• A Taste of Paris in Fort Lauderdale,Melissa Carbonell

    A Taste of Paris in Fort Lauderdale

    Cafe Bastille: Bringing a Taste of Paris to Fort Lauderdale https://youtube.com/shorts/-JUvsuQIIJY?feature=share We are thrilled to welcome Cafe Bastille French Bistro - Downtown Miami Fort Lauderdale DowntownLooking for the perfect spot for a productive working lunch or a delightful brunch with friends? Look no further! Café Bastille offers a cozy ambiance, delectable dishes, and top-notch service that will make you feel right at home. 🍳🥐🍹 Check out their picturesque outdoor space & delicious bites that we had for lunch📸📍 Location: 704 SE 1st St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA Cafe Bastille: Bringing a Taste of Paris to Fort LauderdaleNestled in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Cafe Bastille is a hidden gem that transports you straight to the charming streets of Paris. This beloved brunch spot has been serving up delectable French cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere since its opening in 2022. A Passion for Authentic French FareThe menu at Cafe Bastille is a culinary journey through France, with each dish crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. From the flaky, buttery croissants and pain au chocolat baked fresh daily to the savory crepes and omelets, every bite is a testament to the owners' commitment to authenticity. One of the standout dishes is the French Breakfast Burrito, a unique twist on a classic that combines fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla. Another must-try is the Turkish Eggs, a delightful combination of poached eggs, yogurt, and a spicy tomato sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. A Cozy and Inviting AtmosphereStep inside Cafe Bastille and you'll be greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the delicious food. The charming decor, with its exposed brick walls and vintage-inspired furnishings, creates a relaxed and intimate setting perfect for a leisurely brunch with friends or a romantic date. The outdoor seating area is a particular highlight, offering a perfect spot to people-watch and soak up the vibrant energy of downtown Fort Lauderdale. On weekends, the cafe comes alive with the sounds of live music, adding to the already lively and festive atmosphere.A Brunch Lover's Paradise Cafe Bastille is a brunch lover's paradise, serving up its popular menu all day, every day. Whether you're in the mood for a classic French toast, a hearty eggs benedict, or a refreshing avocado toast, you'll find it all at this beloved cafe.The cafe also offers a range of specialty coffees, fresh juices, and smoothies, making it the perfect spot to start your day or refuel after a busy morning exploring the city. A Taste of Paris in Fort LauderdaleIf you're looking for a taste of Paris without the long flight, head to Cafe Bastille in Fort Lauderdale. With its authentic French cuisine, cozy atmosphere, and commitment to quality, it's no wonder this cafe has quickly become a local favorite.  Whether you're a brunch enthusiast or simply appreciate good food and good company, Cafe Bastille is a must-visit destination in Fort Lauderdale.  

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  • Understanding Your Tax Basis for 2024!,Melissa Carbonell

    Understanding Your Tax Basis for 2024!

    Understanding Your Tax Basis for 2024! Navigating the world of real estate can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding your tax obligations. Whether you're a seller looking to maximize your profits or a buyer eager to make a smart investment, determining your tax basis is crucial for making informed decisions. This blog will guide you through the essential aspects of calculating your tax basis for 2024, with particular attention to those considering a move to Fort Lauderdale. What is Tax Basis? Your tax basis in real estate is essentially the amount you have invested in a property, which includes the purchase price plus any additional costs incurred during ownership. It serves as the foundation for calculating capital gains or losses when you sell the property. Understanding your tax basis can help you minimize taxes and maximize your financial outcomes. For Sellers: Calculating Your Tax Basis When selling a property, determining your tax basis involves several steps: 1. Initial Purchase Price: Start with the original price you paid for the home. This figure is straightforward but should be documented accurately. 2. Closing Costs: Include any closing costs that were part of the purchase, such as title insurance, legal fees, and recording fees. These costs can add up and should not be overlooked. 3. Improvements: Any significant improvements made to the property—like adding a new roof, remodeling a kitchen, or finishing a basement—can increase your tax basis. Keep all receipts and documentation as proof of these expenses. 4. Depreciation: If you rented out the property, you might have claimed depreciation on your taxes. This will reduce your tax basis when you sell, so it's essential to factor this in. 5. Selling Expenses: When selling, certain expenses like agent commissions and advertising costs can also be deducted from your sale price when calculating capital gains. By carefully documenting each of these components, sellers can ensure they have an accurate calculation of their tax basis, which will ultimately affect their capital gains tax liability. For Buyers: Establishing Your Tax Basis As a buyer in 2024—especially if you're considering moving to Fort Lauderdale—understanding how to establish your own tax basis is equally important: 1. Purchase Price: The initial amount paid for the property will form the core of your tax basis. 2. Additional Costs: Just like sellers, buyers should account for closing costs associated with purchasing the home. These may include inspection fees, appraisal fees, and loan origination fees. 3. Future Improvements: If you plan on making any renovations or improvements after purchasing the home, keep track of those expenses as they will increase your tax basis over time. 4. Property Tax Assessments: While not directly affecting your initial tax basis, knowing how local property taxes in Fort Lauderdale may impact future assessments can help inform long-term financial planning. 5. Documentation: Maintain organized records of all transactions related to the purchase and any subsequent improvements made to ensure that you are prepared come tax season. Special Considerations for Fort Lauderdale Residents Fort Lauderdale offers unique advantages that may influence both buyers and sellers regarding their tax implications: - Market Trends: The real estate market in Fort Lauderdale has been experiencing growth due to its desirable location and lifestyle offerings. As of February 2024, the median sale price for homes was reported at $561,000, reflecting a substantial 17.6% rise from the previous year. Understanding local market trends can help both buyers and sellers make informed decisions about timing their transactions. - Homestead Exemption: Florida offers homestead exemptions that can significantly reduce property taxes for primary residences. As a new homeowner in Fort Lauderdale, be sure to apply for this exemption if eligible—it could lower your overall taxable value! - Investment Properties: If you're considering purchasing an investment property in Fort Lauderdale, familiarize yourself with local rental laws and potential deductions available for landlords. Conclusion Determining your tax basis is an essential step whether you're buying or selling real estate in 2024 especially if you're relocating to vibrant areas like Fort Lauderdale. By understanding how to calculate and document all relevant expenses associated with your property transaction, you can better navigate potential capital gains taxes and make more informed financial decisions. As always, it’s advisable to consult with a real estate professional or a tax advisor who understands local laws and regulations before finalizing any transactions or investments. With careful planning and knowledge at hand, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the complexities of real estate taxation in 2024!  How to Determine your Tax Basis for 2024!    

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  • Understanding Portability in Fort Lauderdale FL,Melissa Carbonell

    Understanding Portability in Fort Lauderdale FL

    Navigating the real estate market can be a daunting task, especially when it involves understanding the various financial benefits and tax implications. One such benefit that often goes overlooked is portability, particularly in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Portability allows homeowners to transfer their property tax savings from one homestead to another within the state, making it an essential consideration for anyone planning to move within Florida. 1. Fort Lauderdale Portability Portability in Fort Lauderdale refers to the ability of homeowners to transfer their "Save Our Homes" (SOH) benefit from their current homestead to a new one. The SOH benefit is a Florida constitutional amendment that limits the annual increase of assessed value of homestead property to 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. This cap can lead to significant tax savings over time.  When you decide to move within Florida, portability allows you to carry over this accumulated tax benefit to your new home, effectively lowering your property taxes on your new residence. This can be a substantial financial advantage, especially in high-value real estate markets like Fort Lauderdale. 2. Portability Protected Value The concept of Portability Protected Value is central to understanding how portability works. Essentially, this value is the difference between the market value and the assessed value of your current homestead due to the SOH cap. When you move, this difference can be transferred and applied to your new home's assessed value, thereby reducing its taxable amount. For example, if your current home has a market value of $500,000 but an assessed value of $300,000 due to the SOH cap, you have a Portability Protected Value of $200,000. If you purchase a new home valued at $600,000, you can apply this $200,000 difference to your new home's assessed value. As a result, your new home's taxable value would be reduced from $600,000 to $400,000. 3. Maximum Portability You Can Have While portability offers significant benefits, it's essential to understand its limitations. The maximum portability you can have is currently capped at $500,000. This means that even if your Portability Protected Value exceeds this amount, only up to $500,000 can be transferred to your new homestead. It's also worth noting that portability must be used within two years of selling your previous homestead. If you wait longer than this period before purchasing a new home and applying for portability benefits, you'll lose the opportunity all together. 4. Move to Fort Lauderdale with Portability Fort Lauderdale offers an appealing mix of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving job market. If you're considering making Fort Lauderdale your new home and already own property elsewhere in Florida, taking advantage of portability can make your move financially smoother. First-time buyers moving into Fort Lauderdale should also consider purchasing homes from sellers who have benefited from portability themselves. Such properties might have lower assessed values due to transferred SOH benefits, potentially lowering future tax liabilities for subsequent owners. To initiate the portability process when moving within Florida: 1. File for Homestead Exemption: Ensure that your current property has been granted a Homestead Exemption. 2. Complete Form DR-501T: This form is used for transferring the assessment difference from one property to another. 3. Submit Timely: Make sure all forms are submitted by March 1st following the year you establish residency in your new home. In summary, understanding and leveraging portability in Fort Lauderdale can lead to significant property tax savings when moving within Florida. By transferring your accumulated "Save Our Homes" benefit from one homestead to another, you can reduce the taxable value of your new property and ease some financial pressures associated with relocating. Whether you're upsizing or downsizing within sunny Fort Lauderdale or another part of Florida's picturesque landscape, knowing how portability works will help you make more informed real estate decisions.   Watch Full Version:Understanding Appraisals & Property Taxes in Fort Lauderdale | Save Money on Your Home! 🏡

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