by admin | Feb 3, 2015 | Uncategorized
Vacation Homes – Orlando, FL.
Orlando, Fl ranks No. 3 most-popular U.S. destination in 2014 – a vacation home awaits for you.
A new report by Hotels.com ranks
Coming in at No. 1 was Las Vegas, which also ranked No. 1 in the prior year. Miami was the only other Florida city to rank on the list, coming in at No. 15. The most popular international destination for American travelers was London.
The travel website’s report is based on bookings. Hotels.com offers online bookings at more than 365,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, the company says.
The Top 20 most-popular U.S. destinations, according to Hotels.com, are:
- Las Vegas
- New York
- Orlando, FL.
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Washington, D.C.
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Atlanta
- Boston
- New Orleans
- Denver
- Miami
- Austin
- Philadelphia
- Seattle
- Anaheim, Calif.
- Dallas
Top 20 most-popular international destinations for Americans included:
- London
- Paris
- Toronto
- Rome
- Vancouver, Canada
- Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Montreal
- Hong Kong
- Tokyo
- Barcelona, Spain
- Niagara Falls, Canada
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Mexico City
- Madrid, Spain
- Singapore
- Florence, Italy
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Istanbul, Turkey
Source1: Orlando Business Journal
by Elsa Soto | Jan 29, 2015 | Uncategorized
Cross-Border Specialist
Canadians will find getting a mortgage in the U.S. to be very different from the process in Canada.
Learning about the differences beforehand will help your home buying go more smoothly.
With today’s low interest rates and wide selection of U.S. properties available, this is an excellent time to consider purchasing real estate in the United States, and a U.S. mortgage1 can give you significant benefits, including:
- No pre-payment penalties. You can repay your mortgage at any time you like.
- Mortgage interest may be deductible against taxes in the U.S.2
- Mortgages are amortized over 30 years, longer than typical Canadian mortgages, which will reduce your monthly payment.
With the benefits in mind, it’s also important to consider these major differences between U.S. and Canadian mortgages:
- Timing
- U.S Mortgage Application
- Documentation You Provide
- Down Payment
- Costs
- Insurance
- Mortgage Interest
- Documentation You’ll Receive
**Limited Time Offer- 50% Origination Fee Discount when applying for a mortgage through RBC Bank between now and March 2015 (Standard origination fee on an ARM is 1%!!)
If you are looking to purchase property in the Four Corners area and need more detailed information regarding obtaining a mortgage, contact us today! One of our experienced agents will be there each step of the way. We will ensure you have the appropriate tools to make a dream become reality. Fill out the contact form below and we will be in contact with you shortly!
Source: http://www.rbcbank.com
by admin | Jan 28, 2015 | Retirement / 55+, Uncategorized
55+ Communities
Four C. Fla. 55+ communities make top Best Active Adult Communities list
If you’re looking for a great active 55+ community, Central Florida has some good choices for you, according to 55places.com.
The 55+ communities on the 2015 list were chosen based on 11 different categories of criteria, ranging from on-site tours of every community by 55places.com staff, a good location near daily conveniences and attractions, and affordable newer homes to world-class amenities and a well-rounded lifestyle.
Another consideration for the rankings was the 55+ community’s popularity based on analytics that measured the quantity of visitors to each community page, as well as how many people filled out the contact form and requested more information regarding each community.
Among the Central Florida 55+ communities recognized were No. 1-ranked The Villages, which once again took the top spot on the list; No. 5-ranked Solivita in Kissimmee; No. 34-ranked The Plantation at Leesburg; and No. 40-ranked Heritage Isle in Viera.
Florida had a total of 21 55+ communities recognized on this year’s list.
We also took into account the community’s popularity based upon analytics on 55places.com that measured the quantity of visitors to each community page, as well as how many people filled out the contact form and requested more information regarding each community. Our expansive analysis, both in-person and through objective research helped us create rankings for 11 different categories. Using a scientific approach the data was compiled to produce an unbiased list of the best active adult communities in America.
As you look through this year’s list, you may notice a few surprises. Del Webb Naples made the list this year as number 20 because it has seen a huge rise in popularity due to its new 36,000 square-foot clubhouse and extensive amenities. In addition Del Webb Sweetgrass in Texas made the list this year as number 22 for its large clubhouse, affordable new homes, and ideal location.
We know that what is the “best” for one person isn’t always perfect for another. Only you can decide if a particular community has what it takes to be your number one choice. But we hope this list helps you narrow your search to discover the best active adult community for you.
Here are The 55 Best Active Adult Communities in America for 2015:
1. The Villages – The Villages, FL
The Villages comes in again as the number one community. It is one of the largest age-restricted active adult communities in the world and has even grown into its own thriving town. To help homeowners energize their body, mind and spirit, The Villages provides the amenities, programs and personal support residents need for holistic health and wellness, conveniently located right where they live. The Villages offers countless amenities, including dozens of recreation centers, golf courses, shopping centers, swimming pools and much more. With spectacular scenic beauty, lavish resort-style amenities and appealing affordable homes, it’s easy to see whyThe Villages continues to be a popular destination for active adult retirees.
2. Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC
It’s no surprise that Sun City Hilton Head held its spot as the number two community. As the largest age-restricted community in South Carolina, it offers a prime destination for active adults aged 50 and better in the beautiful city of Bluffton. Residents can enjoy 54 holes of golf and a smorgasbord of additional amenities that make living in a resort town feel as natural as the native environment itself. When it comes to homes, buyers can choose from a wide range of single-family and attached designs with plans for over 8,000 homes. Residing in Sun City Hilton Head, puts residents within easy access of world-class resorts and offers a world of resort-style amenities within their own community gates.
3. On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
In the heart of Central Florida, On Top of the World is an extensive resort-style community known for its remarkable amenities. This includes three 18-hole golf courses, multiple clubhouses, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and facilities to support a wide range of recreational and fitness-related activities. Homebuyers of this 10,000-home community can select from intimate villas all the way to stately homes with magnificent golf course views. In addition, the scenic setting in Ocala features rolling hills and ancient oaks, as well as a close proximity to shops, restaurants, equestrian centers, parks and other attractions. For those 55 and better who crave a life full of adventure, On Top of the World is the ultimate place to call home.
4. Sun City Summerlin – Las Vegas, NV
With 7,779 homes, Sun City Summerlin is the largest 55+ community in Nevada. Its 2,400 acres of picturesque grounds offer sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding mountains. Built by Del Webb from 1989 to 1999, Sun City Summerlin offers a variety of beautiful homes including 18 attached models and 24 single-family home models. There is never a shortage of opportunities to enjoy everything the community has to offer with four amenity-rich clubhouses. Here, residents have the opportunity to be a part of a community that cultivates well-rounded lifestyles.
5. Solivita – Kissimmee, FL
Solivita jumped up to number five because of its affordability, prime location, and desirable lifestyle. It was also a very popular choice for visitors on 55places.com. This Tuscan-themed, golf course community enjoys a prime location in Central Florida just 35 miles south of Orlando. Spread across 4,300 acres, homeowners appreciate 148,000 square feet of recreational amenities including restaurants, fitness centers, hobby and game rooms, swimming pools, sports courts and golf courses. The award-winning community features nearly 6,000 residences amid exquisite scenic lakes and tranquil wooded preserves. Solivita truly is the perfect place to live greater than your age with over 80 floor plans to choose from, and inspiring amenities and activities.
6. Sun City Carolina Lakes – Fort Mill, SC
7. Sun City Huntley – Huntley, IL
8. Sun City Anthem – Henderson, NV
9. Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX
10. Stone Creek – Ocala, FL
See the full list here
SOURCE1: 55Places.com
SOURCE2 : http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/morning_call/2015/01/four-c-fla-communities-make-the-55-best-55-active.html
by admin | Jan 16, 2015 | Uncategorized
Tax Time
It’s TAX time!!!
It’s time to gather your paperwork and get yourself ready for the 2014 tax filing year. The tax deadline for U.S.residents is April 15th with non residents returns due by June 15th. Extensions may be filed however any tax due must be paid by the filing deadline to avoid penalties being applied.
Owners of rental property with U.S. based loans should look out for Form 1098 which issued during January – the information may also be available online.
If you receive rental income from your management company or agent then you will be issued with Form 1042-S stating the amount of rental income received on your behalf along with details of any tax withheld.
Remember, the IRS may disregard expenses where tax returns are not filed timely. Non resident filers may also be impacted at the time of sale when applying for an early release of 10% FIRPTA withholding. at the time of sale of U.S.property.
Questions??? Call 863 424 2309 or email us for assistance info@bardellrealestate.com us for assistance…
IRS SCAMS
Another word of warning to taxpayers. The IRS does not contact you by email. Their agents never ask for personal information or payment over the telephone. If you are unsure, contact the IRS at – report phishing…
Source: Harding & Associates Tax Services, Inc
