Posts in category 'For Homeowners'

The Homestead Exemption in Florida offers significant property tax savings for homeowners who qualify. If you own a home and use it as your permanent residence, you may be eligible for this exemption, which can reduce your property's taxable value by up to $50,000. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to file for the Homestead Exemption in Florida.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

To qualify for the Homestead Exemption in Florida, you must:

• Own the property and occupy it as your primary residence as of January 1st of the tax year.
• Be a permanent resident of Florida.

If you meet these criteria, yo...

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Property Tax Exemptions in Florida: A Guide for Homeowners

Florida offers several property tax exemptions to help homeowners reduce their property tax burden. These exemptions are designed to provide financial relief and encourage homeownership. Here's a quick overview of the key property tax exemptions available in the state.

1. Homestead Exemption

The Homestead Exemption is the most well-known property tax exemption in Florida. Homeowners who permanently reside in their home as of January 1st of the tax year are eligible. The exemption provides up to $50,000 in property tax relief:

- First $25,000: Applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes.
- Additional $25,000: Applies to assessed values between $50,000 and $75,000 but does not apply to school taxes.

This exemption can significantly reduce the taxable value of your property, lowering...

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Deed Fraud is on the rise throughout Florida. Take these simple and FREE steps to protect yourself. 

How The Fraud Works

A Fraudster finds your name and address in tax records. They then fill in a simple Quit-Claim deed forging your signature. They will throw on a notary stamp either by way of an accomplice or by another simple forgery. The deed is then electronically recorded with your local Clerk of Courts. And since as the Clerk's office will tell you, it is only their job to record not to verify legitimacy, the Fraudster is then the Owner of Record. They will next sell to investors buying sight-unseen or take out loans against the property to collect cash. There are countless stories. Homeowners have been forclosed on for mortgages they did not take out and even evicted by "new owners" who purchased having no idea they bought from a fraudster. 

How to Protect Yourself

Though paid services are popping up it is actually simple and FREE to register for alerts. Florida law requires every county's clerk of the court to provide a free electronic notification service that informs registered users when their land record is logged in the county's public records. This service can help property owners become aware of fraudulent activity before it's too late.

If you own properties in multiple Northeast Florida Counties, you have the convenience of registering just once for Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns Counties at the link below. 

https://protectyourfloridaproperty.com/

Bradford County Alert Registration

Union County Alert Registration

Alachua County Alert Registration

Putnam County Alert Registration

Flagler County Alert Registration

Volusia County Alert Registration

While some home improvements can boost your property's value, many are on the very low end for return-on-investment. And some may actually decrease the home's desirability for certain buyers. Renovations such as these should be undertaken only when you plan to stay in your home a while and enjoy them yourself. Consider these projects carefully before investing time and money:

1. A High-End Kitchen Renovation:
An upscale kitchen remodel only recoups about 54% of its cost in added value, making it a less-than-ideal investment for resale.

2. DIY Painting:
Poorly executed paint jobs can cost you. Streaky or low-quality paint could reduce your home's sale price by as much as $1,700.

3. Expanding the Master Suite:
If your home has four or five bedrooms, converting one into a larger master suite might add value. However, in smaller homes, losing a bedroom could lower your selling price.

4. W...

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If you're a Veteran or active-duty service member with a VA-guaranteed home loan and facing foreclosure, the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program could help you keep your home. This program is designed as a last-resort option when your loan servicer determines that no other alternatives—like repayment plans, special forbearances, or loan modifications—can prevent foreclosure.

How VASP Works

Under the VASP program, the VA steps in to purchase the modified loan from your current loan servicer. A modified loan means the servicer has adjusted the loan terms to make repayment more manageable for...

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