Save Tax Dollars with Florida's Homestead

Anne-Marie Ferraro- Orlando Area Realtor October 25, 2005 Florida residents: Did you know that Florida is one of the few states in our country that has a homestead exemption? What is it you ask? It is a tax savings on the home that you live in and claim to be your homestead. It could save you a lot of money on your taxes each year. It deducts $25,000.00 from the value of your home so you are taxed on a lower figure. Did you know if you close and occupy your homestead by December 31, 2005 you will be able to claim the homestead for the full year? It's a good reason to look for a home now if you were thinking of the possibility of a move.

Compare Mortgage Rates!

October 25, 2005 So many times the Buyers I work with tell me they have a "friend" or "family" member who is a mortgage broker and that they are going to use them to obtain their loan. Please! It pays to shop around! Oftentimes there are junk fees and charges that these brokers charge and unfortuantely, it is not until we are at the closing table that I find out. It's too late then to find out you have just been ripped off! My advise, shop around! For instance, I have a Loan Originator who has an office in the same building that I am in. When the Buyers I am working with counsel him he almost always beats out the competitor with rates and pricing. It's free and you owe no obligation so why not get a couple of different quotes? It could save you thousands!