The Senate yesterday approved an amendment to extend the closing deadline for the homebuyer tax credit to September 30, 2010 for contracts signed by April 30, 2010.  The tax credit provision is part of the jobs and tax package that both chambers must still vote on before it becomes law.  If passed, homebuyers under contract prior to April 30th , will now have until September 30th to close, instead of the prior deadline of June 30th.  Stay tuned! Ben BannisterSunTrust Mortgage. 410-715-3285 Ben.Bannister@SunTrust.com

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has implemented more stringent procedures to which lenders must adhere in order to receive financing approval from the FHA. While this program has been in force since October 1, 2009, many Realtors and their buyer and seller clients are only now beginning to experience the uncompromising impact on their ability to purchase or sell.If you are considering selling your condo you would be well-advised to be proactive and work with your Realtor to get the information necessary from your Condo Management Company to determine if your Condominium development meets the criteria required for approval by FHA.

“Our good news is that we put in an offer on a house - they countered and we accepted! It is a great house and has all the features we wanted.

Louise (the agent you referred us to) was great. She really helped us focus on what we wanted and made the process of looking at so many houses manageable. Without her we would have settled on something so-so.” Kriste P.

(background: Kriste and Robert had engaged my services to list and sell their home when they decided to relocate to the Sacramento area from Baltimore. I asked a lot of questions and then got busy with my detective work to uncover the best possible Realtor for them in Sacramento; one that would match the level of professionalism and service that I would be providing in Baltimore.)

Today, I call upon you to walk with me on a journey in search of the keys to some very significant doors – doors of opportunity and hope for some very special people. Let’s see what we can do about Opening Doors to educational opportunities for children who just need a helping hand to make it!

Let’s Open Doors to affordable housing for our senior citizens – parents and grandparents – who have made it their mission to make our community a safe and good place for us to come home to.

And remember your fellow REALTORS®. Always play fair; keep the doors of communication open, being careful not to let the door slam shut on friendly relations and cooperation.

Have you opened a door of opportunity or hope for someone? Share your story here as an inspiration to me and others!

I DO! My work puts me at the heart of the community, in touch – day by day, year after year – with people in search of community. I work hard to be an expert at listening; striving always to be responsive to what is important to those who choose to live here and grow their families here.

I believe that each one of us holds the key to a door of hope for someone – perhaps in ways we’ve never before considered. I pray each day that my gifts, talents, my professional business acumen, and all the choices I make from moment to moment, will contribute mightily to the quality of life in my community … and beyond.

Did you know you that you can subscribe to a FREE SERVICE on my website and when a new listing hits the market that matches your saved search criteria you will be among the first to know about it?

It’s simple to set up. While on my website (www.ClickRick.com) click MLS Search. At the top right of the page CLICK the SIGN-UP button, complete the form with your search criteria and start packin’!

Welcome to Rick LaRocca’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Columbia. Visit my website at http://RLAROCCA.topproducerwebsite.com.