Tax-Friendly Florida - Florida might offer the best homestead exemption in the country Many states raise tax rates when they're struggling to collect revenues. The well-to-do and even the not so well-to-do begin looking for ways to minimize their income tax obligations. And some states with income taxes also collect state death taxes as well. When these two taxes are coupled together, it can provide a huge incentive for individuals to look for a more desirable and less taxing place to … [Read more...]
34 Trends That Will Define Home Design in 2020
To get an idea of what’s to come, we browsed thousands of home design photos, spoke with countless home design professionals, consulted the latest Houzz data and research, and looked at past articles to create a snapshot of home design trends we think will excite homeowners in 2020. It’s not only a new year but a new decade. And what the months and years ahead will bring is anyone’s guess. One thing is for sure, though: The modern home and how people choose to live in it will constantly be … [Read more...]
The New Useppa Island
The wind whips through your hair as a ferry zips through the mangroves that line Pine Island Sound. In the distance, a small island appears on the horizon. It’s a place where cars are forbidden, where croquet is king and where, each morning, children are instructed to be home by sundown. Welcome to Useppa Island. Once frequented by pirates and captains of industry, Useppa Island has long been a place for people looking for respite from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. But as … [Read more...]
Home Lighting Guide
Home lighting - What and Where When it comes to lighting, not all bulbs are created equal. And, neither are types of lighting, locations of lighting, styles of lighting... you get the idea. Different rooms are suitable for different types of fixtures, and it can all get confusing. If you’re wondering what the best place is for that chandelier or wall sconce, here are some basics. Three major types of lighting The first place to start when it comes to lighting is learning the three … [Read more...]
Popular Contemporary Paint Color Guide
What to know about contemporary paint colors. From avocado green to millennial pink, trends in interior paint colors have come and gone. So how do you choose a color palette that looks fresh right now, but you’ll still love tomorrow? Find out in this exclusive interview with Sherwin-Williams color expert Sue Wadden. What defines a contemporary paint color for home interiors? Contemporary home design is all about the “now” and making a bold design statement. There’s currently a … [Read more...]
Tile: now comes in a myriad of looks and colors
Turn to tile for a high-impact finish that can offer design choices from traditional to modern. Tile trends for 2019 will appeal to those who like their home decor bold, dramatic and colorful or more subdued, timeless and classic. “The tile world is in consistent evolution,” said Laura Grilli, senior product development manager at manufacturer Daltile. Innovation is the key not only from a design standpoint but in terms of technology and installation, she said. Tile Uses and … [Read more...]
How to Buy a Vacation Home in 5 Steps
Owning a vacation home may be easier than you think. Turn your getaway daydreams into reality — this guide will walk you through it, step by step. Dream of owning a vacation home but find the idea of buying one too intimidating? Here’s a guide to help you analyze your options. 1. Match housing choices to your lifestyle Many people assume they must own a primary residence before owning a vacation home, but that’s not necessarily true. What’s really important … [Read more...]
The Quiet Side of Florida – Discover Useppa Island
Discover Useppa Island - Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast provides a stark contrast to the I-95 corridor and high rise beach development of some of the more populated areas of Florida's east coast. Just imagine, 25-miles of pristine barrier islands, from Sanibel north to Boca Grande, with a 3-story height limit, and an ecosystem largely preserved as it was 100 years ago. Now, imagine forever views of sea, sky and foliage, to the north and south along Pine Island Sound. A protected area … [Read more...]
5 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Vacation Home
You've just returned from a trip to the beach. You ask yourself: Why should I continue to pay rental fees when I could own a vacation home and rent it out? Unless you're fairly wealthy, you'll need to make sure you can commit to buying a seasonal home before you start shopping around. Here are five indications that you're ready to take the plunge: 1. You can afford one Can you afford to own a vacation home? If the answer to that question is yes, that's probably the most obvious sign that … [Read more...]
Living on a Sandbar of History
The preservation of human history and the environment that shaped it is a fascination to most people. Proof of that is found in the dedication of many volunteers and a few professionals to building and maintaining museums, even for the smallest of communities. Useppa is certainly one of the smallest, with our 100 acre, 1 ¼ mile long island occupied by just 115 homes, a club, and the Barbara Sumwalt Museum of the Useppa Island Historical Society. Created by passionate residents and a … [Read more...]
