PROView - March 2008 - (Page 7)

These efforts include: relief for first-time homebuyers; changes to the application of “highest and best use” standards for appraising property; altering the “presumption of correctness” property appraisers enjoy on their appraisals; changes in the make-up of the Value Adjustment Boards; legislative implementing language to clarify certain aspects of the constitutional amendment (for instance, how portability works in matters of divorce and marriage); and monitoring the administrative rules implementing process that DOR has already started. Taxation and Budget Reform Commission The commission continues to meet regularly. Some believe the commission may be Florida’s best hope for enacting meaningful and comprehensive property tax reform. Empowered by the Florida constitution, the commission has the ability to put property tax reform amendments on the statewide ballot before voters. In fact, the commission is debating the expansion of the sales tax base, using the new money to eliminate local property taxes dedicated for schools, thereby reducing property tax bills by some 40%. At issue are literally hundreds of exemptions and exclusions from the state sales tax – worth billions of dollars annually - for certain products and services. For more information about the commission, visit: www.floridatbrc.org The 1.35% Solution Another idea that is gaining traction is the “1.35% Solution,” supported by House Speaker Marco Rubio. It would provide a 1.35% annual limit on the taxable value of any parcel. The limit applies to the property value that remains after reductions from assessed value for constitutional and statutory exemptions. Therefore, the homestead exemption and Save Our Homes assessment cap would remain intact. For more information about this constitutional amendment movement, visit: www.cutpropertytaxesnow.com ATTENTION! To all Pinellas County Realtors: The time has come for you to be properly compensated for your referrals to contractors. Kitchens, Cabinets, Etc. is now under new management, and we are offering a new and innovative Referral Compensation Program. This program is designed to thank you for the business you send our way, and is a progressive schedule based on the size of the job. Although we specialize in kitchen and bath remodel, we are a full service builder/remodeling Company. We are licensed, (CBC1251477), and insured, with over thirty years experience. We have a beautiful showroom to meet with your clients. We offer free design and estimate services, and you’ll ﬁnd our rates are very competitive. Additionally, all of our carpenters and installers are on our payroll, so we can control quality and customer service. Also one of our principals is a past State Director for the Home Builders Assoc. in two States. We will gladly take on any job. No job is too small to qualify for the program. On our Cabinet side, we carry Kraftmaid and Bertch cabinet lines, as well as complete Closet and Plantation Shutter lines. We invite you to call to learn about this new innovative Referral Compensation Program. Don’t leave money on the table any longer. Increase your income with a simple phone call. Kitchens, Cabinets, Etc. 6800 Gulfport Blvd., Suite 203 South Pasadena 727-343-3400 PINELLAS REALTOR® ORGANIZATION March 2008 7 http://www.floridatbrc.org http://www.cutpropertytaxesnow.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PROView - March 2008

PROView - March 2008 Contents Chairman's Notes - A Strong Force, Working on Your Behalf Feature - Going Back to Basics: Are You Generating Leads ProActive - Amendment 1 Passes: What Now? What's Next? Finance - How Your Customers Can Find Home Loans Brokerage Design - Reject the Blindfold; Enlightenment is the Way to Go Marketplace Analysis - The Opportunity Market Home Sales Report MLS Update - Changes to Rules & Regulations Now in Effect MLS Mind Your Manners Education - Don't Let Time Run Out: Complete Mandatory Code of Ethics Training Now Calendar of Events & Programs PROBiz - FREE Real Estate Websites! New PRO Members

PROView - March 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.