Daylight savings ends November 2nd and it's time again to move your clocks backward one hour. You've heard that every six months when you "fall backwards", it's a good time to change the batteries in your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, flip your mattresses and replace screens with storms windows. But did you also know that computer experts recommend changing your passwords to critical computer and online areas twice a year as well?
And after the time change, please continue to think of us for all your Realtor® needs!
Great News for Jacksonville Military Personnel!The House of Representatives voted unanimously Monday to extend the deadline for the home buyers' tax credit for one group of Americans.
HR 3590 will allow eligible military personnel and foreign service and intelligence officers to apply for the $8,000 tax credit for one year beyond its current November 30 deadline. Those meeting the underlying requirements for the credit must also be serving overseas or have spent at least 90 days deployed outside of the country during the current calendar year. It is expected that about 350,000 military personnel and an unknown number of federal employees may be affected by the new law.
The bill, introduced by Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) because it was thought that families serving overseas were being passed over for this one-time opportunity to purchase a home. It passed the Housed passed with 416 votes and 16 abstentions.
Thinking about buying your first home? Act today and the government will give you FREE money in the form of a tax credit or a down payment. NO, you're not dreaming! 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 homebuyers. And those who qualify for the federal $8,000 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.
Q What Does This Mean to You?
A: It means $8,000 toward a down payment!You have until November 30, 2009 to find a home, secure financing and close the transaction to receive your $8,000 tax credit/down payment assistance. For most buyers, this means that you should find a home prior to October 16th, 2009 to allow sufficient time to close your loan before the deadline.
Q: Who Qualifies?
A: First-time homebuyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the buyer or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.
Q: Which Properties Are Eligible?
A: The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences including : single family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops.
Q. How Much Will the Credit Be?
A: The maximum allowable credit for homebuyers is $8,000. Each homebuyer's tax credit is determined by two factors:
The price of the home-the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.
The buyer's income-single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000-may receive the maximum tax credit.
Q: If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
A: Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit. The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for homebuyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as income approaches the maximum limit. Homebuyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples-are not eligible for the credit.
Q: Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
A: No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.
For more information on how you can cash in on your new home, call Brittany Stewart with Elite Realty Group of Jacksonville at (904) 254-0798 email: britttanystewarthicks@ gmail.com
Brittany Stewart | Elite Realty Group | 904.374.3235
11636 Sherborne Cr S, Jacksonville, FL
Immaculate Custom Pool Home
4BR/3BA Single Family House
offered at $320,000
Year Built
1987
Sq Footage
2,900
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
3 full, 0 partial
Floors
1
Parking
2 Car garage
Lot Size
.38 acres
HOA/Maint
$97 per month
DESCRIPTION
Bring your pickiest buyers! Priced to sell. Pride of ownership shows. Spacious split floor plan with Grand Master bedroom. Inground pool with large entertainment area and plenty of yard. Well built but like new! In 2008-Replumbed, pool screens replace, exterior painted, new hot tub heater, new landscape with draught tolerant plants; new roof 2006.
If you're in a pinch to brighten someone's day, a gift basket is the perfect fix!
To start your order, Kim will begin by speaking with you about the occasion you are requesting a basket for, particulars and specifics that you request and your budget to build a basket. These baskets can be as ornate or as simple as you choose.
Baby showers, wedding gifts, closing baskets, job promotions, birthdays, Valentine's Day, you name it! They can create it. The basket's contents will include top of the line products. Kim personally chooses the contents as if she was making the basket for herself. These aren't things that you'll find in your average grocery store. Occasions takes the time to research quality items to add to you basket.
I personally like to give my new homeowners a basket filled with items they may need throughout the move in. A family basket could also include items such as a movie, movie theater candy, popcorn, etc to keep the kids occupied while Mom and Dad handle the daunting task of move in. Theres nothing like them finding a new welcome basket in their new home!
Also, for a new mother, why not pamper her with a basket for herself and baby. New mom baskets can include spa products, a robe, and massage items to help her relax. New Dad baskets are also available. Occasions has completed basket gifts for clients like Marriot and Bank of America. Whether it be for an individual or a whole team, the can accommodate. Their customer service is phenomenal and you can rest assure that you will be 100% satisfied with your gift basket!
Whatever the needs, Occasions can do it! For a consultation or free brochure call Kim at next event at (904) 469-9999. Jacksonville, FL
For additional info on Jacksonville's Best Small Businesses, feel free to contact Brittany Stewart at Elite Realty Group of Jacksonville. www.brittanystewart.com
Atlantic Pest Solution: Jacksonville's Premier Home Inspection Co.
Atlantic is located at 15153 North Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32218 and can be reached at (904) 757-8430. Atlantic may be located on the Northside, but they aren't afraid to travel. They service, Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Mandarin, Southside, Westside, Intercoastal West and surrounding areas.
Atlantic Pest has been family owned and operated since 1973! Now, that's hard to find. The reason Atlantic Pest may have such a great reputation is their focus on giving customers 100% satisfaction. Perhaps, this 100% Service Guarantee is one of the contribution to them winning the Best 4 Jax award!
Recently, they have expanded to offer what they call "Total Solutions". This broadens their spectrum of services. Now, they offer: Pest Solutions, Home Inspections, and Home Solutions and are not limited to:
•· Residential and Commercial
•· Interior and Exterior
•· Siding Replacement
•· Windows and Doors
•· Pressure Washing
•· Home Inspection
•· Quality Carpentry
•· Wood Repair
•· Drywall and Texture
•· Roofing
Their guarantee and loyalty isn't just to their customers but also to the Realtor and Homebuyers. Not only do they conduct WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) reports, but they also are licensed to perform Home Inspections. This adds to the convenience of having a one stop shop for WDO and Atlantic's WDO Service plus package includes:
•· - Same Day Service on a WDO
•· - Free Re-Inspection
•· - Digital Photos of WDO Damages
•· - Refunds of WDO fee upon treatment of an inspected home
•· - Lock Box Key
•· - 90 Day INSPECTION GUARANTEE
They guarantee termite and pest control services. And give you a free 40 point inspection of your home at no charge and instructions to how your household can become pest-free.
If available, I always request Mike Goss and Dan both of who are always friendly and take the time to introduce themselves to the buyers and Realtors. Mike is also ASHI certified. http://www.homeinspector.org/ They are extremely patient and don't mind taking the time that buyers need, especially first time homebuyers. They are readily available to answer any questions and provide detail reports and pictures electronically for the convenience of your buyers. The inspectors even offer follow ups, in case additional questions and concerns come up after the inspection has concluded.
An added bonus is the electronic copy of the home inspection and WDO report that is sent directly to the Realtor. The Realtor can then review and send to the buyer. An eco-friendly way of saving the 60 pages that the report may contain. Also, the electronic copy allows for a clear view of any damage in the form of a digital photo paired by a description of the repair as well as a recommendation for repairs.
For additional information and tips on Home Inspections in the Jacksonville area please contact Brittany Stewart at Elite Realty Group of Jacksonville or at www.brittanystewart.com
They are nestled away in Oceanway off of New Berlin and Gillespie at 604 New Berlin Road Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Toby's definitely has them beat with it comes to BBQ! Jacksonville may not be known for BBQ like Cincinnati but Toby's secret recipe can hold it's own. Toby makes Oceanway proud with its unique menu and wide spectrum of Southern cooking.
Not a BBQ lover? No problem. Toby has everything to offer from a super buffet, fried sweet potato sticks with cinnamon butter, fried pickles, a killer stuffed potato piled high with toppings and baked beans to die for! Many rave on the Spud which comes filled with a variety of ham, cheese, special sause, veggies and all!
My personal favorite is their BLT (Bacon Lettuce and Tomato) sandwich. Of couse, I can't pass their baked beans and potato salad. Another favorite is their sweet tea. You won't be asked for a refill though, just a "POP THE LID SWEETY!". Who can resist with that Southern Charm!
Perhaps what keeps people coming around is the hospitality that extends to (brace yourself) FREE dessert! Yes, free when you dine it. Usually your choice of Banana Puddin' or Chocolate Puddin'.
No don't expect something extravagant, in case the pig paraphernalia doesn't indicate it! This is a hometown restaurant. The prices are great and make it a smart spot for price conscience. You can expect to have a complete meal for two for around $30. So if you are in the mood for a wholesome meal and great service, you know where to head! Keep in mind that Toby's is closed on Sundays. Every other day they open early for a breakfast buffet at 6am and close around 9 in the evening.
To keep up with the big chains, Toby's also offers a drive through pick up service. Call ahead (904) 757-7504 and your food will be ready when you arrive. Keeping it's customers' satisfied, Toby's also has a second location at 8483 New Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL. Tel: 904-766-8122 also located in Jacksonville's Oceanway and both locations are conveniently to 9A, 295 and 95.
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They also cater; weddings, events, parties, family BBQ, it doesn't matter!
Congratulations! You've made the step to becoming a homeowner. It's a pleasure to work with you at this incredible time. I am here always to assist you with the process. However, for your convenience you can use this quick guide as reference.
1. Prepare for the hunt. Figure out how much home you want to spend, your wants and needs in a home and its location.
2. Shop for a loan and receive a preapproval. You should speak with a lender to familiarize yourself with different loan products as well as the loan process, documents required, current rates and how much mortgage you are comfortable paying.
3. View homes and decide on a home that suits your needs.
4. Make an offer. We will make an initial offer with hopes that it is accepted, but if not we will continue to negotiate until both parties come to common terms, or an accepted offer.
5. Within 5 days of receiving an accepted offer, you will make formal application for a loan and complete the loan process. Your lender will also request documentation from you and your Realtor such as information regarding the home, ordering an appraisal, verifying employment, bank statements, W-2's etc.
6. Within 10 days after acceptance, we will set up a home inspection through a licensed home inspector to inspect your new home and assure that all things are functioning as intended. A WDO (wood destroying organisms) can also be conducted at the same time, but must be done within 20 days of an accepted contract. The WDO checks for damage that may be caused by termites, wood rot, etc. This is a buyer's cost which is usually paid at the time of service.
7.Obtain homeowner's insurance atleast 5 days prior to the closing date. It is best to try several companies for quotes. Your auto insurer is always a great start, but always shop for the best deal with the optimum coverage.
8. Closing time. Bring all funds required at closing in a cashiers check along with 2 forms of identification as well as your writing hand. There will be many documents to sign. You will receive copies of all of the documents you sign at closing. The closing agent or attorney will review these documents with you.
9. Move in and enjoy your home. Don't forget to have your mail forwarded as well as connect all utilities.
Summer in Jacksonville is in full swing! Those in the community appreciate the safety and security of military personelle locally. Jacksonville consists of two Naval bases and an attachment of the USCG Mayport Sector.
Last week the Coast Guard set out to save four citizens when they received a stress call. The Coast Guard Station in Mayport, FL were able to rescue the boaters both via helicoptor and a 47 foot rescue boat. Upon their arrival, they discovered a fastly sinking 22 foot vessel 10 miles off of the coast.
Of course with the swimming season, the Coast Guard reminds boaters and swimmers alike to put safety first. For additional information reguarding Sea Safety visit:
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
The House of Representatives voted unanimously Monday to extend the deadline for the home buyers' tax credit for one group of Americans.
Atlantic Pest Solution: Jacksonville's Premier Home Inspection Co. 
Summer in Jacksonville is in full swing! Those in the community appreciate the safety and security of military personelle locally. Jacksonville consists of two Naval bases and an attachment of the USCG Mayport Sector. 
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