Liane Jamason, REALTOR® ~ Tampa Bay, FL

Have you been on the fence about whether now is the time to buy? Well a great opportunity has been given to first time home buyers that offers a way for you to own your own home. Read on for more about the $7500 tax credit for first time homebuyers!

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act Of 2008 is available to first time home buyers right now and will only last until July 1, 2009. This offer is good on any qualified purchase in Apollo Beach, Riverview, Gibsonton, Brandon, Lithia, Valrico, Tampa and beyond.

Homebuyer Tax Credit - a $7500 tax credit that would be would be available for any qualified purchase between April 9, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The credit is repayable over 15 years (making it, in effect, an interest free loan).

Some of my buyer customers recently have asked me, "What happens if we wait? Will the market continue to slow, and prices drop even further?" This page from Keller Williams explains what happens if you wait. Prices are extremely low and we are in a down market. Lucky for buyers, interest rates are as low as 5 and 6% right now too. Many people are scared due to the talks of banks failing, the government bailout and a general downturn in the economy. But I challenge you to look at these numbers and see if buying now doesn't make more sense than it ever has.

For investors, or people who plan to live in a home for at least two years, now is the time to buy. Even if the financial crisis continues, and banks fail, there will be only a few major banks issuing loans. Do you think they will keep loaning money at 5% if there is less competition? Certainly not. Many real estate professionals are predicting rates to jump to double digits over the next 2 years.

If you are thinking about buying....don't try to time the market or you may wait too long. Email me today and let me help you find your dream home in Tampa Bay, at a great price.

Liane Jamason, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
http://www.MyWestFloridaHome.com

Its about time we start seeing more entertainment venues and restaurants coming to Riverview! The Alley at South Shore is busy everyday! I hope other entrepreneurs will take notice and bring more places like the Alley to Riverview!

Alley beckons bowlers with more than pins

By Traci Rader, Times Correspondent

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2008 4:53 PM

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RIVERVIEW -" The demographics and statistics told Jeff Boje that Riverview wasn't the best place for a new bowling alley. He didn't listen.

With that, the Alley at South Shore was born. The 42,000-square-foot complex opened March 3 at the southwest corner of Big Bend Road and U.S. 301.

"Riverview is not an area a big corporation would pick, but some place my family can manage. I wanted to build close to home, too," Boje said.

And it's far from your father's bowling alley: Sure, there's the usual bowling alley staples - a snack bar and pro shop - but that's just the start.

There's a corporate meeting room, ice cream parlor, tony pool room, sports bar and restaurant and a 5,000-square-foot game room, the biggest one south of Brandon's Chuck E. Cheese.

There's more: The Alley has a private bowling section with eight lanes, a private bar - and couches at the lanes.

The Alley will offer summer leagues starting this month and running through August. But you don't have to join a league to knock down a few pins: The Alley is drawing kids' birthday parties, company meetings and families looking for recreation.

Boje quietly opened the Alley in March but word got around fast and the place was busy within days.

"It's been hectic already. Friday nights, you can't even see the carpet," said Buck Barineau, who owns Bowlers Advantage pro shop inside the Alley.

For Boje, bowling alleys run in the family. He has owned Brandon Crossroads Bowl since 1979. Until his fifth child came along in 1998, he also ran the St. Louis bowling alley his father built.

There are 13 bowling alleys in the greater Tampa area, but the Alley is sweet relief for avid bowlers like Bob and Anne Bailey of Sun City Center.

The Baileys have been making the drive to Tampa to bowl.

"When our league is finished, we will be coming here. And the score panel is easy to operate. Even I can figure this out," Bob Bailey said. "

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Alafia Bait and Tackle in Riverview has reopened as "Dixie's Dockside". Dixie's is owned by local Riverview residents Brian and Dixie MacKay. Dixie's is open everyday at 11AM and closes most days around 9 to 11PM-ish.

Food will be available on weekends through an independent food wagon just feet away from Dixie's. Dixie's has frozen Bait for the fishermen and women. At this time they have the least expensive gas on the water in the entire USA, and will strive to always be the least expensive gas, and with no ethanol in their gas.

Dixie's also has the only private boat ramp on the Alafia River with Free usage with a $10 or more purchase.

Daily specials such as Free Nachos and Queso on Monday from 5PM till 7PM. On Tuesday ladies drink for half-price from 6PM to close. Wednesdays, Dixie's has Free Hot Dogs from 6 till 8PM for all customers. Friday afternoon and night is the place to be seen and to see your friends. Saturday always bring out the Locals. Live entertainment on the weekends. Boat rentals are available for the large group and Skiffs available for smaller rental parties.

You can check out Dixie's Dockside website. Dixie's is located at 9808 Vaughn Street, Gibsonton. 813-671-4999. The perfect place to relax on the river. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Dixie's.