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First-time home buyers, now is the time!

Up to $7,500 will be given to first-time home buyers when they file their annual tax return.  This credit is only good up to a certain income level, can be no more than 10% of the purchase price,  and will end on or about July 2, 2009.

Yes, restrictions do apply. And yes, this credit must be repaid.  However, the terms are excellent.

Use a good REALTOR®, negotiate a Seller concession toward closing costs, and win long term.  Money today is worth more than money tomorrow.

 This is a great time to buy a home…

FREEDOM

Visitors to Florida’s Atlantic beaches with an astute eye this time of year will often have the opportunity to enjoy a find such as this.  This is a sea turtle nest emergence hole as seen just after sunrise.  Clearly the tracks indicate a successful cycle of life.

Nearly 7,000 nests have been made this year between Sebastian Inlet and Cocoa Beach, so plenty of opportunity exists for all to enjoy another great facet of Florida’s great beaches.  The incubation period runs between 45 to 60 days with the turtles coming ashore all summer.  Plan a trip while here, and perhaps you too will be rewarded with such a find:

Remember these are a protected species and must be left alone.

( * This was the answer for the June 29th ’What Am I’ contest. )

Termites can be found virtually everywhere in Florida, and yet surprisingly enough only about half the homes in the state have termite protection.

There are more than one type as well.  The Formosan variety need contact with soil or other moisture sources to infest a home.  Drywood termites do not, and can fly a colony directly to a wood source to begin an infestation.

How can you help prevent this issue with you home?

• Repair any water leaks or moisture issues.
• Keep siding materials above the ground by at least six inches.
• Do not allow landscape mulch to contact the home.
• Utilize a termite protection service from a licensed pest control company.
• Direct water away from the home with gutters and good downspouts.

In regard to a termite protection bond, it would be advisable to read the policy coverage closely.  As it is turning out, most of the current policies on new construction only cover the subterranean variety of termites.

Be smart…  stay covered.  Use a Florida licensed pest control company.

Recently opened in the Water Tower Place Shopping Center at Celebration and US192, Clementine’s is a stylish venue offering coffee, cakes, sandwiches and a varied selection of wines in elegant yet relaxed surroundings. Great for a lunchtime or evening outing or any time in between:

GLENBROOK COMMONS

A Sweetbay Supermarket is on the the agenda for this new 100,000 square foot shopping center located at Glenbrook Boulevard and U.S. Hwy #27.  This new grocery store should be a treat for all those in the area.

Commercial development is ticking right along on the corridor between U.S. #192 and the new Sawgrass Bay development.

Curb appeal is always first on the list of items to have in order when selling a home.  Second is the entryway.

The entryway should be so inviting no one will have a thought about turning around.  Replace any old light fixtures and update the floor.  A touch of new paint in the foyer area, an accenting throw rug on the floor, combined with a wicker table and flowers will ensure potential buyers start out with a positive frame of mind.

Set the correct tone to start and success will soon follow.

ANAND VILLAS Clubhouse Location

Nirvana Parkway & Dharma Circle

Here’s a project destined to grow.  In a quiet location, just off of U.S. Hwy 192, this upcoming gated community will certainly attract a lot of interest.  First home sites have been marked for release.

‘ The Village & Harvest Collections ‘

U.S. Hwy 192 & Poinciana Boulevard

3BD’s - 1315 Sq. Ft. to 4BD’s - 1904 Sq. Ft.

$187,990 to $229,990

Steady development continues on this well located project.  Clearly, some individuals are finding value to be had ahead of the coming market rebound.  Pricing for the product has certainly changed though, as can be seen by looking back on the post of June 25, 2007.

Mortgage rates are based on the performance of mortgage-backed securities, a type of bond. This means that whenever the economy is on fire and there are good economic reports along with positive economic news, investors tend to put more money into stocks, which are more risky but generally offer higher returns. To do this, however, investors must remove some of their money from less-risky bonds. This decreased demand in bonds causes bond prices to worsen, which causes home loan rates to increase.

Inversely, when the economy is sluggish and economic reports and news are negative, money managers tend to remove money from higher-risk stocks and put it into less-risky bonds. As demand for bonds increases, bond pricing improves and home loan rates decrease.

Sue Woodward, Mortgage Success Source - 2008 -

IDLY WAITING

It’s a good time for many to negotiate with the developers for sure.  Many a concession can be secured when this would not have been possible 24 months ago.

Plan ahead…