Cleveland Real Estate News

Okay first, an update on the American Reinvestment and Recovery portion of the Stimulus Package the President signed in Denver today. The home buying tax credit?  It’s still only for first time home buyers. But, it’s now officially $8000 instead of $7500. Yes I know it’s been bantered around for a few days now but my philosophy is, until it’s signed it’s not law. Now it is. This is however, very good news for anyone interested in buying. Last I checked, interest rates were hovering around 4/9% to 5.1%. Prices are lower. And now with a tax credit, people should really be a bit relieved and also excited if they are contemplating buying a home. And qualified to do so!

Secondly, there is now $8 billion Federal dollars available for passenger rail and that means there is not going to be a better time to encourage our representatives to do their own voting (vote yes!) and lobbying for Ohio to get a portion of that money. (Yes this also means a call or email from you would be most helpful)

Succinctly put from All Aboard Ohio: If the 3-C Corridor start up costs $100 million, Ohio would see 2,400 new jobs result with an increase in annual incomes of $50 million, according to U.S. Department of Commerce data. This is not about nostalgia or even about running trains. It’s about creating jobs, providing mobility at one-third the cost of driving, travel productivity and comfort, as well as
protecting the environment and our exposure to future oil price spikes. So contact your State Senator and your State Rep  and ask them to support ODOT’s request for an authorization to pursue 100-percent, rail-only. federal funding for start-up of modern passenger rail service in the 3-C Corridor, which will set the table for expanded service statewide.

And did you hear about the new Ohio website  set up by Governor Strickland? It’s transparency at it’s potential best, and they describe it as our way of following the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Governor states:

 We must act strategically and boldly to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to make lasting investments in our state. And we must do so in a way that is accountable and transparent and meets the critical economic development priorities of our communities across the state.

From his lips to……

The best part?  You, or your company, or anyone can submit a proposal to the Governor’s office on this website with suggestions of how the money should be spent.

Peace Out – 3C