[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by kstew43

Do your homework....

simple go on the internet....type in the address of the home....and many sites will tell you when the owners bought the home, what they paid for it and how many times it has been sold and listed, and when. you can also see improvements they made that were approved by the city.

Also, check out what they pay in taxes....easily can be done on the county site, just put in the address, thats all you need and you will find, how much they pay for tax, bond payment, neighborhood yearly fee. Bond and neighborhood fees will be the same for you, the other fees from the county and city will probably change.

you can also check so see what your estimated tax will be....it will not be the same as the present owner.....they may have discounts, homestead, 65+, ect. the county site will give you an estimate and then you just add the bond payments and the neighborhood fees.

Be SMART, don't always rely on your agent....they want you to buy, so they make a commission, it is unlawful for them not to answer your questions, and demand they find answers if they do not know the answers... BUT, if you don't ask.....they don't have to offer any information more than they want you to know.....

Its work, and its fun and frustrating.....but if you take your time and do your research, you will be happy when it's over and you paid the correct price and are aware of all the fees involved.

Would you know what the "senior" additional exemption of $15 k is? I'd like to know what the criteria is to qualify for it. I assume it's some income limit but can't find info on it. I've seen is on Sumter County properties but it may be available in the other counties as well. Properties I've seen it on are not lower end ones.