Brandon's Beautiful Homes Blog

RealtyTrac® released its 2009 Metropolitan Foreclosure Market Report, which shows that cities within Florida accounted for 10 of the top 22 areas for foreclosures in metropolitan areas with a population of 200,000 or more.

1. Las Vegas, NV- 12.04%
2. Cape Coral- Fort Myers, FL- 11.87%
3. Merced, CA- 10.10%
4. Riverside-San Bernadino-Ontario, CA- 8.80%
5. Stockton, CA- 8.62%
6. Modesto, CA- 8.53%
7. Orlando-Kissimmee, FL- 8.17%
8. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ- 8.03%
9. Port St. Lucie, FL- 7.58%
10. Miami-Fort Lauderdale- Pompano Beach, FL- 7.16%
11. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA- 7.14%
12. Bakersfield, CA- 7.13%
13. Naples-Marco Island, FL- 6.38%
14. Reno-Sparks, NV- 6.15%
15. Sacramento, CA- 5.64%
16. Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL- 5.32%
17. Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, FL- 5.25%
18. Lakeland, FL- 5.19%
19. Fresno, CA- 4.92%
20. Salinas, CA- 4.83%
21. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL- 4.78%
22. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL- 4.77%

          -Percent of All Housing Units-

While this comes as no great surprise, as Florida was one of the fasted growing areas of the country before the economic melt down, it was expected that Florida would be among the hardest hit areas with foreclosures. There is evidence though, that we’re entering a new wave of foreclosures, driven more by unemployment and economic hardship than what we’ve seen over the past few years. The current unemployment rate in Florida as of this writing is 11.8% as compared with the national rate of 10%.

Hopefully, we will be able to remain positive both as American’s and as Floridian’s during this time of adversity that our nation and our state face.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida’s Beautiful Homes™

If you were a first time homebuyer in 2009 then you want to make sure you read the IRS Rules for the 2009 First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit.

Then you will want to download and prepare or take to your tax professional who prepares your taxes the 2009 the new IRS 5405 form for claiming your portion of the tax credit.

Many first time homebuyers are under the impression that they are automatically qualified for the full $8000 credit. The credit is for 10% of the qualifying home purchase so a $300,000 home has a potential tax credit value of $3000.

It isn’t too late to take advantage of the extension to the tax credit. You have until April 30, 2010 to have your new home under contract and you need to close by July 1, 2010 in order to qualify.

If you are active duty military and were stationed outside the U.S. for over 3 months in 2009 you have an extension until November 1, 2010 to take advantage of the tax credit.

If we can be of assistance, please contact us today.

Rick Frissell. Realtor- Florida’s Beautiful Homes™

813-340-6828

To find out how much money you’ll net from the sale of your home, add up your closing costs and subtract them from the sale price of the house.

Closing Costs for Sellers :

Mortgage payoff and outstanding interest

Prorations for real estate taxes

Prorations for utility bills, condo dues, and other items paid in arrears

Closing fees charged by closing specialist

Title policy fees

Home inspections

Attorney’s fees

Survey charge

Transfer tax or other government registration fees

Brokerage commission

Total = Your Net Proceeds If you have any questions or comments, please give us a call. The Rick Frissell Team. 813-653-1241

MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL has responded to the recent earth quake disaster in Haiti by sending 13 members of Air Force’s 6th Medical Group in support of the humanitarian mission to provide critical medical care to survivors on the island nation.

The team sent is made up of personnel whose expertise is in critical care treatment.

Since the earthquake struck Haiti, the response from the U.S. military and other governmental agencies, along with an out pouring from the private citizens and groups has been overwhelming. Various contingents located at MacDill AFB, have been vigilant and preparing to deploy and provide assistance when called upon. The team consists of nurses, administrators, medical and administrative technicians. All of the team members are trained to provide crucial medical treatment on site, load patients onto an aircraft and stabilize them during transportation to a designated medical location.

In addition to medical relief, team MacDill has sent communication teams and equipment from the Joint Communications Support Element. Security was provided by the 6th Security Forces Squadron and air refueling was done by MacDill KC-135 aircraft, which refueled the first aircraft sent into Haiti.

MacDill has also provided 24 hr. support for more than 23 aircraft, most of which needed refueling and have been actively engaged in humanitarian aid to Haiti. Most aircraft arriving and departing from the base originate from a variety of Air Force Bases throughout the country to include Dover AFB, Delaware. and Dyess AFB, Texas.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in the tragedy in Haiti and those working to help those who remain in jeopardy.

Florida’s Beautiful Homes™

Save Thousands by Converting to a Roth IRA

Tip:  There are many positive reasons to switch your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The biggest of which is that it's possible to earn a lot more in the end by saving on taxes.

A new year brings with it new opportunities, and one of 2010's opportunities can boost your retirement savings by thousands of dollars—a Roth IRA conversion.

Until 2010, income restrictions prevented many people from converting their traditional IRAs or old employer retirement accounts to Roths. This year, however, those restrictions are permanently eliminated!

What's the Difference?  Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars and grow tax-free. When you withdraw money from your Roth, you will not owe any taxes. However, the money you put into a traditional IRA is tax-deductible and your savings grow tax-deferred. When you retire, you must pay income tax on withdrawals from your traditional IRA.

A conversion makes sense only if you can pay the taxes out of pocket without tapping the IRA funds. Otherwise, the reduced investment cancels out your tax savings. Fortunately, this year, the IRS is helping by allowing you to pay taxes on your conversion over two years. So start setting money aside now to cover your tax bill by 2012.

Is a Conversion Right for You?  There are many rules that pertain to a Roth IRA conversion and contribution. Please consult with a CPA or Tax adviser for specific questions in regards to your personal situation.

If we can offer any advice about selecting a CPA or tax and investment advisor, please give us a call.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes™

813-653-1241