Showing Tips for Sellers

2010-04-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Showing Tips for Sellers:

a. Leave the shades up and the drapes open, homes show much better.

b. Walk through model homes in your area to see what professionally staged homes look like. You may get great ideas to apply on your home.

c. Define space so that each room shows a purpose.

d. Add simple curb appeal: rake the leaves, trip the bushes, plant flowers. Every landscaping detail proofs that you care and it translates in buyer’s appeal.

e. Power wash your home, it may surprise you how much better the house looks.

Has the market stabilized in your area yet?

2010-03-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

Get your free report at http://www.bgprofessionals.com/bg_msnap.html

Homestead Exemption

2010-02-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Save money on your Property Taxes!

File now for your 2010 Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption is a statutory protection that provides the owner with a shelter from their creditors and a discount on their real estate taxes. Every person who owns a property in Florida and resides as a permanent residence prior to January 1, 2010 is eligible to receive a homestead exemption 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. Every year the homestead exemption automatically renews itself unless changes in the title occur. In order to maintain the homestead exemption, a permanent resident must live in the property for at least six months out of the year.

One can file for the Homestead Exemption online, by mail or in person. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

In whose name or names was the title to the dwelling recorded as of January 1?
What is the street address of the property?
How long have you been a legal resident of the State of Florida? (A Declaration of Domicile or Voter's Registration will be proof of date before January 1.)
Do you have a Florida license plate on your car and a Florida driver's license?
Were you living in the dwelling on January 1?

ADDITIONAL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS OR INFORMATION FOR EACH APPLICANT:

6. Social Security Number, preferably your card or some other document with your number (social security number is required for the spouse of each

applicant even if said spouse has no ownership interest)

7. A copy of your recorded deed or tax bill;

8. If not a U.S. citizen, a Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”);

9. If property is in trust, a copy of the complete trust agreement;

10. If dwelling is a mobile home, bring registration or title to the mobile home.

WHERE TO FILE:

Osceola County online application: https://ira.property-appraiser.org/Homestead/

Orange County online application: http://www.ocpafl.org/exemptions/hx_file.html#1

Seminole County online application: http://www.scpafl.org/scpaweb05/index.jsp

UNDER FLORIDA LAW, FAILURE TO FILE FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION BY MARCH 1, 2010 CONSTITUTES A WAIVER OF THE EXEMPTION PRIVILEGE FOR THE YEAR

OTHER EXEMPTIONS

· $500 Widows & Widowers Exemption

· $500 Disability Exemption

· $5,000 Disability Exemption for Ex-service Member

· $500 Exemption for Blind Persons

· Service Connected Total and Permanent Disability Exemption

· Exemption for Totally and Permanent Disability Exemption

· Additional Homestead Exemption for persons 65 and older

· Homestead property tax discount for Veterans 65 and older with a combat related disability.

For more information about any of the other exemptions, please visit http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/taxpayers/exemptions.html#2

BG Professionals

Showing Tips for Sellers

Has the market stabilized in your area yet?

Homestead Exemption