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The voting Number for Katie Stevens for Tues. 4/13 is 1-866-436-5708

for AT & T Users Text 'Vote" to 5708

Last week Katie Stevens of Middlebury Ct did such a great job that she was rewarded early in the show with a pass for the week. To the surprise of many, Big Mike was the lowest vote getter and was going to be sent home, but the judges unanimously voted to save Mike which means that for this week's show, two contestants will be eliminated, so Katie better give it her best plus.

For another week, at least this area of Ct will be watching American Idol as Katie Stevens of Middlebury Ct tries to make it past another week of judging.

The theme for this week will be from the songs of Elvis Presley, with the hopefuls being mentored by Alex Lambert, a former American Idol winner. Who better to learn from than someone who once was in their shoes.

To date Katie has been consistent in finding her own path, and hopefully her determination won't fail her.

The show starts at 8 PM EST on Fox and tonight it's only a 90 minute show, with the voting starting right after that for 2 hours. If you miss her voting number, come back here and I''ll have it posted again.

10 Days left to get a property under contract for First Time Home Buyers, and also for move up Buyers. The property will need to close by June 30 to still qualify for the credit!

Because the rebate has not given the housing industry and by trickle up the rest of the economy the much anticipated push needed, it's not likely to be extended yet another time.

Interest rates are still low.

There are still plenty of quality homes to pick from, and some great prices. There are also various programs out there to assist a first time buyer.

Income levels were also increased to allow the move-up buyers a chance to get the larger home they need.

Get moving before it's too late. 

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 4/18 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM 67 White Birch Dr Waterbury, CT 06708

$177,500.00 67 White Birch Dr Waterbury, CT 06708 Beds: 3 Rooms: 5 Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 1196 Garage: 2 Built: 1980   An ideal home for first time home buyers. A 3 bedroom ranch, in the Ardsley Subdivision of Upper Bunker Hill Rd. This is a new listing that I thought you might be interested in. Visit this listing online to see more photos of the property, Google Earth satellite images, and much more.   If you have any questions about this property or require more information, please feel free to call. Edward Silva RE/MAX PARTNERS, LLC 2032060754 www.EdwardSilva.com     Visit this listing here

 OPEN HOUSE Sunday 4/18 from 2:30 to 4 PM 59 Birchwood Terrace Middlebury, CT 06762

$349,000.00 59 Birchwood Terrace Middlebury, CT 06762 Beds: 4 Rooms: 7 Full Baths: 1 Sq. Ft.: 1874 Garage: 2 Built: 1960   4 Bedroom contemporary split, large living and dining areas, 3 season porch, oversized family room with separate exercise area oversized 2 car garage This is a new listing that I thought you might be interested in. Visit this listing online to see more photos of the property, Google Earth satellite images, and much more.   If you have any questions about this property or require more information, please feel free to call. Edward Silva RE/MAX PARTNERS, LLC 2032060754 www.EdwardSilva.com     Visit this listing here

Not an April Fool but a reality. The Federal Tax Rebate program for First Time Home Buyers has just 30 days left for getting as home under contract. This would be the end of the second extension to this program, and in all likelihood, the end of the program completely.

For the first quarter of 2010, 42% of all home purchases across the country were by First Time Home buyers who were taking advantage of the 'perfect storm' for their real estate experience. Probably never again will there be the combination of record low mortgage rates, low home prices, and an $8,000 tax rebate to make the transition easier.

The program has not had the intended response in stirring our economy, and that may be the basis for not getting it extended. The new home purchase does not need to close by the end of April, it just needs a firm contract and the closing must take place before June 30, 2010.

Plus as a way of tightening up the process, remember to keep all those closing documents available as they will be needed when filing the paperwork to get the tax credit.

There's plenty of quality homes to choose from. Get out there and take advantage of this opportunity. If you're in Ct, the mortgage rates through CHFA are down to 4.5% and you need no money down if you qualify for a mortgage.