Information on First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Credit for this photo goes to Express

You've found that perfect first home you've always been looking for on Anna Maria Island- big swimming pool, fenced in backyard, spacious kitchen, and tons of room to have friends and family over. Being a first time homebuyer, I'm sure you searched the internet for options. You may have been one of many getting overwhelmed by all the information available. Don't worry! I've don't some research myself in order to help you get started with what you need.

First, what is a first time home buyer program and what does it do? It's a program that was set up to help make purchasing a home more affordable for low-to-moderate income families and individuals by offering fixed, low-interest rate mortgage loans.

Now, if you're unfamiliar with what a mortgage loan is, it's a loan that is given to you by using your home/property in exchange for funds that you agree to pay back in a certain time frame for a certain cost.

After looking at Florida Housing's website, I found a wizard that may be able to help provide you with more information regarding the first time home buyer programs. Using this tool it gave a little bit of insight for what you may be eligible for as well as more information regarding income limits, purchase price limits, down payment assistance, and more.

Example List of Available Florida First Time Homebuyer Programs:

•          Florida First (FHA, VA, & RD only) with an interest rate of 4.5000% this program is available to all first time homebuyers by reducing the cost of your first mortgage.
•        Florida Military Heroes (FHA, VA, & RD only) with an interest rate of 4.2500% this program is a 30 year fixed rate mortage loan program that was designed to help veterans and active duty personnel. It reduces the first mortgage interest rate and veterans don't have to be first time homebuyers.
•          Both the FL HFA Preferred Conventional Loan Program and the HFA Preferred Plus Conventional Loan Program have an interest rate of 4.2500%. They both offer reduced first mortgage interest rates.

The programs listed above are just a few of many. You're never in the search alone. Check my website out at Anna Maria Life. I would be honored to help you search for your first, second, or any home you're looking to move into. Call me, Billi, at 941-545-8877 for any of your Anna Maria Island real estate needs.

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December 2015 Anna Maria Island Market Statistics

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Beautiful Real Estate Listing for Sale in Bradenton

 

Check out this cozy 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom in Perico Bay Club. Featuring a glass enclosed and tile floored lanai this home is the perfect real estate option for anyone looking to live close to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. Another plus about this home is that it's close to the Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. Check out the full real estate listing for this beautiful condo that's for sell.  #AnnaMariaIsland   #PericoBayClub   #Bradento   #realestate  #condoforsale  

   1008 Ibis Court <Real Estate Listing>

To schedule a tour, gather further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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Check out this gorgeous home!

This beautiful Snead Island home is located at 1760 Amberwynd Circle in Palmetto, FL. Enjoy this captivating 4 bedroom and 3 bath home with family and friends. It's perfect for entertaining! The big, aquarium style windows in the living area provides you with a stunning view of the surrounding real estate. Lets not forget- this home also has a secluded screened-in heated salt water swimming pool. Located only minutes away from Egmont Key and Anna Maria Island, this home is perfect for any family or even as a vacation home. Click the link below to see more information on this listing or give us a call at 941-585-8877.

http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/paradise-home-sale-palmetto-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

To schedule a tour, gather further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to stay up to date with island life and Anna Maria Real Estate!

Is Your House Ready for Santa?

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

You’ve got your stockings hung and you’ve even put out some cookies to tide him over. But is your house really ready for Santa? He passed a message along that he really likes visiting homes that are safe. We’ve made you a list to be ready for St. Nick when he gets here.

• Holiday dinners: Every family reheats and passes the food around the table all the time; however, it is surprising that so many people don’t be come ill. Make sure to reheat your leftovers to at least 165 degrees F to get rid of harmful bacteria. If you’re saving a plate, make sure to wrap it up and stick it in the fridge to keep it safe.
• Winter Essentials: Make sure to grab all the winter essentials you may need such as salt and a shovel. By having these items you can make sure your family and visiting relative can make it to your front door safely.
• Watch out for the pets and kids: Make sure to keep small snacks like nuts and popcorn, decorative plants, and potentially poisonous foods out of reach of the kids and pets. Also, don’t forget that decorations and other things can pose a hazard for infants. Check out our blog, "How to Childproof Your Home for the Holiday Season", for more tips.
• Secure your home and belongings: Don’t forget to secure your garage, lock the doors, and arm your home security systems. This will keep out the people who will want to take advantage of the holidays. Don’t worry about Santa. He has magic to get the gifts inside homes for the good boys and girls.
• Don’t forget to water your Christmas tree. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the holiday season is the worst time of the year for home fires. Make sure you water your tree daily and keep it at least three feet away from any heat source.

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Winter is right around the corner. Is your house ready?

Winter is right around the corner for many people and I know they’re probably dreading it too. We’ve created a small checklist for you to use to prepare your home for the upcoming winter season. 

       Outside:

• Clean out your gutters- Wait till the last leaf falls around your home and get your gutters cleaned out. If you’re able to do it yourself or even get someone else to help, cleaning your gutters out will prevent blockage during the winter storms.
• Put away your outdoor items- We’ve all thought the same thing “I don’t want to clean or move the furniture”. I know. I felt the same way myself. However, it’s best to clean off all your outdoor items and store them or at least cover them for the season.
• Clean out your fireplace or wood stove if you love having a warm fire or if that’s your primary source of heat. Also have your chimney professionally cleaned and checked out.
• Buy the winter essentials before season hits; so that way you’re not fighting over stuff in the store.
• Check your roof- Grab a ladder or a pair of binoculars and check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may possibly leak during storms. Don’t forget to check your seals around the vent stacks and chimneys too. (If your roof is flat and surfaced with asphalt and pebbles, rake or blow off leaves and pine needles. Don’t remove the pebbles though. It will expose the asphalt to sunlight.)
• Water your outdoor plants- not a lot of people know to water their plants even up to the first frost. This will keep your plants from drying out.
• Drain your sprinkler and/or irrigation systems- If there is still water in these it could cause them to bust.

       Inside:

• Order a home energy audit- This is great, because the person performing the audit has a tool that shows areas that are loosing heat.
• Tune up your heating system- hire a technician and have them inspect your heating system to make sure it’s clean and in good repair. By having a technician check it out it also measures carbon-monoxide leakage.
• Reverse your ceiling fans- The fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air.
• Swap out your bedding- Clean and store your summer bedding and get the down comforter or heavy blankets out instead. You’ll sleep much better and stay warmer.
• Swap out the clothing in your closet- Bring out your winter clothing and store your warmer clothing (unless you’re in those warmer states- Florida).
• Recaulk around your windows and doors- Check the space between the walls at the door frames and windows. If there is a space bigger than the width of a nickel you should reapply caulk. Check your weather stripping too.

If you click this link, it will take you to a pdf version of this article and you can print it as a checklist for you and your family/friends.

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Check out this cozy, island getaway villa located in Perico Bay Club!!

Are you looking for a home for you and your family located between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton? Wouldn't you like to live in a gated community? Are you looking for a home that has just the right about of space for everything? 1008 Ibis Court is the perfect place for you! This comfy two bed and two bath villa has tons of features. Turn the tiled lanai into a nice hobby room or even a sun room. This slice of paradise has a gate at the entrance/exit of the community, an over-sized garage, and community amenities. Perico Bay Club holds numerous meetings, parties, and events. The community clubhouse has an Olympic size pool, tennis courts, and a nice mini library. Easily enjoy biking, walking, or kayaking at the closely located Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. You can also catch a ride on the free trolley to Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Click the link below to see the full listing for 1008 Ibis Court or give us a call at 941-545-8877.

http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/cozy-villa-sale-perico-bay-club-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

  

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This cozy villa is perfect for your island getaway!

Are you looking for a gated community? Are you looking for a cozy home for you and your family? Are you wanting your home to be placed right between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton? This cozy two bed and two bath villa features a tiled lanai, an over-sized garage, and community amenities. Perico Bay Club is a nice gated community that has an Olympic sized pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse. The residents at Perico Bay Club hold numerous meetings, parties, and events at the community clubhouse. 1008 Ibis Court is located close the the side entrance for the Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. You can also catch a ride on the trolley to the island that gives you access to Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria. Click the link below to see the full listing for 1008 Ibis Court or gives us a call at 931-565-8877.

http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/cozy-villa-sale-perico-bay-club-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

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Palmetto: Oceanfront Home for Sale

1760 Amberwynd Circle, Palmetto, FL 34221

This listing is perfect for relaxing and entertaining guests. The open floor plan expands throughout the home from the vast kitchen and gorgeous multi-tiered lanai to the heated saltwater pool with a cascading waterfall. Go out for a boating adventure anytime with your boat docked at the newly covered Trex deck with a 10,000 lb. lift. Enjoy family gatherings or events with the expansive backyard surrounded with lush vegetation.

Feel like you are on vacation everyday in this beautiful John Cannon style home. The style is a company called John Cannon Homes that is Southwest Florida's premier designer and builder of luxury custom homes. This home is located in the Snead Island West Amberwynd neighborhood and has a generous amount of space. The biggest appeal of this home is that you are living right on the water. You have an amazing view of the canals and are only minutes away from the Bradenton Beach Yacht Club and Emerson Point and Anna Maria Island Real Estate. It's unbelievable that the location that this house is in and the house itself is available for purchase instead of renting. Living on Snead Island is a unique experience that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and here it is!

      

 Click the Image above to go to the house listing

Property Details:

• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 Full Bathrooms
• 2,880 sq. feet
• Single Family Home
• 3 Car Garage
• Built in 2006
• Address: 1760 Amberwynd Circle, Palmetto, FL 34221
• Neighborhood: Snead Island Estates West Amberwynd

Interior Features:

• Kitchen: Walk-in Pantry, Built-in desk, and a Kitchen Island
• Bathrooms: Tub with separate shower stall, Dual sinks, and a Garden Bath in the Master Bathroom
• Bedroom: Walk-in Closet (Master Bedroom)
• Cathedral/ Vaulted Ceilings, Crown Moldings, Thermal Windows
• Washer/ Dryer Hookup
• Open Floor Plan
• Separate breakfast and formal dining room, Family room

Exterior/ Lot Features:

• Patio/Porch/ Screened in Deck
• Sliding doors
• Hot Tub/ Spa
• Balcony/ Sun Deck
• Gulf/ Ocean Access
• Intracoasta Waterway Access
• Heated Saltwater Pool with a Cascading Waterfall

View this house listing at: http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/paradise-home-sale-palmetto-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

To schedule a tour, gathering further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to stay up to date with island life and Anna Maria Real Estate!