Quad Cities Favorite Realtor Lucky Lang April 2008 Call Lucky for all of your Quad-City Real Estate needs at (563) 676-9031 Copyright © 2008 Realty Times All Rights Reserved. What The Economic Stimulus Package Means To You   Since passed by overwhelming Capitol Hill majorities in January, there has been much talk regarding the economic stimulus package. Yes, it will cost $168 billion, but what does it actually do for individuals?       The stimulus package is designed to help the country moderate the worst effects of a slowing economy and perhaps even avoid a recession. The idea is to encourage spending and with more spending to increase economic activity. While the theory looks good on paper, it will likely take months or years to know if it actually works.      From a personal perspective the Mortgage Rates U.S. averages as of March 27, 2008: 30 yr. fixed:   5.85% 15 yr. fixed:   5.34% 1 yr. adj:        5.24% 30 yr. jumbo:  6.98% View current rates January stimulus package has five major components that will immediately impact individuals with an interest in real estate.       1. Checks from Uncle Sam: According to the White House, taxpayers can receive rebates of up to $600 CONTINUED >>> Wondering What Your Home Is Worth? Let me show you. Is Your Credit Score As High As You Think?      It is common to assume that paying bills on time automatically means having a high credit score. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. There are many misperceptions about how scores are calculated -- and yours could be lower than you might expect.       Credit scores are used by financial institutions to determine whether they should lend money to a potential borrower and, if so, what interest rate should be charged. A higher score means an applicant is statistically less likely to default on the loan so they get a lower interest rate.       Ignoring your credit score could be a costly mistake. As an example, let's say you bought a $400,000 house with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a 6-percent interest rate. Over the term of the loan, you would pay interest charges of $463,354. If, however, you had a lower score and your bank bumped your interest rate up to 8 percent, you would pay interest charges of $656,619. That's a hefty difference of $193,265. CONTINUED >>> Appealing Your Property Tax Bill      If your property tax is aligned with or assessed based on the value of your home, a swing in property values could warrant close scrutiny of your property tax bill.       Some more progressive tax jurisdictions will make the adjustment for you -- up or down -- but most only move your rate up or they'll wait for the property to change hands before adjusting the tax. Even where adjustments are automatic, you still may not be satisfied and will need to appeal the deal.       Over valued or over assessed property is perhaps the most common and successful grounds for challenging your tax bill.       When the economy is faltering and spawning foreclosures, short sales and homeowners otherwise bailing out of homeownership, consider it a red flag -- it's time to scrutinize your property tax bill.       Many homeowners bailout, accept the foreclosure or take the short sale way out because their mortgage is more than the value of the home, which may have fallen for a variety of reasons.       The incidence of incorrectly calculated property tax bills may also warrant a close inspection of your property tax bill or an appeal.       Many errors in calculating your property tax bill also stem from clerical CONTINUED >>> Read My Blog!!! You can find many great Davenport real estate agents and loan officers on ActiveRain.com Lucky Lang is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business. The Ins and Outs Of Painting Your House      Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home will prolong the life of its skin, pump up the value, and revive its curb appeal, all important additions, especially when it's time to sell.       The benefits you'll get assumes, of course, the job of slathering on the latex or oil-based paint is professionally performed.       The pros make it look easy, but that's because they've been at it for quite a while. Painting your home isn't a do-it-yourself job unless you've got the know how, the proper tools and enough time off from painting the town red.       When hiring a professional, ask relatives, friends, co-workers and others you trust -- and who've recently enjoyed a CONTINUED >>> Local Market Conditions Daily News and Advice Read about the events shaping the Real Estate market today, find current interest rates, or browse the extensive library of advice and how-to articles written by some of the top experts in Real Estate. Updated each weekday. More Articles March Round Up: Rates Remain Low Location Can Dictate Maintenance Chores Indoor Air Quality Management At Home Buying Bonds and the Mortgage Market Lucky Lang E-mail: llang@melfosterco.com Web: http://www.luckylang.com/ (563) 676-9031 Mel Foster Company (563) 823-2213 3211 E 35th St. Ct. Davenport, IA 52807 Equal Housing Opportunity

It looks like we're turning the corner!  This is a great time to buy a home!

For more information on what this recent market information from the Quad Cities means to you please call:

LUCKY LANG, QUAD-CITIES FAVORITE REALTOR^®

Lucky Lang, Realtor ^®           Licensed in Iowa & Illinois

Mel Foster Co., Inc., 3211 E. 35th Street Ct., Davenport, IA  52807-2585

Cell: (563) 676-9031    Office: (563) 823-2213    Fax: (563) 459-6720    Toll Free: (800) 791-8132 Ext. 2213

LuckyLang.com

Don't let this great real estate buying opportunity pass you by!!!

593 Clover Hill Lane, LeClaire, Iowa 52753

5535 Delton Drive, Davenport, Iowa 52804

1432 Rhinelander Drive, Davenport, IA 52804 - SOLD!!!

219 Colony Drive, Davenport, Iowa 52806

Lot 1, Shabonee Estates, Route 84, Rapids City, Illinois 61275

334 S. Elmwood Avenue, Davenport, Iowa 52802

420 E. 6th Street, Davenport, Iowa 52803

Call Lucky @ (563) 676-9031

Fairy Tales DO come true in Davenport, Iowa!!!

This McClellan Park Masterpiece can Make It Happen for you!!!

Updated Kitchen comes with New Built-In Dishwasher, New Granite Countertops, New Sink & Faucet, New Disposal, New Lighting, and New Appliance Rack!!!

All of the conveniences for today's living are here!!!

A Formal Dining Room large enough for those Family Gatherings!!!

Lovely, Large Living Room features beautiful Oak Hardwood Flooring......

.....and a Fabulous Fireplace for those cool evenings or for that Perfect Romantic Mood!!!

Massive Master Bedroom has room for a King and Queen and......

.....Super Sitting/Dressing Area with TWO Walk-In Closets!!!

And of course the Princess must have her own room! 

Third Bedroom is Ready-to-Go for that Little One! 

Marvelous Media Room with Wonderful Wood Flooring!!!

At the end of the day sit back and Enjoy the Sun Room to the Stars!!! 

Let Lucky help you make your Fairy Tale come true for only $185,000!!!

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2 Car Garage, Too Good to pass up!!!

For more information about this property and other DAVENPORT, IOWA REAL ESTATE contact:

LUCKY LANG, QUAD-CITIES FAVORITE REALTOR^®

Lucky Lang, Realtor ^®           Licensed in Iowa & Illinois

Mel Foster Co., Inc., 3211 E. 35th Street Ct., Davenport, IA  52807-2585

Cell: (563) 676-9031    Office: (563) 823-2213    Fax: (563) 459-6720   Toll Free: (800) 791-8132 Ext. 2213

LuckyLang.com