Quick Facts on Florida Homestead Exemptions:

Every person who owns and resides on real property in Florida on January 1 and makes the property his or her permanent residence is eligible to receive a Florida homestead exemption, up to $50,000.

• Dates to Remember: JANUARY 1 and MARCH 1
• You must own and reside at the real property in Florida on JANUARY 1
• MARCH 1 -Homestead Exemption forms must be filed with your local county property appraiser’s office
• You must establish primary residence in Florida to receive the homestead exemption tax benefits.
• Go to Florida Department of Revenue – Homestead Exemption. Form DR-501 is the application to download.

In order to receive the Florida Homestead Exemption, the above bullets must be done first. After you have established your Flo

rida primary residence, your real property is eligible to Up to $50,000. The first $25,000 is applied to all property taxes, including the

district school tax. The additional $25,000 is applied to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes.

Below is a list of items you will need to have on hand to complete the Florida Homestead Exemption application for you, your spouse or any additional owner-resident. Your property appraiser may ask for any of the following to prove your residency:

• The names of the persons recorded on the title on January 1
• The street address of the property
• January 1st, were you residing at this property?
• Do you claim Homestead in any other county or state?
• Your Social Security Number and any other owner/resident’s
• Date of Occupancy
• Florida Driver’s License
• Florida Vehicle Registration Number
• Declaration of Domicile
• Date of Birth
• Current Employer
• Address shown on your IRS Return
• Voter Registration Number
• School location of dependent children
• Proof of Payment of utilities at the address applying for exemption
• Bank Statements and Checking Account mailing address

There are additional Florida Homestead Exemptions for your property taxes such as Widows /Widowers; Permanently and Total Disabled; local options for ages 65 and older; Disabled Veterans, Deployed Military and more. Simply click HERE to go to the different categories that may apply to you.

If you are moving from a previous Florida homestead to a new homestead in Florida, you may be able to transfer, or “port,” all or part of your homestead assessment difference. Read more on portability.

Time is of the essence to file your Florida Homestead Exemption… MARCH 1

For many of us, when we think of Leap Year we associate Sadie Hawkins Day as part of Leap Year.

Actually, Sadie Hawkins, a fictional character created in the Lil’ Abner comics by Capp, was needing a mate and had nothing to do with the extra day in February we are granted due to the solar/seasonal calendar complexity. However, many of the lands have declared February 29th (Leap Year) as a day for women to have the right to ask a man out on a date or even propose marriage!

I find this whole Leap Year / Sadie Hawkins Day quite interesting. Although we live in a progressive land where women are able to request the company of a male without intimidation or obligation any time of the year, many singles feel compelled to pursue a mate specifically on February 29th. Is it the St. Bridget’s Complaint from Ireland, where St Bridget complained to St. Patrick that women had to wait so long for a marriage proposal, which has indoctrinated the women here in the U.S.? I think not…or do I?

I started thinking more about the boldness of the theory of Sadie Hawkins Day and decided that in these modern times, we need to address this boldness and channel it into a positive result for this special Leap Year day which occurs every four years.

The first step is to eliminate the gender association of Sadie Hawkins, meaning it only applies to women. This day should include everyone. It should be a day to take advantage of the fact that we have an extra day to channel our efforts into a positive effort for our future. It should be a day to celebrate life because we are granted one more day this Leap Year to follow our dreams, to create a positive out of a negative, to enrich and delight. To Achieve. To Conquer. And yes, to Love.

So, on February 29th, 2012, instead of thinking about silly cartoons, let’s reflect on the gift of another day to live in the pursuit of Life, Love and Freedom in this glorious country.

Here’s to a fabulous Leap Year 2012!

Eimers Group Real Estate Agents and Receive Stock Options

History in the making! The traditional Real Estate Brokerage does not allow for any ownership opportunities. Just another way Eimers Group is different!

Pictured from left to right, John Holahan (Realtor), Amanda Bonne (Realtor), Richard Eimers (Broker/Owner), Angie Griffith (Closing Coordinator), and Debbie James (Broker Associate).

Miramar Beach Florida Home for Sale located at 43 Heron Point Court

Beautiful LAKEFRONT 3 bdrm / 2 bath home with TONS of upgrades!!! Check out what the Seller has done to this fabulous home located in the popular Bayside Subdivision in Miramar Beach Florida:

• New Kitchen including granite and cabinets
• New In-ground Pool w/ heater, auto fill and tanning ledge with custom pavers and top of the line screen enclosure
• New sliding doors in Sun Room and Master
• New landscaping
• New flooring in living room and bedrooms
• Entire home painted inside
• New window treatments throughout
• New insulation 10/2011
• New exterior door in garage 10/2011
• New Wireless ADT alarm system

Bayside Subdivision located in Miramar Beach Florida, in South Walton County, is a popular Bayfront community with lots of amenities including tennis, community pool, dock on the bay, Bay Front Park with private fishing pier, gazebo, shuffleboard, monthly social events plus a traffic light for easy access in/out of the community. This home is in perfect condition and would be great as a primary residence, 2nd home or retirement home! Home is located in Flood Zone X.

Miramar Beach Florida is located just east of Destin Florida.

Click image below for a slide show: Miramar Beach Florida

[Show as slideshow]

Destin FL Real Estate* Market Statistics – 3rd Quarter 2011
(*Destin to Rosemary Beach)

With the 2011 summer season behind us, fall, and real estate sales, are in the air! 2011 summer sales and rentals were the best they have been in years and 2012 is poised to be even better! If there is any correlation to an increase in rental income compared to an increase in real estate sales, 2012 will be off the charts for both!!

Destin FL Real Estate 3rd quarter pending sales and solds are staggering… With pending sales being up 33.29% over 3rd quarter 2010 and sold properties up 56.63%, over the same time last year!

I continue to be asked “are we at the bottom of the Destin FL real estate market”?  Unfortunately, my crystal ball is still in the shop, lol. What I can tell you is that the numbers don’t lie. There are less properties coming on the market (25% less in the 3rd qtr) and less properties expiring off the market (about 1%). You may think, “big deal” only 1% less expireds. If you look at the Destin FL Real Estate 2011 YTD numbers, there are about 2.62% less properties expiring off the market, and almost 12% less properties being listed. The reason this is a big deal is because it shows us the direction the market is going. These numbers indicate we are moving towards a more balanced market…we are getting rid of (selling) inventory. If there were more properties coming on the market and more expiring, this would tell us that properties aren’t selling! Our market statistics prove this.

Download these Destin market statistics here: Destin FL Real Estate Market Statistics

Destin FL Real Estate Charts:

Doggies – Bark no more at Destin and South Walton Beach towns. There are many Destin Pet Friendly Rentals available! And this includes all you cat lovers, like myself!

As many of the dog owners of this world know, you are NOT always welcome in certain areas and places if you have your “best friend” with you.  Well fear no more rejection with your pal woof- woof, or Muffy the cat!  I have found some pet friendly rentals in Destin FL that are doggie and kitty friendly and even accommodating.

Right now, as I speak, the town of Destin and some of its private citizens are raising money to have a Destin Dog Park come to fruition on 1 ½ acres of land, situated on the corner of Commons Drive and Indian Bayou Trail.  Some of the amenities the in the first phase will include benches, trash stations and a water station.  Some people have requested shade trees or a shaded area, water play-dog pool, and a drinking water fountain.  The second phase will be for smaller dogs.

Walton County has donated 2 acres of property off  J.D. Miller Road, near the U.S. 331 bridge, to Bark Park Inc. for their dog park. Bark Park, Inc. was founded in 2002 specifically to establish a dog park in Walton County and has been open since 2006.

If you’re looking for Destin pet friendly beaches, well…it’s not going to happen…although I have seen dogs on the beach during off season…BUT I found out that Okaloosa County, Bay County and the City of Destin do not allow pets on the beach.

However our lovely beaches of South Walton County allows only property owners of South Walton County to obtain beach pet permits. Call  850.892.8156.

As long as we are talking Doggie friendly, I decided to locate vacation spots in our Emerald Coast area that are dog friendly.  Here is what I have found.

Destin Pet Friendly Hotels

Beachside Inn – Destin FL -2931 Scenic Highway 98  Destin
Candlewood Suites Destin-miramar Beach -11396 Us 98 West  Destin
Destin-days Inn -1029 Highway 98 East  Destin
Extended Stay America Destin – US 98 – Emerald Coast Pkwy. -4615 Opa Locka Lane  Destin
Inn on Destin Harbor -402 Harbor Blvd.  Destin
Motel 6 – Destin -405 Highway 98e #a  Destin
Residence Inn Sandestin At Grand Boulevard -300 Grand Boulevard  Destin
Bayside Inn -314 Miracle Strip Parkway  Fort Walton Beach
Days Inn – Fort Walton Beach -135 Miracle Strip Pkwy Sw  Fort Walton Beach
Econo Lodge Fort Walton Beach -203 Southwest Miracle Strip Pk  Fort Walton Beach
La Quinta Ft. Walton Beach -3 SW Miracle Strip Parkway  Fort Walton Beach
Super 8 Motel – Ft Walton Beach -333 Miracle Strip Parkway S.w.  Fort Walton Beach

Destin Pet Friendly Rentals

Cheery Cottage in Crystal Beach Neighborhood -Email for Availability from Website  Destin
CoastlineCondos -Call to Arrange  Destin
Condominium on 26 Acres on Gulf -Email for Availability from Website  Destin
DestinFLRentals.com -Call to Arrange  Destin
Ocean Reef Resorts -10221 Emerald Coast Parkway  Destin
Private Beach Retreat Condo -Email for Availability from Website  Destin
Private, Gated Community Townhouse on the Beach -Email for Availability from Website  Destin
Tri-Level Cottage in Gulfside Community -Email for Availability from Website  Destin
Beach Condos in Destin -2606 Scenic Gulf Drive  Miramar Beach

Destin Pet Friendly RV Parks and Campgrounds

Camping on the Gulf -1005 Emerald Coast Parkway  Destin
Geronimo RV Resort -75 Arnett Lane  Destin
Henderson Beach State Park -17000 Emerald Coast Parkway/H 30/98  Destin
Destin RV Beach Resort -362 Miramar Beach Drive  Miramar Beach
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park -4281 H 20  Niceville

Destin Pet Friendly Attractions

HarborWalk Village -Harbor Blvd  Destin

Destin Pet Friendly Parks

Henderson Beach State Park -17000 Emerald Coast Parkway/H 30/98  Destin
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park -4281 H 20  Niceville

Destin Pet Friendly Stores

Bass Pro Shops -4301 Legendary Drive  Destin
PetSmart Pet Store -34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy Unit 160  Destin
Orvis Company Store -624 Grand Boulevard, Suite. #101  Sandestin

Destin Pet Friendly Outdoor Restaurants

Harry T’s -46 Harbor Blvd  Destin
Jim N Nicks -9300 Emerald Coast Parkway/H 30/98  Destin
Johnny Rockets -4348 Legendary Drive  Destin
Tropical Smoothie Cafe -66 Harbor Blvd/H 30/98  Destin
Tropical Smoothie Cafe -4307 Legendary Drive  Destin
Tropical Smoothie Cafe -312 NW Racetrack Road/H 188  Fort Walton Beach
Johnny Rockets -625 Grand Blvd., Space E-107  Sandestin

I hope all this information is helpful for you and your 4-legged furry friends!

What second home tax deductions do I have when owning a second home* in Florida?

Just what is a Second Home or aka Vacation property?  It is a niche in the real estate market dealing with residences used for holiday vacations (e.g. beach house). In the United Kingdom this type of property is usually termeda holiday home, in Australia, a holiday house/home, or weekender, in New Zealand, a bach or crib. In the United States the most common designation is second home. (definition provided by Wikipedia).  What Wikipedia did not take into consideration is the Second Home, or Vacation Home, may also be an investment/income property.

There are a few tax questions to be answered concerning the ownership of a secondary dwelling, whether you solely use the property as a vacation home (not renting it) or if it is an income property (renting it).  If you are interested in purchasing that property you always wanted, on or near the beach, fear not…Uncle Sam is kind to secondary owners wit h many second home tax deductions!

Please let me state that, by no means, am I an Accountant (although I know more about Quickbooks than I care to) and the following information should be used as a guide. I highly recommend consulting your Accountant to discuss what your maximum second home tax deductions and benefits might be.

If you finance the property, you may take a second home mortgage deduction. The interest is tax deductible, the same as a primary residence, up to $1.1 million, as long as it is not rented to others.

Now, if you rent the residence, but only for 14 days per year, you get to keep the income for that 14 days, no matter how much you have charged for the short term rental.  This is because the house is still considered a personal use residence. For example, if you charge $5,000 per week, then you are clearing $5,000 a week for the limited two (2) week period, resulting in a clear profit of $10,000.

If you rent the secondary home for fifteen (15) days or more, the rules change.  You must report the rental income BUT you get to deduct rental expenses.  Here it gets interesting…you have to take into consideration the amount of time you personally use the property in ratio to the amount of time the residence is rented.   Your rental management company and Accountant can better show you the formulas, relative to usage. (Form Schedule E is used on your tax return).

Some other possible second home tax deductions for the dwelling may be property taxes, depreciation, repairs, insurance and interest.

There is also a “mix and match plan”, as I refer to it, concerning when you retire and want to use your secondary home as your primary and still get a good tax cut.  I am not about to explain it but your Accountant, once again, is the person to disc u ss how you sell the properties in relation to primary verses secondary.  It is all very confusing to the lay person but, once again, there are second home tax advantages to owning vacation property.

Think about it.  You could own a piece of your “paradise” in Destin FL or along 30A and even get a little t ax break for doing so.  To me, it sure makes sense, but you have to research the matter with your personal accountant and decide if it is right for you.  I just know it probably is!  So when you decide to make that purchase along our Emerald Coast, from Destin FL to Rosemary Beach, the land of comfort and beauty, give me a call and I will make the acquisition an easy, enjoyable experience!

*Home refers to condo, single family home or town home.

September 11 – We Will Never Forget

September 11 is always on the hearts of Americans. It’s hard to believe this year marks ten (10) years of remembering those catastrophic events.

Some people remember the Twin Towers in New York City as being like monoliths of glass, gleaming in the sunlight and reflecting the vibrancy of the City and this Country. Others can only NOW remember those two planes deliberately colliding with the Towers to wreak havoc, destruction and death, to a country of peace and vitality.

Then, there was the attempt on the Pentagon and the plane that never made it to the White House or Capital or wherever they were really intending to crash.  Those people died to keep us alive and free and those terrorists acted in vein.

Thousands literally ran to the rescue of those trapped in the collapsing Towers, burning buildings and wrecked plane.  Fireman, Police officers and ordinary people, all tried to help their fellow American survive that horrific situation.  All of them are Heroes.

For those who lost loved ones, whether family or friends, may you grieve no longer and instead remember the good times with those who perished and know their death was a result of an act of terror on our peaceful country. They will, at no time, ever be forgotten by all those in this great nation.

On September 11, whether you are busy working or vacationing, please take a moment to remember our heroes of September 11^th and be thankful we live in such a wonderful country, the USA!

We Will Always Remember September 11

Good Morning America: Destin Among Most Beautiful

Good Morning America highlights “America’s top 10 most beautiful places in America“. Destin, FL has landed in the top 10!

The following Good Morning America video is hosted by our own local celebrity Emeril Lagasse.

Click here to view the embedded video.