Where Have All Of The South Florida Realtors Gone? Our Homeowners Their Eyes To You!
Yesterday, Governor Charlie Christ spoke about Amendment 1 to lower Florida property taxes at a Hollywood, Florida home. The amendment would double the homestead exemption to $50,000. Also, the governor's primary focus during his speech was on the portability clause in the amendment that allows homeowners to keep their Save Our Homes' tax benefits when purchasing to a new homesteaded property. Please go to Broward Property Appraiser's Website to read the exact amendment on the January 29th ballot.
My main concern as a local South Florida Realtor was the small turnout from the real estate community. I know that 2008 is in full swing and agents are desperately trying to increase their business, but isn't the property tax amendment worth learning more about. It is not every day when Realtors can meet with the Governor of Florida and ask him questions concerning all of our clients' issues regarding their property taxes.
Will Realtors be able to even explain the new tax amendment to their clients and future clients if it gets passed? Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish has been appearing at many South Florida meeting and events to explain the new tax amendment and answer questions and concerns, so there is not excuse for not becoming more informed!
The proposed amendment will provide a very small, immediate relief to homeowners. The portability clause of the amendment will help increase the real estate business for Realtors in the future. The problem is that most homeowners that purchased a property in the past few years and have seen a dramatic decrease in their home values are really affected by this amendment. They are more concerned with the here and now and desperately looking to reduce their monthly living expenses.
As Realtors, we MUST voice our concerns, and our clients' concerns, regarding this extremely important issue that affects our real estate profession on a daily basis. It is time to get involved and be able to understand the new amendment, that will most likely get passed on January 29, 2008, and be able to explain it to our clients.
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