Homes with benefits

Fri, Aug 22, 2008

It’s basic economics that when supply exceeds demand, the price goes down. But in the case of real estate, the incentives just get more creative. From free cars to buy-one-get-one-free deals, agents and sellers on Trulia.com are using some imaginative tactics these days to stand out from the crowd.

Of course, you want to read the fine print with any special offers. But for many home buyers, these bonuses could be just what the financial adviser ordered. Using keyword search on Trulia.com, we found four amazing examples that cannot be missed.

A Florida dream home complete with ‘Fairy Tale Princess’

Home is where the heart is, especially for one enterprising home owner in South Florida. Selling a sunny, four bedroom home with ‘Princess Bride’ included, Deven Trabosh also placed ads on Craigslist, Ebay and her own blog. Now that’s a deal. See the full listing here.
Tip: To find more of these homes with benefits, enter your city, then use keywords like ‘credit’, ‘incentive’, or ‘loan’ to sort through your results.

The straight-up price discount
Los Angeles, CA
This bank-owned foreclosure near LA city college includes a three percent discount on the purchase price as credit toward the buyer’s closing cost. Bonus, you could walk to class and save on gas.

The early bird bonus
Dallas, TX
Time is of the essence, especially in this market. This builder is offering a $20,000 buyer bonus for closing before the end of September. Plus, scroll down to see the Google Street View during the renovation.

The future credit
Tampa, FL
Buy it and then redo it. The seller for this Tampa pad on a golf course comes with three fireplaces… and $25,000 toward renovations. Other potential perks include owner financing based on the buyer’s credit history.

Your city wasn’t featured? Don’t fret, enter a U.S. city to search your neighborhood for deals.

Advice & Opinions Ι Get insightful, fast, and FREE advice on home buying & selling

The Housing Law, continued!
Where’s the market headed? Can I still get a loan? How should the Housing Law affect my home buying or selling? If you’ve got questions, you can ask buyers, pros, sellers, and locals on Trulia Voices for answers. Here are two popular goodies worth the read.

Q: We own a Condo in my name. Can we still qualify for the $7500 tax credit if we buy a house in my wife’s name?
Asked by Eric, Home Buyer & Seller in Okemos, MI
A: What is the definition of a first-time home buyer? The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during… see more

Q: Can Fannie Mae and Freddie MAC run out of cash? If so, how do you get a conforming loan?
Asked by David, Home Buyer & Seller in Lake Forest, IL
A: Looks like the fed is ready to institute a 3 prong approach to prevent the implosion of Fannie & Freddie…. see more

Real Estate Eye Candy Ι Trulia picks

Three years after the devastating Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, New Orleans is looking on the up and up. Known for its cool combination of French, Creole and Victorian styles, many of these unique properties have been rebuilt with the same detailed finishes and exquisite touches.

Check out four of our user favorites in the French Quarter, University Uptown, and more. From standalone fireplaces and patios with fountains to travertine floors and hand-tiled pools, these colorful picks are sure to be inspiration for your own home.

	New Orleans, LA $825,000 3br / 3ba / 2,740 sqft		New Orleans, LA $487,000 3br / 2ba / 1,200 sqft

	New Orleans, LA $899,000 5br / 5ba / 4,262 sqft		Belle Chasse, LA $879,900 4br / 4.5ba / 5,785 sqft