Key West is a beautiful town on the beach with the ability to add health benefits to any lifestyle. As a town literally on the beach, you will never be short of gorgeous sunshine and the benefits it offers such as vitamin D.

As a town on the beach, there are many opportunities for athletics on the beach. As a resident, you can join one of many local volleyball teams on the beach or join a beach running club. Other popular athletic activities include kayaking and simply swimming in the ocean. Swimming and running in particular are great forms of cardiac exercise. Doctors recommend the average American receive at least 3-4 hours of intense cardiac exercise a week.

If you are an older citizen, do not be dissuaded from living in Key West. There are many activities for older residents as well. Some local senior citizens organizations host walks on the beach, in which senior citizens can pair up with buddies and walk the gorgeous Key West. Walking can improve one’s heart rate, as well as build muscle strength, two health benefits incredibly important for senior citizens.

Overall, Key West presents many benefits to residents. A gorgeous beach, a plethora of activities, and great educational system all make for great reasons to move to Key West.

If you are interested in relocating to Key West see http;//www.gingerkingkeywest.com for everything about Key West Real Estate

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With prices where they are right now, there’s never been a better time to buy waterfront property in the Key West area.

Anyone who has ever been to Key West has at one point in their lives considered a life of relaxation with only the sound of the sea and the ocean breeze to worry about. While this may sound like an unobtainable form of paradise, with the current pricing, it is actually much more realistic than it seems. Here are several reasons.

1. A second home that generates income. For those who already own a home and are happy living where they are, waterfront property in Florida’s popular Lower Florida Keys area can be a lucrative investment. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to Key West to soak up the sun. Because of this, waterfront rental properties generally take in good rental income. In fact waterfront properties are always the first to get rented.

So, by purchasing a piece of waterfront property and renting it out, you can have all or certainly part of your home payments made plus enjoy it as a vacation home. The goal being, that eventually, you’ll be in a position to retire and live the relaxing life you’ve worked so hard to attain or the property will simply be a good investment for the future.

2. Waterfront properties have historically always had the best appreciation. If you’re on the fence regarding whether or not to purchase property, remember that.

I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase, there is only so much waterfront property available-which is absolutely true.

3. Buying vacant land. Another consideration is purchasing a waterfront lot and then even if you don’t build on it, the property can still grow in value over time or you can build your dream home later. Lots of investors have made their careers out of purchasing multiple vacant lots.

4. The current pricing. Waterfront property in the Key West area has never been cheaper than it is now and likely never will be again. The result is that people of all walks of life and nationalities are currently taking advantage of the Key West area housing market.

The only way to make sure you can even get your hands on a piece of waterfront property in the Key West area (and for less money than ever before) is to start looking now, while there are still excellent property investments available.

In summary, if you’re in the market for waterfront property in the Key West area, there’s no better time than now to buy. For more information please go to http://www.gingerkingkeywest.com

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In real estate, a short sale takes place when an outstanding loan against a property becomes greater then the estimated market value of that property. This process is a way in which homeowners can avoid foreclosure and can also pay of their mortgage by reaching a settlement with the lender at the same time.

How a short sale works

In a short sale transaction, a knowledgeable real estate agent asks the seller to provide the required documents—such as income tax returns, closing documents, pay stubs, and bank statements—before listing the property.

Then, through a careful in-depth review of the seller’s current financial situation, a logical way to proceed can be set up, paving the way for a successful completion of the short sale. Short sales are a complex process, for both the buyer and the seller.

Next, the real estate agent will discuss the potential short sale with the lender and inform the seller of the results of their collaboration. When evaluating this information, the seller should always be aware that the lender has more control over the process than either the seller or the buyer, and should strive to maintain a courteous relationship with the lender with that in mind.

Note also that the lender and the seller are actually a partnership, because they both have to agree to the buyer’s offer in order for the short sale to progress.

“Low ball” offers can be a problem

In a short sale, potential buyers are usually hoping to find a bargain, and they sometimes make offers that are unrealistically low in comparison with the property’s estimated market value. As a result, the lender may determine that it is in their interest to proceed with foreclosure rather than accept the potential buyer’s offer.

An experienced real estate agent will realize that this is a possibility, and will make a counter-offer to the buyer before presenting the lender with the problematic original offer. Such “low ball” offers are usually considered to be a waste of time for the lender when it comes to reviewing them, and they often cause the lender to delay in responding, in regard to selling the property, or to ignore the offer altogether.

Virtually anyone who has participated in a short sale agrees that dealing with an experienced real estate agent really made a difference in meeting their needs and satisfying their concerns in going through this complex procedure. The lender is also gratified because foreclosure has been avoided and the buyer or seller, have reached their goals.

Ginger King SFR REALTOR® Schwartz Property Sales 1120 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040. Tel: 305-849-0991 E-Mail Me www.gingerkingkeywest.com

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Located in Harbor Shores, the 9 year old factory built Palm Harbor stilted home features a large, covered, screened-in porch on the water. Below is a large concrete deck and seawall. It is a very quiet, serene location with a sunny, open floor plan with nice size kitchen, dining area and living room. The extra large master bedroom has its own bath. Off street parking for two cars and storage shed. Although a condominium, the ground is deeded to the owner. It is in Class A condition and a real bargain for waterfront property so close in.

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In a January 2008 ballot measure, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that introduced several changes to our state’s property tax system. The four changes may affect the amount of tax you owe:
Increased Homestead Exemption: If you’re currently receiving a $25,000 homestead exemption on your property taxes, you will automatically be upgraded to a $50,000 exemption this year. If you are a homeowner and do not currently receive the exemption, you may file your application in person along with a $15 late fee, through mid-September.
Save Our Homes Portability Cap: You may now trasfer up to $500,000 of your property tax cap to a new home when you move. To take advantage of this benefit, you must file a Homestead Exemption and Portability Application.

Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption: If you’re required to file a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return, you’re entitled to a $25,000 exemption on business equipment.
Non-Homestead Cap: Beginning next year, those properties not eligible for a homestead exemption may apply to receive a 10% cap on property tax increases.

Homestead Exemption Overview:
FILING PERIOD JANUARY 1 – MARCH 1
Florida law requires that application be made by March 1st to be eligible for the $25,000 Homestead Exemption. Only new applicants or those who had a change of residence need apply. Automatic renewals are mailed in January each year.

In Florida, $25,000 of the assessed value of your home is exempt from real estate taxes, but you have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the exemption. First you much have the title or record to your property as of January 1, and reside on the property. You have to be a legal and permanent resident of Florida as of January 1. When applying for the exemption status, bring along a copy of your deed or tax bill, and a Florida county voters registration or Declaration of Domicile. If you drive, you must also bring your Florida driver’s license and automobile registration. New applications must be submitted in person at the appraiser’s office, but renewals may be done by mail. For further information, consult the County Property Appraiser’s Office.

Real Estate Taxes

All residents are subject to county taxes, but each city or special district levies taxes within its boundaries. City, special-district, and county taxes are combined in one tax bill. Real estate taxes are assessed as of January 1 each year. They are due and payable on November 1 and become delinquent if not paid before April 1 of the following year. Florida law holds the taxpayer responsible for receiving and paying tax bills in full. For additional information contact the County Property Appraiser’s Office.

Establishing Residency

To establish residency, you may register to vote or file a Declaration of Domicile, which is an affidavit available at the CountyCourthouse. Filing one copy with the Circuit Court provides a record of your intention to make Florida your home. Simply moving to the State does not guarantee legal residency. For more information contact the County’s Clerk of Circuit Court.

What is Homestead Exemption?
Florida Law entitles every person, who has legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains it as his/her permanent residence, to apply for a $25,000 homestead property tax exemption. A partial exemption may apply if the ownership of the applicant is less than 100%.

Am I eligible to file?
You must meet the following requirements as of January 1st:

Have legal or beneficial title to the property, recorded in the Official Records of County
Residency on the property
Be a permanent resident of the State of Florida
Be a United States citizen or possess a Permanent Residence Card (green card)

When do I file?
The deadline to file an application for exemption is March 1st. Under Florida law, failure to file for any exemption by March 1st constitutes a waiver of the exemption privilege for the year.
Regular filing is January 2nd – March 1st.
Pre-filing for the coming year is March 2nd – December 31st.

How do I file?
Take copies of the required documentation to your Exemption Department:Generally at the County or City Court House

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How Healthy is City Life?

There may be many reasons for this decline, but chief among them are stress, cost, noise and air pollution. All of these factors have taken a toll on not only the total population count, but the overall well being of the city dweller, as well. A recent book, entitled Unhealthy Places by Kevin Fitzpatrick and Mark LaGory zeroes in on the ecology, sociology and general unhealthiness of urban life. Certainly, virtually anyone with a daily newspaper or seeing the evening news can see the number of deaths attributed to crime or traffic.

While these statistics may actually indicate a decrease, the general perception however, is that living or working in large city is either dangerous or unhealthy. Economic factors also play a role in the population decline. Many city dwellers in years past have fled the large urban centers for the “safety” and relative security of the suburbs. However, urban sprawl has also assailed the safe harbor of the suburbanite and many in suburban areas bordering the city are seeing their taxes and crime spiking upward.

The Effects of a Rise in Stress

This is particularly true of the suburbs surrounding cities like New York or Boston with state income and real estate taxes continuing to rise. With a continuing increase in stress factors, it has been pointed out that many other bad lifestyle choices contribute to a decline in overall health. According to Science Daily.com, “When people are under chronic stress, they tend to smoke, drink, use drugs and overeat to help cope with stress. These behaviors trigger a biological cascade that helps prevent depression, but they also contribute to a host of physical problems that eventually contribute to early death.”

A Change in Location Venue Will Help

How best to address these problems? Many are solving the problem by simply moving away from it entirely, mostly to the southern states. Whether they can find useful work or simply retire is certainly a factor. However, with population growth within the southern states continuously rising, various industries will undoubtedly provide employment for many.  This movement away from urban centers to the south has been occurring over the last several years. As indicated below from 1990 through 2000, the populations of the southern states rose substantially compared with New York and Massachusetts:

• Florida                  increase: 3,044,452             a change of +23.5%
• Georgia               increase: 1,708,237                        a change of +26.4%
• North Carolina    increase: 1,420,676             a change of +21.4%
• South Carolina    increase: 525,309                a change of +15.1%
• New York           increase: 986,002                 a change of   +5.5%
• Massachusetts     increase: 332,672                a change of    +5.5%

Notice that the two northern states listed have the highest overall state taxes. With declines in tax revenues which are tied to the weak economy, these states have imposed even more taxes! So many more northern state dwellers are fleeing southward. Most who have moved southward feel that the move overall was worth it for both health and economic reasons.

Florida’s is a great place to consider.

Many from the north are attracted to Florida for several obvious reasons: no state income taxes, relatively low real estate taxes and the fact that there are real bargains to be found  in real estate. These features makes Florida an ever more attractive place to live and work.

If one is searching for vacation and/or home value, the Florida Keys offer an excellent place to live, work or retire. The Florida Keys, possess a special charm rooted in a history with a perpetual vacation mind set featuring excellent fishing, diving and boating. The Keys is an excellent choice and there are properties to be found whatever your taste and budget is.

Courtesy of N. B. Schklair

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Located in Harbor Shores, the 9 year old factory built Palm Harbor stilted home features a large, covered, screened-in porch on the water. Below is a large concrete deck and seawall. It is a very quiet, serene location with a sunny, open floor plan with nice size kitchen, dining area and living room. The extra large master bedroom has its own bath. Off street parking for two cars and storage shed. Although a condominium, the ground is deeded to the owner. It is in Class A condition and a real bargain for waterfront property so close in.

$317,000 (LP)

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Anyone who has ever been to Key West has at one point in their lives considered a life of relaxation with only the sound of the sea and the ocean breeze to worry about. While this may sound like an unobtainable form of paradise, with the current pricing, it is actually much more realistic than it seems. Here are several reasons.

1. A second home that generates income. For those who already own a home and are happy living where they are, waterfront property in Florida’s popular Lower Florida Keys area can be a lucrative investment. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to Key West to soak up the sun. Because of this, waterfront rental properties generally take in good rental income. In fact waterfront properties are always the first to get rented.

So, by purchasing a piece of waterfront property and renting it out, you can have all or certainly part of your home payments made plus enjoy it as a vacation home. The goal being, that eventually, you’ll be in a position to retire and live the relaxing life you’ve worked so hard to attain or the property will simply be a good investment for the future.

2. Waterfront properties have historically always had the best appreciation. If you’re on the fence regarding whether or not to purchase property, remember that.
I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase, there is only so much waterfront property available-which is absolutely true.

3. Buying vacant land. Another consideration is purchasing a waterfront lot and then even if you don’t build on it, the property can still grow in value over time or you can build your dream home later. Lots of investors have made their careers out of purchasing multiple vacant lots.

4. The current pricing. Waterfront property in the Key West area has never been cheaper than it is now and likely never will be again. The result is that people of all walks of life and nationalities are currently taking advantage of the Key West area housing market.

The only way to make sure you can even get your hands on a piece of waterfront property in the Key West area (and for less money than ever before) is to start looking now, while there are still excellent property investments available.

In summary, if you’re in the market for waterfront property in the Key West area, there’s no better time than now to buy. For more information please go to http://www.gingerkingkeywest.com

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Old Town Trolley Tours Key West, Florida

www.yctv.tv – See the best of Key West on the 90 minutes tours. Key West’s most comprehensive tour, covering over 100 points of interest. Get off at any of the convenient stops to shop, dine or sightsee then reboard a trolley and it’s on with the tou…

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