Great First-Time Homebuyer News!

Governor signs $8K homebuyer credit into law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – May 27, 2009 – Gov. Charlie Crist signed the budget bill (SB 2600) today that lays out how the state will spend its $65.6 billion in the fiscal year that starts July 1. Included is $30.1 million for the Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program, which will help with downpayment assistance.

Beginning July 1, those who quality for the federal $8,000 first-time homebuyers tax credit will be able to apply for downpayment assistance before they close on the purchase of their home, and then repay the amount borrowed when they get their tax refund. The program will operate through local county housing administrators, though details are still being worked out.

The state spending plan passed today also includes the following for real estate-related programs:

• Up to $400,000 to prevent, combat and publicize the dangers of unlicensed real estate activity in Florida.
• $540,000 to continue and complete a study to make recommendations on passive strategies on nitrogen reduction that complement the use of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
• $3 million in the Real Estate Trust Fund for the Education and Research Foundation.
• A reduction in the eviction filing fees from $265 to $180 – the only fee reduction in the 2009-10 budget, and one with a negative fiscal impact of up to $36 million.

© FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

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.

Discounted Insulation Upgrade From FPL?

See if you qualify for a free FPL Home Energy Survey and if FPL thinks you need more insultion, you'll get a discount of 11 cents per square foot!

Check it out: http://www.fpl.com/residential/savings/energy_advisor/building_envelope/guide_insulating.shtml?WT.ac=HMRB03?WT.mc_id=NSL2172009EM01&wt.mc_ev=EmailClick&acctnum=1618029266.

If your home was built before 1982, chances are you need to upgrade your ceiling insulation. FPL has an incentive program to help you pay for it. Check out our insulation guide for more information.

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.

Federal Bailout Update

Homebuyers could see lower mortgage rates and get tax credits as part of a sweeping economic stimulus package being considered on Capitol Hill as lawmakers listen to pleas from Realtors and home builders. A leading Democrat says his party would support a GOP-backed idea to double the first-time homebuyers' tax credit - from $7,500 to $15,000 - and make it available to all homebuyers.

Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-020309.cfm

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

Alert: Food Bank Out Of Food!

We Need Your Help!

The Food Bank is currently out of food. Angels Attic, a local non-profit organization, is asking for help to collect food for the many hungry children who go to school without breakfast everyday.

The following items are needed:
canned fruit
canned tuna
boxed macaroni and cheese
Ramon noodles
cereal
spaghetti sauce
spaghetti noodles (all kinds)

Call or email me where I can meet you to pick up your donation!!! Please help.

New Housing Stimulus Bill Highlights

Here's a link summarizing the Housing Stimulus Bill passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by George Bush: http://www.realtor.org/gapublic.nsf/pages/hr_3221_key_provisions.

Here's a brochure with additional explanation of the bill's highlights: http://www.scribd.com/doc/4711482/2008-Housing-Bill-Summary.

Thanks Pam!

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:

• 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)

Shoes For Kids Please

My office, RE/MAX Alliance Group, is collecting new shoes for school kids to distribute in the Charlotte County Public school system. Sizes 4 youth and 6 adult are needed the most but we have requests for 7 toddlers up to 11 adult female and 13 adult male.

If you'd like to help out, drop the new shoes by our office on Webber and 41 or the ones located in Englewood and North Port--or email me at Christina@YourHometownConsultant.com and I'll pick them up and deliver them for you.

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.

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

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