Comments (0)

On March 19, 2009, the Obama Administration unveiled its new website on its Making Home Affordable Program:

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov

As reported in recent Washington Reports, the program has two main components: (1) refinancing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans for borrowers who are current and have loan-to-value ratios of 80%-105%, and (2) loan modification for borrowers in default or at imminent risk of default who have high debt-to-income ratios and mortgages with balances up to $729,750.

The new website is designed to make information about eligibility, free counselors, and other program details readily available. It also includes links that let borrowers learn whether they have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. These programs are key elements to help some people buy a home.

If you would like more information please check out their website or contact us for more information.

Comments (0)

There is so much useful information online to help you in the home buying process. Lately I have noticed two sites:

1. http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/mortgagecalc/

This site has a free online calculator which can be used to show an approximation of how much your mortgage payments will be.

2. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/lesson8/

This list shows some things you should know when buying a home. Notice #6 Get professional help:

Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, most new buyers (and many more experienced ones) are better off using a professional agent. Look for an exclusive buyer agent, if possible, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.

 

We agree. Depending on your location/state you are better off with an exclusive buyer agent. In Florida when finding a real estate agent we suggest that you look for a realtor ® because they are required to follow a very strict Code of Ethics and we suggest that you have one working exclusively in your best interest.

If you would like to know more about how you can do this or exactly what to do please contact us and we will help you through this process.

* Please note that this blog does not serve as a binding contract. However we try to help those who read our blog and those looking to buy in the Tampa Bay area who have found our blog while surfing on the Internet.

Comments (0)

H.R. 1, the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” passed the House on February 13, 2009, by a vote of 246 – 184. Later that day, the Senate also passed the bill by a vote of 60 – 38. The President signed the bill on February 17, 2009. 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. 

You can read the bill here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.00001::

See how the House voted: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll070.xml

See how the Senate voted: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00064

In particular the Homebuyer Tax Credit provides for a $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.

This is one reason why some potential homebuyers may want to take advantage of an $8,000 tax credit toward the purchase of a principal residence for first-time buyers on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. To make the deal even better, the credit does not require repayment. It’s all part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Comments (0)

New Clearwater Beach Beach Walk

Some people ask me about Clearwater Beach and how it looks. Loving an island girl I love being near water so of course I love Clearwater Beach. There are so many things to do there. You can walk, swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, have a bite to eat, or just rest and relax there is something for everyone at Clearwater Beach.

After nearly five years, the Clearwater Beach Walk is finally ready for those eager to walk along the beach. This picture is just one glimpse of the beach walk. I will post more later.

I will also keep everyone posted on the latest technology, market statistics, listings, sales, school information, local information about Tampa, Clearwater, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, Hudson, and homes throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Comments (0)

Welcome to the  Tampa Bay Home Buyer Team website.

If you are looking to buy a home or property or properties in the Tampa Bay Florida area then stay tuned for more home buying data that will help you in the home buying process.

We will be writing about the latest technology, statistics, listings, mortgage rates, etc so stay tuned for more information.