Diana Perez Realtor/Property Manager

Understanding the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
By Matt Kombrink

Don't be frightened by the title - this is really good news for the first time homebuyer that has been converted to "user-friendly" language! So, why should you be interested in this information? Read on . . .

If you have purchased, or plan to purchase, a home between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009, and have not owned a principal residence for a period of three years prior to this purchase, you are considered to be a first time homebuyer and may be eligible for up to a $7,500 tax credit. This means now is the time to buy!

This sounds too good to be true, right? Well, let's take a look at the requirements:

• Your home must be purchased in the timeframe noted above - 4/9/08 to 7/1/09 • There are income requirements (modified adjusted gross income level of $95,000 for singles or $170,000 for marrieds) • If you are over these income levels, you may still qualify for partial tax credits

Now, don't worry that you will have to go through a ton of paperwork and meet with a financial guru to set things in motion. You simply claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. According to the NAHB, "Buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the future home buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment. Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding."

Still think there must be some kind of catch? This is really very straightforward, but you need to realize that we're talking about a tax credit here. That means you will eventually repay the government, interest-free, over the next 15 years from the date of your purchase (closing date), or when you sell your home (if there are sufficient capital gains from the sale.)

The NAHB explains it this way - "A home buyer claiming a $7,500 credit would repay the credit at $500 per year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed. So if the tax credit is claimed on the 2008 tax return, a $500 payment is not due until the 2010 tax return is filed. If the home owner sold the home, then the remaining credit amount would be due from the profit on the home sale. If there was insufficient profit, then the remaining credit payback would be forgiven."

All things considered, this is a great deal for the first time homebuyer and something that should stimulate the economy.

Matt Kombrink has been working in his family-owned real estate business since 1997. Specializing in Geneva, St Charles and Batavia Illinois residential real estate his team stays on top of the latest trends while maintaining superior customer. Learn more about his team at http://www.kombrink.com or email team@kombrink.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Kombrink
http://EzineArticles.com/?Understanding-the-Housing-and-Economic-Recovery-Act-of-2008&id=1443361

In the early 1980's, cell phones were used in analog mode and big enough to install the car phone in a vehicle. In the 1990's, technology advanced cellular use into digital mode allowing users the advantage of email, text messaging, and web browsing.

In today's technology we have camera and video phones allowing communications at a more convenient and higher speed.

The daily use of cell phones for a long period of time raises a health concerned question among frequent users: Should we be concerned with the radio frequencies that are emitted through the waves and its health effects in our brains from our cell phones?

Cell phones emit electrical magnetic fields at a minute frequency much lower than a microwave oven, but even at a small amount, should cell phone users be concerned?

In a recent analysis conducted at the University of Utah, "...studies showed that...there was no increased risk of brain tumors among high use cell phone users."

Strange though how there are approximately over 30 billion cell phone users in the majority of the worldwide population who may also be using headphone sets, watch television, and listen to the radio for decades yet we don't hear anybody complaining...

In these conditions, people who are sensitive to electro magnetic fields may not live in areas where radio frequency towers exist. It is difficult to define the link between cell phone use and the health risks as there are more research studies being conducted on the subject, most particularly in the European region. But until then, the health factors do remain questionable.

In the meantime, epidemiologists, scientists, researchers, and cell phone companies suggest that cell phone use be used to limited usage such as emergencies or when mostly needed. Instead, use the speakerphone, even a headset or Bluetooth.

But even the Bluetooth does not guarantee lowering the health risks associated to the brain and cell phone use.

To be on the safer side, it is suggested that you use your own discretion and be aware that such health precautions may, after all, exist.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Communications Commission are related to these delicate health concerns for the public. For more information please visit:

http://www.fda.gov/cellphones

Sources: David Kohn, Caution on Cell Phone Use, McClatchy, Tribune Business News, Washington: July 24, 2008, Retrieved August 24, 2008, ProQuest.

©2008 Diana Perez

South Florida is known for its pristine beaches that lie between the tri counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beaches. It is the lifestyle of beach goers that embrace the beauty and weather of South Florida and truly appreciate Luxury Lifestyle Living on the beaches of South Florida's East Coast.

South Florida is an epitome of the Atlantic Ocean where charming beaches are coalescent between South Beach and Palm Beach. As a proud property owner, you will appreciate the culmination of elegance while captivating luxurious living in any of the skyline towers that mark an opulence row of Luxury Lifestyle Living with amenities that suit you from the daintiest to the most demanding personal needs and treats.

The beach of Hollywood is among the pristine beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and it is just minutes from the Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops. Hollywood is also intricately located and surrounded by crème de la crème restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, amongst other inviting pleasures to suit your variable needs.

The city of Hollywood is located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale giving you a close commute to the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Airports. While you are here, don't forget to visit The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for gaming fun, nightlife clubbing, restaurant delights, and shopping sprees or just try your luck with one of the newest games offered at the Hard Rock - Black Jack.

Just south of Hollywood is the city of Hallandale which is best known for its Gulfstream Park Casino. Gulfstream Park is also known for its world class thoroughbred racing and the Mardi Gras Gaming.

Come visit and experience Hollywood by exploring local areas of interest such as The Boardwalk on Hollywood Boulevard and A1A and Downtown Hollywood for its nightlife. Stroll among the shops, restaurants, clothing boutiques and businesses of an area that is full of action. Discover a beachside hidden oasis in North Hollywood too.

Please contact me for more information regarding real estate sales and rentals at the Majestic Properties office in Hollywood. I am only a phone call or email away.

©Diana Perez 2008 All Rights Reserved

South Florida is known for its pristine beaches and among them is the beach of Hollywood, where 55 acres of natural beach and park areas offer natural parks, recreation, mangrove trees, wild and sea life, and activities for the entire family.

You can start your day by experiencing Hollywood's eco friendly paradise, which offers a natural wonder and metropolis that is rich in nature. The Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park, (Johnson Street east till the end of the road), offers you to experience a led-hike nature walk through the mangroves among other varieties of activities; a beautiful, fun and relaxing way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with the family.

Also at the Anne Kolb Nature Center, you can enjoy kayaking, canoe rides, snorkeling; take your kids on a boat ride through the mangrove trees through the protective natural beach areas.

Bring your boat and go through the canal channels and head to Hollywood's Dockside Dining on the Intracoastal Waterways.

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Mark your calendars for September 26^th through the 28^th for Hollywood's 7^th Annual Hollywood Beach Clambake on The Boardwalk.

Also, the Hollywood Beach Latin Festival is having their 15^th Celebration on September 21^st, on Hollywood Boulevard and A1A.

The Seaside Crafts Affair which is being held till May 2^nd and 3^rd 2009. Bring your artistic talents or come to enjoy a great way to meet friends, local artists, or bring your family.

The city of Hollywood boasts of international dining so bring your appetite with you!

Click here to view visithollywood.org's streamline video.

For Visitors:

Get your free vacation planner by visiting http://visithollywood.org/contactus.aspx

My friend calls me in the middle of the day asking me if I can take her to the ‘English' store to buy her boyfriend something British. I didn't budge since I was thinking of grabbing a bite to eat so I picked her up and took her to British Marketplace located in Davie, Florida.

The place looked like it was a normal marketplace but then I started asking the owner questions such as, "What makes your marketplace so unique"? David, the owner, takes me to the back of the store and through a kitchenette area where there was another room...

I was amazed to find that British Marketplace had an English Tea Room in the back. David's ecclectic expertise is felt in the cozy, intimate setting. Each table is set with a tier centerpiece that serves scones, devon cream, jam, fruits, assorted cakes, tea biscuits, and sandwiches. The tea pots and tea cups are made of English bone china and you get to use a bell for your party to call for service.

The room is filled with a variety of antique tea pots along each of the walls. There is a sense of English elegance in the ambiance with soft lighting and a feeling that you are in a huge living room with the kitchen just next door with privacy for you and your guests.

Let's Have Tea-English Tea Room is ideal for birthday parties, baby showers, etiquette (mother and daughter) parties, wedding showers, red hats, and meetings. AAA had just booked a high tea party for one of their million-dollar clients for a presentation.

Reservations are welcomed and you may block the room for 3 hours.

Afternoon Tea per person $9.95

High Tea per person $19.95

The History of Tea

The history of tea goes back to China with influences from the Orient. Today, more Americans are opting for tea instead of coffee, however, many herbal teas are becoming very popular. Tea parties include a variety of different themes such as Victorian, British, American, Country, and even Asian.

About the owner:

David Williams is a British Airways retiree in the marketing and sales department after 31 years. David was born in Cardiff, Wales, Britain and brought his family from New York. His wife Paula is from Oklahoma and they have three boys with two being a pair of identical twins. David has been at the British Marketplace in Davie for the past six years and plans to expand his business including the Let's Have Tea: English Tea Room.

Florida Tea Rooms

Address: 6923 Stirling Road, Davie (West Ft. Lauderdale), Florida - Just west of 441 (954) 584-8888

Books, tapes, soccer shirts, kettles, fine china, pataks, walkers, hob nobb, branston, kippers, bacon, pastries, pies, irn bur, pg tips, cadburry's, frys, nestles, bangers.

© copyright Wed Aug 13 16:55:40 MDT 2008 - All Rights Reserved