Jeremy Ashton from the Port saint Lucie News wrote the "perfect financial storm" talking about next years budget.
Cut Services or Raise property taxes
The real estate market could pull back more then 24% of taxable values next year. Add that to the almost $1billion reduction from amendment one the total is about $3 billion a projected lose of almost $13million in taxes.

Wait how about the "sidewalk referendum" adding $500,000 per year. After several people have been hit or killed (friend Lisa Vichlenski) walking on streets with no sidewalks last year.
I don't envy the city counsel members how have to deal with this. Our quality of life is very important but raising taxes just can't be an option right now.
County Commissioner Doug Anderson said in a meeting at my office in Jaunuary (All Florida GMAC Real Estate) "we have to recycle computers". I should have responded "well Mr. Anderson we in private sectors do these things also, but we do it even when we can afford to spend because we prepare for the rainy days."
Local government is designed to spend. If you don't spend it you lose it. Now that check book is about to see a major cut and something has to give.
Brian Sharkey can be reached at All Florida GMAC Real Estate at 772-335-1995 ext. 192 or via email Brian@BrianSharkeyRealEstate.com http://www.briansharkeyrealestate.com
Did you sell your homesteaded property in 2007 and purchase a new one before January 1st? If so you are eligible for an extra tax break, or are you?
I sold a house and bought a bigger one, however owning the old house for just over two years and having the value drop last year I had nothing to move but if you lived in the old house for a longer period of time you might miss out on some extra tax savings.
Here is what you need to qualify:
1. Sold your homesteaded property in 2007
2. Bought a new property before January 1st 2008
3. You need to submit form DR-501T before Monday March 3rd.
CALLING All Florida agents- If you sold a property last year now is a great time to call your old clients and let them know about this tax savings.
Brian Sharkey can be reached at All Florida GMAC Real Estate at 772-335-1995 ext. 192 or via email Brian@BrianSharkeyRealEstate.com http://www.briansharkeyrealestate.com
When you find the right home, I can represent you and negotiate on your behalf. My goal is to help you buy the right home for you at a very fair price.
When you make an offer, the seller can:
* Accept it
* Reject it outright if the offer does not meet the specifications in the listing
* Counter it with different price and terms
If there is strong demand for properties, a seller may not even make a counter offer, but accept one of several offers û usually the one with the highest price or most qualified buyer.
Here are some tips to help you get your offer accepted in any market:
* Pre-approval: Make sure you have been pre-approved, not just pre-qualified.
* Strong deposit: Provide a substantial earnest money deposit. This is "good faith" money and shows the seller you are serious about purchasing the home.
* Contingencies: Limit the number of contingencies; include only the ones you really need, like financing and an inspection, etc.
I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have about making an offer, negotiating, or the buying process. I will work diligently to help you find and purchase your new home. Call or email me when you are ready to take the next step.
Sincerely,
Brian Sharkey- Realtor
www.BrianSharkeyRealEstate.com
Brian@BrianSharkeyRealEstate.com
When you are ready to sell, you'll want to maximize the emotional appeal of your home. People who are enchanted with your home upon walking in the door are more likely to buy, and at a fair price.

Here are some tips to enhance the emotional appeal of your home:
* Turn on the lights to create a warm glow and remove the shadows.
* Make sure the windows are clean, and open the curtains or blinds.
* Keep the kitchen and baths clean and sparkling. Don't leave dishes in the sink.
* Remove all clutter, make the beds, and pick up toys.
* Pack away items that may detract from a buyer's ability to mentally move into your home such as family pictures or teen posters.
* Make the closets look bigger by packing up the clothes you are not using.
* Create a relaxing atmosphere with soft music.
* Make people feel at home with homey scents such as freshly baked cookies or bread or good potpourri.
* Check for pet odors and keep pets safely out of the way when your house is being shown.
* Clean out your basement and garage and neatly stack boxes you have stored there.
* Add charm and appeal with fresh flowers and plants.
Set the stage to show your home to its best advantage. Please don't hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions, or would like some professional tips on preparing your home for sale.
Sincerely,
Brian Sharkey- Realtor
www.BrianSharkeyRealEstate.com
Brian@BrianSharkeyRealEstate.com
According to a recent report, about 75% of homebuyers surf the Web to begin their home search. That means home buyers are well aware of what properties are available on the market and the prices they are selling for. Therefore, now more than ever, pricing is the key to selling your home. 
Some sellers think that a higher price will give them some negotiating room. But in fact many buyers don't even look at a property that is overpriced, much less make an offer on it.
This can lead to the property's becoming "shop-worn." Buyers often inquire about the length of time a property has been on the market. If it has been on the market a long time, they wonder if there is something wrong with it. The sellers then have to drop the price, taking less than they might have if they had priced it correctly to begin with.
Homes that are well-priced attract the buyers in their price range. The buyer's perception is that the home is a good buy, and then the seller is positioned to receive the listing price or close to it.
Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions. I would be happy to provide you with a market evaluation on your home to make sure it is competitively priced in the marketplace so you will receive the best offer.
www.BrianSharkeyRealEstate.com
Brian@BrianSharkeyRealEstate.com
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