Homestead Tax Exemption – The Clock is Ticking!

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We’ve counted down the seconds to this brand, spanking New Year of 2016. Here’s hoping all of our resolutions make it through!

Now there are some new milestones looming. Although it’s not tax time yet, if you bought a new home in 2015 or have transitioned here to bask in the Florida sun full-time, your due date to file for your homestead tax exemption is Tuesday, March 1st.

Florida’s Homestead Exemption, according to the Florida Department of Revenue:

If you own property and it is your permanent residence (for either yourself or your dependent), that may provide for eligibility for an exemption of up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes. The additional exemption up to $25,000 applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes [Section 196.031, Florida Statutes].

This is a wonderful benefit of Florida residency. Just a simple application providing pertinent detail needs to be submitted for approval.

Here’s a great Property Tax Exemption for Homestead Property information sheet that also includes detail on additional benefits to which you may be entitled.

If I may assist in any way, never hesitate to contact me, or visit my website for information on current market statistics and to search for properties. Look forward to speaking with you soon!

 

Your Home’s Maintenance Budget

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It always seems that the washing machine breaks down the week after the sprinkler system needed repairs; or right after you receive your tax refund. Money goes in and just goes back out again.

The only things we can control of course are the things we can. Staying ahead of the maintenance cycle (and budgeting appropriately!) is our best defense as homeowners so minor repairs don’t become major ones.

I liked this Smart Budgeting Checklist infographic posted by Home Advisor. It’s not only a reminder of what to do when, but helps you to anticipate and plan for the costs. Handy for those first time home buyers and for those of us who think if we ignore that dripping sound, it will just go away! Happy HVAC Maintenance!

 

(Home Maintenance Costs)

Land O Lakes Family Home with Water and Preserve Views!

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(Land O Lakes real estate)
Beautiful Land O Lakes is the place you’ll find this lovely 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, 2 Car Garage home built on a lot size of approximately .25 acres.

With water frontage and views of a lush Florida preserve, the setting is simply ideal to enjoy as your permanent residence or a seasonal getaway!

The outdoor space is a little piece of paradise. An expansive lanai features panoramic vistas to enjoy from the luxurious, built-in hot tub.

Inside, the tiled foyer introduces the soaring vaulted ceilings that crown the Great Room and adjacent dining room. Triple sliders and large windows welcome in the sunshine that casts a warm glow on the stunning decorative concrete flooring.

Nestled in the center of the home is the showroom quality kitchen. Besides the luminous new cabinetry and granite counters, new appliances shine to complete the elegant design that includes ornamental niches, pendant lighting, and a charming, windowed breakfast nook.

The airy master bedroom suite also boasts vaulted ceilings. Sliders from both bedrooms lead to the lanai’s tranquil ambiance and showcase its surrounding scenery.

Additional updates include a newer garage door, newer Trane A/C system, and new granite counters in both baths.

With monthly fees of only $36, you’ll enjoy the long list of community features which includes: clubhouse, restaurant, and heated pool; tennis, basketball, and racquetball courts; a running track, and playground with picnic area.

Simply exquisite and immaculate, this home is the definition of move in ready.

Fine Living in Trinity’s Fox Hollow

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(Fox Hollow Real Estate)

 

Framed in lush greenery and set on a corner lot, this 2 bedroom/2 bath home features a separate office/den and an absolutely exquisite 19×23 ft screened lanai w/ jetted hot tub.

The entryway’s graceful barrel portico is mirrored by the barrel ceiling of the welcoming foyer with its leaded glass door and gleaming floor tile.

Triple trey ceilings add a dramatic flourish to the Great Room highlighted by a sleek, wood-burning fireplace and sliders to the peaceful outdoor retreat.

A sunny kitchen is lit by the trio of windows surrounding the spacious breakfast nook and boasts rich, solid wood cabinets, decorative glass insets, gas range, and lustrous counter tops providing entrée to the large formal dining room.

The contemporary open floor plan offers a split bedroom layout; the master suite is a private enclave with sliding doors to the lanai.

Its bath is well-appointed with a dual sink, double vanity fashioned from solid wood, garden tub, separate shower room, and walk-in closet.

Both the guestroom and the 2 car garage have added built-in storage; other pluses include: a laundry room, a power-surge system, a 50 gallon quick-recovery hot water tank, Soft-Water system, and newer concrete driveway.

This stunning home is in the gated St. George section of the Villages at Fox Hollow.

Reclaimed water is used for irrigation, while the HOA fees cover: lawn maintenance, tree trimming, mulch, & fertilizing. Nestled in thriving Trinity, an optional membership to the acclaimed Fox Hollow Golf Club is available.

Spacious Corner Unit Condo in Famed Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club

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(Your First Mortgage)

 

Spacious and airy, this impeccably maintained corner unit on the ground floor 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home not only epitomizes fabulous Floridian life; it is all framed on the world famous resort and golf club: Innisbrook.

The elegantly pavered and covered patio is edged in greenery and accessible via triple sliders from the expansive living room with its stunning tile floors and classic bar. An impressive foyer welcomes you home.

The updated kitchen is particularly well appointed, boasting tons of cabinetry and plenty of gleaming countertops. A pass through keeps the chef connected to the festivities and the adjacent dining room.

The palette is rich, yet neutral with the clean lines that can accommodate any design style.

For the ideal indulgence, the master bath is exquisite, featuring a beautifully tiled shower area, while the master bedroom offers plenty of space to create a charming sitting area. The second updated bath is also dressed in striking fixtures.

Innisbrook itself is renowned for many recent refurbishments including those completed on its famous Indaba Spa. Situated on 900 wooded acres of rolling hills, Innisbrook boasts 70 acres of lakes.

Besides a variety of available membership levels, there are 72 holes of championship golf, four restaurants, three bars, 11 tennis courts, an outstanding fitness center, six swimming pools, and plenty of conference halls/meeting rooms. Life is good at Innisbrook.