Looking to save Woodmont

So as you have read over the last few days the people who live in Woodmont are fighting the owners of the Woodmont Country Club in regards to the Land Use. They want to change the land use from Recreational to Commerical Residential. Giving any builder the right to buy the land and build.

Not every home in Woodmont is affected by this directly but indirectley. The ones who are directly affected are the ones who live on the green. Their back yard is the golf course. They pay hire property taxes and when the homes where built paid higher for the lot.

Now Lennar Homes wants to come and build on this land, and we are not very happy about it. So we are fighting. We had to hire and attorney in order to help us with this since the owners of the Country club hired one and Lennar Homes hired one. We had no other choice, but of course that comes with a price.

The people of  Woodmont have done a site to raise awarness and we need to raise a minuim of $10,000 just to get us started for next weds commission meeting. Let’s hope we can raise the money to due so.

Jeannette Neerpat

Meeting Team England, Tamarac Youth Soccer

As some of you may know, I have been coaching youth soccer for the City of Tamarac. The Division I coach is U6, which are players under 6 years old. So we are talking about 4, 5, and 6 year old players.

I have to say that it has been an experience like no other. I had never played, nor coached before so this was a first. We had coaches clinic to teach us about the game. Now trying to keep the attention of these children is not easy, but they have come such a long way and I have enjoyed coaching and teaching them.

Our first few games were losses and as the weeks have gone by they have gotten better. We have now lost 4 games, won 2 games and have tied 1. So we are almost even here.

So here is a picture of the Team Players, and in the next few days you will see some other pictures of the team.

 

 

Jeannette Neerpat
Helping You Find Your Way Home!

Realtors & Homeowners – Get a First Line of Defense with a Held Harmless Membership Shield

A really good friend of mine asked that I spread the word around about this company and she stands by them. So I am reposting it here and will be checking it out myself.

You can find the orginial post on her site GoListing.com or by clicking here

by golisting

 

February 2, 2010

 

$8,000 Tax Credit News

The popular $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. Originally scheduled to expire on November 30th, 2009, this valuable tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price or up to $8,000 was extended into 2010 (purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010, and closings must be final by June 30, 2010).

What people don’t know is that the  new program was also expanded to include a tax credit of up to $6,500 (or up to 10% of the purchase price) for qualified buyers of a second or “replacement” home under the same deadlines. To qualify, home purchasers must have owned and occupied a primary residence for five consecutive years during the last eight years. Most importantly, the new program significantly increases previous income requirements.

So if you are a first time homebuyer or looking to upgrade your home by buying another one, the tax credit will apply. Give me a call to talk about what options you may have.

Jeannette Neerpat
Helping You Find Your Way Home!

Questions about FHA Guidelines

I was out with buyers this weekend and one of the homes they like had missing appilances. One of the questions they had is whether or not they would be able to put in an offer with this home considering it was missing them. I had been under the impression that you couldn’t purchase a home with an FHA loan without the appliances.

So I told them let me do a little research on it. And as it turns out I was wrong and I would be the first person  to admit when I am wrong. So I decided to go ahead and post the answer here, just in case someone else had the same question.

Now I have decided to go ahead for the next few days to post some question and answers to some FHA guidelines.

Appliances: The Valuation Protocol (page D-26 of Appendix D, Handbook 4150.2) requires the appraiser to note the appliances that are present in the home at the time of inspection and whether the appliance is considered personal property or part of the real estate. The protocol further directs the appraiser to treat non-functioning appliances/equipment as deferred maintenance in the valuation process.

The manner in which an appliance is attached to the dwelling would determine whether or not an appliance should be considered part of the real estate. In some real estate markets, it may be typical and customary for certain appliances to convey with the real estate. In these situations, those appliances should be considered real estate and treated as such in the valuation of the property.

In some cases, such as that of REO properties, all or some of the appliances may be missing and there may be damage to the floor, wall or ceiling finish as a result of the removal. Depending upon the magnitude of the damage, the appraiser is expected to treat the damage to the home as deferred maintenance and reflect such in the conclusion of value. Missing appliances must be addressed by the appraiser in the valuation process, particularly when the comparable sales included a full complement of working appliances.

In cases where appliances are missing and minor repairs may also be needed, lenders are encouraged to have the borrower take advantage of the Streamlined 203(k) loan product, which has no minimum repair cost threshold and is designed to cover such improvements/replacements.

Jeannette Neerpat
Helping you Find Your Way Home!

Florida Asbestos Awareness, Green Alternatives & Healthy Tips

                Florida Asbestos Awareness, Green Alternatives & Healthy Tips

 

 

When embarking in the home buying process, there are many things to consider. Many new homes may need to be remodeled or repaired. Many homes may need inspections, repairs or renovations, especially in areas that are susceptible to natural disasters. Having the assistance of an experienced and reliable Coral Springs, FL real estate agent can make this process easy and stress free.

 

It is important to take note of the consequences of older building materials whose qualities not only harm the environment, but can create health concerns. Building green will have profound impacts in many facets of life. The adaption of green building and alternative energy solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.

 

Asbestos

 

Highly utilized more than a century ago, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used heavily in building and construction applications. Its flame resistant and highly durable qualities made it an ideal choice for manufacturers. Asbestos normally appeared as insulation for piping, roofing, siding and flooring in homes. Many homes or buildings built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos materials. This fact should not make you overly worried because exposure to asbestos can be easily avoidable by taking simple precautions.

 

Healthy Tips

 

It must be noted that not all asbestos poses health risks. Asbestos that is disturbed or damaged due to age is known as “friable” asbestos. This is a concern because its toxic fibers can easily circulate and become inhaled. If any suspected asbestos is located, the best advice is to leave it alone. If you are having home renovations, performed, do not panic. Again, asbestos that is left un-disturbed will normally pose no threat.

 

If asbestos needs to be removed, it should be performed by licensed abatement contractors. These contractors are trained in the handling and disposal of asbestos in public facilities and homes.

 

The inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can result in the development of related illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Diagnosis by doctors has been a difficult task because symptoms are so similar to other, less serious conditions. Mesothelioma compensation has become tough to predict for victims and their families because diagnosis can take 20-50 years. For this reason, many people refer to it as a silent killer.

Florida Going GREEN

Implementing green methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include:

-          Conservation of natural resources

-          Enhance air quality and protect ecosystems

-          Energy sustainability

-          Increase property value

-          Improve quality of life

-          Improvement of pulmonary and cardiac health

-          Reduce waste

Environmental efficiency is on the rise because of technology and green sustainable methods progressing rapidly.  Not only will these methods produce a healthier lifestyle, it will save you money! The Department of Energy concluded that cooling and heating counts for up to 50-70 percent of all energy used in the average home in the U.S. In today’s state, this philosophy can also save natural resources.

Environmentally sustainable insulations are made from recycled materials including cellulose, polyurethane foam and cotton fiber.  Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and treated to be fireproof. A water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene features no toxic components. The implementation of these eco-friendly products can reduce annual energy costs in the household by 25 percent annually.

FHA Programs to help you buy your FIRST HOME!!

Are you in the market to buy your first home? Did you know that there are still programs out there to help you with this purchase? Well if not here is a great FHA progam.

You can sstill find great deals out there. But they won’t last. If you have any questions pleasae do not hesitate to call!

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Do you have questions about the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit?

I know that there is a lot of confusion still about the first time home buyer tax credit. NAR has a breakdown of the most asked questions. I bring them to you here so you can better understand them.

There are a lot so I will post some today and some tommorrow so you are not overwhelmed by the questions. Do you have more questions? You can call me and I would love to help you clear them up!

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

For 2009, Congress has increased the credit to $8000 and made several additional improvements. This revised $8000 tax credit applies to purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Tax Credits — The Basics

1. What’s this new homebuyer tax incentive for 2009?

The 2008 $7500, repayable credit is increased to $8000 and the repayment feature is eliminated for 2009 purchasers. Any home that is purchased for $80,000 or more qualifies for the full $8000 amount. If the house costs less than $80,000, the credit will be 10% of the cost. Thus, if an individual purchased a home for $75,000, the credit would be $7500. It is available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

2. Who is eligible?

Only first-time homebuyers are eligible. A person is considered a first-time buyer if he/she has not had any ownership interest in a home in the three years previous to the day of the 2009 purchase.

3. How does a tax credit work?

Every dollar of a tax credit reduces income taxes by a dollar. Credits are claimed on an individual’s income tax return. Thus, a qualified purchaser would figure out all the income items and exemptions and make all the calculations required to figure out his/her total tax due. Then, once the total tax owed has been computed, tax credits are applied to reduce the total tax bill. So, if before taking any credits on a tax return a person has total tax liability of $9500, an $8000 credit would wipe out all but $1500 of the tax due. ($9,500 – $8000 = $1500)

4. So what happens if the purchaser is eligible for an $8000 credit but their entire income tax liability for the year is only $6000?

This tax credit is what’s called “refundable” credit. Thus, if the eligible purchaser’s total tax liability was $6000, the IRS would send the purchaser a check for $2000. The refundable amount is the difference

between $8000 credit amount and the amount of tax liability. ($8000 – $6000 = $2000) Most taxpayers determine their tax liability by referring to tables that the IRS prepares each year.

5. How does withholding affect my tax credit and my refund?

A few examples are provided at the end of this document. There are several steps in this calculation, but most income tax software programs are equipped to make that determination.

6. Is there an income restriction?

Yes. The income restriction is based on the tax filing status the purchaser claims when filing his/her income tax return. Individuals filing Form 1040 as Single (or Head of Household) are eligible for the credit if their income is no more than $75,000. Married couples who file a Joint return may have income of no more than $150,000.

7. How is my “income” determined?

For most individuals, income is defined and calculated in the same manner as their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their 1040 income tax return. AGI includes items like wages, salaries, interest and dividends, pension and retirement earnings, rental income and a host of other elements. AGI is the final number that appears on the bottom line of the front page of an IRS Form 1040.

8. What if I worked abroad for part of the year?

Some individuals have earned income and/or receive housing allowances while working outside the US. Their income will be adjusted to reflect those items to measure Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Their eligibility for the credit will be based on their MAGI.

9. Do individuals with incomes higher than the $75,000 or $150,000 limits lose all the benefit of the credit?

Not always. The credit phases-out between $75,000 – $95,000 for singles and $150,000 – $170,000 for married filing joint. The closer a buyer comes to the maximum phase-out amount, the smaller the credit will be. The law provides a formula to gradually withdraw the credit. Thus, the credit will disappear after an individual’s income reaches $95,000 (single return) or $170,000 (joint return). For example, if a married couple had income of $165,000, their credit would be reduced by 75% as shown: Couple’s income $165,000 Income limit 150,000 Excess income $15,000 The excess income amount ($15,000 in this example) is used to form a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is the excess income amount ($15,000). The denominator is $20,000 (specified by the statute).

In this example, the disallowed portion of the credit is 75% of $8000, or $6000 ($15,000/$20,000 = 75% x $8000 = $6000) Stated another way, only 25% of the credit amount would be allowed. In this example, the allowable credit would be $2000 (25% x $8000 = $2000)

10. What’s the definition of “principal residence?”

Generally, a principal residence is the home where an individual spends most of his/her time (generally defined as more than 50%). It is also defined as “owner-occupied” housing. The term includes single-family detached housing, condos or co-ops, townhouses or any similar type of new or existing dwelling. Even some houseboats or manufactured homes count as principal residences.

11. Are there restrictions on the location of the property?

Yes. The home must be located in the United States. Property located outside the US is not eligible for the credit.

12. Are there restrictions related to the financing for the mortgage on the property?

In 2009, most financing arrangements are acceptable and will not affect eligibility for the credit. Congress eliminated the financing restriction that applied in 2008. (In 2008, purchasers were ineligible for the $7500 credit if the financing was obtained by means of mortgage revenue bonds.) Now, mortgage-revenue bond financing will not disqualify an otherwise-eligible purchaser. (Mortgage revenue bonds are tax-exempt bonds issued by a state housing agency. Proceeds from the bonds must be used for below market loans to qualified buyers.)

13. Do I have to repay the 2009 tax credit?

NO.

There is no repayment for 2009 tax credits.

NOW HERE IS A BIGGY!

14. Do 2008 purchasers still have to repay their tax credit?

The $7500 credit in 2008 was more like an interest-free loan. All eligible purchasers who claimed the 2008 credit will still be required to repay it over 15 years, starting with their 2010 tax return.

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Have you been to Xtreme Go karting?

I had clients here from out of town looking for homes. They have two young boys and wanted to know where they could take them for some fun.

I suggested to them Extreme Go Karts. I had never been there myself but heard great things about it. So they went and were very happy with the place. Now I have family in town and we decided to take them there.

What a fun this place is! Its a indoor Go Karting place, with Miniature Golf, Full Arcade, and a Full Bar. I thought How cool is this!.

So my husband and I decided to give it a try. Boy what a thrill that was. It was a 8 minutes session, and I know what you are thinking, only 8 minutes? Let me tell you 8 minutes is more than enough. I was able to get in 12 laps, my husband got 13. Not bad for my first time!

I took some pictures to give you a look inside. If you live in the area, its worth going to and taking a ride for yourself.

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.