The busy season for real estate has arrived. If you’re looking to purchase a home, here are important items to keep in mind during the home-buying process.
First, please be aware that the previous owner’s property taxes will not be the same as your property taxes. Once ownership of a property changes, then all caps and exemptions are removed for the following tax year, and the property’s assessed value is reset. To accurately determine what your property taxes will be on a particular property, visit the tax estimator available here on our website. Select search or search maps on the homepage to find the property on the map. Under the report of the property, click the tax estimator button. It will bring you to our tax estimator, and the tax district and millage rate will prepopulate for that property. When filling out the tax estimator fields, always use the property’s sale price in the Just (Market) Value field for the most accurate calculation. Our online tax estimator also shows CDD fees, if applicable, and solid waste fees.
Next, if you’re selling your home before purchasing your new home, check your Portability/Save Our Homes total. If you feel this total should be different, contact our office, and we will make every effort to work with you. It is important to contact our office before your home is sold because we are unable to make updates to a previously owned property. You can find your Portability/Save Our Homes total by either looking at your TRIM notice found on your property record on our website or by contacting our office.
Finally, once you’ve purchased your home, don’t forget to file for homestead exemption, Portability/Save Our Homes, and any other qualifying exemptions. The deadline to file for personal exemptions is March 1 of the tax year. Property owners can conveniently file for exemptions through our website or by visiting our office. Once you’re approved for a homestead exemption, you do not need to reapply each year unless there has been a change in marital status.
We’re available to answer any questions or provide additional information.