We were interviewed by a young couple who are considering selling their Seminole County home. They purchased this, their "first" home in January of 2007 without using a REALTOR... Yes, they bought a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) property. They were eligible to file for Homestead this year, but no one ever explained the process to them thoroughly and without a REALTOR to remind them... they missed the deadline and the savings that they are entitled to receive.
After leaving their home, giving them a lot to consider regarding the current market conditions and values in their neighborhood... I was bothered by the fact that they had missed the deadline to file for their 2008 Homestead Exemption. I asked myself how could I help?
I've attended several events with David Johnson our Seminole County Property Appraiser and I've had email interaction with him on several occasions, he truly cares about the residents of Seminole County, I knew if anyone could help this homeowner, he could. I sent him an email regarding this homeowner's situation and asked if there was anything that could be done to help them. He said YES! He forwarded my email to one of his staff members and said that if the homeowner called them and met the requirements, he would process their exemption for 2008.
I applaud David Johnson and the office of the Seminole County Property Appraiser for "Doing The Right Thing"! I've been a Seminole County resident for over 20 years and I'm proud of the services that the county provides to it's residents, this is just one reason why I love living here.
When I emailed the homeowner with the contact information to apply for his Homestead Exemption he was shocked that the Property Appraiser would allow him to file after the deadline and grateful that I took the time to help him, I told him that Real Estate is all about Real People and that if he needed anything, I would always be here to help.
Do you have questions about filing for Homestead in Seminole County? Please checkout the links below:
Seminole County Property Appraiser
What is the Homestead Exemption and How Do I Apply?
Application for Homestead Exemption
Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com
Debbie- How cool! I know that if a customer has missed the deadline by a few days, maybe weeks, the county is fairly flexible. But, YOU have done a wonderful job in helping this couple. :)
Debbie, Isn't it funny how much money people "save" when they don't use a REALTOR(R)? What a great resource this will be for you residents of Seminole county!!
Great Job Debbie! What a great service you've done. It is also a nice testament to your County's attitude towards its residents and newcomers. You're on our list! - John
Way to to Debbie! Now that's the kind of client service they could have used the first time around.
Debbie, Now that's providing services way above and beyond a client's expectation. I wonder when the time comes if they would consider doing a FSBO!!!
I hope they can appreciate you,
Debbie what a wonderful thing you did. Hopefully they will spread the word about how important it is to work with a qualified realtor.
Lisa - Thank you for commenting. I was just glad that I could help them... It never hurts to ask.
Audrey - The buyers rarely save money... They paid more than anyone has ever paid, they just had no one to protect them, it's sad.
John & Kathryn - I was so grateful for this couple, they really can use the tax savings... Seminole County is a great place to live.
John & Kathryn - I was so grateful for this couple, they really can use the tax savings... Seminole County is a great place to live.
Chuck - I couldn't agree with you more... I know that they didn't expect it, but I was so glad to help.
Heather - EXACTLY!!! This experience hopefully taught them that having a REALTOR is the most important person on your side when you are buying a home.
Debbie - And some folks still think they can save a buck or two by going the FSBO route. These folks are very lucky they called you "A Professional who goes above and beyond"