Cost Effective Technology Solutions

Cost Effective Technology Solutions for Your Business

“Tips for Optimizing Technology to Save You Money”

Interactive Workshop: Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Registration: 7:30 a.m. − Program 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

You’ll explore VoIP, Operating Systems, and several topics involving your own personal Website:

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet or other packet-switched networks. VoIP can be a benefit for reducing communication and infrastructure costs. Because of the bandwidth efficiency and low costs that VoIP technology can provide, businesses are slowly beginning to migrate from traditional copper-wire telephone systems to VoIP systems to reduce their monthly phone costs.

An important part of your business operation is your computer’s operating system. Is it right for you? You’ll learn the advantages and disadvantages of Windows, Mac, and Linux, and how they relate to you and your business.

These days, creating a Web site is so easy almost anyone can do it. But with all the competition on the Web, creating a site that’s effective is more challenging than ever. During this workshop you’ll define the purpose of your website, explore search engine tips, and learn how to make your website profitable.

For reservations call Cindy at the Chamber, 727- 584-2321 or email events@largochamber.org by Wednesday April 1. Register in advance by going to www.spcollege.edu/ct , click on the link “Cost Effective Technology Solutions for Your Business”.

An interactive demonstration using Voice over Internet Protocol technology will also be featured by workshop sponsor Centratel Telephones.

DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2009

TIME:   Registration 7:30AM, Workshop 8:00AM-10:00AM (limited seating!)

PLACE: Largo Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce, 151 3rd St. NW

REGISTRATION FEE:  $30.00 (checks payable to St. Petersburg College Corporate Training)

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR…

Dwayne Josephson has 15 years experience as a professional software developer. He worked as a Chief Technology Officer/ Lead Developer at leading technology companies in the Tampa Bay area. Dwayne is currently C.E.O. of his own Software Development firm. He has worked on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. Dwayne is well versed in different kinds of software, including Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, and Google, as well as a variety of database-oriented systems, such as SQL and Access. Dwayne Josephson has been an instructor with St Petersburg College Corporate Training for the past 7 years teaching classes in Database Administration and Reporting, Graphic Design Tools, Microsoft Applications, Programming, and Web Development.

MLS Barometer 3/24/09

Active                       14,431

Pending                      2,075

Sold MTD                    570

as reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization

Homeownership Tax Advantages

Buying a home is one of the smartest purchases you can ever make. One reason is that homeownership has many positive tax implications. The three most important sources of tax savings for home owners are the:

• deductions for mortgage interest
• deductions for real estate taxes
• capital gain exclusion for the sale of a principal residence

The deductions for mortgage interest and real estate taxes reduce the annual cost of homeownership by reducing the home owner’s tax liability each year.  For example, a home owner with $10,000 in annual mortgage interest payments and real estate taxes and who falls in the 25 percent tax bracket could realize up to $2,500 in tax savings each year.  Home owners who itemize their taxes can deduct from taxable income interest allocable to a first or second home for up to $1 million of mortgage debt and $100,000 of home equity loans.  And most state and local taxes paid on homes are also deductible.

MLS Barometer 3/19/09

Active                            14,512

Pending                           2,017

Sold MTD                            456

As reported by Pinellas Realtor Orgzanization

March Chairmans Message

March is here and we will all anxiously await first quarter numbers as anxiously as we await news of where and how our community will be impacted by stimulus money. Some of us will pull back waiting to see what happens and some of us will continue to move forward hoping to be involved in what happens. If you find yourself pulling back, I encourage you to take one step outside – attend a Chamber function – here’s what you might find: You’ll find business people sharing ideas and strategies for making it though; influencing policy development for getting us through; developing relationships for when we are through these difficult times. You’ll find a group of businesses committed to doing business with each other during these and any times. You’ll find others are going through what you’re going through; working together makes the journey easier.

In February we were treated to the second Women in Business Forum and Expo and what a treat it was – well received speakers, full exhibit hall and lines of attendees. Over 40 exhibitors and 200 attendees were treated to an inspiring, educational afternoon loaded with networking and business building activities. We offered several development opportunities last month, SCORE workshop; Business Ethics during our luncheon; HYPE’s Making it in the Real World and Building Customer Loyalty, all provided timely opportunities for members to take a fresh look at their businesses from customer base and service to SWOT analysis and interviewing techniques; all were well presented and well attended. Other opportunities included the Member Benefit Workshop, several Ribbon Cuttings (yes – NEW Business Opening!) and so much more… Too busy to be there? Post the calendar on the back page of this newsletter – members of your organization are welcome at events too!

Give your business great exposure at the March Logo Lunch and a treat yourself to a dual-purpose happy hour at Delosa’s for Business After Hours – bring lots of business cards – over 40 businesses were represented at each of these events last month. Gear up for the Tallahassee Mission in April where you can get face-to-face with your elected officials and get an updated on where we are and where we are headed.

Speaking of “where we are headed”… Where we are now will someday be a brief moment in history – as big a concern is where we are headed. Members of Chamber leadership attended a Florida Chamber Forum presented by key leaders from several industries. These leader all serve regional organizations focused on future growth and positioning our region to both prepare for challenges and maximize opportunities. These organizations are working to align each organization’s position in order to work more effectively toward common goals. Listen for information about Fast Forward Florida and similar initiatives.

Your Chamber is working hard to provide the resources you need to thrive, now and in the future. Your job is to make certain to use your membership to it’s very fullest. If we can help, let us know!

Short Sale Closings!

PRO stats are not updated yet but I thought it would be interesting to know how many short sales are actually closing.  Since January 1st a total of 370 sold properties indicate they are short sales  – sounds great?  There are 1071 pending!

According to the report; the average short sale is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car garage home with 1,619 sq ft.  The average list price $184,329; average sale price $233,618 or $126 per sq ft.

If you would like more information, please let me know!

Florida Backyard Economics

MLS Barometer 3/12/09

Acitve 14,485

Pending 2,094

Sold MTD 314

As reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization

MLS Barometer 3/11/09

Active 14,460

Pending 2,104

Sold MTD 209

As Reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization

MLS Barometer 3/10/09

Active 14,442

Pending 2,198

Sold MTD 173

As reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization

MLS Barometer 3/9/09

Active 14,459

Pending 2,080

Sold since 3/1/09 169

As reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization

February 2009 Month-End Stats

Single Family Absorption Rate 6% – up from 4.3% Feb 2008; 5.4% in Feb 2007

# Single Family Sales 467 – up over 17% over Feb 2008

Single Family Listing Inventory at its lowest level since March 2006

Median Sales Price is down to $140,000

For a complete report, call or write. As reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization.

Fun Facts to Know & Tell

February 2009 Pinellas County residential sales are up over 17% from February 2008; the median price is around $145,000.

Today you can buy a home that would have sold for $275,000 in 2007 for about $175,000 – a $100,000 difference.

Today you can buy a home with -0- down – an FHA mortgage requires 3.5% of the purchase price as a down payment .

The 3.5% down payment required by FHA can be a gift (not to be repaid) from anyone, including the seller.

There is $10,000 in down payment assistance for first time homebuyers in Pinellas County – except within St. Petersburg city limits.

Buyers who buy before the end of 2009 will receive an income tax credit up to $8,000.

There is $15,000 in down payment assistance for first time homebuyers within the City of St. Petersburg.

First time homebuyers are homebuyers who have not owned a home in the last three (3) years.

Interest rates are between 4.5 and 6%.

There are plenty of mortgage loans available – just no bad loans!

All income and sources of income must be verified and documented.

Over 5 million homes were bought and sold last year in the US.

You can’t buy more house than you can afford.

Many sellers are negotiable within about 80% of asking price.

There are 678 single family homes with two or more bedrooms and two or more baths for sale in Pinellas County with asking prices between $100,000 and $150,000.

MLS BAROMETER 3/4/09

Active                14,443

Pending               2.019

Sold MTD                 165

As reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization

MLS BAROMETER 3/3/09

Active 14,415

Pending 2,011

Sold MTD 114

As reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization

Garden Club News

Like to play in the dirt?  Watch this space for information and events:  www.gardenclubstpetersburg.org The organization has a Circle that meets in the evening so working people can participate.  Nightbloomers meet on the first Tuesday at 7pm for a one hour program presented by an expert in a different plant, process or program each month.  Call or write for more info.

February ’09 Sales up over 17%

February sales as reported by the Pinellas Realtor Organization as of March 1, 2009 indicate an upward trend.  The official numbers will be available around March 8, 2009 and we’ll see what happened with the median sale price.  Buyers who are waiting should get off the fence – banks have money and are making loans, sellers are making deals – get out there and get your deal.

Homebuyer Tax Credit

REMEMBER – First Time Homebuyer means you have not owned a home in THREE years.

 

As you may have heard, significant improvements in the temporary First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit were signed into law on February 17 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide a housing stimulus for first-time home purchases that close between January 1 and November 30, 2009.  

 

This is even better news for first-time homebuyers than the tax credit announced in April 2008 because not only has the tax credit maximum increased from $7,500 to $8,000 – more significantly – it does not need to be repaid unless the individual resells the home within three years.

There are several notable points about this federal income tax credit that I have bulleted for your convenience so you can explain the highlights to potential first-time homebuyers easily. They are:

 

• Credit maximum was increased from $7,500 to $8,000. The credit is calculated as 10% of the purchase price. Example: If the purchase price is $70,000, the credit is $7,000. 
• Removed the repayment requirement, provided the homebuyer does not resell the home for three years.
• Eligibility remains for first-time homebuyers only. In this case, a first-time homebuyer is defined as an individual who has not owned a primary home at any time during the three years prior to purchase, but who may have done so prior to that time. Although certain income limits do apply, the amount of the credit is the same for all taxpayers, married or single.
• To be eligible for the full tax credit, the homebuyer can have an annual adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return).  A homebuyer with an annual adjusted gross income above that level, and up to $95,000 ($170,000 on a joint return), is eligible for a reduced tax credit.
• The refundable tax credit can be claimed on the purchase of one’s individual or joint tax return for any single-family home that closes between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009. It can be claimed on a 2008 tax return (to be filed by April 15, 2009), an amended 2008 tax return, or a 2009 tax return. Individuals should consult a professional tax advisor for specific details and restrictions, exact tax calculations and timing.

MLS Barometer 3/1/09

Active                       14387

Pending                      1965

Sold Feb ’09                799

Sold Jan’09                  570

Sold Feb ’08                 679

As reported by Pinellas Realtor Organization

WHAT A DEAL – BUY THIS TOWNHOME WITH -0- DOWN

Wow What a price !!!Corp, owner wants it sold 3 bedrm 2 and 1/2 bath townhome in beautiful Middlecreek.  Hard wood floors,wood burning fireplace,vaulted ceilings, screened patio, master suite includes full bath and private balcony. Perfect for commute to Tampa/St.Pete area’s. Short drive to the Beach and Gulf of Mexico. Near Hospice, Tech Data, SPC, Icot Center, Epi Center, St. Pete Clearwater Airport. Tremendous opportunity! Qualifies for FHA financing up to 100%.