Pasco County Property Taxes Expected to Increase

Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director, expects property taxes to increase in Pasco county because property values are expected to go up.

The good news is thanks to Florida’s Save Our Homes, homesteaded properties increase in value will be capped at 2.7% This is because when the property is homesteaded, the value cannot increase by more than 3% each year or whatever the consumer price index is, whichever is less.  And this year the consumer price index is 2.7%

For example, if your home is homesteaded and is currently valued at $150,000 you would see an increase in taxable value of $2,700-  $150,000 current home value, minus the homestead exemption of $50,000 equals a current taxable value of $100,000.  Factor the 2.7% increase for $2,700.

Based on current tax rates this homeowner would see an increase in their tax bill of about $21.00.  This is of course if that tax rate does not increase as well.

Non homesteaded properties are expected to see a higher increase in the taxable value of their home, about $13,500 resulting in a tax increase of about $102.

This information illustrates the benefits of applying for the homestead exemption of your primary residence.  Doing so can save you money every year on your property taxes.

To qualify for the Florida homestead exemption the home must be your primary residence, you must live in the home the entire year starting on January 1^st and you must apply before March 1^st.

Typically, I recommend all my eligible clients to file for homestead exemption soon after they close on their new home.  I’ll usually remind them again in January of the following year just to be sure they don’t miss these tax savings.

 Kelly Harden, Realtor®

Mihara & Associates, Inc

813-244-9688

Monthly home maintenance list

Buying a home is a big financial investment for most of us.  Did you know there are a few simple things should do each month to help care for your investment?

Here is a list of some of the things I do in my own home each month.  I usually do them on the first of the month when I pay the mortgage.  This is a great reminder for me and since I’ve been doing it for a little while it has become a habit.

• Replace the filter in the vent for the air conditioner.  I use the inexpensive filters and have them shipped directly to me from Amazon so I always have them on hand.  Both my air conditioner technician and two of the home inspectors I use suggest using the inexpensive filters and changing them monthly.  The thicker more expensive filters cause your unit to work harder than it should and may shorten the life of the unit.
• Clean the drain lines in the air handler.  You can do this by pouring one cup of vinegar into the drain line.  This keeps it from growing disgusting green things that prevent the unit from working properly.  Both my air conditioner tech and my favorite home inspectors recommend this.
• Clean the front-loading washing machine.  I do this by pouring about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drum area and add about 1 cup of white vinegar to the detergent area.  Then I run the machine on the hot water setting.  I also wipe the window, the gasket and leave the door slightly open after every wash cycle, otherwise it stinks and can grow mold.
• Check your water softener and water filters. If your water softener requires salt this is the perfect time to add it to the unit.  I also replace the filter in the Brita water jug.

There are a few things I could add to this monthly list as well, such as

• Run the garbage disposal with ice to keep it clean
• Clean the faucet heads to remove buildup.

What are the items on your monthly home maintenance list?

Kelly Harden, Realtor®

Mihara & Associates, Inc.

813-244-9688