Are you in the Military?Things you may not know about the tax credits for first time & repeat buyers
January 25, 2010
Are you serving in the Military? Looking for your first home, or planning on moving into a new home? Time to take advantage of the $8000 Federal Tax Credit for Home Buyers is running short for most (the official deadline is April 30th, 2009).
Congress has taken into the account the unique circumstances of people serving our country, and made special provisions on the Tax Credit extension for members of the Military, Foreign Service and Intelligence Community!
For qualified service members who are ordered on a period of official extended duty, the deadline and closing dates are extended for one year. For these home buyers, the tax credit applies to sales with a binding sales contract in place on or before April 30, 2011 and closed by June 30, 2011!
Members of the Military, Foreign Service and Intelligence community are also exempt from the tax credit recapture rule. Most buyers who receive the tax credit are subject to paying the credit back IF they sell their home within 3 years of purchasing it. This rule does not apply to members of the service.
If you are a member of our proud Military, and are considering the purchase of your first home (or new home), you have time to take advantage of this incredible incentive!
Posted by Jamie Bullock
The Burish and Serena Team
Be wary…some charities ARE NOT funding Haiti relief efforts
January 21, 2010
The tragedy and crisis in Haiti is UNIMAGINABLE to most of us. We sit on our comfy couches, watching helplessly as our brothers and sisters of this world endure loss, destruction and sadness.
But we are not helpless right? We can donate clothing, food, medical supplies, time working with local organizations, and even more useful…we can donate our MONEY.
There have been reports and concern that some ‘faux’ organizations are popping up already, soliciting money for their charities, claiming the money is benefiting the Haiti relief effort. This is so sad, but true.
There are people out there who not only would steal from the destitute Haitians, but prey on our compassion and desire to do good. The only thing we can do to prevent our good intentions from benefiting these virtual gangsters is do our homework and be aware.
Do research on an organization yourself, or visit CHARITY NAVIGATOR , an independent charity evaluation website with a glossary of organizations, including dollar amounts of actual money spent on the effort in Haiti to the minute.
Posted by Jamie Bullock
The Burish and Serena Team
Transnational Referral Certified (TRC) Realtor-International Real Estate Referrals and Transactions
January 11, 2010
Roberta Burish, TRC – Keller Williams Realty – Bradenton, Florida
Transnational Referral Certified by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations
Looking to buy or sell property Internationally?
Are you an agent looking to refer a client to a REALTOR in the United States?
If you (or a client) are planning on purchasing or listing property transnationally, you should consider contacting a TRC (Transnational Referral Certified) Real Estate Agent.
A Realtor with the TRC Real Estate designation has completed a course specifically designed to educate Realtors on International real estate practices WORLD WIDE.
This certification concentrates on key parts of successful transnational/international real estate referrals and transactions, including international:
- Business practices
- Customs
- Laws
- Standardized referral procedures
Roberta Burish, a successful Manatee County Florida REALTOR, is certified in legally binding agreements, standardized referral procedures and dispute resolution forums.
Roberta can help with an international real estate transaction in several ways….
- By Referral or Directly
- List property
- Work with Buyers
- Consult
About Roberta and The Burish and Serena Team:
Roberta is the team leader of The Burish and Serena Team, a group of competent professionals with a track record of successful real estate transactions and happy clients in Manatee & Sarasota County (including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and Ellenton).
The Burish and Serena Team not only specialize in International Real Estate transactions and referrals, they also specialize in New Construction home sales, Golf Course Communities and working with Sellers and Buyers.
As Listing Agents and Buyer’s Agents, The Burish and Serena Team take full advantage of technology for the marketing of their listings and convenience of the buyers they are working with.
Visit The Burish and Serena Team’s Website
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Central Park Coming Soon to Lakewood Ranch-Florida Green Built Standard New Construction Homes
January 11, 2010
Inspired by New York City’s Central Park, Neal Communities announces their new residential village in Lakewood Ranch, fittingly named CENTRAL PARK!
The 372 acres north of SR70, and east of Lakewood Ranch Blvd in Manatee County, FL will be the site for over 800 homes and more than 150,000 sq ft of commercial office space.
The village will be a seamless extension of the existing master planned community, Lakewood Ranch, and have similar features as the already popular Greenbrook Village.
Central Park will offer something for everyone with five separate neighborhoods all inspired by areas within New York City’s Central Park, 29 different floor plans, and 7 builders to choose from. The neighborhoods planned are:
- Great Lawn
- East Meadow
- Cedar Hill
- East Garden
- Conservatory Garden
The five new neighborhoods will be centered around a vibrant park, modeled after Central Park with:
- 2 picnic areas
- Covered pavilion
- Sports field (baseball and soccer)
- Amphitheater framed by shaded walkways
- Fountain
- Lush medians
- Meandering walkways
- Shade tress
- Benches and streetlights
Prices for the homes will vary. Pat Neal stated, “…our goal is to make them affordable for two Manatee County School teachers.”
Central Park will be conveniently located near Lakewood Ranch High School & Manatee Technical Institute, making it a great place for not only retirees and investors, but families too! A new elementary school/middle school combo is planned for the community as well.
All new construction homes will meet FLORIDA GREEN BUILDING standards. Lots are projected to be available by July 2010.
For more information on Neal Communities, Central Park or other New Construction Homes available in East Manatee County, Lakewood Ranch or the Bradenton area, contact The Burish and Serena Team.
We will be following the progress of this development closely, so stay tuned for more information on Central Park!
Posted by: Jamie Bullock
The Burish & Serena Team
The Hottest 2009 Gifts -This is Cool – Save Time and Energy Shopping For Gifts -Top Ten Lists
December 7, 2009
….decorating…sending Christmas cards…baking…cooking…having holiday parties….going to holiday parties..holiday school plays………..whew, I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
These are all unavoidable parts of the holidays. Add figuring out what people WANT for the holidays, searching for deals, shopping and wrapping into this equation, and there is hardly anytime to ENJOY the holidays, and more unnecessary stressers!
How would you like to fill out a 30 second profile for the person you are shopping for and be given a list of great gift ideas that match their age, gender and personality! I’m not a big online shopper, but this site has given me a whole new hope for ENJOYING more time with my family.
- Shop by budget, pricepoint, PERSONALITY, category, what’s hot, brand
- Shop good deals, use coupons
- Have gifts wrapped
- FREE Gift tags with purchase
- HAVE THEM DELIVERED TO THE PERSON OR YOUR HOUSE (ahh. No more holiday rush at TJ Maxx)
Top Ten Gifts For Boys
Top Ten Gifts For Girls
Top Ten Gifts For Babies
Top Ten Gifts For Woman
Top Ten Gifts For Man
HAPPY SHOPPING!
2009 Holiday Events for Bradenton, Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch
November 30, 2009
Holiday Events
December
Friday 4th
Lighting of the Tree, 6pm – 9pm at St ARmonds Circle in Sarasota
Friday 11th
Winter Wonderland, 4pm in Downtown Bradenton
Holidays Around the Ranch, 5pm on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch
Saturday 12th
Winter Wonderland, all day in downtown Bradenton
Holiday Boat Parade on the Manatee River at Sunset
23rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights in Sarasota, Bay Front Park in Sarasota at Sunset
A Night Before Christmas, GT Bray Park in Bradenton, 4pm
Saturday 19th
A Smokey Mountain Christmas Story, St James UMC in Sarasota at 7pm
Sunday 20th
A Smokey Mountain Christmas Story, St James UMC in Sarasota at 4pm
DID I FORGET MANY IMORTANT EVENTS? PLEASE, LEAVE A COMMENT, AND I WILL ADD THEM!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE BURISH AND SERENA TEAM
First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit Extended
November 9, 2009
November 6th, 2009, President Obama signed the proposed extension on the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit! The new Bill extends the $8000 tax credit for First Time Home Buyers AND is extending a $6500 tax credit to buyers who have owned their current home for at least 5 years.
The new bill allows for home buyers to claim the credit on any contracts written before April 30th, 2010 that close before June 30th, 2010.
Income limitations have been increased to $125,000 for single filers and $225,000 for joint filers. The purchase price of the home must be less than $800,000.
While the extension was controversial, and the estmated loss to the government in tax revenue is $10.8 billion, at the end of the day, Washington couldn’t deny that the tax benefit was pushing qualified home buyers over the fence, and into a new home.
“The substantial rise in home sales we’ve seen over the past few months proves that the tax credit is working and is being used by buyers who were waiting for the right opportunity to get into the market,” said NARPresident Charles McMillan, a broker with ColdwellBanker Residential Real Estate in Dallas-Fort Worth. “This important incentive is helping to stabilize the housing market, stimulate the economy and create new jobs in communities all across our great nation. Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will enable even more families to take advantage of current low interest rates and affordable prices to invest in their future through home ownership.”
An estimated 1.4 million people took advantage of the tax credit in 2009, helping absorb tens of thousands of bank owned properties, and keep people working in the real estate industry in business!
For answers to frequently asked questions reguarding the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit – Click Here
For answer to frequently asked questions reguarding the $6500 Tax Credit for Repeat Home Buyers – Click Here
Start Looking For Your Dream Home Now!
Posted by:
Jamie Bullock
The Burish and Serena Team
Possible Chinese Drywall Relief?
November 5, 2009
Since the release last week,that the federal task force on Chinese drywall found elevated levels of sulfur and strontium in most samples, but no concrete evidence of adverse health effects have been legitimized, Senators from states hit hardest by the phenomena are calling for action from mortgage lenders.
The senate resolution proposed Wednesday asks that lenders and mortgage companies delay or suspend mortgage payments and penalties to all homeowners with legitimate claims and issues from Chinese Drywall.
Senators say that more than 1300 homeowners are displaced and paying more than one payment for housing due to alledged health issues from the Chinese drywall in their homes.
“Many homeowners are stuck with contaminated drywall in their homes and they need all the help they can get,” said Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, who has been pushing the Consumer Product Safety Commission since February to investigate imported drywall. “This is just one more way we’re trying to get them some relief.”
The results of additional tests are expected later this month.
Sens. Nelson and George LeMieux from Florida; Mary Landrieu and David Vitter of Louisiana; and Mark Warner and Jim Webb of Virginia introduced the resolution.
Stay tuned to our blog for recent updates on Chinese Drywall.
Posted by:
Jamie Bullock
The Burish and Serena Team
To Rent or To Own….That Is The Question
October 26, 2009
With a large inventory of homes for sale, including foreclosures and short sales, bargain-basement prices on homes, and record low-interest rates, now is the right time to stop renting and start owning.
Waiting to purchase a home could cost you. Many people with the income capability and credit score necessary for mortgage approval are still on the fence about buying their first home. Some are nervous about the investment in general, and others are waiting for prices to go lower. The truth is, waiting could be a bad idea.
Let’s assume you are interested in a home, but are waiting for the price to drop by 5 more percent. By the time the home’s price decreases (assuming it doesn’t rise!), it is very likely that mortgage rates have shifted. If the interest rates rise a single percentage, the mortgage payment on the home would have been cheaper at the slightly higher price.
THE NUMBERS HAVE ALIGNED FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS!
- Lots of selection
- Low interest rates
- down-payment help
- Tax credits
- Low prices
As of October 26, there were 4,951 active properties for sale in Manatee County alone! Todays mortgage rate on a 30 year fixed mortgage is 5.15%, up from last weeks rate of 5.07%.
Currently the average list price of a home in Manatee County is in the mid $300’s, and the Median home price is in the low $100’s.
At an average of $78/sq ft, the price is right. In most cases, you cannot build or replace for that price including the land!
For more information on purchasing your first home, or moving up, call us and ask about our Free Book & First Time Home Owner seminar!
The Burish & Serena Team
941-704-4223
