Gaye Collins, Realtor

Yes, we know!

Americans Fleeing Overtaxed States, Moving to Florida Recent data shows that Americans are fleeing high-tax states, and a vast number of them are headed for ...

We're proud to represent for sale this wonderful condominium in desirable Ultimar Three, one of the premier Gulf front properties on Sand Key! Perfect as a seasonal or full-time residence, this unit offers a private garage, year-round unobstructed Sunset views, and all the resort-style amenities imaginable!

Very interesting!

The Average Home Size in Every U.S. State in 2022 Over the last century, the average home size in the U.S. has skyrocketed. Here’s a look at which states have the biggest and smallest homes.

Our Grandmothers and Our Mothers Knew Best!

The Best Hostess Tips We Learned From Our Grandmothers Grandmothers are founts of wisdom when it comes to hosting parties. Here are some of the best hostess tips we've learned from our family matriarchs.

Remembering all our Veterans!

Owning a home is the American dream for many, giving people the satisfaction and pride of having a place to call their own. But that’s not the only reason to consider giving up your rented space. In addition to gaining more living space, homeowners enjoy the benefits of independence and a sense of achievement.

No question about it, homeownership is a big investment, but in the long run, it’s an investment that pays for itself many times over. Here’s how:

1. Homeownership often costs less per month. In some places, rent is still affordable, but in many places, it’s higher than a comparable mortgage, especially when you consider that mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible. There’s also less cost variability over time, as long as you take out a fixed-rate mortgage.

2. Homeownership offers more value for your money. While a rental property is an expense, a home you own is an investment. Homeownership allows you to build up equity over time, so even though up-front costs may seem higher, buying a home is a better value in the long run.

3. Homeownership adds stability to your living situation. As a renter, you’re subject not only to rising rents, but also to building sales and changes in renters’ rights laws. When you own, your home belongs to you until you decide you’re ready to move.

4. Homeownership allows you to benefit from mortgage interest. When you own your home, you can deduct mortgage interest from your income tax. That benefit goes to your landlord if you rent.

5. Homeownership allows you to deduct real estate taxes. Just like mortgage interest, real estate taxes are deductible if you own your home, while that benefit goes to your landlord if you rent. Local tax benefits are also available in many areas.

6. Homeownership gives you a better credit history. A major indicator of financial responsibility and stability, homeownership gives you the chance to build a strong credit history. Depending on your rental situation, your landlord may not report your on-time rent payments at all, meaning it won’t help you build good credit.

7. Homeownership helps you build a retirement nest egg. If you’re married and filing jointly, you can enjoy tax-free profits up to $500,000 from the sale of a primary residence that you have occupied for two of the last five years. If you’re single or married and filing separately, you can enjoy tax-free profits up to $250,000. When you’re ready to give up renting, a Certified Residential Specialist can help you achieve your dream of homeownership. With a mix of real world experience and advanced training, a CRS has the tools necessary to help you find the right home.

Costs have risen dramatically! What is your best bang for the buck when it comes to home improvements?
https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2022/

Florida Amendment 3:
https://www.clickorlando.com/results-2022/2022/09/22/heres-what-florida-amendment-3-means-on-the-november-ballot/?fbclid=IwAR2-tG_gkOIxY5yQzGFVGQ7bHedF8oHZVM1N0aF7dz4v5UDlc86c32cb-rc

Here’s what Florida Amendment 3 means on the November ballot Amendment 3 provides an extra property tax exemption for public service workers,

Don't become a victim of fraud against your real estate! Register here to be alerted by your county/counties of ownership.

If your country doesn't offer this, call them and ask why not?https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/

Celebrating Flag Day!

https://youtu.be/cL-xDkxg8pc

Memorial Day Tribute | Mansions of the Lord | Hillsdale College This Memorial Day, we remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are grieving. May we, as ...

Real Estate continues to be the best investment, and we can help with both residential and commercial properties here in the Sunshine State!
https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2022/05/98-investors-putting-money-commercial-re?utm_campaign=5-19-22+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_medium=email&utm_source=iPost

98% of Investors Putting Money in Commercial RE Survey: Thanks to recent stock market gyrations, investors are moving to real estate. They consider it stable and less likely to lose value until things cool down.

Oh, my. Please beware.

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2022/05/pair-arrested-stealing-67-fla-homes

Pair Arrested for ‘Stealing’ 67 Fla. Homes Fraudsters troll obituaries seeking homeowners who died, then lie and forge documents to claim ownership, often to the surprise of the actual heirs.

Clearwater Beach, the only Florida beach listed among the top 25 in the nation by Travel & Leisure!
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-beaches-in-the-us

The 25 Best Beaches in the U.S. From New York to Hawai and California to Florida, these are the best beaches in the U.S.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/real-estate-why-tampa-suddenly-has-the-hottest-housing-market-in-the-us/ar-AAWCr15?li=BBnb7Kz

Real estate: Why Tampa suddenly has the hottest housing market in the U.S. One of the hottest housing markets in the Southeastern U.S. has been quietly thriving in the shadow of its brighter, louder, and more glamorous sister city Miami. Tampa, Florida, was rated 2022’s hottest housing market by Zillow (Z, ZG), beating out other Florida cities as well as other major metr...

Surrounded by water!

https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/on-clearwater-beach-a-home-with-water-views-from-nearly-every-room-asks-18-million-11651002542

On Clearwater Beach, a Home With Water Views From Nearly Every Room Asks $18 Million The roughly 19,000-square-foot home that looks out onto Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico would set a record if it fetched that asking price.

https://vimeo.com/689258648

Coastal Properties Group - 2022 This is "Coastal Properties Group - 2022" by Coastal Properties Group on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Gaye Collins, Realtor updated their website address.

Rising mortgage rates not deterring spring homebuyers! I can attest to that!

https://crs.com/resources/inman-select/inman-select-details/inman/2022/03/30/rising-mortgage-rates-not-deterring-spring-homebuyers

Member Content

Fed Says It May Raise Interest Rates in March In the face of persistent inflation, the Fed announced Wed. it would soon raise interest rates. That’s likely to push all types of credit rates – including mortgages – higher.

This will affect those looking for second home financing here in the Free State of Florida! If you need assistance, we are happy to help! https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2022/01/fannie-freddie-increasing-fee-second-home-loans

Fannie, Freddie Increasing Fee on Second-Home Loans FHFA is increasing the “G-fee” on most high-balance and second-home mortgages. Translation: After April 1, buyers seeking these loans will pay a bit more.

Happy New Year, one and all, from the beautiful state of Florida!