blog/web-journal

Merry Christmas

- 2008 -

… from the ownership and staff of Florida Ideal Realty LLC

NEW SHOPS LOCATION

Pictured in the distance a survey team is staking out several of the final markers after the initital ground preparation has been completed.  This is the north corner on California and U.S. Hwy 27 at entrance to the Westridge subdivision.  

This shot was taken just 10 days ago or so.  Watch how fast this little shopping plaza goes up…

Every dollar saved in taxes will allow an investor to purchase 4-5 times as much real estate…

This is possible through the use of leverage.  Leverage is a method of acquiring real estate worth many times the value of the initial investment.  Tax deferment increased leverage.  To understand the power of leverage, consider that ten percent appreciation is converted to a 50% profit with a 20% down payment. 

The following example shows the value of leverage by illustrating the benefit of exchanging versus selling.

Assume an investor sells a fully depreciated property and the capital gain is $200,000.  This amount is subject to taxation.  U.S. tax brackets can range up to 24% for capital gain from depreciation.  State taxes can be as high as 10% in some cases.  Assuming a total tax bracket of approximately 35%, the capital gains would be:

$200,000 x 35% = $70,000

If the investor sold the property with a gain of $200,000, they would pay taxes of $70,000 and have only $130,000 left to reinvest.  On the other hand, the investor who exchanges via a 1031 pays no capital gains tax, leaving the entire $200,000 to reinvest.

- Starker Services, Inc. -

ROLLING OAKS COMMOMS

The new Super Target center on west 192 at the 429 expressway is within sight of completion.  It will certainly have a huge impact for shoppers in this area. 

Pictured above are just several of the new outbuildings in the shopping center complex.  For those who have not been here for awhile, a really nice surprise is on the way.

CITRUS DIRECT

Less than 15 minutes from the Highlands Reserve area, just outside of Haines City, citrus fruit can be found at grove pricing (…a significant saving in contrast to retail).  Enjoy an easy drive, and the friendly company of individuals that do this for a living. 

Map it on the web before going: 8043 Lake Lowery Road, Haines City, Florida 33844

Or, going south on Hwy 27, turn west at the light just beyond the Walmart in Haines City onto CR 17 and drive 2.2 to 2.3 miles.  Lake Lowery Road will be on the left side (south) on a curve.  Once on Lake Lowery Road travel 4.0 miles and the Katros Grove Citrus Center will be on your right.

While mortgage payments for U.S. homeowners increased on average 46% between 1996 and 2006, utility costs increased 43%, property taxes increased 66%, and property insurance costs jumped nearly 83%. 

For the same period though, incomes increased just 36%…

- The Center For Housing Policy, 2008 -

ANAND VILLAS

While other developers seemingly struggle, Park Square continues to find buyers for their products.

Pictured is one of the first of two villas coming out of the ground in Veranda Palms on Lots 17 & 19.  Both have a premium aspect to their site position.  Just goes to show location is still the key component for many prospects when selecting where to build.

It will be interesting to see how many homes the development has this time next year.

Only 1 percent of homes purchased in the U.S. were in foreclosure in 2007.  This number has jumped to 6 percent so far this year, and no doubt may go higher in 2009.

What is interesting to note however, it that nearly 40 percent of buyers considering these types of properties did not buy one because they could not find a home fitting their requirements.

Leads one to wonder what the time frame to sale will be for all of the ‘lack luster’ homes sitting empty?

FORMOSA GARDENS HOMES

For those interested in the very best, here’s a project nearly ready to come out of the ground.  As you can see below, there will be very few properties available on this small lake.  No doubt the custom homes will be spectacular.  Located on Formosa Gardens Boulevard just south of U.S. #192, the position is perfect for easy access to the attraction area.