Thousands of Dollars Could Slip Through Your Fingers!
The heat is on for those who are out shopping for homes right now – as the Homebuyers Tax Credit is about to come to an end. Last November, the government expanded and extended the new Homebuyers Tax Credit. According to the program, first-time homebuyers are eligible for a tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum credit of $8,000. And current homeowners are eligible for up to $6,500.

Although military personnel may qualify for a special extension, the vast majority of homeowners must have contracts in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and must close no later than June 30, 2010 to qualify for the credit. This means that homebuyers now have less than one week to get their paperwork going to qualify for this credit, before it goes away!

Here are some important details about this tax credit.
Dollar-for-Dollar Benefit: The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar benefit, rather than a “tax deduction” or reduction in tax liability that would only reduce $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer who qualified for the entire benefit were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.
Even Better… It’s Refundable!
Remember, because it’s a tax credit, it’s refundable! That means a homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little or no income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!
What are the Income Caps?
Single tax filers with incomes up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers with incomes of $145,000 and above are ineligible. Joint filers with incomes up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers with incomes of $245,000 and above are ineligible.
What’s the Maximum Purchase Price?
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000

(Taken from “Weekly Mortgage Market Update….Tyler Osby Team)

Posted under Moving Downtown

So let me tell you right upfront, I’m addicted to Fong’s Pizza and I think you’re going to be too! Just Say’n…

Pizza, according to Donald Trump, is a $32 billion business. Gwen Schlepphorst & her partners are successfully getting their share of that right here in our downtown neighborhood.

Located in the trendy Court Ave. District at 223 4th Street, Fong’s Pizza has taken over the old King Ying Low property (the oldest DSM Chinese restaurant, having served neighbors since the 1940’s.) and put a fabulous contemporary, fun, funky Asian inspiration flare to the historic space keeping much of the “personality” we had all come to know so well over the years.

The décor screams out a mix of Chinese,Oriental, Polynesian & Italian with a 40’s & 50’s feel. Think of a ‘frozen in time’ dive bar with delicious food, great service & tasty tiki drinks that pack a real punch.

Just as people are talking about the delicious food, super service, and easy going environment, they are talking just as much about the great hours which have been needed so badly in the Court District.

• Bar is open 11 -2 seven days a week!
• Kitchen is open 11-2 Sunday through Wednesday
  11-3 Thursday through Saturday
• By The Slice
  They have a rotating pizza schedule! Try their slice, salad, soda lunch special for $5
  11-2 Monday through Friday & 10-close seven days a week.

Once the Downtown Farmers Market begins they will be open with smiles on at 7 a.m. serving you tasty breakfast pizza and breakfast egg rolls. You’re gonna want to make it one of your Saturday. early morning regular stops, guaranteed! Gwen also notes that she looks forward to utilizing fresh ingredients from our local farmers market throughout the summer and of course they always use our local Graziano sausage.

Let’s not forget about those of you who love your happy hour!

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted under Living Downtown
Tags: Business Spotlight | Restaurants

We’re ones to explore, get out, find out what’s in our neighborhood, around us, meet who we come across, etc. We, like everyone else wanted to enjoy this fabulous sunny weather, so we set off to hike the woods just north of Grays Lake.

I’d seen a tent or two from Fleur Dr. but nothing like what we came across today. Yes, I know it’s all around us, but these people whether they chose to be in this situation or not are doing their best to make a tragic situation somewhat “normal”. They’re living in our “backyard” per say and don’t necessarily need to be moved, but rather better understood. God forbid, any of us lose our facebook address and land in a situation such as this.

It DOES happen and is not so very far off for many people…yes, some of them our friends, family, etc. I don’t think we realize just how many people (single men, women, and yes families with children) are literally on the verge of this. If you think I’m wrong, well think again….seriously, it could be your neighbor or the person sitting next to you at work or in the unemployment line.

If you have a job, be grateful, be very grateful. If you have a roof over your head be grateful. It may not be there in the blink of an eye. Before you throw that .05 can away this time..THINK! Be compassionate, do your best to truly understand others situations…..more than anything….know YOU are the difference…YOU can be the difference! YOUR actions, YOUR comments make the difference everyday!

Posted under Living Downtown
Tags: Homeless

Business: AllPlay (formerly InPlay)
Phone: 515.333.5050
Website: www.allplaydm.com

Hours of Operation:
Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-2am
(First Floor Kids Game Area and Rock Wall Closes at 12am)

AllPlay Entertainment complex offers 100 virtual reality, arcade and classic games, along with a three-story rock-climbing wall. Full sports bar called the Stadium Grill and Bar, and conference facility. There modern entertainment and gaming center includes over 100 of the most popular virtual reality, interactive, sports, action and classic games all spread across two floors. As well as the tallest Rock Climbing Wall in Des Moines!

Every Tuesday and Wednesday guests can enjoy half price games all day long and can check out games such as: Mad Wave Motion Theatres, Big Buck Hunter, Time Crisis 4, Highway 66 Mini Bowling, Nothin’ But Net Basketball, Quarterback Challenge as well as timeless classics like billiards, air hockey, skeeball and pinball. There’s even exciting prize redemption games for kids.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted under Living Downtown
Tags: Business Spotlight

Join your downtown neighbors at the DNA Social, Thursday, March 26th, 5 to 8 p.m.

Meet us at Django (210 10th Street) or Catch the trolley to Django!

We will begin there at 5 p.m. to enjoy their happy hour, then see the sights of Downtown on the Trolley before making another stop at The Grand Piano Bistro! (506 East Grand Ave.)

Can I sign up for membership at this time? Yes, you can also sign up via paypal on our website at www.desmoinesdna.com

Should you need a current copy of all the perks offered by our fabulous business members please email me at geturban411@gmail.com and I’ll get you a copy. If you’d like to become a business member and have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime at 515-314-5701.

How much is a residential membership? $15 1 person, a yr.

How much is a household membership? $25, a yr.

How much is a business membership? $100, a yr.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted under Living Downtown
Tags: Neighbors