Friday, October 30th from 6 p.m – 9 p.m. Be at Tequesta Trace Park in Weston

6:30 p.m. – Children’s Costume Parade

8:00 p.m. – Pet Costume Contest

This event is sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital along with the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Weston and The City of Weston.

Along with the costume contests there will be live entertainment, bounce house,inflatables,arts and crafts.  A pumpkin Patch will be decorating the field.  Free cotton candy and snow cones!

Safety Tips for this Gollies Event compliments of the City of Weston and the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

1. Wear a costume that’s easy to walk in, see in and be seen.

2. Have an adult go with you trick or treating.

3. Trick or treat in your own neighborhood.

4. Carry a flashlight.

5. Use makeup instead of a mask.

6. Cross at corners never in the middle of a street.

7. Stay on sidewalks.

8. Wait till you get home to go through your candy.  Don’t except unwrapped treats.

To everyone have a very Happy Halloween!

The topic of the month: Property tax.  Everyone is puzzled about his property tax. Everyone wants answers.

Did you know that sixty percent of homeowners overpay?  Only one out of fifty appeal their tax bill.

Mr. Seth Lubin, our guest speaker for this week’s business meeting, is an attorney who specializes in property-tax reduction.  He was not only informative, but he spoke on the layperson’s level.

The myths: www.LubinTaxLaw.com will outline the five biggest myths about property tax appeals.  Interestingly enough, our real estate market decreased more than the taxes!  Broward County’s market dropped 25.1%; however, our taxable values only dropped 10.7%.

If you as puzzled as most, contact someone who specializies in that area.  Seth Lubin has an office in Weston.

Access the Broward County Property Assessor’s website:  www.bcpa.com for your current information.  This website also contains frequently asked questions — (even the issue of portability – another enigma for most homeowners). If you wish to e-mail our property appraiser, Lori Parrish is quite timely regarding your questions and requests.

The main thing: Be sure you are not overpaying period. It is worth your time and energy to be assertive.

Another thing: If your mortgage company is escrowing your taxes, confront them about the possibly of reducing your total monthly note because of your new tax base. This could save you money on a monthly basis! Even though the mortgage companies  require a cushion, your bill may be reduced as much as $100 a month for a total of $1200 a year. For those who own multiple properties, this could result in multiple savings.

If you need a sample letter, contact me and I will send you a format along with the information you need to attach to substantiate your request.

In these recessionary times, we all must wake up, take note, and protect that bottom line!

The City of  Weston has seen some big changes in the passed few months.  It has been the front runner in pending and closed sales and has helped make Broward County’s come back stronger.  Now with the ending of our summer business and a new school year upon us we are still seeing changes.

Inventory is down almost half from July 2008.  In July 2008 we had twelve months of inventory based on closed sales.  July 2009 we are seeing eight months of inventory based on closed sales.

We are definitely in a more balanced market.  Anyone that is following the real estate market knows that a six to nine month inventory is a strong buyers market.

What Realtors are seeing with these gradual changes are limited choices for buyers.  The Facts and Trends Chart below will give you a better view of  how the market is changing.

Eckart Tolle ……..

Eckart Tolle…….

Did you know that sixty percent of homeowners are over paying on their property taxes.  And only one out of fifty people appeal their tax bill.  I found this information a little overwhelming.

This morning in our office meeting we had a guest speaker Mr. Seth Lubin.  He is an attorney and specializes in “Tax Reduction.” Mr. Lubin had some very important information to offer with regards to property tax.  There are a few myths about our property taxes that you might not be aware of.

To better educate your self and get a free report on the ” five biggest myths about property tax appeals“  go to www.LubinTaxLaw.com .  Mr. Lubin has an office in the Weston area and offers free consultation.

It doesn’t matter who you get your questions answered from, as long as they specialize in property taxes. You may also go to www.bcpa.net and Lori Parrish will answer any questions or concerns you have.

August 4, Ad valorum taxing authorities advise Property Appraiser of the rollback rate.  Also the date and time of the first public hearing.  The property tax assessments for Broward County have been certified and are posted on their web site.  Go to www.BCPA.net and click on “Property Search”.

You will need to put your information in by owner name, address or folio number.  When your information comes up you will see below the name and address “Property Assessment Values”.  That gives you your 2009 assessed value.  If you are NOT Homesteaded, the “Just Value” will be equal to the  assessed/SOH value.  This will be the value on which your 2009 property tax will be based.  When your home is Homesteaded your taxable value is the assessed value.  That amount is usually less than the Just Value.  With the declining of home values, the assessed value can be equal to the Just Value.

• August 11 – TRIM Notices, or Proposed Property Tax Notices begin to get mailed out.
• August 24 – TRIM Notices must be mailed by this last day.
• August 24 – September 18 -  This is the time to file petitions to the Value Adjustment Board if you   are                     challenging your 2009 Property Tax Assessment.
• September 3- September 18 – Ad valorum taxing authorities hold public hearings on tentative budget per Tax Notice.  Information on the hearings are listed on the TRIM Notices.

Fifteen days after adopting a budget, ad valorem taxing authorities advertise intent to adopt final budget.  Public hearings can be held two to five days after published advertisement.

Within three days after adoption of the final millage rates, ad valorem authorities deliver the final millage rate to Property Appraiser and Revenue Collector.  Once the rates are determined and the Tax Roll certified to the Revenue Collectors. the individual tax is prepared for November mailing.

If you have filed a petition to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) and have not heard anything before your taxes are due you are highly advised to pay your tax bill on time.

There are many other questions that you might still have regarding the recent changes.  The best way to get those questions answered is to go to the www.BCPA.netweb site.  If they don’t have your answer on the web site then email your questions or concerns and they get back to you within a day.

• 55 – 65 percent for registrations for motor vehicle and boats
• 150 percent for title renewal; and
• 70 to 110 percent for your driver’s license renewal.

These new fees will go into effect starting September 1, 2009.

The Good News: There is still time to save some money.  For birthdays three months out, you can renew car and boat registration in advance, as well as renew two years in advance at the current rate. as long as the registration comes before Sept. 1.  An example would be – birthdays from August to November can renew through Aug. 31, 2009.

Help get the word out to all your friends and relatives.  The website is GO RENEW.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/07/22/do-you-want-the-good-news-save-money-renewing-your-license-and-tags-now/feed/ 0 http://blog.ewm.com/2009/07/08/numbers-dont-lie/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/07/08/numbers-dont-lie/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:35:27 +0000 Martha Chamberlain, P.A. http://blog.ewm.com/?p=22497 ” The Poor Man is not he who is without a Cent, but he who is without a Dream”

…… Harry Kemp

With all the current movement in the real estate market, why am I still hearing –

“Should we wait until the prices go lower?” Consider this scenario.  The market declines another five percent five months from now (i.e., 1% decline a month).  During the five months, the interest rates increases.  Buyer was considering a home priced at $250,000.  Five months from now, that $250,000 home (at five percent decrease) would be now be priced at $237,500; however, since the interest rates increased 1%, the mortage on the same home  has now increased approximately $78.00 a month.

“Should we rent or should we buy?” Purchase price – $250,000 with five percent down your mortgage  is $241,250.

Monthly payments with (P&I)   $1,295.08.

Plus tax and insurance $450.00 making the total monthly payment $1,745.08.

Less monthly Tax saving $332.95, appreciation $625.00, and principal  reduction $296.91.

Net cost of owning  $490.52

Monthly rent for comparision  $1,600.00   less net cost of owning $490.52

Monthly cost of renting vs. owning………………..$1,109.48

Annual cost of renting vs. owning…………………$13,313.75

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR)  is educating first- time home buyers, as well as others about foreclosure prevention and other issues involving our real estate market.  July 12th through July 18th is “Welcome Home Week” where many local radio stations statewide direct listeners to information on all real estate questions.

E.W.M Realtors offer Title and Mortgage services.  They are always willing to answer any and all of your questions regarding any numbers .

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.  Independence Day is the national day of the United States

^{For the first time since the closing of the Statue of Liberty following the 9-11 attack on New York City the observation deck in the “Crown” of  the  Lady Liberty will reopen to the public on July 4,2009.}

^{The statue was closed from the attack to 2004.  When they reopened the statue visitors were only allowed on the pedestal of the base of the statue.  It wasn’t a very good way to draw people to see the statue.  Everyone wanted to know if they would ever be able to go up in the “Crown ” of the Liberty.}

^{Well that day is finally arriving.  On July 4, 2009 they are reopening the tours in the Lady Liberty.  There is a different way to get your tickets.  You have to go on line and order them, there is only a certain number allowed each day.}

^{So if you are planning a trip to the “BIG APPLE” make sure you go on line and reserve your tickets ahead of time.}

^{To All Happy Fourth of July!!!!}

Live the Life you have always dreamed you could!  Be the envy of all as you live it up in your one of a kind designer beach front condo.  Every inch of this exquisite home is brand new.  Dreamy views of ocean & Intercoastal.  Two master suites and guest room.  Finely appointed upgrades include coral wall and columns, polished Travertine floors,hard wood flooring, customized doors and frames.  Granite counter tops in the kitchen.  condo is wired for speakers throughout.  Faux  finishes and designer window treatments.

This beautiful rental can be yours for $2,990.00 a month with water and cable included.  Feel like your on vacation every day.