Homebuyer tax credit set to expire today

Under current law, eligible homebuyers who qualified for the tax credit of up to $8,000 by having a valid contract to purchase a home on or before April 30, 2010 must close on the home no later than today to qualify for the credit.  (To date, Congress has unsuccessfully attempted to pass a bill extending the required closing date to September 30, 2010.  However, the House has just passed HR 5623 and it could get a vote in the Senate as early as today.)  Most of the qualifying homes that haven't closed are short sale homes and buyers should have been keenly aware that sellers' lenders can take months to approve (or reject)  the transaction.  Unless the law changes, if those homebuyers don't close by end of business today they will lose the tax credit.

SWIFTMUD eases water restrictions

Today the Southwest Florida Water Management District eased water restrictions effective July 1, 2010 and now allow watering twice a week.  It should be noted that local water restrictions may still restrict your watering to once a week.

More on toxic Chinese drywall...

More local information is provided on the toxic Chinese drywall issues in this video from ABCactionNews.com:

Wiregrass Ranch at sunset

Roadwork resumes on the SR 56 extension in Wesley Chapel!

I couldn't believe it.  I thought I was seeing a mirage when I saw this dump truck at SR 56 and Mansfield Blvd. this morning.  A Pasco County official confirmed that work has FINALLY resumed on the SR 56 extension to Meadow Pointe Blvd.  Work on the extension was halted in February of this year.  The final 1 inch layer of asphalt will be put down, striping done, and the construction barrels removed for an opening in 20-25 work days.  Also, the traffic lights at Mansfield and Meadow Pointe Blvd. are a separate project and their installation is not required to open the extension to Meadow Pointe Blvd.  Pasco County engineering is projecting a late July opening (weather permitting).  So, once again we have a date.

Fitniche to open at The Shops at Wiregrass

Fitniche at The Shops at Wiregrass is scheduled to open on June 28, 2010.  The fitness store is located next to Moe's and across from Barnes and Noble.

Meadow Pointe Market Update

18 single family Meadow Pointe homes were reported sold in our MLS in the past month,* with reported sold prices ranging from $125,000  for a four bedroom, 2 bathroom home to $300,000 for a four bedroom, 3 bathroom, pool home, with a three car garage.  Presently single family homes listed for sale in Meadow Pointe have list prices starting in the low $100,000's with an average list price per square foot of $88.00.

*Homes sold by various participants in our MLS.  Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Physician Center coming to Meadow Pointe

Those of you who travel County Line Road in Meadow Pointe may have noticed activity in the new retail center across from the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse.  I hear that the Meadow Pointe Physician Center (30000 County Line Road) is going in to the Meadow Pointe Center with a projected September opening.  Perfect Haircut and China Gourmet are already open at the center.

Flag Day

Flag Day

New Florida law gives toxic drywall victims property tax relief

Florida law (HB 965) was recently signed by Governor Crist and gives property tax relief to victims of toxic Chinese drywall.  Owners of single family homes have to provide documentation to their county property appraiser's office and the assessed value of the building may be reduced to $0.  For additional information, read the following Tampa Tribune article:  http://ow.ly/1XSFe

Jimmy Z's Barbecue Bistro in New Tampa set to open this month

Jimmy Z's Barbecue Bistro owner, James Zambroski (a resident of New Tampa and formerly of ABC Action News) says that the new restaurant should be open before the end of June.  The North Carolina style barbecue restaurant will seat 50, offer take out, and will be open every day of the week except Monday, offering barbecue pork, beef, chicken and pork chops.   The new restaurant is located at 10861 Cross Creek Boulevard in New Tampa at the former location of Cafe Parisien in the Cross Creek Plaza.   Zambroski also added that the new restaurant will include an art gallery with works for sale of featured artists.  The first artist to have his works exhibited will be Jack Beverland.

Steer clear of the SR 56 extension from Mansfield to Meadow Pointe Blvd.!

Exasperated over the delayed opening of SR 56 from Mansfield to Meadow Pointe Boulevard? Tempted to hop on this unopened segment? Don't do it! The sheriff's department is pulling over folks driving on this portion of SR 56 and from what I hear can be less than nice about it! A friend of mine explained that he was recently pulled over for driving on this segment. The officer read him the riot act and threatened to haul him off to the hoosegow for trespassing. In the end, the officer was "nice" and just gave him a ticket for $160.00!

But guess what? It is not only drivers that should beware! Back in February, a reader wrote the following comment on this blog:

"Anyone tempted to drive, bicycle, or even walk down this still closed road should be aware that the Pasco Co. S.O. is harrassing anyone they find on it claiming that they are trespassing..."

So, I suggest that you steer clear of this "shortcut" until they officially open the road whether you are operating a motor vehicle, bicycling, or even walking! (They now say it should be open in August, but we have learned long ago that dates mean nothing with this road)

June is Home Safety Month

What are homebuyers paying for single family homes in New Tampa?

The following pie chart reflects the total number of single family homes reported sold (by various participants in our MLS)  for the month of May, 2010 in New Tampa.  More than half of all the homes sold at a sales price between $200,000 and $299,000.*  Currently homes on the market in New Tampa have list prices up to over $3 million.

*Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Pasco County Property Appraiser to Address PACA in June

Mike Wells, Pasco County Property Appraiser will speak at the June 10, 2010 meeting of the Pasco Alliance of Community Associations.  The meeting is open to the public.  Time:  7:00 PM  Place:  Land O Lakes Community Center (5401 Land O Lakes Blvd.)

Tampa Palms Publix gets liquor approval

The Tampa Palms Publix at City Plaza received city council approval last week for a liquor store.  The grocery store currently is being rebuilt and is supposed to reopen in a couple of months.  Additionally, the rest of the City Plaza shopping center is undergoing a facade renovation.