Marco Rubio, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and Kathy Parsons need our help!! Read more and take action to stop punishing people who pay high property taxes and help those potential buyers who want to live the American Dream!!! Here’s her letter she wrote to me!

Janis,

As a Floridian, business owner, mother of two, and concerned citizen — I am standing with Marco Rubio for Florida’s future. Here’s why.

Two years ago, I voiced my concerns about skyrocketing property taxes in our state. Being in the real estate business for 40 years, 25 of which have been in Florida, I know first hand how important it is to keep property taxes low and our economy vibrant. Instead of creating incentives for new homeowners, high property taxes punish people who already own property and dissuade potential buyers from purchasing their own home. This is not the American dream and certainly not the dream I had for my kids and grandchildren.

At the time, Marco Rubio was the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. He heard my concerns through an email I sent to him and Governor Crist. Marco responded to me, and asked that I participate in his Townhall meeting to address our rising taxes and to help come up with sensible solutions to solve the problem.

For the first time, I saw something in Marco that I have never seen before. With Marco, it’s about coming up with solutions to the problems that face each and every one of us. It’s not about telling us one thing and then turning around and doing another. Heck, with Marco — it’s not even about him.

Instead, it is about the big ideas and real solutions that will ensure the future of our great state. And he gets those ideas from us.

I participated in that Townhall with Marco. Together we talked about the burden of high property taxes placed on those seeking a home for their family. After the Townhall meeting, Marco didn’t stop the conversation. As the Speaker, he worked diligently to keep property tax reform at the forefront of the legislative agenda.

Today, tomorrow, and every single day from now until Election Day, I will stand with Marco Rubio for Florida’s future. I will do so because I know that Marco will always include us in the discussion as the keys to our future.

Our task now is to spread the word about Marco Rubio and to encourage every Floridian to stand with him and us for Florida’s future.

Use our Forward-to-a-Friend tool to invite ten people from your network to stand with us.

Marco can do it but he can’t do it alone. He needs people like you and me to talk to our friends, neighbors and every one we know to support him. I have included a way for you to help below:

http://marcorubio.com/forward.php

Today I’m asking you to spread the word about Marco so that others will stand with us for the future of Florida. I thank you for your help!

Sincerely,

Kathy Parsons
Melbourne, FL

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Port Orange Subdivision

A Port Orange Subdivision just obtained a governmental grant with 100% financing for qualified customers.

Builder is also paying for closing costs. Concrete townhomes and 3 bedroom single family homes starting at 149,990.

Great deals remaining on these Port Orange model homes and lots.Concrete block townhomes and single family residences are available.

Call Team Gagliardi for a tour of one of Port Orange’s most affordable neighborhoods. Minutes away from interstates,schools,speedway and beaches. Awesome view of water and conservation areas, in addition,community sidewalks, common areas and streetlights!!!!

Call Marty Gagliardi 386-316-5968 or Mike Gagliardi 386-316-5967!

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Why the increase in Port Orange Real Estate activity you ask? Some folks are realizing that this is a great time to buy at lower prices. Others perhaps have gained confidence with the vote for Amendment 1 back in January.

If you haven’t noticed, interest rates are holding pretty steady while home prices are stil drifting down a bit. So with this combination it is an excellent time to buy a Port Orange Home!

We have heard some local buyers speaking of waiting for the right time. The only problem with timing the market is that while you’re waiting for prices to maybe go down further you risk paying more if interest rates rise or home prices go up!

Thinking of buying a Port Orange home? Call us today for a Hotsheet of homes for sale in Port Orange.

Need a list of Port Orange short sales and foreclosures? Don’t waste time. Call us today or email Marty!

386–316–5968

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Contact Your Legislators Today!

The Florida Legislature is set to adjourn Friday evening. Much has been accomplished, but there is still work to be done! With this Call to Action we have customized letters making it simple for you contact your Senator and your Representative with separate messages. The message to the Florida Senate is to take action on pending property tax and health insurance legislation. The message to members of the Florida House is a “thank you” for passing so many meaningful property tax reform measures and an encouragement to keep working towards a compromise on health insurance legislation.

The Florida House of Representatives has passed a number of great property tax reform bills, however, the Florida Senate has so far been unwilling to take many of them up for final consideration. It is important to note that property tax relief WILL be offered on the November ballot thanks to proposed constitutional amendments offered by the Tax and Budget Reform Commission (TBRC). The Senate still has a chance, though, to enact legislation that could result in even greater property tax reforms.

House Bill 129 by Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and House Bill 1283 by Rep. Dean Cannon have both passed the full House and currently await Senate action. HB 129 makes critical changes to the application of the “Highest and Best Use” standard of appraising property, while HB 1283 levels the playing field for property owners who appeal their assessment to the Value Adjustment Board. FAR strongly supports these two bills!

In addition, the Governor, the Senate and the House all agree that providing affordable health insurance to Florida’s uninsured is a top priority this Session. While both the Senate and the House have passed health insurance legislation, a compromise has yet to be reached. Florida’s Realtors know that this issue is too important to be caught up in internal politics and a compromise is needed by Friday for final passage. Please let your legislators know that something must be done for the thousands of uninsured Floridians!

Please click below to send your message today!
http://tinyurl.com/5ae6ol

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1. Port Orange sellers think that their home is worth $200,000 more than the model match next door because they have fresh paint, a new sink, and their carpets were recently cleaned.

2. Some Port Orange Loan officers don’t know where to start or how to educate their refi clients and investors on what actually gives a home value.

3. Some Port Orange listing agents need to educate their clients to show them the difference between appraised and marketing value.

4. Some new Port Orange investors have heard that fresh paint and an extra bathroom will give them a huge return on a “Flip”.

Any ideas for discussion about Port Orange Appraised value vs. Port Orange Market Value?

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Don’t forget to get a home inspection when buying Port Orange Real Estate!!

Everyone knows spring cleaning sounds like a great idea. You say you’ll do it, then a few more weeks go by, then another month, and before we know it spring cleaning takes a back seat to everything else. By breaking spring cleaning down into manageable tasks that can be accomplished over a couple of weekends, you can get the whole job done without feeling like you’ve missed out on all the fun. It doesn’t have to feel like drudgery either – put on some music or listen to an audio book while you work. Here are 7 ways to make your home feel as fresh and clean as a spring breeze.

Tackle those windows. Okay, no one really likes this task, but what a difference it will make! Windows should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out – you’ll be amazed how your home will sparkle inside and out once the dust and dirt are gone. Considering hiring a professional window cleaning company, especially if you have a multilevel home. They’ll have the equipment and experience to do the job safely. If you have screens, now is the time to wash them and repair any holes or tears. If screens are completely removable, take them outside and wash with a scrub brush and mild detergent, then hose off and let dry in the sun.

Curtain call. Windows are easiest to clean when the curtains, shades, and blinds are removed. Use this opportunity to get drapes and curtains laundered or dry cleaned (check labels first), and give blinds, shades, and other treatments a good cleaning and dusting. Some vacuum cleaners have special attachments that will make cleaning blinds a breeze.

Get all the angles. Going from room to room, use a long-handled duster to make quick work of dusting ceilings, moldings, and corners. If you have ceiling fans, dust the tops and bottoms of the fan blades and around the motor housing (this is also a great time to replace light bulbs in fan fixtures).

Make a grand entrance. Clean porches, steps, and railings of accumulated dirt and grime and you’ll have a bright welcome every time you come home. Replace light bulbs in porch and outdoor fixtures. While you’re at it, add a colorful potted plant or two to welcome spring. Keep an eye out for any needed repairs and make a note to get to them in the weeks ahead.

Under cover. Gather your heavy winter bedspreads and comforters and have them cleaned, then store away until cooler weather comes. Vacuum mattresses and box springs and clean up those dust bunnies that have hibernated under the bed. Launder mattress covers, take lighter weight bedding from storage and air out for a day before using.

A better bath. A deep spring cleaning of fixtures, sinks, tubs, and toilets supplements the everyday surface cleaning that keeps things looking good. Work from top to bottom, ceiling to floor, and keep all of your cleaning products, scrubbing tools, etc. with you in a bucket so you’ll have everything you need at your side. Use an old toothbrush to reach into crevices to get things shipshape, and you won’t have to do it again anytime soon. Don’t forget to clean bathroom exhaust fans to keep them working their best.

Kitchen confidential. Wrap up your spring cleaning in the kitchen. After regular use during the colder weather, the stove and oven can likely use a deep cleaning. Clear countertops of clutter and wipe down small appliances and cabinets. Wash the walls and floor, and give the kitchen sink a thorough scrubbing. Now is also the perfect time to rid your refrigerator of old or expired items (check those door shelves lately?) and clean produce bins and shelves following manufacturer’s instructions. Then reward yourself with a vase of spring flowers and enjoy your sparkling home!

Ray & Wendy Evans

Wendy.Evans@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/evolusiacounty

(386) 847-0558
pillartopost.com

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It seems like everythings a little nicer in small towns like Port Orange. Even Rural Home Loans are friendlier.

Countrywide® Home Loans offers generous terms that give you more ways to get eligible homebuyers into new homes. Rural home loans are optimal for first-time buyers in approved Rural Housing Service areas.

Heres why:

• No down payment

• Families at 115% or below median income

• Affordable interest rates

• Sales price and closing costs can be financed up to appraised value

• Seller may contribute up to 6% toward closing costs for guaranteed loans

• No cash reserves required

• Low up-front fee eliminates mortgage insurance

At Countrywide, you also have access to a local team who has the power to say yes.And, they work to make the deal happen. After all, these are some of the friendliest home loans around.

If you are considering buying a home in a rural community in Port Orange, please give us a call so that we can steer you in the right direction.

Homes must be in a rural area according to Rural Housing Service! You may want to consider areas west of Interstate 95!

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Corporate relocation to Port Orange doesnt have to be a bad thing at all. We can help make the move an enjoyable and stressless experience. If you are considering to move up in your career, or just want to experience a change in scenery, we can help to make it a painless process.

Relocation can be a complicated process and there are a lot of things that you must think about. Relocation for a job is not for everyone, and sometimes it is just not the right time for people to relocate. We can provide you with information about the cost of living, finances, Port Orange home ownership, Port Orange schools for your children, and all the advantages of living in Port Orange .

If you are giving thought to moving to the Port Orange area, give us a call and we will show you how a moving experience to the Greater Daytona Beach area.

See Port Orange area related topics:

Housing Market Gets A Boost

Finding A Port Orange FL Home

Volusia County Tax Cut

Looking to buy or sell Port Orange Real Estate? Whether you are a first time buyer or looking for the ultimate vacation home, you will find the tools and the information you need about the Daytona /Port Orange community.

If you have a property you would like to place on the market or need assistance locating one, please feel free to call us at our office to set-up your appointment. We can be reached at the following phone numbers:

Marty Gagliardi Direct: (386) 316.5968
Janis Gagliardi: (386) 299.2798
Mike Gagliardi : (386) 316.5967

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Please take just a few minutes now to watch the podcast and find out when the new FHA and GSE loan limits will take effect and how Realtors can help pass FHA Reform and GSE Reform this year.

In this video edition, 2008 NAR President Dick Gaylord explains how the economic stimulus package will give housing a big boost, and why we need to pass FHA and GSE Reform now.

And, please, forward this message to colleagues in both your offices and your local and state associations.

Important Video From NAR President!!! Watch NOW!!

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