I asked my good friend Jeff Carlson, Sebring City Councilman, C.P.A. and now candidate for the Highlands County Commission to tell me his thoughts about the passing of Amendment 1 dealing with property taxes. As a Realtors I supported this Amendment 110%. But my thoughts have always been, how will the government replace this lost revenue? We all know property taxes have gotten out of hand and something had to be done. So this amendment is a good start to helping property owners/residents in Florida. Since the passing of the amendment last week, my phone has been ring off the hook from buyers starting their home search. This weekend is back to back appointments showing homes. Is this directly related to the passing of Amendment 1? I really do not know. Several of these buyers are Florida resident homeowners. Others are second home buyers from out of state. The great news is, the buyers are here and our market in Highlands County — Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park is picking up!

I have enjoyed working with Jeff and Julie in their decision to purchase a new home or remodel and stay where they are on beautiful Lake Jackson in Sebring. Whatever they decide, I will be really happy for them as with all my clients I only want the best! However, Jeff’s comments gave me something to thinks about and obviously has him thinking too! We will all have to stay tuned to see how the future plays out with the passing of Amendment 1.

"Being asked to contribute to the blog of the coolest Realtor in Highlands County is quite an honor. I hope I’m up to the task. 

Amendment 1 passed with flying colors and to the great joy of all who supported it. Whether you were for or against it we now have to live with it….or do we. Before the ink on our ballots dried attorneys for the against side of this issue were filing or amending lawsuits to combat this amendment. They argue the constitutionality of the portability feature.

"This feature alone is the one that many thought would spur sales as people traded exemptions from one house to another. As someone who is currently seeking new accommodations this provision seems like a windfall, however, moving now could be at my own peril. If the Judge that hears this case decides it is unconstitutional then I could be left holding the bag or tax bill. Further, after I move Maureen still has the awesome burden of selling my current house in this market?" 

The real problem is the fear of the unknowns in this unsettling market. This could all be overcome if people would realize that in order for the economy to correct itself we have to continue spending money. If we don’t eat out, go the movies and buy or remodel homes everyone feels the crunch. So get out there and stimulate the economy on your own: buy a latte, those shoes you’ve been eying or my house. Just call the coolest Realtor I know. 

Jeff, thank you for your spin on Amendment 1. For those readers looking to buy or sell, please contact me by email or give me a call.   I would love to help you with your home buying or selling experience. Nothing is better than having clients become really "Cool" friends. It also helps having already "Cool" friends look for homes too!   By the way, I know a really great home on Lake Jackson that is for sale and would love to show it to you!  

If you need a really good tax accountant, CPA, or small business advisor, contact Jeff Carlson at 863 382-4141.

(Hey Julie, let’s go get a latte at Starbucks and then go shoe shopping–Jeff gave you the ok in writing)!

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