Sugarmill Woods
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | February 16, 2008
Cypress Village, Oak Village & Southern Woods
If “classic country club living” is what you are looking for, then look no further than Sugarmill Woods Florida. The deed restricted community of Sugarmill Woods is nestled in the rolling hills of the southern portion of Citrus County.
This friendly community offers a laid back, picturesque setting with easy access to major metropolitan areas such as Tampa, Orlando, and Ocala. In fact. With the new Suncoast Parkway you can reach the Tampa Bay area in under an hour.
Sugarmill Woods offers all the great amenities that go along with a Florida country club life style.
There are 45 gorgeous holes of world caliber golf along with pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, two beautiful country clubs with restaurants and lounges as well as a fully stocked pro shop.
Sugarmill Woods is a unique and wondrous environment. It was the first developed community in the United States to adopt the greenbelt concept.
The plan was to incorporate as much of the natural contour of the land and native foliage as possible.
The plan worked beautifully, each home backs up to a piece of untouched forest teaming with native palms, oak and pines. This environmental friendly community is home to several species of wildlife as well!
Sitting on your back porch, you are likely to see fox squirrel, bobcat, gopher tortoise, deer, armadillo, opossum and raccoon.
The natural wonders do not stop at the edges of Sugarmill Woods. The Gulf of Mexico is just a short drive away!
The open waters of the Gulf offer spectacular tarpon and deep sea fishing. There are also over a dozen natural springs and several rivers in the area, including the Homosassa River and the Crystal River, which are both spring fed and spill out into the Gulf of Mexico.
This allows outdoor enthusiasts to set sail. It’s easy to find other local residents boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with the native manatees.
There are still plenty of building lots available or if you are in the market for a home right now, its here waiting for you!
Topics: Citrus County Communities | No Comments »
Inglis/Yankeetown
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | February 16, 2008
Just a few minutes north of Crystal River Florida lies a quiet, untouched, welcoming community.The town of Inglis in Levy County Florida is a nature lover’s paradise. Located on the banks of the Withlacoochee and a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico,
Inglis is densely populated with forest, waterways, and wildlife.
With so much to do right here in Inglis, you may never want to leave. Outdoor activities surround you here on Florida’s Nature Coast.
There is great salt water and fresh water fishing, boating, bird watching, hiking, antiqueing, and much more.
In Inglis Florida, you’ll often find residents taking part is water fun. The Gulf of Mexico is in close proximity, there are several lakes, rivers, and springs, and the Withlacoochee is never more that minutes away.
Set out for a day in the sunny weather and go boating, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Make time to head to the Gulf for some great deep sea fishing and some exciting world record tarpon fishing.
Here, you can book a fishing trip with some of the best, and most knowledgeable, guides in Florida.
The peaceful community of Inglis Fl offers some great schools. There is also a very low crime rate making an idyllic environment for raising a family.
When it comes to real estate nothing can equal the spectacular waterfront property available in Inglis. Take this opportunity to own some of the most beautiful property on the Nature Coast.
Inglis is home to one of the biggest public works projects in Florida’s history. The MarjorieHarris Carr Cross Florida Gateway is a 110 mile long corridor that connects a wide variety of natural habitats.
It runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. Along this premier gateway there are many trails and recreational areas where visitors and nature lovers can experience the wonders of Florida’s Nature Coast.
One of the more colorful neighborhoods within Inglis is Yankeetown.
The area was literally cut out of the wilderness by northern adventurers searching for the perfect fishing hidaway. Well they found it and word got out.
Today Yankeetown is world famous for its fishing and unspoiled environment.
Topics: Citrus County Communities | No Comments »
Inverness Florida
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | February 16, 2008
Inverness Florida is centrally located within beautiful Citrus County. With so much to offer people of all ages, Inverness Fl is a friendly and well-rounded community. As the county seat Inverness is also a hub of activity and one of the fastest growing areas in the state.
Inverness offers many great opportunities for families. There are five schools located within Inverness Fla, many of them providing children with after school activities. Several park areas including Cooter Park and Liberty Park are also scattered throughout Inverness.
These parks offer baseball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, a swimming pool, and several miles of wooded running and walking trails as well as fishing piers.
Located on Florida’s pristine nature coast, the residents of Inverness can often be found taking advantage of the areas natural resources for recreational purposes. There are numerous lakes, rivers, and springs peppered throughout the area.
Boating, fishing, canoeing, tubing, and diving are just a few of the many activities available on the many lakes including the Tsala Apopka Lake chain and Big Lake Henderson.
There is a wide variety of waterfront property available in Inverness from lake front to riverfront.
After a day of activities, spend the evening with your family at one of the many great restaurants located here in Inverness is an opportunity to connect with the friendly residents.
Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesdays, Outback Steakhouse, and Z Chef’s are just a few places where you’ll always find great food and friendly faces.
For entertainment, the Citrus Cinema is located in Inverness and Rock Crusher Canyon is just a short drive, where you can often find great concerts and big name entertainers. There are several large department stores such as Bells, Wallmart and Lowes .
And major metropolitan areas such as Orlando, Tampa, and Ocala are only a little over an hour from Citrus County.
A must see for many people is the Historic Downtown Inverness Square. The original downtown is still intact and used on a daily basis. Offering elegant little shops and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to feel right at home in the heart of downtown.
The Inverness Square is home to the historic old courthouse. This is the shire town’s original courthouse. Scenes from the movie “Follow That Dream”, starring Elvis Presley were filmed in the old courthouse. There are pictures and articles about it located within.
Topics: Citrus County Communities | No Comments »
The Villages of Citrus Hills & Terra Vista
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | February 16, 2008
The Villages of Citrus Hills and Terra Vista Florida are nestled right in the heart of Citrus County, perched high on the central ridge area.
The rolling hills, pristine landscaping and grand vistas make for breathtaking views of Citrus County.
Active Florida living with luxury homes is what Citrus Hills and Terra Vista are all about.
The Villages Citrus Hills and Terra Vista offers three spectacular 18-hole golf courses (The Oaks, The Meadows, and the new Skyview).
These courses provide a challenging game of golf with water holes, tricky sand traps, and canyons to dodge, you are forced to bring your best game. These gorgeous courses are accompanied by luxurious country clubs.
The club houses come equipped with driving ranges, swimming pools, tennis courts, social clubs, children programs, and restaurants right at the club house. These is something for everyone at Terra Vista of Citrus Hills.
There are many neighborhoods within the Villages of Citrus Hills including Clearview, Brentwood, Pine Ridge Estates and the original Citrus Hills development.
But nothing compares to the new exclusive Terra Vista. From the moment you pass through the impressive gated entrance and wind through the flower laden streets up, up and up to the pinnacle that is the Skyview, you know you are somewhere special.
And it doesn’t stop at the golf course, the tennis complex and olympic size swimming pool is rivaled by no other as well as the enormous club house and fine dining restaurant.
The evenings at Terra Vista are right out of a storybook. Cool breezes off the Gulf of Mexico mingle through the tree lined streets as magnificent street lights guide you on your evening walks with friends and neighbors.
Terra Vista of Citrus Hills is located in one of the fastest growing counties in Florida.
With all it’s great amenities and the spectacular opportunities that the surrounding area have to offer, The Villages of Citrus Hills and Terra Vista is one of the most desirable communities around. Named a “Top Master-Planned Community” by Where to Retire magazine, the welcoming Villages of Citrus Hills and Terra Vista await your arrival.
Topics: Citrus County Communities | No Comments »
Pine Ridge Equestrian Estates
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | February 16, 2008
Are you looking for a neighborhood that offers some piece and quite? A neighborhood that offers good old “Country Style” living and space to stretch out?
Then look no further than Pine Ridge Estates.
The spectacular wooded community of Pine Ridge Florida is one of the fastest growing in the area.
Located right in the middle of Citrus County, you are centrally located close to everything, yet you are secluded from it all.
The tall pines and rolling hills act as a natural buffer between you and the outside world.
Pine Ridge offers beautiful and elegant estate size homes in a wooded setting. Immaculate landscaping and lush foliage of all shapes and sizes make Pine Ridge Fl an attractive place to call home. Large wooded lots provide privacy and tranquility.
This is the ideal place to settle down to a comfortable country lifestyle.
Pine Ridge is also well known for housing the largest equestrian center in Citrus County.
This horse friendly community offers 28 miles of horseback riding trails that run through the wilderness from home to home through Pine Ridge Estates.
The world class equestrian center contains professional stables, paddocks and a training facility. If you don’t own a horse, it’s okay, chances are your new neighbors will and they’ll come calling on horseback.
Separate hiking trails also weave through Pine Ridge for those looking for a peaceful afternoon walk.
Woven into this gracious landscape and hillside is a championship caliber golf course.
The Pine Ridge Golf and Country Club allows you to play 18 holes of golf throughout the stunning backwoods of this community.
Pine Ridge Golf and Country Club is also equipped with a short 9 hole, par 27 golf course. Other outdoor accommodations include ample tennis courts, shuffle board, horse shoe pits, and a new playground for the younger families.
A new convenience center called Pine Ridge Crossings has also just opened and many residents can be found enjoying an old time ice cream cone at the new scoop shop.
With all the horseback riding and walking trails, gorgeous golf courses, and other daily activities, Pine Ridge accommodates all your outdoor needs along with offering you spacious wooded lots and a friendly community.
This is truly country living at its best.
Topics: Citrus County Communities | No Comments »
Crystal River
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | February 16, 2008
Crystal River Florida and King’s Bay are world famous as the “Manatee Capitol of the World”. People flock here from all over the world to experience this one of a kind experience. There are many local tour guides, boat rentals, and snorkel or dive shops located right on King’s Bay in Crystal River. The mild, 72 degree waters are maintained by a constant flow of millions of gallons of water per day from the deep natural springs. The manatees migrate into these warm waters during the cooler winter months making it a natural haven where you can swim with the manatee.
If this type of activity sounds appealing to you then this seaside lifestyle could be yours year round. Waterfront property and waterfront homes are available in Crystal River at still reasonable prices compared to other Florida waterfront areas. Imagine kayaking to your neighbor’s house.
Crystal River offers docking as well as dry dock storage for boaters, world class tarpon fishing just off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico and some of the best fresh water bass, brim and catfish in Florida. You can also fish here for grouper, cobia, red fish and sea trout. There is even Fort Island Gulf Beach just 9 miles west of Crystal River for those who just wish to relax.
Nearby waterfront communities like King’s Bay Drive, Fort Island Trail and Ozello Trail offer secluded waterfront living at its best. A drive through some of these areas is like going back in time to what “Old Florida” must have looked like hundreds of years ago. The pristine, untouched wetlands abound with native wildlife including gray heron, blue heron and egrets. In fact, much of the county is protected by state and local parks, preserves and refuges like the Homosassa State Wildlife Park, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, Citrus County’s 18 Birding trails, Withlacoochee State Forest, and Crystal River Archaeological State Park.
You cannot mention Crystal River without noting the palatial 232-acre Plantation Inn and Golf Resort with its meticulously manicured greens. There are in fact over a dozen world caliber gold courses in Citrus County including the prestigious Black Diamond Ranch, El Diablo, Seven Rivers Golf and Country Club and nearby World Woods practice facility.
Crystal River also has excellent dining and cannot be beat for great fresh seafood. Several restaurants, pubs and tiki bar
s on the water are boater friendly and you can dock right at the fine establishments. With seven rivers meandering through the region it won’t be hard to find just the right waterfront home for you. Be it bay front, riverfront or lakefront Citrus County has it all. And there are still many undeveloped waterfront lots in the county for new residents as well as prospective investors.
Crystal River, Florida is in the heart of the pristine Nature Coast! This beautiful area is one of the fastest growing in Florida, and there is no wonder. Crystal River has so much to offer singles, families, retired, and anyone else who is looking for a new, fresh, and exciting life.
Just a few minutes from anywhere in Crystal River is the sparkling and refreshing Gulf of Mexico, excellent for boating, fishing or just getting away from it all. There are also numerous rivers, lakes, and springs in the area including the Crystal River and The Homosassa River, both of which are spring fed. Along with the water comes many water activities including boating, canoing, kayaking, and don’t forget about swimming with the manatees. If underwater exploration sounds exciting to you, there are many local dive shops that rent boats, SCUBA diving and snorkel equipment as well as offer lessons.
One of the most popular activities in Crystal River Florida is swimming with the Manatees. Crystal River Florida is home to the endangered West Indian Manatee. Locals and tourists from around the world flock to Crystal River to swim with these giant, gentle sea cows. For just a small amount of money, you get gear, a guide, and a once in a lifetime chance to swim with these graceful creatures once mistaken for mermaids.
Crystal River
When you’re finished swimming with the manatees, grab some new friends and head out for a bite to eat. There are plenty of restaurants in the area. Some popular ones are Apple Bees, Chili’s, Cody’s Steakhouse, Fat Boys Bar-B-Q, Crackers on the Water and the Crystal River Ale House offering waterfront dinning.
There is a lot to do on the many sunny days that Crystal River has to offer. You can visit the Crystal River State Archeology Site, the Crysta River Wildlife Refuge, Fort Island Gulf Beach, or one of Citrus Counties 18 birding trails as well as an occasional outdoor concert at Rockcrusher Canyon. Crystal River Florida is truly a family fun community.
While Crystal River is away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, those large metropolitan areas are just a short car ride away. Take a day and drive to nearby Orlando or Tampa and go to huge malls and theme parks. Or go up the road about a half hour to Ocala, where you can go to Silver Springs Park or Wild Waters.
Crystal River is home to three schools, Crystal River Elementary, Crystal River Middle, and Crystal River High School. The Pirates of Crystal River High have won many sports and academic awards throughout the past few years. So come and cheer them on as they battle other area schools in various sporting events.
There are also several golf courses in Crystal River including Seven Rivers Golf Course and the near by Plantation Inn and Golf Resort.
With all that Crystal River has to offer, many people are calling this their new home
Topics: Citrus County Communities | No Comments »
Rates Up From Last Week
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | February 14, 2008
Rates Up From Last Week
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.72 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending February 14, 2008, up from last week when it averaged 5.67 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.30 percent.
Full Story
Topics: Real Estate News | No Comments »
Florida voters give thumb up to Amendment 1
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | January 29, 2008
By Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE — A ballot proposal that would cut property taxes an average of $240 a year for primary homeowners passed Tuesday, easily getting the 60 percent vote it needed.
With 71 percent of the expected vote counted, the proposed state constitutional amendment had 2,169,402 yes votes, or 64 percent, and 1,203,329 no votes, or 36 percent.
Amendment 1 is unlikely to be the last word on property tax relief in Florida, however.
Gov. Charlie Crist, who led the campaign to pass the proposed state constitutional amendment, said it’s just one step in a process he compared to a football game.
“This is the second play,” said Crist, a former high school quarterback. “We’ve got to keep driving down the field to get into the end zone for our people. This is just the start.”
The first play was a tax rollback, which did not require voter approval, that the Legislature passed last year. It’s estimated to save taxpayers up to $15 billion over five years, including $174 for the average homeowner in the first year.
Amendment 1 is expected to cut taxes another $9.3 billion in the first five years. It offers primary homeowners, or homesteaders, the estimated $240 annual savings — more for those who move — and other reductions for businesses, second homes and other non-homestead properties.
Local officials, public employee unions and other critics, though, said it would exacerbate inequities in Florida’s tax system and reduce vital public services including schools, fire protection, law enforcement.
The tax-cutting push was a response to exploding property values that jacked up tax bills mainly for owners of second or vacation homes and businesses rather than homesteaders who already benefit from an existing 3 percent cap on annual assessment increases.
The state’s current housing slump, though, is expected to reduce assessments somewhat.
The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which meets every 20 years, is considering other tax relief ideas including a proposal that would replace school property taxes with a broader sales tax on services and some goods now exempted. The commission will discuss its options Wednesday in the wake of the amendment’s passage.
The Legislature also could take another stab at property taxes, and a citizen initiative backed by House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, is gathering signatures for a proposal that would limit annual taxes to 1.35 percent of a property’s value. It’s not expected, though, to get on the ballot this year.
Amendment 1 cleared a high hurdle — it was the first Florida ballot proposal that needed 60 percent approval instead of a simple majority.
The Republican-controlled Legislature put that requirement on the 2006 ballot at the request of business interests that wanted to make it harder to amend the Florida Constitution. It was enacted with 58 percent voter approval.
The 60 percent advocates were worried mostly about citizen initiatives such as one measure voters passed in 2002 mandating bigger pens for pregnant pigs and another still in the petition phase that would require voter approval for changes in local growth plans.
Amendment 1, though, was supported by some of the same Republican lawmakers and business leaders who backed the 60 percent requirement.
A judge last year threw a more far-reaching tax-cutting measure off the ballot because it had a misleading summary. That proposal would have phased out the 3 percent Save Our Homes cap for homesteaders, who could have opted, instead, for a complicated “super exemption.”
When homes changed hands, though, the new owner would have received only a super exemption, so over time Save Our Homes would have disappeared.
That proposal was designed to reverse the shift in tax burden from homesteads to other types of property caused by Save Our Homes.
Worried how homeowners would react to the phase-out once obscured by the misleading ballot summary, lawmakers instead offered voters Amendment 1.
It was heavily tilted in favor of homesteaders, who make up the biggest segment of the electorate.
Amendment 1’s greatest benefit for primary homeowners comes from increasing the existing $25,000 homestead exemption. It will double, but only for non-school taxes and just for homes valued at more than $50,000.
Many homeowners have been saying they feel trapped because they would lose their accrued Save Our Homes benefits if they moved. Amendment 1 offers them a “portability” provision. It will let them take up to $500,000 worth of Save Our Home benefits to a new residence retroactive to homes sold in 2007.
Critics, though, said portability will widen the existing tax gap between homesteaders and other property owners. A lawsuit challenging the portability provision on constitutional equity grounds already has been filed.
The amendment also has a couple provisions to help non-homestead property. Businesses will get a $25,000 exemption on equipment and other tangible personal property and all non-homestead property will get a 10 percent annual assessment cap.
That cap, though, is unlikely to have much effect because few properties increase in value that much every year, particularly in today’s declining real estate market.
Topics: Real Estate Citrus County | No Comments »