FHA Loan Changes
Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 1:04pm. 16 Views, 0 Comments.
First time homebuyers using FHA financing need to be aware there are
some important changes coming that will effect what it will cost you to
obtain FHA financing...
- The upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) will increase to 2.25 percent up from 1.75 percent. Contrary to reports, FHA will continue to allow the financing of the UFMIP (in other words, it can still be rolled into the loan). (April 5, 2010)
- Borrowers with a credit score below 580 will be required to have at least a 10 percent down payment. (Summer 2010)
- The minimum down payment for borrowers with above a 580 credit score will remain at 3.5 percent.
- Allowable Seller paid concessions (towards closing costs) will be reduced to 3 percent from 6 percent.…
Living Green, Saving Green
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:52pm. 56 Views, 0 Comments.
Everyone's talking about living green these days, and it's a very good idea. It protects our environment for our children's future, and makes the planet healthier all around for everyone. Unfortunately, many things you can do to go green cost a fortune, which just isn't practical for many families in the current economic climate. The good news is that you can go green and save green at the same time, without breaking your budget. You may not be installing a windmill farm or solar panels on your property just yet, but there are still plenty of things you can do to help the planet that cost very little to nothing out of your pocket. Here are our top 6 selections for going green on the cheap.
1. Reduce your use of electricity. It's easier than you think,…
Florida #2 Most Popular State
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:51pm. 31 Views, 0 Comments.
A recent Harris Interactive poll ranked Florida as the #2 most popular state, behind California. The poll asked adults, "If you could live in any state in the country, except the state you live in now, what state would you choose to live in?"
Florida actually beat out California for the #1 spot amongst women. Now just a guess here but, if the men knew all the women were going to choose Florida, Florida would have been number #1 overall. Ha! Florida was also #1 amongst Gen X'ers (ages 33 to 44) and Matures (ages 64 and over).
Read more on the poll here, Harris Poll.
Tampa Bay Art Shows
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:51pm. 31 Views, 0 Comments.
With cooler weather finally approaching, it's time to think about escaping the confines of our air conditioned homes. One of our favorite outdoor, cool weather events are the local art shows and festivals. These are fun events for both of us, Kathy likes checking out the local artists and I like checking out the local food vendors.
This last weekend we headed to South Tampa for the fall Hyde Park Village Art Fair. It's one of the smaller shows and comes around twice year, spring and fall. Hyde Park is a picturesque setting with the center green and surrounding shops and it was great place for a Sunday morning stroll. It was great to see some of our favorite regulars like Jim Gerard Holehouse and the German Frank from Hofmann's Sausage ...pretty…
Tampa Bans Sprinklers - New Water Restrictions
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:50pm. 30 Views, 0 Comments.
Beginning April 3, 2009 you'll no longer be able to use your sprinklers to water your lawn and landscaping. City council members passed new watering rules Thursday night, essentially banning the use of sprinklers systems (even the kind that attach to hose).
For now you'll only be allowed to water your lawn by hand, one day a week, on your assigned day, between 6 PM and 8 AM. Properties with an address ending in an even number, or the letters A through M, will be allowed to hand water on Tuesdays, and properties with an address ending in an even number, or the letters N through Z, will be allowed to hand water on Sunday. Fines for violators range between $100 and $450 and water enforcement personnel are patrolling the streets 24 hours a day, seven…
First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:48pm. 29 Views, 0 Comments.
The newly-signed economic stimulus bill has some good news for first-time home buyers, with a tax credit which lawmakers hope will stimulate the housing market. The new legislation offers a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to a maximum of $8,000 for eligible home buyers. Before we get started a little disclaimer, as with any tax related matter it's always wise to consult with your tax professional. :-)
Who is Eligible for the Tax Credit?
The eligibility requirements for the tax credit are very simple. To be eligible for the credit, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be a “first-time home buyer,” This means you must not have owned a principal residence for at least three years prior to the…
Salt or Chlorine? Keeping Your Pool Clean
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:48pm. 39 Views, 0 Comments.
The addition of chlorine has long been the traditional method of keeping swimming pools fresh, clean, and sanitary. For increasing numbers of people, however, it’s no longer the preferred method. Salt water swimming pools are steadily increasing in popularity as people realize that there are practical alternatives to the old standby. It is important to understand that salt water pools are not chlorine free pools. It’s chlorine is generated by a chlorine generator as opposed to being added by hand.
Chlorine is Traditional but is it the Best?
Chlorine pools work on a fairly simple basis. Chlorine kills bacteria and algae, and prevents these pesky microbes from growing colonies in your swimming water. Algae in particular are the problem to watch out…
Essential Facts about Florida Real Estate Taxes
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:46pm. 50 Views, 0 Comments.
Understanding Florida CDDs - Community Development Districts
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:45pm. 48 Views, 0 Comments.
Over the past several years, concerns about Florida’s rapid population growth have led to concerns about the quality of services and infrastructure supplied to the state’s residents. These have in turn led to the increasing popularity of community development districts as a means of improving residential service levels. Community development districts provide several advantages for residents, but also involve paying extra taxes, so there are plenty of things to consider when deciding whether living in a CDD is for you.
What is a Community Development District?
Many Tampa and Florida property developers began using CDDs as a way of creating communities that are well-designed, aesthetically attractive, pleasant to live in, and offer residents a…
