Enjoy an afternoon with Smith Mountain Lake, Virigina.

On Saturday February 23rd from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Himmarshee Bar and Grill in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, take the opportunity to learn more about vacations and retirement living on Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Affordable living, golf, tennis, waterfront dining... and so much more! For reservations to our cocktail party, please email jayw@marinerslanding.com or call 804.278.9672.

Log and Timber Home Show

Dreaming of a log or timber home? The Log & Timber Home Show is coming to Orlando, FL! The Orange County Convention Center is the site for this premier marketplace for those seeking log or timber home packages, finishing materials, furniture, lighting and financing. You don't have to trek across the country to speak one-on-one with leading log and timber providers because they're all under one roof! This three-day event offers you the chance to meet with up to 150 exhibitors from March 7 – 9, 2008.

Florida Migration

For the second year in a row in 2007, Atlas Van Lines moved more people out of Florida than into the state, reflecting what Floridians are seeing everyday – friends and neighbors moving away. Where are they going? Apparently many Floridian’s agree with North Carolina’s tagline, “A Better Place.” Analysts say the migration to the Carolinas and other adjoining states such as Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee has to do with a lower cost of living and other expenses including property taxes, insurance, and impact fees. Learn more.

Skis Please!

Sugar Ski Mountain in Western North Carolina is open! Check their website for ski conditions and hours of operation. The nearby Pinnacle Inn Resort is offering great lodging values for your ski vacation.

Proposed Florida Property Tax Breaks

The constitutional amendment that would provide tax breaks to Florida property owners goes to the voters on January 29. The amendment calls for doubling the $25,000 homestead exemption AND it allows a homesteader to take a 3 percent property tax increase cap with them to another home.

For Florida Halfbacks who are stuck with a home for sale in Florida’s sluggish real estate market and need to sell it to find their home in the mountains, these proposed tax breaks may well jump start Florida home sales. Buyers within Florida will have assurance of property tax breaks and are likely to get the market moving again, allowing Florida Halfback sellers the opportunity they are waiting for in the mountains!

Also keeping Floridian’s interest in the value of the Euro and the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Favorable conditions for foreigners may also prompt real estate sales.

Real estate is “looking up” in the mountains

The national news paints a gloomy picture of the real estate market. But ask any Floridian looking for their spot in the mountains. Second home buyers know that now is the time to buy! Check out the real estate professionals and listings on www.FloridaHalfbacks.com to find your mountain or lake home.

Fall Color

Fall color typically begins in early October and lasts for as long as six weeks. While the region is currently experiencing summer-like weather, cold fronts are on the way and leaf color changes are in the very early stages. Floridians seeking mountain color changes and cooler temperatures should be making plans now to visit the mountain and lake regions for a showcase of deep colors during the middle to latter part of October. The diversity of plants and trees, along with the changing terrain in the Appalachian Mountains, cause vibrant colors and typically a longer fall season. Visit www.FloridaHalfbacks.com to find your place in the mountains!