Proposed Florida Property Tax Breaks

The constitutional amendment that would provide tax breaks to Florida property owners goes to the voters on January 29. The amendment calls for doubling the $25,000 homestead exemption AND it allows a homesteader to take a 3 percent property tax increase cap with them to another home.

For Florida Halfbacks who are stuck with a home for sale in Florida’s sluggish real estate market and need to sell it to find their home in the mountains, these proposed tax breaks may well jump start Florida home sales. Buyers within Florida will have assurance of property tax breaks and are likely to get the market moving again, allowing Florida Halfback sellers the opportunity they are waiting for in the mountains!

Also keeping Floridian’s interest in the value of the Euro and the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Favorable conditions for foreigners may also prompt real estate sales.

Real estate is “looking up” in the mountains

The national news paints a gloomy picture of the real estate market. But ask any Floridian looking for their spot in the mountains. Second home buyers know that now is the time to buy! Check out the real estate professionals and listings on www.FloridaHalfbacks.com to find your mountain or lake home.

Fall Color

Fall color typically begins in early October and lasts for as long as six weeks. While the region is currently experiencing summer-like weather, cold fronts are on the way and leaf color changes are in the very early stages. Floridians seeking mountain color changes and cooler temperatures should be making plans now to visit the mountain and lake regions for a showcase of deep colors during the middle to latter part of October. The diversity of plants and trees, along with the changing terrain in the Appalachian Mountains, cause vibrant colors and typically a longer fall season. Visit www.FloridaHalfbacks.com to find your place in the mountains!

Log Home Living

Dreaming of a log or timber home? The Log and Timber Home Show is coming to Tampa, FL on November 16 – 18 at the Tampa Convention Center. You don't have to trek across the country to speak one-on-one with leading log and timber providers because they're all under one roof! And if you’re looking for a leading mountain builder and realtor of log homes, look no further. Cedar Log Homes of Kingsport, Tennessee has been building dream homes for over 30 years! With over 50 stock plans available, you are sure to find the perfect log home.

Wine Time

There is no better time to visit a winery than harvest time. September and October are popular grape harvest months. Many of the wineries host special harvest celebrations. Yadkin Valley Wine Tours in the North Carolina Piedmont region has several weekend tour dates through early December.

Preview of Fall Color

Mid-September through October is when the color change in the deciduous trees really begins. If you’re looking for fall color, check out these scenic mountain drives:

· Blue Ridge Parkway
· Cherohala Skyway
· Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway
· Mountain Waters

DIY Network’s Blog Cabin

Blog Cabin is DIY Network’s newest hit series, featuring popular expert hosts who pitch in to bring the Kinzel Springs retreat to life. Watch them build the cabin one blog at a time.

From February until early April, 2007, DIY Network.com invited visitors to vote each day on 13 design areas for a future cabin to be built in the Great Smoky Mountains. Thousands decided on such areas as the floor plan, roof, countertops, even the front door. Don’t miss a minute of the entire Blog Cabin television series, airing Thursdays at 9 pm on DIY.