Venice Area Homes Blog

Today all Sarasota County property owners should be receiving their Notices of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM) notice from the Sarasota County Property Appraisers office. The notices were mailed on August 22, 2008. It is important to know the date of the mailing marks the beginning of a 25-day window during which property owners who disagree with the property appraiser's determination may file an appeal with Value Adjustment Board (VAB). Petitions to the VAB must be filed on or before September 16, 2008.Below is an article from the Trim Notice Extra August 2008 from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser's office which was included with all TRIM notices mailed to Sarasota County property owners.

Challenging the Taxable Valuation of Your Property In Sarasota County

Property owners have three options for challenging their property value or tax exemption disapproval. It is not necessary to employ all of them. You can choose one or a combination of the three. It is important to know that each challenge process has certain limitations and deadlines.

Option 1

Informal Conference with the Property Appraiser or his Deputy

This is normally the most successful option since it presents the opportunity for the owner to provide information the property appraiser might not be aware of that could influence the property's value or exemption status. Factual information and regulations guiding the property valuation and tax exemption process can also be explained. Since this is the least expensive and least complicated option, the taxpayer is urged to take advantage of this opportunity regardless of other considerations.

Option 2

Petition the Value Adjustment Board (VAB)

The VAB is a body that is separate and independent from the property appraiser. If you choose this option you must file a petition with the Clerk to the VAB within 25 days of the TRIM Notice mailing. At an administrative hearing, you and a Property Appraiser representative each present evidence before a Magistrate appointed by the VAB to review the evidence and make recommendations. The final determination will be made by the VAB. More information is available under Value Adjustment Board's website.

Option 3

Circuit Court Suit

If you choose this option a formal hearing will be conducted by a Judge. You should consult your attorney or legal professional.

It is important to keep in mind the date of value is not the current date but January 1, 2008.

For TRIM questions and answers please visit the Sarasota County Property Appraisers website.

If you already haven't discovered Google's Picasa, it is worth trying.

Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you:

• Locate and organize all the photos on your computer.
• Edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks.
• Share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web: it's fast, easy and free.

I have used it in many ways.  I have uploaded pictures of listings and then embeded slideshow of photos in craigslist postings; if I have many photos I will embed link to more photos in body of description; I can access my photos from my phone if I need to; I uploaded photos of our local community and embedded slideshow on my website, www.battagliaproperties.net, which is nice. 

There is so much that you can do with this software.  I have not had any problems with it as of yet and highly recommend giving it a try.

Doug Battaglia along with his partner, Mark Knauf CPA, acquired this spectacular bluff mountain property in 2005. Two hundred acres of bluff mountain property with 4000 feet of bluff, creeks, abundant wildlife and a waterfall. Hanging Rock Development is located in Dunlap TN on Fredonia Mountain just 30 minutes to downtown Chattanooga. Centrally located, Dunlap TN is just a two hour drive in either direction to Atlanta, Nashville, or Knoxville and 3 hours drive to Gatlinburg, TN. The proposed Hanging Rock Development got it's name from a very distinct feature on the property - the hanging rock's on Fredonia Mountain. The propose design is based on the natural features of the land that enhance the experience of being almost one with nature and the wildlife of the mountain top. We have a preliminary plat for 100 of the 200 acres. A gravel road has been roughed in. Explore some of the area's many outdoor activities and attractions which include the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX Theatre, Ruby Falls and Rock City, Incline Railway, and the Creative Discovery Museum. Plans to develop this property are underway. Should you have any interest or questions regarding investment opportunities or land purchases please give Doug a call direct at 941-232-5391. You are welcome to enjoy more pictures of this spectacular montain property at Hanging Rock's picture gallery. For more information on this property please visit our website, www.battagliaproperties.net.  Broker related to owner.

Dunlap, TN, the fastest growing town per capita in the state of Tennessee, is an obvious example of rural achievement. Nestled in the center of the Sequatchie Valley, the charming community of Dunlap boasts low crime, low taxes and extraordinary hospitality. Southeastern Tennessee's Sequatchie Valley is one of the most unique valleys in the world; one of only two 'rift valleys,' the other being the Great Victoria Valley in Africa (Southeast Tennessee Tourism, 2004). For more local news and information about Dunlap Tennessee visit Topix website.

Today is the first day of school in Sarasota County.  Summer vacation is over.  This is a great day for Mom and a sad day for one of my children.  This year all three of my children will be in the same school.  One drop off time and one pick up time.  This is going to be a good year.  My middle daughter is not that thrilled about school starting, she still wishes for the lazy days of summer and to be swimming at the beach.  My other two can't wait to go back to school to see their friends and for the opportunity to make new friends.  I always joke with my children that the first day back from school is the best day of the year for all the Mom's.  The joke is on Mom this time.  Hurricane Fay is threatening Southwest Florida and all schools will be closed tomorrow for the impending storm.  Now my kids are joking around with me.  Fortunately the storm is not as strong as was predicted a few days ago, so we will be waiting out the storm.  We have made all the "preparations" needed; bringing in all the plants, putting patio furniture in the pool, putting all the trash in the garage, stocked up on canned goods and non perishables, made sure that all the flash lights have fresh batteries, and most importantly brought our pet bunny, Midnight, inside.  This has become an annual routine for our family.  Tomorrow holds uncertainty and we are praying that the storm will pass over all with little to no damage. 

Great 5 acre spot with a wet weather creek boardering the property, beautiful mountain views and only 1 miles to HWY 111. Land has been recently cleared. No restrictions and lot is within the city limits. City water and electric at main road, HWY 127 North. 3 5 acre lots available. For more details click here.  Broker related to owner.

Great building site on Smith Mountain Dunlap TN with spectacular bluff views of the Sequatchie Valley. All wooded, level brow/bluff lot which means there are no neighbors to the rear of the lot and an unobstructed view of the valley to the front of the lot. Also has a nice creek that runs year round. Perfect lot to build your home with a spectacular view of the valley. We welcome any questions or suggestions you may have. For more details click here. Broker related to owner.

Location, Location, Location. 2.86 acres on Hixson Pike just south of the Food Lion. Just around the corner is Valleybrook Golf and Country Club and Publix, an upscale grocery store, is going up and lot is 3 miles from the mall in Chickamagua. This is a perfect location for any business (strip mall, professional offices, etc). This is a level wooded lot. Owner is in process of rezoning to commercial. We welcome and questions or suggestions you may have. For more details click here.  Broker/owner.

Lewis Chapel, LLC is a limited liability Corporation that was founded in July 2006 in Englewood Florida for the benefit of purchasing this 54+ acre mountain property that is located within minutes from downtown Chattanooga and Dunlap Tennessee. Notable neighbor, Reba McIntire, has an estate just 2 miles down the road from the property. Lewis Chapel LLC sold two tracts in 2006. Due to the downward slide in the housing market we had little interest and no sales in 2007. Although it is getting harder and harder to find real estate markets with appreciation, interest in our Lewis Chapel properties have increased in 2008. We had three closings and currently have several parties that are showing an interest in this beautiful mountain property. Doug Battaglia, MGMR of Lewis Chapel LLC, would like to extend his appreciation to our investors for their support over the years and recognize that our most important resource are the relationships that we build with our investors.  For more details click here.

Not many people are aware that the My Safe Florida Home Program for Florida homeowners with a single family detached home helps homeowners save money on their wind insurance premiums.  Florida’s Chief Financial Officer is lobbying to get the Florida Legislature to continue the funding for this successful program.  Currently over 35,000 grants have been awarded to qualified homeowners and over 400,000 free wind inspections have been provided.  Although the program is no longer offering free wind inspections or grants, homeowners may not be aware that they can pay for their own wind inspection.  Your wind inspection report will give you an estimate of the discounts you may receive on the wind-portion of your homeowner’s insurance premium.  Savings will vary depending on the structure and the improvements you make.  I personally received a substantial savings on my wind insurance premiums.  Call your insurance agent or company and get a referral for an “insurer-approved” wind inspector and for information on discounts that are available to you.  For more information on this program please visit My Safe Florida Home.