SI Real Estate Tampa and The Beaches

Don’t Miss the Boat! Part 1 of a 2-Part Series For the past six months, there has been a wealth of information and press about the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, but there has not been as much talk about the fact that move-up home buyers can also benefit from the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. Who are move-up home buyers and how can they benefit from this tax credit by purchasing a home right here in Tampa, Florida? All real estate buyers should benefit in the first quarter of 2010. According to the National Association of Home Builders Home Buyer Tax Credits , “The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (“long-time resident”) as a person who has owned and resided in the same home for at least five years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. That is, both spouses must qualify as long-time residents, with at least five...

The deadline is quickly approaching for potential home buyers to complete their first-time home purchases in order to qualify for the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit . Buyers who are eager to take advantage of this government incentive have until November 30th to reach a successful closing on their new home. The average home buying process typically takes 30 to 45 days from the contract date to closing. During that time, inspections must be conducted, the mortgage company must complete an appraisal and all financial documents are required. In order to meet the looming deadline for the tax credit, a home needs to be under contract not much later than October 25th in order to ensure enough time for the mortgage closing process. It's important for people to recognize that the sooner they act, the better. Many first time buyers may not fully understand the time it takes to finalize all the elements of the buying process. In order to avoid additional complications that may slow ...

The housing inventory is moving quickly in the Tampa Bay area, a definite change from previous months. Buyers who are looking for rock bottom prices are finding their search to be more difficult than originally expected. Multiple offers, fewer days on the market, and a rise in home sale prices are all evidence of this new market shift in the Tampa Bay area real estate market. For example, three months ago the Mid-Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service reported over 600 bank-owned properties in Tampa Bay. This number has now been reduced to fewer than 370, as the inventory continues to be quickly absorbed. In 2008 we were looking at a vastly different real estate inventory with a much higher number of bank-owned and short sale homes in Tampa, giving buyers a wide selection to choose from. In our current condition, buyers who are looking for a “best buy” need to be ready to act fast. With multiple offers being placed on low-priced real estate, sellers are now receiving offers at even ...

This beautiful and centrally located 3BR/2BA single family house has been fully renovated, with an extreme make-over inside and out. Attention has been paid to every detail in this large and spacious home. From the kitchen, to the flooring, to the bathrooms, to the roof, everything is fresh and new. New homeowners will enjoy upgraded kitchen cabinetry, countertops, tile backsplash and flooring, as well as the wide range of new appliances including refrigerator, microwave, range, dishwasher, disposal, washer and dryer. Both bathrooms have been have also been fully upgraded; now featuring new sinks, vanities, bathtubs, faucets, and toilets. New carpeting and ceramic tile flooring has been installed through out the house. French doors open to a large fenced backyard has been well maintained and beautifully landscaped. Mature trees surround the house, creating natural shade and privacy, a great place to escape the Florida heat while enjoying summer days outside. This home is conveniently ...

This week's featured property is a centrally located and newly updated, charming West Tampa home. The two bedroom house for sale located at 2710 W. LaSalle features new interior and exterior paint, upgraded cabinets and all new kitchen appliances including range and hood, refrigerator, and dishwasher, as well as a washer and dryer, new window treatments, baseboards, molding and new tile flooring. The bathroom has also been updated to include new grout, fixtures and flooring. The remodeling of this home was well thought out, aimed at preserving its pleasant qualities while adding modern luxuries. We absolutely fell in love with this West Tampa house and its endless old Tampa charm and unique details such as the Florida room and the little niches built into the walls used to hold artwork, plants or photos. The concrete block house exudes character both inside and out with a newly painted concrete tile rood and beautiful fenced lawn with mature plants and trees. Inside the home an ent...

Beautiful and pristine, this three bedroom, three bathroom is located in the heart of Dunedin, just two blocks from downtown and all of its offerings. This newly constructed home is FHA approved, has never been lived in and includes all of the finest amenities and comforts. The home, priced at $260,000, features a spacious floor plan, with 20ft living room ceilings, open kitchen, enormous master bedroom and ample storage space. The master bedroom suite features a large walk-in closet, walk-in shower, double sinks and a garden tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Both the second and third bedrooms also feature their own private bathrooms and walk-in closets. Ample space is provided in the kitchen for cooking and entertaining, with a roomy layout and large breakfast bar. The home includes a complete kitchen appliance package with refrigerator, range, microwave, disposal and dishwasher. The townhouse also features hurricane shutters, a two car garage and a large, upstairs laundry ...

An Extension Could Mean More Jobs and Stronger Economic Stabilization Home builders, finally seeing positive movement in the housing market, are fighting to extend the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit for an additional year. As members of Congress return home for the August congressional recess, the National Association of Home Builders is urging its more than 200,000 members to contact their lawmakers, asking them to help create more jobs and set the stage for a strong recovery by extending the credit program. "If Congress acts to extend the tax credit program, it would spur 383,000 additional home sales, including 80,000 housing starts, creating nearly 350,000 jobs over the coming year." said the NAHB Chairman Joe Robson. "That's good for the economy and good for America." Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody's Economy.com, says a healthy housing market is one of the leading indicators for an economic recovery. A secure real estate market is a n...

The American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009 authorized a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Any home that will be used as your principal residence qualifies for the tax credit. The law defines a "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-yaer period prior to the purchase. First-time home buyers purchasing any type of home, new or resale, are eligible to receive the tax credit as long as the closing date and title transfer occurs before December 1, 2009. The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000 and $150,000 for a married taxpayers filling a joint return. The money comes in the form of a tax refund, meaning that you will not receive the money until after the house is bought and your 2009 tax return is ...

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced that its July housing market index climbed to the highest level it has been in nearly a year, as improved sales conditions boosted confidence in the market for new single-family homes. The index rose to 17 points, two points above last month's index and the highest it has been since September 2008. "Builders are seeing slightly better sales conditions this month as consumers takes advantage of the first-time buyer tax credit, low interest rates and attractive home prices." said NAHB chairman Joe Robinson. A rise in the home builder index is a positive sign for the U.S. housing market, which has been showing continued signs of stabilization with home sales rising and price declines moderating throughout the country. Low interest rates and other incentives have helped builders attract home buyers while the government's $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit has facilitated a boost in sales. On a regional basis,...

One of the best real estate successes offering aid in this troubled housing market is the FHA loan program. What exactly is an FHA loan? For those who might still be confused about their financing options, an FHA loan is a United States federal assistance mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The loan program, usually issued by federally qualified lenders, can provide an affordable financing option for many first-time and second home buyers. The current property prices offer an excellent opportunity for investing and because of this cash buyers have taken an active role in today’s real estate market. For home buyers who have had trouble competing with these cash investors but have 3.5 percent to put toward their purchase, finding an FHA approved condominium communities is an excellent option. FHA recently came out with its long-awaited rules on condominium loans, and they are a mixed bag for investors, second home and other buyers and sellers. FHA has said it wil...