Top 3 Retirement Cities in Florida
Thinking of making the Sunshine State your home and maybe even retiring there someday? If that’s on your mind, take a look at some of Florida’s top three cities to settle in. Enjoy sunny beaches, vibrant culture and all sorts of other perks when you make one of these places yours! Venice: Exploring the sun-soaked city of Venice on Florida’s Gulf Coast is an idyllic way to spend your time. With just a short drive from Sarasota, visitors can enjoy 14 miles of blissful beaches and access incredible outdoor activities with ease. There are plenty of cultural pursuits like art galleries, boutiques and gourmet restaurants for those looking who crave more than sand between their toes! So don’t miss out – come visit this sunny slice paradise along the Southern coast today! Prefer a lively retirement lifestyle? Look no further than Wellen Park in Venice, Florida! It’s the third best-selling community in the entire state of Florida and offers incredible amenities for its residents including numerous beach spots to explore nearby, delicious eateries all around, as well as access to Braves Spring Training baseball games. Retirees can enjoy their golden years without missing out on any fun activities – plus there will soon be 55+ neighborhoods available too! Port Charlotte – Punta Gorda: Nestled comfortably on the picturesque Gulf of Mexico shores, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte offer south Florida’s sun-filled beauty plus one especially strong benefit – excellent safety. With a violent crime rate lower than just about any other city in the Sunshine State (less than 1 per 10 thousand residents), these towns make for an ideal place to raise children with peace of mind! From schools and activities that will keep families busy year round, to abundant fishing opportunities perfect for twisting lines into lifelong memories; it’s no wonder why so many people call this part of paradise home. Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte is a haven for those in the golden years, with over half of its population age 65 or older. Life here offers retirees 55 miles of canal-front homes plus retirement communities catering to folks aged 55+. Golf courses abound alongside Fishermen’s Village waterfront complex offering 30 shops and restaurants – all framed by 18 miles’ worth of bike trails & pedestrian pathways along beautiful Charlotte Harbor. North Port: North Port is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers. With activities such as horseback riding, bird watching, and hiking – there’s something to do in North Port no matter what your interests! Eight out of ten people living here rated their quality of life as good or excellent – so why not make it a permanent move? Healthcare being one of the largest industries makes this city ripe with local health options that promise you top-notch care. Don’t forget about its “healing waters” either; travelers from all over come just to see the warm mineral springs! It’s not every day you get to take a dip into mineral-rich warm waters that are found nowhere else throughout all of Florida. Home costs won’t stay low forever though, jump on board now before they start rising too much higher. Retirement in Florida is an ideal decision, as the Sunshine State offers a range of options for retirees. With tax breaks, exceptional healthcare and more local seniors than other states to join you on your adventures – all with beautiful weather! Whether it’s outdoor activities outdoors or big city excitement nearby that floats your boat – there are numerous cities around FL ready to offer up these benefits and more. To find the perfect place for retirement be sure to take into account factors like cost of living, accessibility & activity preferences when looking at different locations throughout this vibrant state. So start exploring today; we know you can discover paradise here in sunny Florida! Please share this article and let us know your thoughts! Also, don’t forget to follow us on our socials for more tips!
PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION FOR FIRST-TIME FLORIDA HOMEBUYERS
Homeowners in Florida may be eligible for up to $50,000 of property tax relief if they use their residence as a permanent home or dependent’s primary dwelling. The first $25,000 can apply towards all taxes including school district fees – the remaining $25,000 is applicable only on non-school payments and applies to assessed values between 50K and 75K. Homestead Property Tax Exemption: Owners looking to gain a homestead exemption need look no further than the county property appraiser’s website! There, you will find the application (Form DR501) and other helpful forms. But that’s not all – this guide also provides contact information for each of Florida’s 67 counties so you can easily submit your request with confidence. As you embark upon the journey of filing for taxes, make sure to equip yourself with all relevant information. Essential questions will include: who owned your property on January 1st? What are both yours and your spouse’s social security numbers? Did anyone live in said dwelling at that time as well? And finally – are there any other states or counties where you claim residency elsewhere apart from this one? Gather these essential answers before beginning! When applying for homestead exemption, your local property appraiser may require various proof of residency documents. These could include evidence such as a Florida driver license or ID card number; details on relinquishing prior state licenses; the address that appears on recent IRS filings and bank statements; declaration of domicile with corresponding date-stamp; name of current employer, along with utility bills at residence address to verify payment history – all indicating an indication you have taken up permanent abode in sunny Florida! Florida’s Property Tax System: Each year, county property appraisers across Florida assess the value of all real estate as of January 1st. In August, they send “Notices of Proposed Property Taxes” to each homeowner outlining how much will be due after local governments set their budget for the coming fiscal year. Tax bills have to be paid by March 31 and those wishing can learn more about taxes in their area via county tax collector websites or contacting a local official directly! Don’t forget this helpful infographic detailing exactly what happens here in sunny Florida when it comes time for paying our annual property taxes! Homestead Exemption: When it comes to real estate, values vary in many ways. Every piece of property has a just value – essentially its market worth – but depending on certain limitations and exemptions this is reduced when determining the assessed and taxable values for tax purposes. For example, homeowners can take advantage of homestead exemption which may exempt as much as $50k from their taxes due! Save Our Homes Benefit: After a home qualifies for homestead exemption, its assessed value can only increase by 3 percent every year. The difference between the true market cost and the lowered assessment creates “savings” known as SOH benefit – with each passing year that extra savings accumulates! Your Taxes vs. the Previous Owner’s Taxes: Buying a home in Florida can come with quite the surprise – an unsettling tax bill! When homeownership changes, according to state law, taxes must be reassessed and any previous exemptions are removed. Though this takes effect from January 1 onwards, if you buy before that year’s ‘tax (calendar) year’, then your first bill will include the benefits of the former owner’s homestead exemption until March 1st when yours applies. While it may seem like sticker shock at first glance, understanding how it all works can ease some financial pains for new Floridian property owners. If you bought your home last year, the assessed value will have been increased by January 1 of this year. Even with the homestead exemption applied for and granted, it still resulted in an increase to your tax liability compared to what was paid under the previous owner’s 12-year tenure on property taxes relating to that same house. Fortunately though, from next calendar year onward any price hikes shall be capped – no more than a 3 percent annual lift as thanks to SOH benefit coming into play then! Before You Buy: Before purchasing a home in Florida, it is essential to do your research! Speak with an experienced real estate agent or mortgage lender and ask about property taxes applicable to the area you are interested in. Additionally, checking out websites of local county appraisers can give you valuable insight into estimated tax costs based on location – making sure these requirements align with your budget measures like the keystone of any successful house hunt! For those considering purchasing their first home, the journey ahead can be daunting. To ensure success in becoming a homeowner for the first time, research and professional advice are essential! So don’t hesitate to share this article with friends who could use some helpful tips – and follow us for more useful information along your path towards homeownership.
Mortgage Life Insurance vs. Term Life Insurance
Purchasing a new home can be an exciting experience, but don’t let that distract you from protecting your family’s future. Mortgage life insurance offers coverage to cover the remainder of loan payments should something happen to you while making them. By ensuring peace of mind for those who matter most in your life, mortgage protection insurance is one way to view this important purchase as more than just another bill – it’s investing in security and stability! Homeowners looking for life insurance have a choice between term and other options. Term is usually the best pick because of its distinct advantages. Knowing how it works, plus why it’s suited for mortgage protection can help homeowners make an informed decision–so let’s examine these benefits! With term life insurance, you can provide for your family’s future – covering college tuition fees and burial expenses as well as replacing lost income. As opposed to a mortgage-specific policy that only pays off the remaining debt balance when its holder passes away. Take charge of your loved ones’ security by selecting an amount tailored to their needs! Term life insurance can provide your loved ones with the ultimate gift of flexibility. In the event that you pass away before the policy expires, they will receive a death benefit to use as they wish – whether it be paying off debts or meeting other important needs and priorities. On the contrary, mortgage Life Insurance provides only one recipient — your lender — so make sure you choose an option that gives those closest to you peace of mind in these uncertain times. Choose a life insurance policy to fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. Do you have long-term financial obligations? Then consider term life coverage that can outlive those commitments – with some policies lasting up to 30 years! Don’t want it tied down in case of refinancing or something else? Selecting a standard mortgage may be more ideal as they provide lengthier security and peace of mind. When you’re shopping for life insurance, it pays to consider your options. Term life may be more cost-effective than mortgage policies due to the requirement of a medical exam—the better insurers understand one’s health history, the lower rates they can offer! So while convenience is nice when deciding on an insurer, remember that this could come at a greater financial burden in the long run. Shopping for life insurance with a preexisting health condition can be daunting – especially when you need to cover your mortgage. If traditional term life isn’t an option, consider exploring no medical exam and/or mortgage life policies. When making this big financial decision, do some comparison shopping first! Look at quotes from various companies before choosing the best policy that meets both your needs and budget constraints. Before signing on the dotted line make sure to read all of the details carefully – such as understanding if death benefits are only applicable in cases of accidents or any cause of passing? Lastly take into account each company’s ratings so you know they have stable finances backing up their product promises down-the-line. Put these smart measures together and get ready for peace of mind along with security! If you want to ensure your family’s financial security, investing in either mortgage life insurance or term life can be a great way. Share this article with others who may benefit from it and follow us for more helpful tips about protecting yourself and those closest to you!
3 Tips To Help Save On A Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen remodel on a budget is achievable – it just requires some savvy decisions! From working with reliable contractors to choosing cost-efficient materials, there are plenty of strategies for cutting down costs. As long as you remain conscious and committed throughout your project, you can create a beautiful space without breaking the bank. Before taking on any major project, it is important to assess your own skills and abilities. Doing the work yourself may seem attractive, but hiring a professional could help you save time and money in the long run – not to mention keep everyone safe! 1. Refresh your cabinets: Instead of spending a fortune on expensive new kitchen cabinets, revive your existing ones and save while being eco-friendly! With some creative refreshing techniques at hand, you can have the perfect custom fitted dream kitchen without breaking the bank. Revamp your kitchen cabinets with a simple and stylish update – painting! From sanding to priming and then finally coating, this process may require quite some time depending on the size of the project. But don’t worry; beginners can easily achieve professional-looking results in no time at all. Refresh your kitchen’s look with refacing – a more expensive option that upgrades the existing cabinet boxes and replaces doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. This is not something to attempt as a DIY project because it requires specialized tools and know-how; but when compared to replacing all cabinets in your space, refacing can be an economical way of achieving big results on improvement! Giving your existing cabinets a facelift doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Simply swapping out old hardware for new knobs and handles can instantly modernize the look of any kitchen! Bring your kitchen into the modern age with open shelving! This affordable and stylish alternative to cabinets or refinishing offers an airy feel that’s reminiscent of a professional chef’s station. With such a simple installation process, you could be cooking up something delicious in style before you know it. 2. Refurbish your appliances: Home renovations used to mean throwing out perfectly good kitchen appliances, but those days are gone. With a wealth of information and an abundance of affordable parts now available online, many homeowners can save money by refurbishing their own appliances rather than springing for new ones or paying professionals. Fixing your own appliances can be a great way to save money! From dishwashers and refrigerators, microwaves and water heaters – even garbage disposals or water softeners – there are many possible repairs you could make yourself. However, it pays to assess the level of difficulty before attempting any project. When tending to your appliances, don’t forget the most important thing: safety! Be sure to keep them unplugged and disconnected from any supply or drain lines. Beware of dishwashers that may tip forward when released from a base cabinet – refrigerators can be top-heavy as well. So take extra caution for all those hard working home helpers! 3. Keep your kitchen layout the same: Revamping the kitchen is an excellent way to create a whole new atmosphere. However, if you’re thinking of making major changes like shifting plumbing lines for your sink, dishwasher or refrigerator – be ready! Plumbers will need to carefully break down walls and build brand-new pipes, adding both labor fees and extra materials into the budget. Revamping your kitchen can be a cost-effective way to give it an entirely new look without having to move around plumbing and electrical. Instead of dealing with the hassle of changing up flooring, you have the option to simply update what’s already in place for a truly unique yet pocket friendly transformation. Not enough space in your galley kitchen to make some much-needed changes? Add a one-wall layout and bring more convenience into the mix with an island! Not only will you get additional storage and prep area, but it won’t require breaking open your wallet for major structural alterations. Renovating your kitchen is no small feat, but it doesn’t have to break the bank! With a thorough plan and budget in place, you can give your cooking space an upgrade that won’t cause financial stress. For more savvy tips, follow us on social media – we’re full of inspiration!
10 Ideas To Boost Your Curb Appeal
Curb appeal can make or break a potential sale in real estate. Far more than just pretty porch decor, it determines whether buyers and guests are drawn to the property or keep going down the block. Yet creating an inviting home doesn’t have to be expensive – all you need is some creative vision! 1. Do a Thorough Cleaning: Give your home a facelift and unleash its inner beauty! Blast away dirt and grime with the power of pressure washing or hosing down your exterior, driveway, and sidewalk – you’ll be amazed at what comes off. 2. Paint Your Front Door: Make your home stand out and give it a fresh look with the right front door color. Pick up some paint and make sure to greet potential buyers in style! Choose from classic shades like black or charcoal, or switch things up with something more daring such as bright red or yellow – let your creativity shine through this simple yet effective step! 3. Replace Your Mailbox: Don’t overlook the little things – if your mailbox is showing visible signs of wear-and-tear, give it a makeover and welcome some spiffy new curb appeal! 4. Update Hardware: Transform the look of your home in just 15 minutes with a simple, budget-friendly upgrade to street numbers and door hardware. Fresh new knobs or knockers along with modernized house digits can easily make an old place feel brand new! 5. Give Garage Doors a Lift: Enhance the look of your home and make it stand out on the street with easy, temporary decorative options for garage doors. Opt to add interesting magnetic handles or hinges; paint in a shade that blends into siding or contrasts like front door color; give an updo with fast-drying exterior semi gloss paint – transforming those formerly blah garages has never been simpler! 6. Add Potted Plants: Give your home’s exterior a lively touch with the help of greenery! Planting annuals and perennials in groups at either side of pathways can create an inviting, well-maintained atmosphere that will wow visitors. 7. Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture: If your outdoor furniture is looking a bit tired and worn, why not bring it back to life with an easy makeover? Just grab some spray paint in your favorite color and give porch benches or seating the perfect facelift. Give old furnishings new life – step outside of the box! 8. Illuminate the Front Path: Increase your home security and warmth with strategically placed solar-powered spotlights in the garden bed. Illuminate your walkway for a clear path to the front door – let their soft, ambient glow be a beacon of safety and ease. 9. Bring in New Bark: Mulch is a green-thumbed gardener’s best friend! Not only can it add vibrancy to your garden beds, but by layering on two inches in the springtime you’ll be preventing weeds while also keeping soil healthy and moist. So don’t just go for any mulch – pick one that fits well with your region; like tree bark or wood chips if you’re up north, or crushed shells down south in Florida. Doing this will give plants all that they need throughout the year – vital organic fertilizer included! 10. Balance the Garden Beds: A gorgeous garden is crafted from layers of differing plants, reaching in different directions to create an alluring atmosphere. The tallest stand regally at the back while petite blooms take their place in front for a stunning contrast. Add vibrant colors and exotic foliage for a truly special space that will be sure to leave lasting impressions. Please share this article and follow us on our socials for more tips!
Home Maintenance Checklist for Florida Homes
Keeping your home in tip top shape is a must! Not only does it help maintain the value of your most valued possession and ensure the safety of you and your family, but saving on repairs or replacements down the track can be just as beneficial – both for wallet AND peace of mind. We’ve created an awesome checklist to make sure that all those pesky maintenance tasks don’t slip through the cracks this year. Let’s get started having smarter homes today! Monthly This is what you should do every month. Keep your electrical outlets and circuit breakers in tip-top shape by regularly testing them! Push the “test” button on GFCI outlets to deactivate power – you’ll hear a popping sound. Then, reset it by pressing its “reset” button for smooth operation. Check AFCIs too: locate them in the electrical panel, press their test buttons until they make a noise; then switch off before switching back on again. Doing this will extend their lifespans and guarantee seamless performance from your wires every time! Quarterly Every three months you should do the following: Regularly check your home’s systems to avoid costly repairs and keep it functioning smoothly. Replace the HVAC filter regularly for maximum system efficiency, Look out for stains on ceilings or around toilets that may indicate leaking pipes, clear away plants near foundation walls to discourage bugs from getting in as well as prevent water damage – also be sure not to forget about exterior faucets! Finally, don’t let garage door spring maintenance leave you hanging; give them a regular oiling up so they last longer. Seasonal Maintenance As seasons come and go, your home needs regular attention to stay in top shape! Keep up with these necessary maintenance tasks for a hassle-free year: make sure gutters are clear of debris after the Fall leaves have dropped; book time for an HVAC system check before hot or cold weather sets in; and keep tabs on drainage systems so water doesn’t start pooling around your house during rainy spells. Hurricane Preparation Ready your home for the Florida hurricane season! Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, like shutters and plywood. Conduct a thorough roof inspection or hire an inspector to give it extra care. Paint any areas that need attention around windows. Lastly, keep those weep hole channels cleared out so water can’t intrude on your windows during storms. Get ready – hurricane season is here! Yearly Every year, you should complete the following: Keep your home safe and functioning with these annual maintenance checks! Replace smoke detector batteries and test for operation, flush out the water heater with a hose, clean dryer vents to prevent house fires and then give it an extra deep cleaning. Don’t forget to pressure wash the exterior of your home too – plus have an inspection done by a professional if necessary (especially watched-out items like roofs or attics!). Also check grout in kitchen/bathroom areas; inspecting them annually can avoid costly damage from leaks down the road. Lastly, consider ordering termite inspection if you don’t already have one – all critical steps towards keeping up on regular home upkeep! Please share this article and follow our socials for more tips!
Financial Fundamentals for Your First Home Purchase
Ready to take the plunge and purchase your first home? Before you do, it’s important to make sure you’re financially ready for the commitment. Here are some of the financial fundamentals to focus on as you set out to buy a home. Build Your Credit Your credit is one element that helps determine which home loan you’ll qualify for. It also impacts your mortgage interest rate. While there are many factors that go into your mortgage application, a higher credit score could lead to a lower monthly payment in the long run. To build your credit, be sure to pay all bills on time, keep balances low on any credit cards or loans, and limit new applications and spending until after loan processing is complete. Additionally, if you have any errors on your report, contact one of the three major credit bureaus and dispute them right away. Automate Your Savings for Your House Fund You might also be wondering how you can achieve your down payment savings goals. The simplest way is to automate your savings so that money is taken from each paycheck and put into an account specifically designated for a down payment fund. As an added bonus, this approach keeps extra funds from being spent unwisely since it’s already allocated for housing expenses only! If possible, try setting aside 20% of each paycheck if you don’t have other sources of income that can be used towards a down payment such as investments or inheritances. Review Your Finances Carefully Finally, you should review all sources of income including stocks or bonds carefully with an eye towards understanding how they may affect potential lending decisions and interest rates. This includes things such as investment accounts (retirement accounts will not impact lending decisions), checking/savings accounts, annuities or trusts that provide regular income streams. You should also analyze existing debts such as car payments, student loans or other outstanding loans prior to speaking with lenders about buying a home so that you understand what types of loan options are available based on these figures. Buying a house is likely one of the most significant investments you will ever make in life – so it’s important to understand all aspects before diving in! Being mindful of these financial fundamentals can help ensure that this process runs smoothly and sets up future homeownership success in the years ahead! So don’t be afraid to ask questions of those around you who have been through this process before – there’s no harm in getting advice from those who have gone through it successfully! With careful planning and diligence now, owning a home can become a reality sooner than later!
Mortgage Demand Inches Higher
MBA: As interest rates move lower, home loan demand is ticking up. Mortgage applications to buy a home rose 4% for the week, though still 38% lower year-over-year. WASHINGTON – According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), mortgage application volume rose 3.2% last week after a month of declines. Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose 4% for the week but were 38% lower than the same week one year ago. Meanwhile, refinancing applications rose 3% last week as well, but they were still 85% lower than the same week last year. The drop in rates from a high of just over 7% in October added to the still-tiny pool of potential borrowers who could benefit from a refinance. MBA economist Joel Kan says, “The ongoing moderation in home-price growth, along with further declines in mortgage rates, may encourage more buyers to return to the market in the coming months.” Demand for adjustable-rate mortgages dropped to 7.7% of total applications last week from just under 13% in October, when rates were much higher. Source: CNBC (12/14/22) Olick, Diana © Copyright 2022 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688
Should Sellers List Now or Try to Wait It Out?
With home prices’ peak likely in the rear-view mirror, should sellers waiting to maximize profit jump in before it’s too late or wait and hope for another market reversal? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As the housing market has cooled considerably, sellers are now wrestling with whether to sell their homes as soon as possible or hold off on selling. Two years ago, it was an easier decision: Prices were at record highs, interest rates were lower than they had been in years, and buyers were so desperate to get into a home that they often bid up on homes and waived any appraisals. But now, with more homes coming to the market and higher interest rates, buyers have started to reclaim more of the power, throwing sellers into unfamiliar territory. With the market having shifted, is it more beneficial for them to sell now or wait for another boom? “We ask them a simple question: ‘Do you think your house will be worth more in six months or a year than it is today, looking at the way the economy is and what interest rates are?’” said Alex Platt, a Realtor with the Platt Group at Compass in Boca Raton. **excerpt from Florida Realtors
Florida Still No. 1 for International Buyers
MIAMI – Florida is still the No. 1 choice for international home buyers, according to the Coldwell Banker International Buyers Guide. About one in four 24% of international buyers purchase a home in Florida.