CNN Says Austin is a “national leader in economic Recovery”

Austin, Texas is booming. People there say the way they do business could be a blueprint for your hometown.

In today's "Building Up America" report, our Tom Foreman takes a look at a city where many people are saying, "what recession?"

To read the complete article, click here:

http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/02/22/building-up-america-austin-thriving-in-tough-times/

The Housing Tax Credit Simplified!

The Federal Income Tax Credit for homebuyers made easy!

Who is eligible?
Homebuyers purchasing a home (new or resale). To claim the tax credit, home must be contracted by April 30,2010 and close between january 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010.

What is the maximum tax credit?
$8000 for the first time buyer or $6500 for a repeat homebuyer

Whats the calculation for the tax credit?
Multiply the purchase price of the home by 10% (.1) to calculate the tax credit you will receive.

Whats the definition of a first-time homebuyer?
A first time homebuyer cannot have owned or claimed a primary residence in the last three years. Vacation homes do not count. If married, both parties must not have owned or claimed a primary residence in the last three years.

Whats the definition of a repeat homebuyer?
Repeat gomebuyers have owned and lived in their previous or current home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years. Purchasing home needs to be under $800000. In order to qualify for the full tax credit, income is limited to up to $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples.

Does the tax credit have to be repaid?
Not as long as the buyer stays in the home for a period of three years. If the buyer moves from the home prior to that, there will be a recapture of the credit. Individuals should consult with a tax preparer to discuss how much would need to be repaid and the reason for the move. In some circumstances, some or all of the tax credi will not have to be repaid.

Some great Austin Links:

Relocation Guide: www.austinrelocatingguide.com
Austin City Guide: www.austin.citysearch.com
Austin Entertainment: www.austin360.com
Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.austintexas.org
Austin School Ratings: www.tea.state.tx.us/prefreport/account

Financial Websites

Many of my clients have asked about good financial websites. Here are two websites that I think you may find useful:

1. www.bankrate.com: has a variety of useful resources including information on more lucrative savings account rates, mortgage rates, and credit card information.

2. www.dinkytown.com: provides access to a over 350 financial calculators for things like mortgage, auto, tax, budgeting, credit cards, retirement, and investment and savings.

Dog-Friendly City Guide:

http://romanreign.com/

Local listing of dog friendly restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, dog activities, and more!

www.dogfriendly.com

This website publishes U.S. and Canadian pet travel guides for dogs. Click on “select a state” and click on the city of your preference.

www.austinspca.com

The Austin Humane Society Pet Adoption Center is dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless dogs and cats and educating our community about responsible pet ownership and reducing pet overpopulation.

Neighborhood Profile: The Polo Club at Rooster Springs

The Polo Club is a private residential community located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Nestled among century-old Oak trees and a clustering of spring-fed ponds, it is home to fewer than 100 families who enjoy the outdoors and an equestrian-oriented lifestyle. Horses, tennis, biking, swimming, fishing and hiking unspoiled canyon trails are pastimes enjoyed by Polo Club residents.
Click below to view one of my great listings in the Polo Club:

http://www.tourfactory.com/557067

2009-2010 School Report

Check out the latest school report with ratings on all of the Public Schools in the Austin area:

http://www.alamotitle-austin.com/library/23/Public_and_Private_Schools.pdf