Thursday, February 26, 2009

HUD sends stimulus funds to states

WASHINGTON – Feb. 26, 2009 – Nearly 75 percent of the stimulus allocated to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department has been handed out, department officials said Wednesday.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said $10.1 billion of the $13.61 billion allocated to the department under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act was sent to recipients Wednesday, one week after President Barack Obama signed the measure into law.

The allocated funding doesn’t require recipients to apply for the funds, meaning they could be distributed quickly, Donovan said in a release. The remaining 25 percent of the funds will be competitively awarded later.

The funds allocated Wednesday cover projects such as weatherizing low-income housing, improving public housing units, lead paint removal, low-income rental assistance, block grant programs and emergency shelter grant programs.

The competitive-bid projects would be used to promote green jobs and mitigate the destabilizing effects of foreclosures on communities.

“I am pleased to announce that we are moving swiftly to get these much-needed funds out to states and cities to create jobs and help stimulate our economy,” Donovan said. “Recovery Act investments in HUD programs will be not just swift, but also effective: they will generate tens of thousands of jobs, help the families and communities hardest hit by the economic crisis, and modernize homes to make them energy efficient.”
HUD sends stimulus funds to states

WASHINGTON – Feb. 26, 2009 – Nearly 75 percent of the stimulus allocated to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department has been handed out, department officials said Wednesday.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said $10.1 billion of the $13.61 billion allocated to the department under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act was sent to recipients Wednesday, one week after President Barack Obama signed the measure into law.

The allocated funding doesn’t require recipients to apply for the funds, meaning they could be distributed quickly, Donovan said in a release. The remaining 25 percent of the funds will be competitively awarded later.

The funds allocated Wednesday cover projects such as weatherizing low-income housing, improving public housing units, lead paint removal, low-income rental assistance, block grant programs and emergency shelter grant programs.

The competitive-bid projects would be used to promote green jobs and mitigate the destabilizing effects of foreclosures on communities.

“I am pleased to announce that we are moving swiftly to get these much-needed funds out to states and cities to create jobs and help stimulate our economy,” Donovan said. “Recovery Act investments in HUD programs will be not just swift, but also effective: they will generate tens of thousands of jobs, help the families and communities hardest hit by the economic crisis, and modernize homes to make them energy efficient.”

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Video Amelia Island

Thanks to Paul Wetherhill of Prudential Chaplin Williams we now have a dedicated website, www.viewameliaisland.com, to host our short video on Amelia Island and Nassau County. You can include this link in you email to customers and clients and you can also download the video from this site.

www.viewameliaisland.com

Enjoy the Amelia island Video! John Holbrook - Realtor
904-415-0171 holbrook66@msn.com
Search the local MLS

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

New Home Tax Credit 2009

First-time homebuyers: How to get the $8,000 tax credit

WASHINGTON – Feb. 17, 2009 – How does a first-time homebuyer take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that President Obama is expected to sign into law tomorrow? It comes with a few rules. According to the most recent analysis, the following rules will apply – though things could change as tax professionals weigh the details:

• The deduction is worth 10 percent of a home’s value up to $8,000, which means all homes worth more than $80,000 could qualify for the maximum amount.

• There is an income limit to qualify. A married couples’ modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) should be under $150,000 and single filers’ MAGI should be less than $75,000.

• Partial tax credits may be available for married couples with MAGI incomes over $150,000 but under $170,000, and single filers with incomes over $75,000 but under $95,000.

• If married couples file separately, they can both claim 5 percent of the home purchase ($4,000 each for a home over $80,000) on their tax returns.

• It’s a tax credit, not a deduction. That means the entire amount goes back to the first-time homebuyer unlike deductions, such as mortgage interest, that are subtracted from gross income before tax is calculated. If qualified for $8,000, the buyer gets $8,000, even if they would not owe that much in taxes otherwise.

• The tax credit applies to homes purchased between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2009.

• The tax credit does not have to be paid back, providing the homebuyer keeps the property for at least 36 months and resides in the home.

• To qualify as a first-time homebuyer, the purchaser cannot have owned a home within the previous three-year period. However, ownership of a vacation home or rental home does not disqualify the buyer.

• If purchasing a new home, the effective date to receive the credit is the first day the homeowner actually lives in the house. If construction began in 2008, that buyer could still qualify. And if construction begins in 2009 but the owner does not take possession until 2010, the buyer would not qualify.

• The tax credit can be claimed on 2008 income tax forms even though the purchase took place in 2009. A buyer could close on a home the same day that President Obama signs it into law, fill out their income tax forms the next day, and receive the tax credit fairly quickly.

The tax credit is not a downpayment, but it could be used toward a downpayment if first-time homebuyers plan ahead. U.S. taxpayers have money withheld from every paycheck for income taxes. If they owe more tax than the amount deducted, they pay the IRS; if they owe less, they get a tax refund.

By anticipating at least an $8,000 refund in early 2010 when they file 2009 taxes, these buyers could cut down on their tax withholding this year and save the money toward a downpayment. There is one caveat, however: Should they not buy a home in the qualifying period, they would still owe the IRS the money, and reducing their withholding amount could result in a high bill at tax time.

Thinking of buying a home in Nassau County Florida. Call me 904-415-0171 John Holbrook

American Beach

American Beach groundbreaking

A groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the American Beach Community Center project is scheduled at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the corner of Mary and Julia streets in American Beach.

The project has been on the county's books for years, but experienced numerous delays. In 2004, a sign was erected proclaiming the site at Mary and Julia streets as the future location of the center. The sign bore the names of the county commissioners. None of those commissioners remains in office.

The public is invited to be present at the groundbreaking.

Look at active listings at American Beach
www.nassaumls.net

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Nassau County Florida Home Owner's Insurance

www.shopandcomparerates.com

Dear Fellow Floridians,

Many Florida homeowners are finding it difficult and frustrating to compare the cost of homeowners insurance. This site is intended as a starting point to help you compare rates and to demonstrate the importance of shopping around for the best policy to provide the coverage and terms you need to protect your home.

On this site you will find average approved rates from a sampling of insurance companies for a typical Florida home.The typical rates quoted here are not guaranteed rates, but are only intended to demonstrate that rates vary significantly from company to company. Please contact the insurance companies or agents of your choice to obtain a quote for your home.

We hope this website is a valuable tool to help you shop for the best plan – at the best rate – for you and your home.

This note is from Charlie Christ, our State Governor.

Check out the site www.shopandcomparerates.com


John Holbrook - Realtor 904-415-0171

The Amelia Island Club

Amelia Island Plantation

Current Amenities, Discounts, Programs and Services available only to
Amelia Island Club Members…

Ocean Category of Membership offers
Exclusivity at the Members Only Ocean Clubhouse
The Sea Oats Café
The Sandpiper Dining Room
The Palmetto Dining Room
Couples & Ladies Bridge, Mah Jongg,
Stitch & Chat, Yoga
Exciting Members Only Social Functions
Casual & Elegant Club Dining Events
Annual Art Show and Exhibit
100% Refundability or Transferability of Membership Deposit (through Club)
Private Beach Access
Ocean Clubhouse Pool Complex:
º Heated Family Pool º Heated Toddler Pool
º Locker Rooms º Pool-side Lunch & Beverage Service
Members Only Holiday Celebrations
Annual Black Tie President’s Ball



Plus Weekly & Monthly dining events…


Use of All Resort and Club Facilities:


Plantation Restaurants with 20% discount
º Amelia Inn Dining Room º Beach Club Grill
º Golf Shop Restaurant º Sand Bar Grill º The Verandah
The Spa & Shops with 20% discount
ºMarché Burette º Harrison’s Mercantile
º Amelia’s Signature Shop º Resort to Home
º Yuletide Attic º The Spa Boutique
Long Point, Ocean Links, Oak Marsh, Amelia River Golf Courses
The Beach Club and Pool
The Dunes Club Pool
Racquet Park Championship Tennis Complex Health and Fitness Center
º Personal Training & Fitness Instruction
Complimentary Plantation Tram Service
Use of Airport and Off-Property Shuttle Service
Kid’s Camp Amelia & Teen Explorers
Amelia’s Wheels
The Nature Center
Beach Rentals
º Chairs º Umbrellas º Water Toys

Please turn to back for more benefits and features

All AMELIA ISLAND CLUB MEMBERS have PRIORITY use of the Long Point Golf Course
Amelia Island Club members also have use of the Oak Marsh, Ocean Links and Amelia River Golf Courses


OCEAN FULL MEMBERS OCEAN SPORTS MEMBERS
•14 days in advance tee times
•Receive complimentary Range Balls
•Unlimited access to all practice facilities
•Special golf tournament rates
•Unlimited play at Racquet Park Tennis Center

•7 day advance tee times
•Member rates on all golf courses
•Use of Health & Fitness Center
•Member rates on all golf courses
•Member Rate Court Fees at Racquet Park



PREFERRED PRICING
•20% discount on most food and beverage
•20% discount on non-sale retail soft goods


MEMBERSHIP CAPS to insure that adequate facilities are provided


100% REFUNDABILITY of Membership Deposit upon:
•Resignation and Resale of Membership (through the Club), within 30 days of resale of membership
•‘Right of Sale’ of Membership to subsequent buyer of your property (through the Club) which may enhance your property value.


TRANSFERABILITY of Membership to a Member’s spouse or one adult child or grandchild (through the Club) upon demise, without further deposit.


PERSONALIZED CONCIERGE SERVICE
Ocean Members may arrange by telephone for a variety of personal services to include copying, faxing, reservations, tickets, etc.

Fannie Mae Loans

Feb. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance company under U.S. government control, will no longer bar real- estate investors from qualifying for its loans if they already own four properties as it seeks to spur housing demand.

The company will expand its limit for investor and second- home loans to as many as 10 properties per borrower, according to a Feb. 6 notice to lenders on Washington-based Fannie’s Web site.

Contact John Holbrook on Amelia Island www.nassaumls.net

Monday, February 9, 2009

Jacksonville - Northeast Florida Update

Jacksonville, FL – Improved Affordability Boosts
Interest, Not Offers


Reduced mortgage rates spur lookers, not buyers, in January. Buyer traffic levels
improved in January, with our traffic index increasing to 44 from 19 in December, but
remained at levels below agents’ expectations (any reading below 50 indicates traffic
levels below agents’ expectations). Lower rates on mortgages spurred buyer interest
during the month, and “prices are getting to where buyers are taking notice,” notes one agent. Buyers continue to hunt for bargains, with a number of first time home buyers searching for good deals on foreclosures and other lower-priced properties. According to another agent, “While house are being shown more in January than December, no offers are coming in on those homes.” A number of agents noted that job layoffs and deteriorating consumer confidence have reduced the number of transactions, despite heightened interest levels. In addition, financing remains tough and appraisal values continue to drop, as “mass amounts of local short sales and foreclosures are bringing property values down rapidly.”

Contact John Holbrook - Realtor
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
904-415-0171 Search the local MLS at www.nassaumls.net

Friday, February 6, 2009

Local Spelling Bee


Hilliard girl wins 2nd spelling bee

By Shannon Malcom, News-Leader



Nyquiah Walker bested nine other contestants Wednesday at the Nassau County spelling bee and walked away with two trophies, a $100 savings bond and the opportunity to take her spelling skills to the next level. She will attend the regional bee later this month.

But winning wasn't new to Walker, a seventh-grade student at Hilliard Middle-Senior High school who previously took home the big trophy for spelling after she won first-place in 2007. Walker is only the third student to win first place in the district spelling bee twice since 1975.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Concours D'Elegance



Concours D'Elegance

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
March 13th, 01:00 PM to March 15th, 01:00 PM
One of the nation's most innovative vintage auto events, The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance features more than 250 rare classics from seldom-seen presenters.

Pirate Run

The Pirates on the Run 5K/10K and Kids’ Runs will be Saturday, Feb. 21,at 8:30 a.m. with a new starting and finishing point at St. Peter's Church (Atlantic Ave. at 9th St.) Both race courses run through Fernandina's side streets and onto Egan's Creek Greenway where runners will enjoy beautiful views of nature and wildlife through a hard-packed grass route. The 10K includes an additional segment through more of Fernandina's historic side streets.

Pirates in full costume will be posted along the course and handing out Mardi Gras beads to runners.

Calender of Events

Amelia – Always Eventful
Looking for something exciting during your next visit to Amelia Island? Just check out the Calendar of Events for up-to-date information on upcoming events. For example, on March 6, Sounds on Centre will offer a free concert in historic downtown Fernandina, and the 6th Annual Home & Garden Tour will take place on March 10-11. Or, on March 13-15, you can join thousands of car enthusiasts as they once again rev their engines at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, one of the nation's most innovative vintage auto events. The event will celebrate world-renowned coachbuilder Bohman & Schwartz, as well as a pair of 50th anniversaries for significant races at Sebring and Daytona.

New Pet Spa - Amelia Island

New Pet Spa Ready to Pamper Your Pooch
Valentine's Day doesn't just have to be all hearts and flowers. Spoil your four-legged family member with a trip to the newest addition to Amelia Island's pet friendly atmosphere – A Passion 4 Pooches Pet Spa. The new spa offers everything from quality all-breed dog grooming to luxurious pet spa treatments, with unique services such as mud and hot oil treatments (for dry and irritated skin), blueberry facials (to remove tear and saliva stains), and canine massage. Prices range from just $5 for a hot oil or mud treatment up to $72 for a grooming on a Giant breed dog. The spa also sells retail items such as Gentle Leader training collars, Kong Toys, Buddy Wash Shampoo, and more. For more information, visit www.passion4pooches.talkspot.com, and treat your pooch to a paws-itively fantastic vacation to Amelia Island!

New Pet Spa - Amelia Island

New Pet Spa Ready to Pamper Your Pooch
Valentine's Day doesn't just have to be all hearts and flowers. Spoil your four-legged family member with a trip to the newest addition to Amelia Island's pet friendly atmosphere – A Passion 4 Pooches Pet Spa. The new spa offers everything from quality all-breed dog grooming to luxurious pet spa treatments, with unique services such as mud and hot oil treatments (for dry and irritated skin), blueberry facials (to remove tear and saliva stains), and canine massage. Prices range from just $5 for a hot oil or mud treatment up to $72 for a grooming on a Giant breed dog. The spa also sells retail items such as Gentle Leader training collars, Kong Toys, Buddy Wash Shampoo, and more. For more information, visit www.passion4pooches.talkspot.com, and treat your pooch to a paws-itively fantastic vacation to Amelia Island!

Le Clos - Amelia Island

Dining Spotlight: Le Clos

Located in Fernandina's Historic District, Le Clos is a Provencal-inspired restaurant serving exquisite seafood, pasta and meat dishes, such as seared duck, roasted salmon, braised lamb and nicoise salad. The charming 1906 cottage is nestled in the heart of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island's only city, and is owned and operated by Katherine Ewing. Ewing is the culinary mastermind at Le Clos, boasting full degrees in both pastry and cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu and L'Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise Ritz ~ Escoffier, Paris. Le Clos offers an extensive wine list to beautifully compliment their menu selections. For more details about Le Clos, please visit www.leclos.com.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Equestrian Life on Amelia Island

New listing on Amelia Island for the equestrian lover!

1935 Sycamore Lane - $2,395,000
Main house is a 4 bedroom 4.5 bath detached 3 car garage home with guest house efficiency and a detached third building housing a 2 stall, center isle barn with feed & tack room and conditioned space above for office/studio or added guest room - all on a 5.8 acre lot surrounded by white post & rail fence with 2 fenced paddocks and a wide community dock to deep water in a gated community. Upgrades include - refrigerator drawers, granite counters, gas stove, walnut floors, 2 gas fireplaces, great entertaining space inside and out, views of the marsh and Intracoastal waterway.