Real Estate Market

Introduction to Going Green--Real All About it In Popular Science

2010-01-10T22:43:00Z

Going Green is still a relatively new buzz word and if you are looking for simple ways to do it; want an introduction as well as an "awakening" of how "ungreen" our living is, check out this website below:

http://www.popsci.com/content/green-home-guide

The Best and Easiest Way to Find Your Home--and it won't cost you a penny!!!!

2010-01-10T22:14:00Z

I try to keep up with the plethora of Real Estate websites that buyers can search for not only Tampa homes but all over the United States and beyond. Knowing what buyers like and how they search is the key to giving them what they want—homes to buy. I am amazed at the difficulty and tedium of many sites and wonder why they are even visited. It takes forever for many sites to bring up homes I am requesting; others like Yahoo Real Estate are incomplete and favor certain listings.

Why would anyone use a search engine to find homes unless it was 1) fast to download, 2) listed all the homes available, 3) allowed me to detail my specific search and 4) didn’t make me sign up with any specific agent? If I, as a Realtor, get frustrated by testing the multitude of Real Estate sites out there, surely, novice searchers and first time home buyers have got to become frustrated. Personally, I find Realtor.com the easiest and most complete to navigate. Then Craig’s list is one of the most popular sites to search and it like Backpage.com doesn’t allow you to narrow your searches like Realtor.com and doesn’t offer pictures on your front page searches. This doesn’t make sense to me because all this extra searching takes more time, more clicking and I thought the internet was all about saving time? Some of my other pet peeves in trying to find a specific type of home are:

Sites that give you huge price spans; $50,000 to $250,000---this leaves way too many homes to view
Sites that require you to re-submit your home listings every 14 days
Sites that use Monopoly® pieces on their map that clutters and confuse.
Site that is tricky to find where to remove listings, edit or email etc.
Having to press Ctl; Alt; Delete because I am tired of watching the hour glass spin waiting for the page to load

Now that I am a Realtor, I understand why all of this could be eliminated if buyers would just register with a Realtor of their choosing and all the current homes would come to them---straight to their inbox everyday. Imagine that, not having to do your own searching? Understanding that is too much of a commitment at first for many people and not sure which Realtor to trust, along with a host of other reasons; having the internet to search homes has been a godsend for everyone. And then, buyers change their criteria many times without notifying their Realtor and want to look for homes outside of it. Listing Book® now allows buyers to change their search criteria at will. That’s a good thing. Having IDX on my and other Realtor sites also avoids a lot of this unnecessary jumping from site to site to search for homes. I guess the options are out there for all types and stages of the process.

Taking Advantage of the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2010-01-10T21:56:00Z

This is a great time to jump in the Real Estate Market and wish I could take advantage of it. Hope this answers some of your questions. Contact me for others.

$8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit

The information on this page pertains to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Home Buyer Tax Credit

1-Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?

First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.

2-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 the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.

3-How is the amount of the tax credit determined?

The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

4-Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?

Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.

5-What is "modified adjusted gross income"?

Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine "adjusted gross income" or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as "adjustments" or "above-the-line deductions"), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.

To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts of foreign-earned income. See IRS Form 5405 for more details.

6-Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?

Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.

Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.

7-How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008?

The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Because it had to be repaid, the previous "credit" was essentially an interest-free loan. This tax incentive is a true tax credit. However, home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply.

8-How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application?

Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on Line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-time home buyer tests. Note that you cannot claim the credit on Form 5405 for an intended purchase for some future date; it must be a completed purchase.

9-What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?

Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.

10-I read that the tax credit is "refundable." What does that mean?

The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.

For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that the taxpayer qualified for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $7,000 ($8,000 minus the $1,000 owed).

11-I purchased a home in early 2009 and have already filed to receive the $7,500 tax credit on my 2008 tax returns. How can I claim the new $8,000 tax credit instead?

Home buyers in this situation may file an amended 2008 tax return with a 1040X form. You should consult with a tax advisor to ensure you file this return properly.

12-Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?

Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been "purchased" on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.

13-I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?

Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of "nonresident alien" in IRS Publication 519.

14-Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?

No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $8,000 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives an $8,000 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $1,200 (15 percent of $8,000), or lowered from $8,000 to $6,800.

15-I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit?

No, but if you purchased your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2009, you may qualify for a different tax credit. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information.

16-Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return?

Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.

Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.

Further, rule changes made as part of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit and participate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. Some state housing finance agencies have introduced programs that provide short-term credit acceleration loans that may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should inquire with their state housing finance agency to determine the availability of such a program in their community.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) has compiled a list of such programs, which can be found here.

17-The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has announced that HUD will allow "monetization" of the tax credit. What does that mean?

It means that HUD will allow buyers to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase immediately rather than waiting until they file their 2009 income taxes to receive a refund. These funds may be used for certain downpayment and closing cost expenses.

Under the guidelines announced by HUD, non-profits and FHA-approved lenders will be allowed to give home buyers short-term loans of up to $8,000.

The guidelines also allow longer term loans secured by second liens to be used by government agencies, such as state housing finance agencies, to facilitate home sales.

Housing finance agencies and other government entities may issue tax credit loans, the funds of which home buyers may use to satisfy the FHA 3.5% downpayment requirement.

In addition, approved FHA lenders will also be able to purchase a home buyer’s anticipated tax credit to pay closing costs and downpayment costs above the 3.5% downpayment that is required for FHA-insured homes.

18-If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?

Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose ("elect") to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.

Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their 2008 tax return, but who have already submitted their 2008 return to the IRS, may file an amended 2008 return claiming the tax credit. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how to arrange this.

19-For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?

Yes. If the applicable income phase-out would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.

Florida Tax Portability Frequently Asked Questions

2010-01-10T21:50:00Z

I am not in favor of Tax Portability now and I wasn’t when they drummed this unfair idea up before it went into law. Why certain people should pay more for public services than others is the most ludicrous idea out there and one of the reasons I dislike living in Florida. But be that as it may it is here to stay…at least for now, so for those lucky enough to get away with it, here are answers to your questions.

Florida Tax Portability Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Portability?
A: Portability, officially known as the “Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference”, is the ability to transfer the dollar benefit of the Homestead CAP from one Homestead to another. The Homestead CAP is the difference between market value and assessed value, often known as the Save Our Homes Benefit.

Q: Do I have to sell my home before I can qualify for portability?

A: No, you only need to abandon (or give up) your existing homestead, meaning you may still own the property but no longer receive a homestead exemption on the property for the year you are attempting to get portability.

Q: Do I have to purchase a new property to get the portability benefit?

A: No, if you already own another property (2nd home, beach house, etc.) and establish your new homestead, you can remove (abandon) the homestead from the old property and apply for the portability benefit.

Q: Would my CAP amount be “portable” if I move to another county in Florida?

A: Yes. Portability is effective throughout the state.

Q: When do I apply for portability?

A: You typically apply for portability when you apply for the homestead exemption. There is a separate application for portability in addition to the homestead application.

Q: How do I apply for portability?

A: Fill out the DR-501T “Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference” application when you file an application for your new homestead exemption.If you have already applied for the homestead exemption, you can download the portability application from our website, complete and submit it to the Property Appraiser’s office.

Q: Is the Portability application different from the Homestead application?

A: Yes, presently these are two different applications and both must be completed to receive both homestead and portability.

Q: What information do I need to complete the Portability Application?

A: Required information on the Portability Application includes the date

which the previous homestead was sold or no longer used as a homestead, the county, address and parcel identification number of the previous homestead, and a list of all other owners of the previous homestead

Q: Do I have to be an owner to apply for portability?

A: Yes, you must be an owner on both the old home and the new home.

Q: Do both owners of a property need to sign the Portability Application?

A: Yes, if you both lived and had homestead on the previous parcel and are both moving and living at the new parcel, you both must sign the Portability Application.

Q: Can I also apply for additional exemptions such as widow/widower, disability or senior exemption if I use portability?

A: Yes. You still can apply and receive any additional exemption for which you qualify.

Q: What is the maximum amount of CAP I can transfer to my new property?

A: The maximum CAP amount you can transfer is $500,000.

Q: How is the Save Our Homes CAP calculated?

A: The amount of the CAP is the difference between your Just (Market) Value and your Assessed Value. The difference between the market value and your assessed value is often called the “CAP differential” or “CAP savings.” The amount of the CAP can vary from year to year depending on the value of your property.

Q: How do I know how much CAP I have to transfer or carry to my new homestead?

A: The amount of the CAP you can carry to your new homestead depends on whether you “up-size” (buy a higher valued property) or “downsize” (buy a lower valued property). The exact amount will be determined by the Property Appraiser’s office after you file for homestead and Portability on your new residence.

Q: I sold my homestead in 2006 and I had a large CAP. Do I qualify for portability?

A: Unfortunately no. The law only allows portability for property that had a homestead from 2007 forward. Homesteads sold or abandoned in 2006 or prior do not qualify.

Q: If I sell my home this year and purchase a new homestead, would I be able to transfer my CAP to the new homestead in time to reduce my tax bill this year?

A: No. If you sell (or abandon) your homestead and apply for a new

homestead in the same year, your CAP portability would be applied in the following year.

Q: I co-own a homestead with a friend and we have a $700,000 CAP. Can we each take $350,000 to our separate new homesteads?

A: No. The maximum amount of CAP transfer from a single homestead is $500,000. Therefore, the maximum that could be transferred by two previous joint owners of a single homestead establishing different homesteads is $250,000 each.

Q: I own a property that has three (3) people receiving the homestead exemption. One owner has a 60% interest. The other two owners have a 20% interest each. If we sell and apply for portability, how will the portability amount be split or divided between our new homesteads?

A: The CAP amount would be allocated based on each owner’s percentage of

ownership.

Q: If the previous homestead has both a homestead exemption and an agricultural classification (Greenbelt), how is the amount of transfer to be calculated?

A: The amount of the CAP that is eligible for transfer is equal to the

difference between just and assessed value on the homestead portion of the

property only.

Q: After I’ve sold or abandoned my prior homestead, how long do I have to use my portability?

A: You must apply for homestead on your new residence within 2 years after abandoning the homestead on your prior residence to qualify for portability.

Q: I forgot to file for homestead when I bought my house 5 years ago. I had a CAP on the previous home I sold at that time. Is it too late to file for homestead and portability?

A: You can file for Homestead, which will be applied going forward.

However, you cannot apply for portability because you did not have

homestead in either of the preceding 2 years.

Q: I sold my home last year and just found out that my CAP was less than I thought it would be. Can I appeal last year’s value to increase my CAP amount?

A: No, F.S. 194.011(6)(b) specifically precludes a taxpayer from petitioning to have the Just, Assessed, or taxable value of the previous homestead changed.

Q: After Portability is applied to my new home, are increases in assessed value still capped at 3% going forward?

A: Yes, increases to assessed value for all homestead property in Florida is capped at 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. Portability does not change that.

Q: My fiancé and I are purchasing a home together and we both have separate homesteads now. Can we use Portability to bring both of our CAP amounts to our new home?

A: The new legislation allows you to bring the higher of the two CAP

amounts, but not both. You should both file a portability application and our office will determine which CAP amount is higher.

Q: I am newly married and my spouse is moving into my existing homesteaded property. He has a larger CAP amount on his former residence than I do on my present one. Can he bring his CAP to my homestead?

A: If he is on title on your parcel (part-owner) and he applies for and receives homestead, he can bring his CAP amount with him, but you would have to abandon your homestead and re-apply. This would essentially replace your existing CAP amount with his higher CAP amount.

Q: My wife and I were both owners of our former residence that we just sold. We bought a new home, but for estate planning purposes, we only put the new house in her name. Does Portability allow us to transfer 100% of the CAP from our former residence to the new residence?

A: No, since only your wife is on the deed for the new home, you can only transfer 50% of the CAP from the former residence.

Q: If my spouse and I own a property and we get divorced, can I use portability to take my CAP with me to a new home, even if my spouse remains in the former home we both shared?

A: You can only take your portion of the CAP to a new homestead if your former spouse abandons the homestead on the prior residence. If he or she does this, they could immediately re-apply for homestead on that same prior residence and apply his or her half of the CAP to the assessment. If they are unwilling to abandon the homestead, you cannot take your half of the CAP with you.

Q: I owned a property with my ex-husband. I was awarded the house in the divorce. I sold it and purchased a new home that I will homestead. My ex-husband also purchased a new home that he will homestead. Since I was awarded the house in the divorce, is my ex-husband entitled to any of the former CAP? And, how will the portability amount be split or divided between our new homesteads?

A: The new legislation requires that the portability amount be divided

equally among the owners of the prior homesteaded property. Your husband would be entitled to half of the CAP from the former residence.

Have You Thought of Downsizing Your Current Living Situation?

2010-01-10T21:46:00Z

Have You Thought of Downsizing Your Current Living Situation?

Downsizing is a word we think of when we think of old retirees whose kids have left and the house is too big for the two of them. We also think of downsizing when one of the spouses has passed away and now the other spouse needs to move to a smaller place or assisted living. But with today’s job losses, out of control pricing for homes and everything else, downsizing is the smart thing to do to lower your monthly costs in a big way. You may lose the pool you love, the 3 car garage you think you need for storage and may have to let go of a lot of possessions to be comfortable in smaller rooms. If you enjoy gardening, this could be a plus or negative for you.

The advantages of downsizing are: First, your monthly mortgage is less, your utility bills will most likely be less, you will get a chance to meet neighbors on the same level as you, and the smaller quarters may bring your family closer together and spend more time together in one room for entertaining. You will have less space to clean and keep clean, less yard space to mow, less “stuff” to maintain and replace and less space in your closet for unnecessary items.

If you considering a condo or townhouse instead of another single family home, first ask yourself is you are prepared to be understanding of other’s living habits with noise, smoking, parties etc. Always choose an end unit or a top floor unit to cut down on some of this shared living. You will also pay automatically each month for the maintenance fees that you used to do or hire out yourself, like the lawn, changing light bulbs, exterior painting etc. This could be a plus if you like to pay upfront and not have to worry about putting money aside for future repairs. Keep in mind that fees do rise to cover rising costs as they would otherwise as well.

Once you have decided on a smaller space, you will want to measure each room and plan where your furniture will go and what you will have to sell or give away. If you are not ready to give certain things away like special collections, you may want to rent a small storage space for say 6 months and see if you can live without these items. Also rely on family members to come get their “stuff” that they left behind and let them store their own things or get rid of them. Have a garage sale, post ads online, flyers, newspapers, donate items to charity for a tax deduction, give prized possessions to family members for their safe keeping instead of them getting these items when you pass away.

Reexamine your lifestyle and see what items you no longer even use. If you don’t entertain much anymore, repurposing the dining room and getting rid of your furniture for that room would be an easy transition. Also allowing furniture and rooms for double duty, like having a good looking trunk that also will hold blankets; if your armoire no longer fits in your bedroom, move it to a “living” area and use it for room décor as well as storage. Putting an armoire by the front door allows for storage of frequently used items that usually get tossed on a table and never get put away. Plan for shelves as wall displays instead of pictures for more usable space and don’t put anything in your closets until you have put in closet organizers to make the best use of that interior room space. If you don’t even cook much anymore, do you really need 2 sets of dishes, pots and pans and 3 roasting pans? Do you really need a full-size washer and dryer? Could you use that extra space by getting a stackable unit and putting in a computer table or a bookcase?

Write down all the positive ways you are going to benefit from downsizing and look forward to having more time, energy and money to do other things with your life.

Buying a Home in a Historic District

2010-01-10T21:44:00Z

Buying a Home in a Historic District

Your new home is located within a neighborhood listed as in a Historic District and registered with the National Register of Historic Places. Your home is one with significance, and carries potential value as property values rise. Did you know that there is lower turnover of homes when people are living in the historic districts? Makes sense when you think that people buying this type of home was a committment from the start and they have staying power to put in all that effort along with committed people are more apt to stay put than keep changing their lifestyles.

Playing By the Rules
National Register inclusion is an acknowledgment of a property's importance to its community, state, or the nation. Some homebuyers may be anxious about this designation from the National Park Service, fearing infringement of their property rights. These concerns are unfounded, as long as the work receives no federal money, and requires no federal license or permit. Owners are under no obligation to restore their property, or to open their doors to the public.

Many municipalities, however, have designated design control districts in areas that have been identified as having particular historic, architectural, scenic, cultural, or visual significance. Buildings in these areas may be subject to review for any proposed alteration, addition, or demolition.

A prospective homebuyer of a property within an established historic district would be well advised to visit the local planning and zoning office to determine what guidelines may apply to them. Preservation ordinance helps homeowners protect their investment by preserving the historic character of their neighborhoods. Review of any project may run the gamut from a cursory evaluation by a zoning administrator to review by a secondary commission that advises specifically on questions of historic sensitivity and architectural compatibility.

For certain types of work, homeowners may need to secure a permit called a Certificate of Appropriateness (C.O.A.), or Permit for Minor Work from their planning office or historic review board. Communities that rely on heritage tourism frequently have more stringent review procedures. Review only applies to the exterior of any structure in an historic district, and does not affect any interior changes.

Some historic district commissions may require replacement of damaged materials in kind, that is, with material or design features original to the building. While the alteration of an historic home may require specific or expensive materials or craftsmanship, it will be balanced with the likelihood that the investment will hold. Additionally, your neighbor's protected property is also less likely to be altered in a manner that might reduce your property value.

Preservation Resources
In some instances buildings listed as contributing resources on the National Register may be eligible for limited financial aid through grants, loans, or tax incentives. The Federal Government currently limits tax credit opportunities to structures that are income producing (rather than strictly residential). Preservation organizations are another resource for modest financial assistance. These arrangements can lessen property-tax burden while providing for the preservation, protection, and maintenance for your historic property.

Programs differ from one state to another, so check with your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), local planning agency, or community historical society.

Florida Historical Commission

The Florida Historical Commission (FHC) was established by the 2001 Florida Legislature (Chapter 267.0612, Florida Statutes) to enhance public participation and involvement in the preservation and protection of the state's historic and archaeological sites and properties.

The Commission advises and assists the Division of Historical Resources in carrying out the programs, duties and responsibilities of the Division. Seven members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Secretary of State, two by the President of the Florida Senate and two by the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

The members are responsible for reviewing and ranking Special Category Historic Preservation Grant applications; five members of the FHC also meet as Florida's National Register Review Board to review and vote on proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the Commission exists to advise with regard to policy and preservation needs. Members of the FHC are considered to be experts in their respective fields, with the members representing the following:

Of the 7 members appointed by the Governor,

1 member must be a licensed architect with expertise in historic preservation & architectural history
1 member must be a professional historian in the field of American history
1 member must be a professional architectural historian
1 member must be an archaeologist specializing in the field of prehistory
1 member must be an archaeologist specializing in the historic period.
The remaining 2 members appointed by the Governor and the 2 members appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively, must be representatives of the general public with demonstrated interest in the preservation of Florida's historical and archaeological heritage.

Current members of the FHC include: educators in Florida's university system, authors, the principal of a cultural resource management firm, and citizens who have devoted personal and professional lives to protecting and preserving Florida's historic resources.

Why I like Living in Carrollwood Village Tampa Bay Florida

2010-01-10T21:42:00Z

Carrollwood Florida area features some of the most beautiful traditional Floridian comfort and elegant homes in Tampa with the added bonus of being only 15 minutes northwest of downtown Tampa in the zip codes of 33618 and 33624. Since 1950, more than 90% of metropolitan population growth in America has taken place in the suburbs. Today, roughly 2 out of 3 people live in suburbs like Carrollwood. The Carrollwood Village suburban atmosphere offers winding roads, overhanging oak trees, abundant ponds with wildlife in and amongst the community subdivisions which are some of the features that appeal to Carrollwood Florida residents. In addition, the access to a wide array of convenience shopping, numerous restaurants, movie and comedy theatres, churches and schools ,all along the main corridor of North Dale Mabry, makes Carrollwood real estate a hot commodity in Tampa. While there are newer communities in and around Tampa, Carrollwood is chosen for steady property values, quality schools, central access to all of Tampa Bay, all age groups and lifestyles and just a great quality of living.

10 reasons I love Carrollwood Village Tampa

1. Convenience of being centrally located to everything Tampa Bay

2. Deed restricted but not fanatical

3. no cookie cutter homes

4. maintenance of surroundings

5. living within a small 30 something neighborhood of homes, I know and love my neighbors

6. close proximity to major highways: Veterans, I -275, I-75, N Dale Mabry

7. Reputation of Carrollwood Village

8. winding oak-lined streets that only the residents know their way around

9. I can walk to all kinds of shopping and entertainment

10. Property Resale Value

Carrollwood boundaries include Lake Magdalene to the north, Tampa to the east, Egypt Lake to the south, and Citrus Park to the west. Single-family detached homes generally start around $200,000 and sell to over $1,000,000. Many have lots over a 1/4 acre and lot of trees, conservation and ponds. There are also many condominiums and some townhome communities ranging from the $100,000's to over $800,000 on the Golf Course. Apartment living is also abundant.

Of course if you are looking for more eclectic city life, more originality in the ways of dining, shopping and architecture, stick to the city. There also seems to be more noise that is accepted, less manicure, smaller yards and a bigger melting pot of people. It is a toss up; I like them both.

Down Payment Assistance Programs---Stop the Ban

2008-09-11T16:31:00Z

Seller funded down payment assistance (SFDPA) will deny hunreds of thousands of buyers a chance to buy a home in next year if this is allowed to be banned. We have to act now to stop the ban.
Banning SFDPA SELLER FUNDED DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE will indirectly impact the real estate, mortgage and home building arenas with the loss of employment.
The vast majority of those taking advantage of this program allows minority groups, females, and first‐time homebuyers to have the American Dream come true---home ownership for them.
Half of FHA mortgages these days utilize Down Payment assistance programs--substantial to keeping home ownership possible in today's market.
There are no tax dollars used to fund these
The use of these down payment assistance programs contributes to the overall economy because it is putting money back into all the areas of consumer spending on their best financial investment of home ownership.

to read the full article by Inman News:

http://www.inman.com/news/2008/09/10/congress-weighs-reprieve-seller-funded-gifts

here Is How You Can Help:

Step One: Contact your industry organizations to tell them to support H.R.6694.

Step Two: Call, fax and email your Washington representatives, especially your senators. Call and ask to speak with the Housing Legislative Assistant. Tell them how important down payment assistance is--leave a message if you must.

Step Three: Because senators are now visiting their home states, now is the time to schedule a meeting with your congressman and senators or their housing legislative assistant. You can print out the above documents to bring to your meeting. Visiting your congressman's office is by far the most effective way to influence them to vote in favor of HR6694.

Important Points:

Be sure to tell them the urgency of getting this legislation through before they adjourn on the 26th of September.
Delay the implementation of that portion of HR3221 that eliminated DPA until the February of March of 2009. This will greatly help with the seasonal downturn in the housing market and will allow the Senate to better consider the data the DPA industry will be providing them.
H.R. 6694 Addresses all of HUD's stated concerns.
Let them know how banning down payment assistance affects their states--.

•· Tell them you would like to know what studies have been done to show the impact banning DPA will have on the national housing market.

•· Tell them you would like to know how banning DPA will help the national economy.

Thank you for your support at this critical time.

Michael Whipple 877-313-3485 Marketing Director

Sovereign Grant Alliance

Michael@apollogrants.com

Florida Living in the Year 2058--Fifty Years From Now

2008-09-11T14:24:00Z

Year 2058: Fearless Predictions

Experts take a shot -- some light-hearted -- at what life in Florida will be like in 50 years!

Commuter Rail
By the year 2010, commuter rail Implemented itself along the Interstate 4 corridor, and has paid for itself with "overflow riders" expanding iteself to Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami, with rail spines and an effective and efficient ground transportation network extending throughout the central Florida region.
- Jacob V. Stuart, President/CEO,
Central Florida Partnership

Development
Disney World will be liquidated to create a new EPCOT (Experimental Prototype City Of Today), which will become a "living" urban research center that will draw people from all over the world to develop technologies to improve the built environment into the 22nd century. With the money from the sale of its properties, Disney will buy up all of the developed land along the Florida coast and return it to its natural state to be called "Ocean World." Disney will then use its new levitated monorail transportation system to draw tourists to experience and enjoy the true wonders of nature and the Florida environment.
- Mickey Jacob, regional director,
Florida Association of the
American Institute of Architects

Healthcare
A device worn or implanted will monitor health status and make personal visits to physicians rare. All healthcare providers have the instant medical history of their patients. Personal daily regimens of drugs and vitamins willvary based on monitored information. Gene therapy and pharmaceutical innovation will have eliminated most current illnesses, although new infectious diseases will appear, and chicken soup will remain the best "cure" for the common cold. ... Medicare will still exist as a federal health insurance program, but coverage will begin at the early retirement age ... of 82.
- Douglas Mannheimer, Tallahassee partner in the law firm Broad and Cassel whose practice centers on healthcare, state agencies and the Legislature

Automobile
The rate of traffic growth has slowed even as Florida's population has grown. High fuel costs, tolls, increased transit usage, telecommuting and video conferencing have reduced the number of cars on the road. Enhanced automotive braking and radar systems enhance mobility by lessening the stopping and following distances between vehicles, creating more space on interstates and local roadways.Vehicles have transitioned to hydrogen through compressed natural gas (CNG). Florida got out in front to provide incentives for infrastructure for hydrogen, CNG and electric plug in vehicles.
- Carolyn Dekle, executive director, South Florida Regional Planning Council

Environment
The upcoming vote on the constitutional ballot initiative to rename our great state "New Holland" continues to gain momentum due to sea level rise and the need to seawall the entire coastline. ... Across the state, citizens are loudly protesting the price of drinking water as it passes $20 a gallon. Even though per capita water use is down to 50 gallons a day, experts say usage must be cut in half if Florida is to remain sustainable.

Population
Florida's population is expected to exceed 38 million when the 2060 U.S. Census is taken. Population growth has been boosted by an influx of re-retirees (the 50% reduction in Social Security benefits enacted in 2040 forced many retirees back into the workforce). The popular 100+ active living/biomedical engineering and transplant communities allow these "super-seniors" to work, play and have joints and organs replaced all in one location. In a related development, the "Save Our Bones" amendment passed by the necessary supermajority and freezes all taxes on orthopedic joint replacement surgery for longtime Florida residents. New residents will still pay the 450% tax on these medical devices. The Florida Sentinel-Sun-Times-Herald-Union-Journal-Post decried the amendment as more of the same "don't tax you, don't tax me, tax the new guy with the artificial knee" policy.
- Sean M. Snaith, director,
Institute for Economic Competitiveness,
University of Central Florida

Politics
Some time in the next 30 years, Florida will be a majority minority state, so redistricting will have greater influence, especially at the state level, where how the lines are drawn now influences the lines in the future. The politics of climate change will have a significant impact on the state as beachfront property erodes and there becomes a battle between coastal communities and the rest of the state for how to spend resources. As coastal property stays more expensive (either because of property values or property taxes), we will likely see more migration to the central spine of the state, continuing the move of the political center of the state away from south Florida.
- Dave Beattie, president, polling and research firm Hamilton Campaigns, Fernandina Beach

Fashion
The 2058 summer season finds global warming under control, our oceans and waters protected, our trees blooming and our natural resources treasured. Swimwear is also environmentally friendly. A fabric called DreamFel consists exclusively of carbon and hydrogen, doesn't create allergic reactions, holds no moisture and is 20% lighter than nylon. Other new fabrics feature micro-encapsulation technology that infuses fibers with cellulite reducers, circulation and massage activation, aloe vera, sun protection and paraffin.
- Irina Ivanova and Mariella Adrian, fashion design faculty,
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

Governance
Florida's 2008 governance structure involving 67 counties, more than 400 cities, 11 regional planning councils, eight economic development districts, seven DOT districts, five water management districts and hundreds of special districts will have become so inefficient that Floridians will demand dramatic reform. ... Most public challenges will be considered regional and will be addressed by empowered regional bodies; local governments will either be consolidated or will be limited to truly local matters. We can either live by default or design; after reaching the depths of despair, Floridians will bravely choose the latter.
- Steve Seibert, senior vice president, The Collins Center for Public Policy

Agri-business
Citrus production is back to its all-time highs, the result of genetic modification efforts. As a result of disease threats on imported food, citrus, blueberry and blackberry production are hitting all-time highs. ... Cellulosic bacteria turning any organic matter of any form into ethanol is generating more royalties than Gatorade ever did. Switch grass and Arundo grass along state and federal highways with two harvests per year are being turned into chips for biofuel. Tons of chips are even exported to Europe. Appropriately named, the Sunshine State generates more money from energy than from tourism. Horticulture thrives because it has been genetically proven that people have to have green plants in their presence to be happy.
- Randy Strode, CEO,
Agri-starts, Apopka

Short Sale Your Home Before You Consider Foreclosure

2008-09-11T13:20:00Z

There are several reasons why Short Sales my be the best answer for you and your lender over doing a foreclosure.

A short sale does negatively affect your credit, it isn't nearly as devastating as a foreclosure. Depending on how many mortgage payments are late, after a short sale, you should be able to purchase a home again in about 2 years. After a foreclosure, credit experts agree that most people wont be able to buy another home for 5 or more years.
In Florida, foreclosure is carried out through the judicial process...the lender literally sues you to take the property back. This can take a year or more. Short sales, by contrast, is a "win-win" situation with the lender to sell the property in a relatively short period of time.
In foreclosure, you have few options and the bank may seek a deficiency judgment. After they sue you for the home, they have years to file suit for some or all of the deficiency suffered by them. This might include not only the direct loss, but legal fees, holding costs, commissions, asset manager fees, etc. Short Sales offer more control for you. An attorney, if needed, can often negotiate away any deficiency judgment with the lender.
Short Sales are generally in the best interest of the lender because with over 2 million foreclosures facing lenders nationwide, the costs are staggering and this effects their credit rating and the ability to loan out any more money. . The costs include attorney fees, repairs, utilities, property taxes, asset manager fees, and deep discounts to get the property sold. This no-performing asset for over a year, plus the costs, can easily total 50% or more of the loan amount. By contrast, short sales are quicker and cheaper for the lender.Also the homes are in much better condition in a short sale, resulting in a higher sales price.
There can be significant tax consequences to both foreclosures and short sales, so please contact a good tax professional or call us for a referral.

Tampa is one of the most affordable Florida cities to live in.

2008-09-11T13:17:00Z

A $285,000 home in Tampa is literally worth $MILLIONS elsewhere in the world.

Tampa was the fourth-most-affordable market examined in Florida. Once again, the state's most expensive market was Key West, where a 2,200-square-foot house went for $818,239.

398 markets around the world were examined comaring 2,200-square-foot houses with 4 bedrooms and 21/2 bathrooms fit for a mid-level executive.

Tampa's average home price is 1/9th that of Dubai's.
A modest house in Ireland will bust your mortgage at $1.6-million
Domestically, La Jolla, Calif., topped the least-affordable category with an average price of $1.8-million.
The San Diego suburb beat out last year's winner, Beverly Hills.
In Dubai, set amid oil rich states of the Middle East, a junior executive would have to cough up a cool $2.45-million.
Even Dublin, Ireland, and Bucharest, Romania, were in the million-dollar club.
On the other end of the spectrum, you can get a four-bedroom home in Quito, Ecuador, for less than $96, 750.

Thinking of moving?
What will a four-bedroom house cost you?

Dubai $2.45-million
Greenwich, Conn. $1.79-million
Boston $1.5-million
Amsterdam $1.28-million
Key West $818,239
Miami $600,000
Orlando $343,000
Tampa $285,000
Las Vegas $272,000
Sioux City, Iowa $133,000

By James Thorner, Times Staff Writer
abridged by Lois Szydlwoski

$100 ideas to help you sell your home

2008-09-05T21:12:00Z

$100 Ideas to Help Sell Your Home

Reinvent the Kitchen

$100: Install new cabinet knobs and drawer pulls for an instant makeover.

$100: Hang a new light fixture over your kitchen table or install smaller ones over your breakfast counter.

$100: Pack away any electrical or other device you absolutely don't need on the counter. Buy new towels, rug, placemats and coordinating décor to add a splash of complimentary color to your kitchen.

$100: Purchase new baskets for grouping paperwork, pens, and napkins, utensils for a coordinating look on counters, refrigerator and stove. Remove everything from magnetic refrigerator.

Beautify the Bath

$100: Replace towel rings and bars, toilet-paper holder, and toilet seat.

$100: Buy new towels, new shower curtain and rug.

$100: Replace faucet fixtures in sink and tub area.

$100: Recaulk all tiles; remove wallpaper and paint instead.

Enlarge a Bedroom

$100: Remove the headboard and footboard; purchase large pillows for against wall.

$100: Remove night stands; mount small shelves on either side for items.

$100: Remove all drapery and rods; install blinds or shades.

$100: Pain the walls, ceiling, any chair railing all the same light neutral color to make the boundaries of the room disappear.

Living Room Redo

$100: Put on a fresh coat of paint.

$100: Remove dated wall décor and install a few wood shelves.

$100: Buy new decorator pillows for couch and chairs.

Dining Room Update

$100: Buy a new light fixture; sell the more expensive but dated one on EBay.

$100: Buy new centerpiece and candles for table; Declutter china cabinet.

$100: Remove old drapery and sheers; donate. Hang new rod from ceiling; purchase lightweight drapes just for ends only.

Outside Curb Appeal

$100: Paint faded trim and shutters.

$100: New Mailbox and door mat

$100: New outside light fixture.

$100: Buy weed killer and new mulch.

$100: Rent a Power Washer and clean walkway/ stucco

$100: Buy 1 large pot; fill with fresh annuals by entryway.

Laundry Room Lift

$100: Freshly paint; add new wire shelving.

$100: Put clothes and all products in coordinating baskets, bins or behind closed doors

Carrollwood Tampa ....Why I love Carrollwood Village in Tampa Florida

2008-09-05T00:32:00Z

10 reasons I love Carrollwood Village Tampa

1. Convenience of being centrally located to everything Tampa Bay

2. Deed restricted but not fanatical

3. no cookie cutter homes

4. maintenance of surroundings

5. living within a small 30 something neighborhood of homes, I know and love my neighbors

6. close proximity to major highways: Veterans, I -275, I-75, N Dale Mabry

7. Reputation of Carrollwood Village

8. winding oak-lined streets that only the residents know their way around

9. I can walk to all kinds of shopping and entertainment

10. Property Resale Value

The Multitude of Websites When Searching For a Home...Oh My!

2008-09-02T12:37:00Z

Sites that give you huge price spans; $50,000 to $250,000---this leaves way too many homes to view
Sites that require you to re-submit your home listings every 14 days
Sites that use Monopoly® pieces on their map that clutters and confuse.
Site that is tricky to find where to remove listings, edit or email etc.
Having to press Ctl; Alt; Delete because I am tired of watching the hour glass spin waiting for the page to load

And if you are ready to have a Realtor like me set you up on a search of homes that will meet your criteria and come to your email doorstep everyday as soon as they come new on the market, then call or email me and I would love to work with you to help you find a home.

Remodeling--Cost VS Value---To Reap Rewards

2007-12-06T15:29:00Z

Here is the latest information regarding updating your home. This is wise right now if you are considering to sell. If you would like to see percentages of what will bring you back your investment, go to: http://www.costvsvalue.com/index.html

Bathroom Remodel: Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4x4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile..

Bathroom Remodel – Upscale: Do ceramic tile, recessed shower caddy, body spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a whirlpool tub; stone countertop with 2 sinks; 2 mirrored cabinets with lighting; a compartmentalized commode area with 1-piece toilet; and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Use large diagonally placed ceramic floor tiles with ceramic base molding. Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry shall include a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look.

Minor Kitchen Remodel: In a functional 200-square-foot kitchen, leave cabinet boxes but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, add new hardware. Replace wall oven and cook top with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install mid-priced sink and faucet. Paint and replace flooring.

Major Kitchen Remodel: Update with semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island; solid surface countertops; and double-tub stainless-steel sink with single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cook top, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new ceramic flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.

Major Kitchen Remodel – Upscale: Use top-of-the-line custom wood cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories. Include stone countertops with imported ceramic or glass tile backsplash; built-in refrigerator, cook top and 36-inch commercial grade range/vent hood; built-in combination microwave and convection oven. Install undermount sink with designer faucets, and built-in water filtration system. Add new lighting along with low-voltage under-cabinet lights and cork flooring.

Replace Roofing: Remove existing roofing. Install 235-pound fiberglass asphalt shingles (min.25-year warranty) with new felt underlayment, galvanized drip edge, and mill-finish aluminum flashing.

Replace Roofing – Upscale: Install 30 squares of standing seam metal, formed on site into 16-inch panels using factory-enameled roll steel; double-lock all seams. Use custom brake-bent flashing from same material for drip edge and all flashing at roof-wall intersections. Apply over new felt underlayment; use ice-and-water membrane at eaves, valleys, and all penetrations.

Replace Siding

Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new fiber-cement or foam-backed vinyl siding, including all trim.

Replace Windows – Vinyl: Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-light vinyl windows. Simulated wood grain interior finish; custom-color exterior finish. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.

Replace Windows – Wood: Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-light wood windows. Use stained hardwood on interior and use custom-color aluminum cladding on exterior. Trim exterior to match existing trim; do not disturb existing interior trim.