I'm driving to Orlando tomorrow with a prospect. My objectives are the following. 1. to remind said prospect that she must buy some Real Estate this year. 2. It is a dedication for a soror posthumously. Her name is Gwen Sawyer Cherry. She was an educator, author, lawyer and legislator here in Florida several years ago. 3 FAMU is honoring her memory along with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority by naming one of the Lecture Rooms after Soror Cherry. Many state officials will be there and other honored guests. I'll be there passing out my real estate cards as well.

Last week I finished my MLX class at RAMB. I learned so much. One thing I learned is that I still have a lot to learn. I'll keep you posted. Mary G. says, L8R

Q: When will the changes from Amendment 1 show up on tax bills? A: For those who are eligible, benefits from portability, the additional homestead exemption and the $25,000 exemption for tangible personal property will start showing up on 2008 tax bills.  TRIM notices are mailed out in August of each year. Q: How does a person apply for portability? A: The homesteaded property owner should turn in a completed application to the office of the property appraiser in the county where the new homestead is located. The application is available from local appraisers.  Miami-Dade’s can be found at www.miamidade.gov/pa.

Amendment 1 means real tax cuts for real people. The plan preserves the Save our Homes tax benefit and essentially doubles the Homestead Exemption.

If you want a tax cut, the time is now. You have to go out and get it. Vote Yes on January 29 to lower your taxes immediately.

Resources and news to note

• January 14: Property Tax Reform PowerPoint for Local Boards (PDF)
  

ORLANDO, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2008 – With green and orange “Vote Yes On 1” signs raised high, Florida Realtors greeted Gov. Charlie Crist this morning with a standing ovation, thanking Crist for his efforts to cut property taxes. The governor addressed Realtors attending the Florida Association of Realtors®’ (FAR) Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando.