I’ve written quite a bit on this blog about The Villages, the popular retirement community in Central Florida. I’ve also written a book for those thinking of buying in The Villages and wanting to learn more about it, titled “Complete Guide to The Villages Florida”.

One of the reasons The Villages is so popular among baby boomers and retirees is the amount and quality of the amenities available to residents, affectionately known as “Villagers”. What many people don’t know is that the developer did not use his own money to build these amenities such as golf courses, recreation centers, and town squares. These amenities were funded by the sale of tax free bonds that homeowners have to pay off over a certain number of years.

The bonds are available tax-free by setting up what is called A Community Development District, or CDD. These districts are made up of a board, appointed by the developer, to determine how much money needs to be raised and how it is to be spent.

The IRS’s contention is that the developer of The Villages too closely controlled the boards that made up the CDD’s and therefore they’ve determined the developer needs to pay back more than $350 million.

It is too early to tell how the developer will respond to the IRS request or what exactly the outcome will be, but it will no doubt be on the minds of current and future residents of The Villages. I have set up a page tracking updates on IRS vs. The Villages where you can read the most recent articles on this very important subject.

Well, for the time being, if your current insurer is Allstate, you’re out of luck. Allstate is locked in a battle with Florida’s Insurance Commissioner over documents regarding the rates Allstate charges for hurricane insurance.

Florida’s Insurance Commisioner originally ordered Allstate to stop selling homeowner’s policies until the matter was resolved, but has now gone a step further and has ordered Allstate to stop writing ALL new policies, including automobile policies.

I don’t expect this little tif to last too long…I can’t see how the citizen’s of Florida come out a winner in having one of the largest insurers not being able to write new policies. Granted, this does not effect policies currently in place or their renewals. But in my mind, healthy competition is about the only thing that ever seems to keep prices down.

Update 1: That was fast…by order of the 1st District Court of Appeals, Allstate is back open for business.

Obviously not all of them will appeal, but you might get some good ideas. I especially like the prospects of “Move Specialist” Wellness Coach”, and “Travel Coordinator”.

I’m all for the local bank. I believe in supporting the little guy. And I know my money would be safe (FDIC insured, etc.). But for now my money is with one of the big boys, at least until we learn a little more about this mortgage/construction loan fallout.

I recommend having a security system installed (make sure you are given a yard sign and window stickers which can act as an added deterrent). Most people only set it when they are away from the home or when they go to bed at night, but now we’ll be keeping ours on during the day as well, and you should too.

Security systems are available through companies like Brinks and ADT. Personally I use a system through Alarm.com that uses wireless signals (much like a pager) so that if a phone line is cut, it will still notify the authorities in case of emergency.

This type of wireless security system can also be controlled through the internet, which is great for a second homeowner. Through an online interface you can see system activity, arm and disarm if necessary, and more. Check it out if you’re looking for a great wireless internet security system.

Be safe!

Check it out…hope you enjoy it and learn a lot…I promise you will!

And there’s nothing like waiting until the last minute. The plan had to be approved by both the House and Senate by the end of October 29 (90 days out from the special election). They made it by a couple of hours.

Here are the basics that could impact homeowners if the bill passes in January:

(Not Quite) Double homestead exemption: Homestead property owners will get a second $25,000 exemption on the assessed value on the value of their homes over $50,000. BUT, because this doesn’t apply to school taxes (and because school taxes account for nearly 1/3 of the tax bill) the net result is closer to an additional $16,000 exemption.

Every politician I’ve heard touting this plan keeps saying “double” because it sounds so good…but its NOT double! Not saying voters should reject it, just calling a spade a spade.

Portability: This was one of the key issues that politicians and real estate agents *think* is really going to spark the Florida housing market. Homesteaders will be able to take up to $500,000 of Save Our Homes protections to a new home purchase. If you are downsizing you can take a pro-rated portion of the tax protections.

While some folks will now be able to downsize their homes as well as their tax bill, I don’t see this being the boost to the housing market that some would hope.

Assessment cap for non-homestead property: Assessments would increase no more than 10 percent each year on non-homestead property.

This could have been the boost the Florida housing market needed. The original plan was to cap this at 5% but that didn’t get accomplished. The fact that people who buy homes in Florida to enjoy as second homes, not primary residences and therefore unable to Homestead, don’t have better protection than this, simply means that places like the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee will continue to siphon off lots of the boomers that originally had their sights set on Florida.

Maybe you read the most viewed AND most emailed story from The Wall Street Journal this weekend, “Is Florida Over?“

Now, I’m not here to yell “agree” or “disagree”, as the author made some valid points. But I do think everyone thinking of Florida as a place to move to and retire or buy real estate should read it.

However, do not forget the fact that:

1) The WSJ is in the biz of selling newspapers. The link bait title of the article did exactly what it was intended to do…get people reading…and talking.

2) If you agree with the article’s premise, that Florida is “out” as a destination, just remember an important lesson learned from just about every boom and bust cycle this country has ever seen:

The people who usually make out the best are the ones doing the OPPOSITE of what everyone else is doing.

The tax calculations are based on certain criteria that you input such as sales price, and whether or not you qualify for the homestead exemption.

Not all Florida counties have this feature on their website, but I’d say most do by now.

• Start at the Florida Information page of FloridaforBoomers.com
• Click on “List of County Property Appraiser’s Websites
• Select the county you are interested in
• Look for a link to “property tax calculator”
• Fill in the required data like price, millage rate, homestead and click calculate