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• Time is running out to stand up for sensible mortgage rules

  Written by mypinellas No Comments
  Last Updated: July 29, 2011

  Time is running out to stand up for sensible mortgage rules. We only have until August 1 to tell regulators that they should rethink a proposed 20% minimum downpayment requirement.

  Here’s why the proposed rule is a bad idea:

  It could lower home values. The proposed rule would hurt property values by shutting many qualified buyers out of the market. Fewer buyers mean lower home values.

  It could affect your ability to buy a home. A 20% downpayment is often just too much to save, even for hard-working, creditworthy buyers.

  You have until August 1 to tell regulators to say NO to the 20% down requirement.

  Regulators are trying to fix the root causes of the housing crisis, which we fully support. But the proposed rule is the wrong solution. Strong evidence shows that responsible lending standards and ensuring a borrower’s ability to repay, not high downpayments, have the greatest impact on reducing lender risk.

  Join us and take action now. Regulators in Washington need to hear directly from you, the homeowner, as they make their policy considerations. That’s why your input is so important. Please send an electronic letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ask that regulators drop the proposed 20% downpayment requirement and instead focus on sound underwriting standards.

  Taking action is easy and takes just a few seconds of your time.

• Florida State Fair

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: February 7, 2011

  The Florida State Fair (Feb 10 – 21) has the most food vendors, livestock, free entertainment, rides, and exhibits that you will find anywhere in the area.  

  The annual event is held in Tampa, FL, a short car ride away from Pinellas County, and is a salute to Florida’s best in the agriculture and equestrian industry, including an abundance of shows, music, rides, food and shopping.

  Excitement is in the air all over the fairgrounds with plenty of free entertainment included with admission.

  Plan your day in advance to enjoy all of the sights, sounds, and tastes that the Florida State Fair has to offer. Parking is free during the Fair.

  Information about some of the event’s activities is included below.  Gates open on Thursday.  Bring on the sunshine and blue skies!

  Enjoy the Tilt-A-Whirl and Fried Twinkies . . . In Paradise Found!

  For a complete calendar of events and general information, visit the Florida State Fair online at www.FloridaStateFair.com/.  Or, call 1+ 813-621-7821 or Toll Free at 1-800-345-FAIR (3247). 

  CORN DOGS & COUNTRY
  On Friday, Feb. 11th, Amphitheatre doors open at 5pm. Food on a stick teams up with country music at the Florida State Fair when WQYK presents the concert, “Corndogs n’ Country.”  This pop country concert will star Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, Colt Ford, Sunny Sweeney and Brett Eldredge; performing together for one night in the Live Nation Entertainment 1-800 Ask Gary Amphitheatre.

  COUNTRY GOLD TOUR
  Country Gold Tour brings classic country artists to the Florida State Fair, Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Show times are 12pm and 4pm. The Country Gold Tour, featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, Moe Bandy, Joe Stampley and Bobby Bare takes the stage at the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall.

  SWEETBAY ENTERTAINMENT HALL
  Celebrate Live Legends Show
  February 10th, show times are 1pm, and 3pm
  February 11th, show times are 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm
  February 12th, show time at 12:00 Noon
  February 13th, show time at 12:00 Noon
  February 14th, show times are 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm
  February 15th, show times are 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm
  February 17th, show times are 1pm, and 3pm
  February 20th, show times are 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
  February 21st, show times are 1pm, 3pm, 5pm

  Elvis Extravaganza Impersonator National Finals
  Saturday, Feb. 12th, show times are 3pm and 6pm
  Sunday, Feb. 13th, show times are 3pm and 6pm

  Veterans Tribute Concert
  Thursday, Feb. 17th, show time at 6pm  

  DATES, TIMES AND ACTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE.*

  RIDES
  The Midway features 106 rides ranging from Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, and tilt-a-whirls, to bumper cars & boats, fun houses, roller coasters and the Himalaya. Also don’t forget to visit the Giant Slide and Kiddie Midway for more fun!

  The Florida State Fairgrounds is located in Tampa, FL.  In addition to holding the annual Florida State Fair, the Fairgrounds host a wide variety of other events throughout the year. The Fairgrounds cover over 355 acres, with many different types of buildings.

  The Florida State Fair Authority is under the administration of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

  LOCATION/TRANSPORTATION
  Florida State Fairgrounds
  Physical Address: 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610
  HART Bus Schedule Information can be found on www.Hartline.org or by calling the Info Line at 813-254-4278.

  CREDITS:  http://www.floridastatefair.com/home.  Copyright © 2010 Florida State Fair Authority. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

• Quick Facts about the Homebuyer Tax Credit

  Written by MyPinellas.com No Comments
  Last Updated: November 19, 2009

  Earlier this year Congress passed legislation that provided first-time homebuyers a tax credit up to $8,000. As you may have heard, President Obama recently approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension, which extends the credit until April 30, 2010.

  Here are the basics of the extended home buyer tax credit for 2009/2010:

  As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

  • Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
  • Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

  
  Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?
  

  • First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  • Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

  To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” you, and your spouse, may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

  
  Which Properties Are Eligible?

  The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

  
  How Much Is Available?

  The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000. The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

  
  How is a Buyer’s Credit Amount Determined?

  Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:

  1. The price of the home.
  2. The buyer’s income.

  
  Price

  Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

  
  Buyer Income

  Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000-may receive the maximum tax credit. These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits.

  
  If My Income Exceeds These Limits, Can I Still Get a Credit?

  Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit. The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as a buyer’s income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples- are not eligible for the credit.

  
  Can I Still Qualify If My Home Purchase Closes After April 30, 2010?

  Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, you will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

  
  Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

  No. You do not need to repay the tax credit, if you occupy your home for three years or more. However, if you sell the property during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

• Thinking about Buying Your First Home?

  Written by MyPinellas.com No Comments
  Last Updated: July 13, 2009

  Are you thinking about buying your first home? Good thought! Now is a great time to buy, especially with an $8,000 tax credit available for those who qualify.

  As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers. And those who qualify for the federal $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit will be able to apply for down payment assistance through the state of Florida or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) before they close on the purchase of their home; then repay the amount borrowed when they get their tax credit. FHA now permits its lenders to provide a short-term bridge loan to qualified homebuyers for the purpose of accessing the federal $8,000 tax credit at the closing table.

  But time is of the essence. You must buy your new home by December 1, 2009.

  Click here for more information.
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