FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS WILL SAVE 25%

A property tax relief plan advanced through the state legislature this week designed to reduce property taxes for Florida Homeowners by 25 percent. Carlos Lacasa, a Florida commissioner sponsored a measure that would give all residential properties, including second homes and rentals a lower tax rate by 25 percent. Nearly two identical state constitutional amendments were proposed, each reduces the property tax by the same 25 percent. Lawmakers are debating the two measures, Mr. Lacasa’s and John Mckay’s, which repeals some sales tax exemptions. Mr. Lacasa’s amendment proposal which seems to be the favorite among lawmakers does provide relief to businesses, second homes and other properties that do not qualify for homestead exemptions given only to primary homes. Stuart Kaye, president of Kaye Homes, a Naples, Florida based homebuilder indicated that this legislation is the path we need to take given the current real estate market slowdown. Many homebuyers are not familiar with the new amendments being advanced in the Florida legislature, which will save them a significant amount of money. The Florida real estate market needs a boost, and this is certainly one piece of legislation that will provide a sense of comfort to the real estate market. If a prospective buyer is confident that their property taxes will decrease and they will save a significant sum of money, that alone should help the entire Florida real estate market make a considerable dent in the number of listings. Voted Florida’s Best Builder, Kaye Homes is Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned homebuilder. Since 1985, Kaye Homes has built over 3,000 homes for satisfied customers. With two model centers in Naples, Kaye Homes continues to provide unequaled value and quality for today’s homebuyer. Our “Personalized” Homes present the finest in custom luxury homes, priced from the $600s to $2 Million. Our “Performance” Collection of Homes personifies value for the first time homebuyer and more price conscious buyer, priced from the $200s to $500s. Plus we have a wonderful selection of “Showcase” Homes, ready for immediate occupancy priced from the $200s to $800s.For more information and to find your next home please visit us at www.kayehomes.com or call 239 455 1007.

BEWARE OF THE DANGER OF FORECLOSURES

Due to homeowners stretched to the limit with risky loans and a slow resale market, home foreclosures have dramatically increased over the past few months. Once a viable source for real estate investors and homebuyers to take advantage of lower pricing, foreclosures have become a risky proposition at best. The purchase of a foreclosed home may appear to be an attractive investment, but upon close examination, what may have looked like the “Buy of the Century” can be very troublesome and full of unexpected problems. Looking for a foreclosure in the neighborhood or area you desire can be a problem and the house itself may not be what you really need. Are there enough bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. Why settle for a house that is really not the home that suits your family best on the assumption you will save thousands of dollars, when in fact you may be able to purchase the perfect home for less. Most buyers think that the price of a foreclosed home is much lower than comparable homes. In fact a study by First American Real Estate Solutions found foreclosed homes sold for about 15 percent less than comparable homes and in some areas sold within 5 percent of full market value. In today’s competitive market, many builders, such as Kaye Homes, a custom home builder in Naples, Florida are offering incentives on new homes even greater than 20%. Kaye Homes is finding customers would much rather own a brand new home at the same price, or near, as a foreclosed home. With a new home, guaranteed from the builder, the homeowner is purchasing peace of mind as well as the home of their dreams. With a foreclosed home, in most cases, the builder is long gone and out of the picture, so repairs come out of the buyer’s pocket. Many foreclosed homes have been neglected for some time, and will require thousands to restore to its original condition, thus making its purchase not the bargain it appeared to be. In a challenging market like today’s you may be far better off buying a new home from a reputable builder in your area, at the builder’s discount than taking a chance on a foreclosure that may present many unwanted surprises. Voted Florida’s Best Builder, Kaye Homes is Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned homebuilder. Since 1985, Kaye Homes has built over 3,000 homes for satisfied customers. With two model centers in Naples, Kaye Homes continues to provide unequaled value and quality for today’s homebuyer. Our “Personalized” Homes present the finest in custom luxury homes, priced from the $600s to $2 Million. Our “Performance” Collection of Homes personifies value for the first time homebuyer and more price conscious buyer, priced from the $200s to $500s. Plus we have a wonderful selection of “Showcase” Homes, ready for immediate occupancy priced from the $200s to $800s. For more information and to find your next home please visit us at http://www.kayehomes.com/ or call 239 455 1007.

HOW WILL A GREEN HOME MAKEOVER MAKE YOUR HOME WORK BETTER?

HOW WILL A GREEN HOME MAKEOVER MAKE YOUR HOME WORK BETTER? “Going Green” with your remodel will add value, save you money on utilities, enhance your health and the environment as well. Kaye Homes, a Naples, Florida based homebuilder has witnessed an increase in the past year, with homeowner’s desire to remodel, and to add green elements to their home makeover. Americans spend more than $300 billion yearly on remodeling, so why not remodel smart. The makeover team at Kaye Homes is busy answering questions on how to make their homes more energy efficient and enhance the beauty and value of the client’s home. 80% of homeowners agree that homes do not meet their environmental expectations, and 96% say they are willing to pay more for a home with green features. Here are five reasons they suggest a green makeover. Install energy efficient appliances from washing machines to dishwashers to water heaters. The most efficient new appliances use 50% less energy, they are durable and can last longer as well. Over a period of time the savings will be substantial. By replacing lighting fixtures and bulbs, new programmable thermostats, that control temperatures for different times of the day, and many other innovative features your makeover will enhance your home’s comfort and value. Whether you intend to remodel the entire house or one room at a time, the experts will suggest where to start and what materials to use, from non-toxic paints and sealants to natural flooring and quality insulation. There are many materials on the market today that green makeover specialists can use to increase efficiency and the quality of life Remodeling green is good for you. By using non-toxic materials, with good ventilation, and designing the remodel to maximize fresh air and natural light as well, you will increase the air quality inside your home, which can help prevent molds and allergens. It’s a good thing to do. Remodeling is an opportunity to create a home that enhances the environment. By allowing the experts the choice to use environmentally responsible products you can protect forests, wildlife and air and water quality. And for every gallon of water or kilowatt-hour of electricity you save, you reduce the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere. Kaye Homes expects remodeling and green remodeling specifically to increase significantly over the next year as homeowners are looking to invest in their home and wish to save money as well on energy bills with a more efficient home. Voted Florida’s Best Builder, Kaye Homes is Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned homebuilder. Since 1985, Kaye Homes has built over 3,000 homes for satisfied customers. With two model centers in Naples, Kaye Homes continues to provide unequaled value and quality for today’s homebuyer. For For more information to help you with your makeover, please visit us at www.kayehomes.com or call 239-455-1007.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA KITCHEN MAKEOVERS BECOMING MORE POPULAR

The kitchen has always been the most popular and first area of the house homeowners begin the makeover process. With new advances in eco friendly kitchen technology, new countertop materials and lighting advances homeowners are turning to their local homebuilders to provide the best building materials, appliances and technology when renovating their kitchen. Kaye Homes, a Naples, Florida based builder has witnessed a much higher demand in the makeover market in their Southwest Florida location, and find homeowners willing to invest in their home by improving the appearance and workability of their kitchen. Lighting is a big part of the kitchen makeover. From general lighting to specific task lighting, a well designed lighting plan makes the use and enjoyment of any kitchen a much brighter undertaking. According to the U.S. Department of Energy 41.5% of a home’s energy consumption is from the kitchen, lighting, refrigeration and cooking. So by reconfiguring your kitchen lighting you can significantly reduce energy bills. There are 5 ways to dramatically improve your kitchen lighting. General Lighting – General lighting needs to be bright enough to ensure safe movement throughout the kitchen. Recessed lighting will wash the entire kitchen with a soft, comfortable light. A dimmer switch can be installed to create a softer light and balance the natural light with electric light that will also save on energy bills. Countertops – Most of the work within the kitchen occurs at the counters. Much of this can be in shadow, due to cabinet placement and the individual working in the kitchen. You will minimize shadows by placing more light in front of you and to the sides. Under cabinet lights are the preferred way to light countertops. Island lighting – Islands present an interesting lighting challenge. The preferred way to light an island is with recessed overhead fixtures. Another alternative design, depending on the islands shape and size, is hanging one or two pendant lights over the area. Sink - One of more recessed fixtures should be located over the sink, to provide direct overhead lighting for cleanup and food preperation. Recessed lights work well here, as they can be directed very specifically to light the sink. Cooktop – The cooking tasks require their own light source as well. If you have a range hood that is located above your cooktop or range, the light that is located within the hood may not be sufficient, so adding a recessed fixture to the ceiling to provide direct light down onto the cooking surface is recommended. For other lighting such as display lighting, there are many options your makeover specialists can help you with, whether you need back lighting or front lighting to properly light your displays. Kaye Homes has noticed that their home makeover clients all have different needs and cooking habits, so that all kitchen renovations are customized for each client. When building a new home, it is a good idea to discuss with the builder how you can maximize your kitchen lighting and save energy at the same time. Voted Florida’s best builder, Kaye Homes is Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned homebuilder. Since 1985 Kaye Homes has built over 3,000 homes for satisfied customers. With two model centers in Naples, Florida, Kaye Homes continues to provide unequaled value and quality for today’s homebuyer. Our Personalized Homes present the finest in custom luxury homes, priced from the $600s to $2 Million. Our Performance Collection personifies value for the first time buyer and more price conscious buyer, priced from the $200s to $500s Kaye Homes has a wonderful selection of Showcase Homes available for immediate occuapancy, priced from the $200s to $800s For more information to help you find your next home, please visit us at www.kayehomes.com or call 239-455-1007.

Name Your Price... For A New Home

Name Your Price…For a New Home The “Name Your Price” phenomenon began with William “Captain Kirk” Shatner extolling the advantages of using a new website, Priceline.com to acquire cheaper airfare for travelers. Who would have predicted its enormous success? A once unthinkable concept, “ Pay What You Want,” has blossomed into a huge enterprise, with many other sources following their lead. Travelers arrive at their desired destinations at a cost far less than conventional purchasing. The concept has focused on the travel business, airfares, and hotels, for the most part, however, there have been attempts at “Naming Your Own Price” with products, food and gasoline as well. What is for certain is that the phenomenon is here to stay, and customers love it. So, what’s next for the “Name Your Price” services…How about a new home! That’s right, one of Florida’s premier homebuilders, Kaye Homes, a Naples based builder of over 3,000 homes is starting a new program with their distinctive Showcase Homes that can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars. Families and investors will be able to name their price on available new homes. Kaye Homes believes the customer knows what they want and the payment they can afford, why shouldn’t they have the power to have the house they want at the price they want. Just name a reasonable offer and if accepted by the bank, a beautiful brand new home is yours and ready for immediate occupancy. Kaye Homes will test the concept and may consider expanding the program to their “Build On Your Lot” homes and homesites as well. This is a win-win opportunity for the builder and the homeowner. Kaye Homes will sell more homes and the buyers will save more money. These fabulous move-in ready, Showcase Homes, by Kaye Homes range in size up to 3,000 square feet of living space. Three and four bedroom homes are available, many on estate size homesites up to 2.5 acres, with features like swimming pools, custom cabinetry, granite countertops and much more. The “Name Your Price” concept was first created to save travelers hundreds of dollars on their vacations. Now it appears that with Kaye Homes, a homebuyer could save tens of thousands of dollars on a new home. Sounds like a very interesting concept. What does a homebuyer have to lose? Just make an offer. Declare your “housing freedom” and “Pay What You Want.” Visit on of the Kaye Homes Naples model centers today. Pine Ridge Rd. (White Blvd.) and Collier Blvd. (CR 951) – 239-455-1007 Or 910 Oakes Blvd. At Vanderbilt Beach Rd. – 239-597-0700 Or visit online at www.kayehomes.com

Nearly 70% surveyed say likely to remodel this year!

To Remodel, Buy New, or Stay Put Poll: Nearly 70% surveyed likely to remodel this year At Kaye Homes, we believe you need to balance economics with quality of life. While the cost of housing cost is a major consideration, the extent that a make-over, remodel, or new home makes sense should be considered in light of your enjoyment as well as how the investment will affect the future value of your home (when the time comes to sell). Part of our job is to discuss the options in light of your needs and budget, and recommend the most prudent direction. We’ll be discussing how to weigh remodeling verses building new in upcoming blogs. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to call me at 239 304-3304, xt. 215. Southwest Florida home pricing has already adjusted down significantly. This is a phenomenal time to consider a new home. I recently came across some interesting statistics relating to this topic that you may find interesting below. According to a recent poll by ServiceMagic.com Despite concerns with the housing market, more than two-thirds of Americans said they would complete a home improvement project in 2008, ServiceMagic, an online marketplace that connects consumers with prescreened and customer-rated home service professionals, found that 69 percent of those surveyed would improve their home this year, while 31 percent said they would likely go through with a home improvement after some careful consideration and possibly a delay. Some 65 percent said that if presented with the option they would "stay and improve" their home, compared with 26 percent who would "just stay" without improving. Only 8 percent would choose to move. Approximately 59 percent of poll respondents said they have a home improvement project planned for 2008. But as the poll revealed, 31 percent of respondents will consider current economic conditions when deciding on whether to proceed with planning a home improvement project. That 31 percent breaks down like this: § 21 percent say they will likely postpone their project § 7 percent say though pausing to consider, they'll likely proceed with their plans § 3 percent say they're abandoning their plans all together And of those who say they plan to postpone their next project: § 7 percent say they'll wait 2-3 months § 17 percent say they'll wait 3-6 months § 46 percent say they'll wait 6-12 months § 30 percent say they'll wait 12-plus months The poll data was collected through an 11-city survey conducted by ServiceMagic.com, with 2,162 consumers responding.

FIVE GREAT REASONS TO BUY A NEW EXISTING HOME

In today’s real estate market, there can be many unknowns involved with the building of a new home. We would all love to build our dream home in our dream location, but today, you can get more for your money buying a completed, brand new home, and quickly build equity. Finding a new “Move Right In” existing home may just be the best option today, and here are 5 reasons why…

1. Price – You may just find the “Value “ of the year. Builders are anxious to sell, at a lower price and with incentives. Many are looking to “unload” their inventory…and that is to your advantage. Interest rates are attractive today, and builders are combining that with some very exciting financial packages, with no money down, etc.
2. Location – There are many brand new homes in many wonderful locations ready for immediate occupancy. Kaye Homes, based in Naples, Florida has an inventory of beautiful new homes, all prices, sizes and locations, ready to move right in. You can choose the home you desire, in the neighborhood that best fits your needs, close to work, school or shopping.
3. Hassle-Free – Just move right in. Purchasing a home ready for you and your furniture takes the hassles right out of owning a new home, avoiding any aggravation from prolonged delays.
4. What you see is what you get – No surprises, no mistakes, no problems. All the guess work and imagining if this color works, or which cabinets or what color tile to select is gone. With a new Move In Ready home ready to move into, you have less headache and more time for yourself and your family.
5. Under builder’s warranty – Purchasing a new builder’s home as opposed to purchasing a “used” home from a private owner you own the homebuyers warranty, a major plus if anything happens to need repair.

This really is a great time to be in the buying market. We at Kaye Homes will try to make your homebuying experience as hassle-free and rewarding as possible. Voted Florida’s Best Builder, Kaye Homes is Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned homebuilder. Since 1985 Kaye Homes has built over 3,000 homes for satisfied customers. With two model centers in Naples, Kaye Homes continues to provide unequaled value and quality for today’s homeowners. Kaye Homes has a wonderful selection of Showcase Homes, ready for immediate occupancy, priced from the $200s to $800s, and build to suit homes priced up to $2 million. For more information to help you find your next home, please visit us at www.kayehomes.com, or call 239-455-1007

Kaye Homes Cheers as Voters Overwhelmingly Pass Amendment to Cut Property Tax!

On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, Florida voters went to the polls and by a wide margin passed Amendment 1. This amendment gives Florida homeowners a much needed tax relief program that will save homeowners $9.3 billion in the first 5 years. This is the second time Florida homeowners received reduced tax breaks. Phase 1, passed by the Florida legislature last year will save taxpayers up to $15 billion over the next 5 years. More tax relief is on the way with a proposal in the state legislature to limit annual taxes to 1.35 percent of a property’s value. We, at Kaye Homes applaud the citizens of Florida for taking part in this election that passed meaningful legislation to ease the tax burden of our homeowners. The amendment not only puts money in the pockets of current homeowners, but also makes it much more attractive to homeowners considering relocating to tax friendly Florida. When a homeowner decides to purchase a Kaye Home in the $500,000 range, they will pay reduced taxes on a home of that value, now but far less due to newly passed amendment. From the office of the Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, here are the benefits Your homestead exemption doubles to $50,000 When you move you can take Save Our Homes tax protection with you. Effective the beginning of 2008, an owner of a home worth $300,000 who currently pays taxes on only $150,000 (because of SOH) will now keep those savings and pay taxes on about $350,000 if they move up to a home worth $500,000. This creates a substantial savings for the move up market. If you are a growing family and need a larger home, or just ready to move up to a larger home, this is the time to do it. Moreover, who better from than Naples’ award winning homebuilder Kaye Homes? Voted Florida’s Best Builder, Kaye Homes is Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned homebuilder. Since 1985, Kaye Homes has built over 3,000 homes for satisfied customers. With two model centers in Naples, Kaye Homes continues to provide unequaled value and quality for today’s homebuyer. Our Personalized Homes present the finest in custom luxury homes, priced from the $600s to $2 Million. Our Performance Collection of homes personifies value for the first time buyer and more price conscious buyer, priced from the $200s to $500s. Kaye Homes has a wonderful selection of Showcase Homes, ready for immediate occupancy, priced from the $200s to $800s. For more information to help you find your next home, please visit us at www.kayehomes.com or call 239-455-1007.

How Does the latest Federal Interest Rate Cut Help the Southwest Florida Real Estate Market?

In a bold and surprising move early Tuesday morning, the Federal Reserve cut the benchmark interest rate by three quarters of a percentage point. The largest cut since 1984 and the first “surprise” cut since 2001, this bold move lowers the federal lending rate to 3.5 percent. The question on everyone’s mind is… “How does this help me?” Specifically for the Naples area housing market, excitement is rippling through the community as lower interest rates for mortgages and lower credit card rates will allow visitors to enjoy all that Southern Florida has to offer. Kaye Homes New Home counselors here are in constant contact with our preferred lenders to maximize the advantages for our homebuyers. The initial impact will be to jumpstart Kaye Homes home sales during high season, January through April, when our northern neighbors head south. Our “snowbirds” love the 80-degree winters and active outdoor lifestyle. Many families decide to relocate permanently and escape snow shoveling and freezing temperatures forever. Many are in Southern Florida looking for their second or retirement home. The Fed’s positive action on Tuesday may be just the incentive buyers need. This is an excellent time to purchase your new home, and since Tuesday it is even greater, because buying your new home will cost you less than it did prior to the rate cut. Kaye Homes has a fine variety of homes available from the $200’s to $2 million. No matter what your price range, lower interest rates can save quite a bit off your monthly mortgage payment. You can move into a brand new Southwest Florida home for as little as $642 per month. Now with the new reductions, prices may go even lower, providing value and savings for the entire line of Kaye Homes, including Kaye Luxury Homes. Everyone will save. Voted Florida’s Best Builder, Kaye Homes is Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned homebuilder. Since 1985, Kaye Homes has built over 3,000 homes for satisfied customers. With two model centers in Naples, Kaye Homes continues to provide unequaled value and quality for today’s homebuyer. Our “Personalized” Homes present the finest in custom luxury homes, priced from the $600s to $2 Million. Our “Performance” Collection of Homes personifies value for the first time home buyer and more price conscious buyer, priced from $200s to $500s. Plus we have a wonderful collection of “Showcase” Homes, ready for immediate occupancy priced from the $200s to $800s . For more information and to find your next home please visit us at www.kayehomes.com, or call 239-455-1007