Showing posts with label afforable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label afforable. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Bonus On A Bonus?
Just read the following and am excited to read more updates:
If a FAR-backed coalition that includes the Florida Home Builders Association, Florida Bankers Association and the Florida Credit Union League succeeds, state lawmakers will find a way to advance a new $8,000 federal tax credit to first-time homebuyers so they can use it to make downpayments.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-033109.cfm
If a FAR-backed coalition that includes the Florida Home Builders Association, Florida Bankers Association and the Florida Credit Union League succeeds, state lawmakers will find a way to advance a new $8,000 federal tax credit to first-time homebuyers so they can use it to make downpayments.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-033109.cfm
Saturday, March 7, 2009
6 Tips for Home Owners Who Turn Into Landlords
If you're thinking about it out of necessity or because you're thinking of buying a cheap investment which will pay its own bills for long-term gain, read the article below. For a copy of the landlord-tenant rules, look for the link on the right-hand side of my website. For automatic emails for foreclosures under $75,000 to consider purchasing, email or call me and I'll hook you up with some amazing deals.
Home owners who decide to rent out their properties have to stop thinking of themselves as home owners and instead consider themselves as running a small business, experts say. Thinking like a businessperson means focusing on the monthly cost of maintenance, mortgage and taxes, as well as being aware of landlord-tenant regulations and avoiding liabilities.
Home owners who decide to rent out their properties have to stop thinking of themselves as home owners and instead consider themselves as running a small business, experts say. Thinking like a businessperson means focusing on the monthly cost of maintenance, mortgage and taxes, as well as being aware of landlord-tenant regulations and avoiding liabilities.
Here are key issues to consider:
- Set a fair rent. Setting the right price will make it more likely that a landlord will be able to keep the place rented.
- Understand landlord-tenant rules. Running afoul of landlord-tenant regulations and rules regarding security deposits can be costly.
- Screen applicants. Eliminating potential tenants who can’t pay or who won’t take care of the property is very important.
- Lay out the rules in a lease. Widely available sample leases can help. If you have questions, ask an attorney.
- Consider a property manager. Despite the expense, turning the job over to experts can help a landlord come out ahead.
- Talk to the condo association. If the property is a condominium, be prepared to deal with a host of regulations.
Source: The Washington Post, Renae Merle (02/28/2009)
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
investment,
useful websites
Thursday, February 26, 2009
FHA Loan Max Back to 2008 Price For Sarasota!
HUD announced changes to FHA's single-family loan limits yesterday, the result of initiatives within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. For 2009, the maximum mortgage limit for an area is either the 2008 limit or 2009 limit - whichever is higher. The new loan limits, effective for any loan closed in calendar year 2009, remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2009. Note, however: Because an area's new loan limit is the highest value out of two years, HUD no longer has a process for appealing the limit. To view HUD's complete mortgagee letter online, go to: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/letters/mortgagee.
To find the FHA limit for your area, go to: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm or email/call me for help.
© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
To find the FHA limit for your area, go to: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm or email/call me for help.
© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
current market and economy,
mortgages
Monday, February 23, 2009
More Bonus For First-Time Homebuyers!?!
Gov. Charlie Crist on Friday proposed property tax breaks up to $5,000 for first-time homebuyers, and further easing of the tax burden on businesses, landlords and snowbirds. In a video available online, Crist also noted the need for stimulating home sales and the role Florida Realtors play in the recovery process.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-022309.cfm.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-022309.cfm.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Rent V. Buy Part 2
Just six months ago, with Florida home prices in a steady fall, the decision to buy or rent was clear for many prospective homebuyers - keep on renting. Today, however, homeownership is a cheaper option for some potential buyers, including many in South Florida.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n3-021809.cfm
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n3-021809.cfm
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
current market and economy,
homeownership
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Latest Stimulus Package Update As It Pertains To Real Estate
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
H.R. 1, the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” passed the United States House and United States Senate on February 13, 2009. President Obama is expected to sign the bill TODAY. The bill is a $780 billion package, with roughly 35% of the package devoted to tax cuts (mostly for 2009) and the rest to spending intended to occur in 2009 and 2010.
The mix of provisions of interest to REALTORS® changed frequently throughout the legislative process, with changes continuing to be made just hours before the measure was released prior to the vote. In the end, the elements of NAR’s housing agenda were included. Congress and the President have announced that a finance and housing package (including tax provisions) will be the next “big” initiative, so Congress has by no means finished its work as it affects the housing industry and REALTORS®.
The bill includes the following provisions:
Homebuyer Tax Credit – The bill provides for an $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.
FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits -The bill reinstates last year's 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans. These limits were equal to the greater of 125% of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie, with an overall maximum cap of $729,750. For the few areas where the 2009 limits were higher, the higher limits will apply. In addition, the bill includes language providing the HUD Secretary with the discretion, if warranted, to increase the loan limit for any “sub-area”, i.e. an area smaller than a county. The Secretary's discretion is again limited by the $729,750 cap. These 2009 limits will expire December 31, 2009.
The inclusion of these loan limit provisions in the final bill is a victory for homeowners, buyers and REALTORS®.
Neighborhood Stabilization – Division A, Title XII of the bill provides $2,000,000,000 in additional funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The NSP was created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2089 (Public Law 110–289) to provide grants through the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) to states and localities to address the problems that can be created when whole neighborhoods are decimated by foreclosures. The funds can be used to purchase, manage, repair and resell foreclosed and abandoned properties. In addition, the funds can also be used by states and localities to establish financing methods for the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed properties. After purchase the homes must be used to assist individuals and families with incomes at or below 120% of area median income. Twenty-five percent of funds must be used for households with incomes at or below 50% of area median income. By leveraging their expertise in partnership with others from both the public and private sector, REALTORS® in many communities have been making important contributions to their local communities’ neighborhood stabilization programs.
Commercial Real Estate - Commercial real estate is impacted primarily through those provisions of the bill focused on green building and energy efficiency as well as business tax incentives. H.R. 1 provides significant funds for state energy programs, which could be used to support commercial property owners' investment in energy efficiency upgrades while commercial property owners seeking to invest in alternative energy systems for onsite power generation would benefit from the Department of Energy Renewable Energy Loan Guarantees Program. Of particular benefit to small businesses would be certain provisions of the bill that provide tax relief in the area of bonus depreciation and capital expenditures, as well as the 5-Year carryback of net operating losses for small businesses.
Rural Housing Service – The bill provides an additional $500 million to existing USDA Rural Housing programs. The RHS provides both a guaranteed loan program and a direct housing loan program for those meeting the program’s eligibility criteria. The direct loan program will receive $270 million while $230 million will be allocated for unsubsidized guaranteed loans. It has been reported that this level of funding would provide for an additional 192,000 homeowners.
Low Income Housing Grants - Allow states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of low-income housing, including those with or without tax credit allocations.
Tax-Exempt Housing Bonds - Tax-exempt interest earned on specified state and local bonds issued during 2009 and 2010 will not be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). In addition, financial institutions will have greater capacity to purchase tax-exempt state and local bonds.
Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits & Grants - The bill provides state and local governments with $6 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants for energy audits, retrofits and financial incentives. Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation. Another $5 billion will be available to modernize the nation’s electricity grid and install smart meters on homes that help to save consumers money. There is also $5 billion for weatherization assistance for low income households and $2 billion for federally assisted housing (section 8) efficiency efforts.
Transportation Investments - The bill provides $46.7 billion to states and localities for capital investment for surface transportation projects including highways, bridges, transit, and rail projects. NAR policy supports increased spending on the types of transportation infrastructure addressed in the bill with the exception of Amtrak and high-speed inter-city rail where NAR has no policy. These investments will tend to moderate traffic congestion and support a variety of transportation alternatives which will improve the quality of life of American communities and bolster the value of real estate.
Source: John M. Sebree, Vice President of Public Policy at the Florida Association of REALTORS®
H.R. 1, the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” passed the United States House and United States Senate on February 13, 2009. President Obama is expected to sign the bill TODAY. The bill is a $780 billion package, with roughly 35% of the package devoted to tax cuts (mostly for 2009) and the rest to spending intended to occur in 2009 and 2010.
The mix of provisions of interest to REALTORS® changed frequently throughout the legislative process, with changes continuing to be made just hours before the measure was released prior to the vote. In the end, the elements of NAR’s housing agenda were included. Congress and the President have announced that a finance and housing package (including tax provisions) will be the next “big” initiative, so Congress has by no means finished its work as it affects the housing industry and REALTORS®.
The bill includes the following provisions:
Homebuyer Tax Credit – The bill provides for an $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.
FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits -The bill reinstates last year's 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans. These limits were equal to the greater of 125% of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie, with an overall maximum cap of $729,750. For the few areas where the 2009 limits were higher, the higher limits will apply. In addition, the bill includes language providing the HUD Secretary with the discretion, if warranted, to increase the loan limit for any “sub-area”, i.e. an area smaller than a county. The Secretary's discretion is again limited by the $729,750 cap. These 2009 limits will expire December 31, 2009.
The inclusion of these loan limit provisions in the final bill is a victory for homeowners, buyers and REALTORS®.
Neighborhood Stabilization – Division A, Title XII of the bill provides $2,000,000,000 in additional funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The NSP was created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2089 (Public Law 110–289) to provide grants through the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) to states and localities to address the problems that can be created when whole neighborhoods are decimated by foreclosures. The funds can be used to purchase, manage, repair and resell foreclosed and abandoned properties. In addition, the funds can also be used by states and localities to establish financing methods for the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed properties. After purchase the homes must be used to assist individuals and families with incomes at or below 120% of area median income. Twenty-five percent of funds must be used for households with incomes at or below 50% of area median income. By leveraging their expertise in partnership with others from both the public and private sector, REALTORS® in many communities have been making important contributions to their local communities’ neighborhood stabilization programs.
Commercial Real Estate - Commercial real estate is impacted primarily through those provisions of the bill focused on green building and energy efficiency as well as business tax incentives. H.R. 1 provides significant funds for state energy programs, which could be used to support commercial property owners' investment in energy efficiency upgrades while commercial property owners seeking to invest in alternative energy systems for onsite power generation would benefit from the Department of Energy Renewable Energy Loan Guarantees Program. Of particular benefit to small businesses would be certain provisions of the bill that provide tax relief in the area of bonus depreciation and capital expenditures, as well as the 5-Year carryback of net operating losses for small businesses.
Rural Housing Service – The bill provides an additional $500 million to existing USDA Rural Housing programs. The RHS provides both a guaranteed loan program and a direct housing loan program for those meeting the program’s eligibility criteria. The direct loan program will receive $270 million while $230 million will be allocated for unsubsidized guaranteed loans. It has been reported that this level of funding would provide for an additional 192,000 homeowners.
Low Income Housing Grants - Allow states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of low-income housing, including those with or without tax credit allocations.
Tax-Exempt Housing Bonds - Tax-exempt interest earned on specified state and local bonds issued during 2009 and 2010 will not be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). In addition, financial institutions will have greater capacity to purchase tax-exempt state and local bonds.
Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits & Grants - The bill provides state and local governments with $6 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants for energy audits, retrofits and financial incentives. Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation. Another $5 billion will be available to modernize the nation’s electricity grid and install smart meters on homes that help to save consumers money. There is also $5 billion for weatherization assistance for low income households and $2 billion for federally assisted housing (section 8) efficiency efforts.
Transportation Investments - The bill provides $46.7 billion to states and localities for capital investment for surface transportation projects including highways, bridges, transit, and rail projects. NAR policy supports increased spending on the types of transportation infrastructure addressed in the bill with the exception of Amtrak and high-speed inter-city rail where NAR has no policy. These investments will tend to moderate traffic congestion and support a variety of transportation alternatives which will improve the quality of life of American communities and bolster the value of real estate.
Source: John M. Sebree, Vice President of Public Policy at the Florida Association of REALTORS®
Friday, February 6, 2009
Money For Homes
The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) received approval from HUD this week to release more than $91 million to Florida cities and counties across the state to help alleviate the housing foreclosure crisis. The money is in addition to $450 million HUD directly awarded to 48 Florida cities and counties in September.
According to Gov. Charlie Crist, the state money is earmarked for two pots: The largest amount of money will go to toward the purchase and renovation of foreclosed homes that will then be sold or rented. The second, smaller amount is earmarked for rentals for low-income families.
For an Excel spreadsheet outlining the Florida cities and counties that received the first round of HUD money, along with an explanation of the program, go to: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg.
For additional information on Florida's Neighborhood Stabilization Program, visit the Florida Division of Housing and Community Development at: www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org.
Source: Florida Association of Realtors
According to Gov. Charlie Crist, the state money is earmarked for two pots: The largest amount of money will go to toward the purchase and renovation of foreclosed homes that will then be sold or rented. The second, smaller amount is earmarked for rentals for low-income families.
For an Excel spreadsheet outlining the Florida cities and counties that received the first round of HUD money, along with an explanation of the program, go to: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg.
For additional information on Florida's Neighborhood Stabilization Program, visit the Florida Division of Housing and Community Development at: www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org.
Source: Florida Association of Realtors
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
foreclosures and short sales
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
8 Minutes Ago: Senate Approves $15k Tax Credit For Homebuyers!
All homebuyers, not just first-timers, can now receive a 10% credit up to $15k on their taxes when they buy a home!
Check out the AP's take on the news: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/congress_stimulus.
Check out the AP's take on the news: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/congress_stimulus.
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
free stuff,
taxes
Monday, January 19, 2009
Be A Winner!
"First-time buyers are likely in a better position to buy a house than ever in recent memory. Low prices combined with rock-bottom interest rates means they can effectively run the table." Quoted from the Sarasota Herald Tribune: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090119/ARTICLE/901190302/2055/NEWS?Title=Housing_downturn_s_winners_and_losers.
Truth is... it is a great time to buy if you are a first time home buyer AND if you aren't upside down on your current home.
Truth is... it is a great time to buy if you are a first time home buyer AND if you aren't upside down on your current home.
- There's plenty of safe and/or creative loans out there for first time homebuyers requiring very little money down. I have a long list of programs available if you're interested.
- Also, to qualify for a FHA loan, you only need 3.5% down and can purchase a home up to $292,ooo. You can buy a new or newer home for this price in a lot of communities including Lakewood Ranch and Palmer Ranch and many of the smaller communities in between. Just outside of Sarasota in Ellenton down through Venice, you'd be amazed at what's available.
- HUD homes can be snatched up for as little as $100 down!
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
current market and economy,
homeownership,
investment,
values
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
MyMoney.gov
MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401k, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better. Throughout the site, you will find important information from 20 federal agencies government wide.
Source: refdesk.com
Source: refdesk.com
Labels:
afforable,
free stuff,
useful websites
Thursday, October 23, 2008
"Sarasota County Considers Helping Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure"
Tough times call for creative measures, right? The potentially local good news is that Sarasota leaders are at least trying to do something proactive to help the rising rates of foreclosures AKA folks losing their homes, their jobs and their futures.
County administrator Jim Ley proposed a foreclosure prevention program this week that would divert funds from affordable housing programs, typically providing first-time homebuyers with downpayment assistance, to help homeowners keep their homes from going into foreclosure.
For more details, check out Zac Anderson's article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081023/ARTICLE/810230383/0/SPORTS.
County administrator Jim Ley proposed a foreclosure prevention program this week that would divert funds from affordable housing programs, typically providing first-time homebuyers with downpayment assistance, to help homeowners keep their homes from going into foreclosure.
For more details, check out Zac Anderson's article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081023/ARTICLE/810230383/0/SPORTS.
Friday, August 8, 2008
How The New First-Time Buyer Tax Credit Works
Under the new housing bill, home buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years will be eligible for a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the property up to a maximum of $7,500.
Here’s how it works:
Here’s how it works:
- The credit is $3,750 for married couples filing separately. Unmarried people who jointly purchase a home will be able to divide the $7,500 credit.
- This program is actually a loan, which home buyers must repay over 15 years at zero percent interest beginning in the second year after they purchase the home. A home buyer who qualified for the whole credit would pay $500 for 15 years or about $41.67 per month.
- The credit applies only to homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.
- High-income home buyers don’t qualify: Eligibility begins phasing out for single filers with adjusted income of more than $75,000 and $150,000 for joint filers. It completely phases out at $95,000 for singles and $170,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Source: The Washington Post, Michelle Singletary (07/03/08)
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
free stuff,
law and government
Friday, August 1, 2008
Wow! For First-Time Homebuyers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A provision of the recently-passed federal housing recovery bill gives first-time buyers an interest-free loan of up to $7,500 in the form of an income tax credit. The benefit ends June 30, 2009.
Reasons why you should buy now: http://www.time2buysarasota.com/faq.html
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
law and government,
taxes
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The New Affordable?
Home sales trends may be shifting into a reverse commute. High gas prices are reordering some buyers' definition of affordable housing: the shorter the commute, the more affordable the house.
Read the full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n3-072108.cfm.
Read the full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n3-072108.cfm.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Possible Short Sale For $72,000
Just listed for $72,000! Affordable for first-time homebuyers or rent as an investment.
Snatch up this cute and stylish 2 bed/1.5 bath condo before the bank does! Tucked away in Fairway Oaks which is only a few minutes to downtown and I-75. Hardwood floors, extra storage and washer and dryer on the inside. Owner says, "Layout feels like home."



Snatch up this cute and stylish 2 bed/1.5 bath condo before the bank does! Tucked away in Fairway Oaks which is only a few minutes to downtown and I-75. Hardwood floors, extra storage and washer and dryer on the inside. Owner says, "Layout feels like home."



Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
for sale and price reductions,
investment,
marketing
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Free Inspections Still Available!
The My Safe Florida Home program apparently has about 10,000 free hurricane inspections left up for grabs.
For more details on this program, see my prior blog post: http://yourhometownconsultant.blogspot.com/2008/06/free-hurricane-home-inspection.html.
For more details on this program, see my prior blog post: http://yourhometownconsultant.blogspot.com/2008/06/free-hurricane-home-inspection.html.
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
free stuff,
homeownership,
hurricanes,
inspection,
insurance,
save $
Free Lawyers To Fight Foreclosures!
Florida homeowners facing foreclosure have access to a lawyer and free legal advice through a program offered by the Florida Bar and Florida Legal Services. An attorney will, at no charge, negotiate with a lender on behalf of a homeowner to help keep the home out of foreclosure.
Read the full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-071008.cfm.
Source: Florida Association of Realtors
Read the full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-071008.cfm.
Source: Florida Association of Realtors
Free Trees!
CITY SEEKS GREEN CANOPY PARTICIPANTS
Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota is looking for residents interested in participating in the Green Canopy Partnership Program. In the program, the City plants trees along the right-of-way of residents’ homes, as long as the residents pledge to water and care for the saplings until they take root. “It’s a true partnership between the City and residents. The City provides the trees and installation, and the residents agree to water them,” said Michele Mician, Sustainability Coordinator. There is no fee to participate in the program.
Since the program began in 2004, hundreds of trees have been purchased and planted by the City, then nurtured by residents. Recently, 31 crape myrtle trees were planted along 7th Street in Gillespie Park as part of the program. “We love them,” said Carmen Adcock, a resident who pledged to care for a tree. “We each have a tree in front of our house that we water according to the directions the City gave us,” said Adcock. Residents who participate in the program must sign a pledge sheet, agreeing to follow the watering guidelines given by City staff.
City of Sarasota arborists study a potential location and determine the right tree for that area. Available sunlight, overhead utility lines, and soil all play a role in determining what species is best suited in an area. Ultimately, the trees benefit the environment and residents’ property. “Trees give properties many value added benefits as well as helping the environment. Environmental benefits such as soil stabilization, increased wildlife habitat, and shade are just some of the valuable returns you can expect when you plant a tree,” said Mician.
The Green Canopy Partnership Program is funded through the Sarasota County penny surtax.
To have trees planted by autumn, residents must submit pledge forms by Fri., August 8, 2008. For more information on this unique program contact Neighborhood Services at 954-2612, or download a Green Canopy Partnership Program pledge form at npo.sarasotagov.com.
Source: http://www.sarasotagov.com/InsideCityGovernment/Content/CAC/Communications/Releases/Tree_canopy.htm
Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota is looking for residents interested in participating in the Green Canopy Partnership Program. In the program, the City plants trees along the right-of-way of residents’ homes, as long as the residents pledge to water and care for the saplings until they take root. “It’s a true partnership between the City and residents. The City provides the trees and installation, and the residents agree to water them,” said Michele Mician, Sustainability Coordinator. There is no fee to participate in the program.
Since the program began in 2004, hundreds of trees have been purchased and planted by the City, then nurtured by residents. Recently, 31 crape myrtle trees were planted along 7th Street in Gillespie Park as part of the program. “We love them,” said Carmen Adcock, a resident who pledged to care for a tree. “We each have a tree in front of our house that we water according to the directions the City gave us,” said Adcock. Residents who participate in the program must sign a pledge sheet, agreeing to follow the watering guidelines given by City staff.
City of Sarasota arborists study a potential location and determine the right tree for that area. Available sunlight, overhead utility lines, and soil all play a role in determining what species is best suited in an area. Ultimately, the trees benefit the environment and residents’ property. “Trees give properties many value added benefits as well as helping the environment. Environmental benefits such as soil stabilization, increased wildlife habitat, and shade are just some of the valuable returns you can expect when you plant a tree,” said Mician.
The Green Canopy Partnership Program is funded through the Sarasota County penny surtax.
To have trees planted by autumn, residents must submit pledge forms by Fri., August 8, 2008. For more information on this unique program contact Neighborhood Services at 954-2612, or download a Green Canopy Partnership Program pledge form at npo.sarasotagov.com.
Source: http://www.sarasotagov.com/InsideCityGovernment/Content/CAC/Communications/Releases/Tree_canopy.htm
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
$5 Million For Affordable Housing!
Florida Housing Finance Corporation released $5 million to the Homeownership Pool (HOP) Program yesterday. Created by the Florida Legislature 25 years ago to fund workforce housing, Florida Housing began the HOP Program to enable developers to match qualified homebuyers with help to purchase their properties. HOP operates on first-come-first-serve basis where developers apply online to reserve funds for eligible homebuyers.
Another $5 million is to be released in January 2009.
To learn more, visit http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/Developers/HomeownershipPrograms/HOP/.
Another $5 million is to be released in January 2009.
To learn more, visit http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/Developers/HomeownershipPrograms/HOP/.
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
homeownership,
law and government,
mortgages
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Palmer Ranch Price Reduction & More To Come!
Seller wants out... seriously. So much so, in fact, that she has authorized me to reduce the price of the condo by $16,000 to $149,000 and then an additional $1000 every week until it's sold!

Here are details:

Here are details:
- Lovely 2 bed, 1.5 bath Serenade condo in coveted, peaceful and centrally located Palmer Ranch. Neutral tones & barely lived in--shows like brand new!
- High ceilings with crown molding, huge walk-in closets, hers & his split bathroom & full-size warrantied washer/dryer included.
- Large porch with view of preserve, clubhouse & sunsets.
- Fee includes water, exterior insurance, 2 heated pools & spa, playgrounds, awesome workout center, tennis, caterers kitchen, private gate & alarm system!
For more details and pics, visit http://sar.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=907616654&s=SAR&t=SAR.
Easy to show! Schedule an appointment today with me or your Realtor, write an offer (you never know!?!), and help a sister out to get this sold. I know we can make a great deal and a WIN-WIN situtation for all!
Labels:
afforable,
buyers,
for sale and price reductions,
marketing
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