saturday Market is to provide growers of agricultural products, producers of locally prepared foods, artisans and crafters with the opportunity, services and sites to market their products; to provide all members of our community with a vibrant gathering place; and to strengthen and encourage community support of local, sustainable agriculture in order to help preserve the Willamette Valley’s unique agricultural heritage.