John and I were able to drop our taxes in the mail to our preparer this past weekend!! What a great feeling. With taxes on my mind I wanted to share the link to the Camden County Tax assessors office where you can apply for your Homestead Tax Exemption (before April 1). Homestead Exemption Application
If you click on the link it will take you to the website with all the information you need to file for your Homestead exemption and what you are entitled to and how to apply. Anything we can do to save on taxes is a plus.
If you have all of that under control, here are some Fun Things Going On around town:
Visit St. Marys GA
Tickets
mollysoldsouth.com/st-marys-murder-mayhem-and-mimosas-walking-tour
An assassination plot. A deadly cane fight. A gruesome theft.
PLUS cocktails at lunchtime? Yes, please!
On this walking tour, soak in the town’s picturesque architecture as you hear tales of REAL murders and mayhem, some of which are more recent than you may expect!
Then we’ll make our own mayhem at Seagle’s Saloon, which will offer Happy Hour priced mimosas (or cocktails of your choosing) exclusively for our guests!
Date
Every Sunday: Time 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Price $20 per adult, $10 per child
Starting Point St. Marys Welcome Center 400 Osborne Street St. Marys, Georgia
Ending Point Seagle’s Saloon 105 Osborne Street St Marys, GA
Embark on a fun and education-filled adventure with our ranger, through some of the trails that make up Crooked River. See and learn about all the different plants and animals that call Crooked River home.
Be sure to dress appropriately and bring plenty of water
Tickets ezticketapp.com
The party doesn't end after the Mardi Gras concert on Saturday! Walk on down to Kingsland Station and experience our Mardi Gras Main Street Gala with live entertainment and New Orleans-style bites.
This is a fundraising event hosted by Florida-Georgia Railway Museum, Inc. & SALT Family Services, Inc. to promote mental wellness in our community.
Hours 8- 11
Music – Jazz music and live DJ to dance the night away in the “New Orleans Grand” courtyard
Cost includes: Mardi Gras mask (or you can choose to wear your own), New Orleans style buffet including: etoufee, jambalya, poboys, Mardi Gras influenced appetizers, non-alcoholic drinks , Louisiana style desserts to include, of course, a King Cake.
FREE parking and parking shuttle round trip train ride from the Kingsland Visitors Center at Exit 3 on I-95. The last train of the evening from Kingsland Station will get you back to your vehicle. (This is subject to change depending on crew availability, track conditions or weather conditions.)
Cost – $75 + $2 processing fee for individuals - $125 + $2 processing fee for a pair of tickets. Automatic $25 discount for the 2nd ticket will be applied at checkout.
Atlantic Rec Center
Tickets
www.simpletix.com/e/amelia-coastal-con-tickets-147001
Coastal Con is coming to the picturesque Amelia Island, February 9, 10, 11 2024! Prepare for a fantastic weekend filled with video games, tabletop, LARPing, and anime.
Featuring voice guests: Morgan Berry & Christina Kelly!
Join Underworld: Dark Harbor on a Live Action Role Play fantasy pirate adventure.
Test your skills in a Smash Bro's Tournament, the new Tekken 8 or just play with friends UDP Games. Experience cutting edge VR tech with Sunshine VR Zone.
Join Deep Dive Game's Magic, Lorcana and Pokemon Tournaments, or try your hand at D&D with some our DM's
Check out our fan art exhibition with the winners of our Fan Art Competition.
Take pictures with our cosplay guests, and show of your skills in our cosplay contest and our Family Cosplay Parade!
Want to Join Us as a part or the team? - Volunteer with us at https://ameliacoastalcon.com/volunteer.html
Convention Times:
Friday 2PM - 6:30 PM
Saturday 10:30AM - 6:30 PM Afterparty 8:45PM @ the Palace
Sunday 10:30AM - 6:30PM
TICKETS: Friday - $18 Saturday - $25 Sunday - $20 Weekend Pass - $45
We are excited to announce The City of Kingsland is welcoming K-BAY's Mardi Gras Festival to downtown Kingsland on February 10th from 9am to 8pm. You know we are going to have concerts, entertainment line up will be announced soon. Enjoy a full day of family friendly fun including music, a themed parade, traditional arts & crafts and food trucks, kids zone, demonstrations, Miss and Mr. Mardi Gras introductions, classic car show, your favorite adult beverages and more.
Stop by to build something awesome with us! Bring your own set or try one of ours. See you there!
All ages welcome~
Tickets
themosh.org/the-animation-academy-at-the-museum-of-science-history
Step into your favorite Saturday-morning cartoons and explore the remarkable world of storytelling through an animator’s perspective.
The Animation Academy, distributed by Exhibits Development Group and produced by Stage 9 Exhibitions, is a captivating and immersive traveling exhibition that invites visitors of all ages to leap into the fascinating realm of animation. This unique showcase provides a rare in-person glimpse into the magic behind some of the most treasured animated films and characters, and offers a comprehensive exploration of the art, science, technology, and history of animation.
15591 GA Highway 99, Darien, GA 31305-3557, United States
Tea Time! Valentine's Tea at Ashantilly on Saturday, February 10th at 4 pm. Bob Allison will be with us again on the piano and delicious Valentine treats will be offered by our Board and Joye Hanrahan. Wear your hats and gloves or come as you are...we will be having a tea-riffic afternoon! 40 seats available - RSVP needed at Events at http://Ashantillycenter.org Call if you want more information 912 437-4473.
Join Lou Ney of Cheat Code Cornhole & the Axe Chief of Unleashed at the biggest Cornhole Tournmanet in Kingsland! Every Friday!
Throw for the hole!! Register on the Scoreholio app https://scoreholio.app or just come in and sign up.
$10 entry fee. Bring your own bags or borrow ours!
February 2024
REAL ESTATE NEWS
Brought to you by Cathy Holman
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What to Know About Down Payment Gifts
There are many rules and regulations when buying a home through a lender. For example, your lender needs to know the source of your down payment money. If you are considering giving or receiving any down payment assistance, here’s a breakdown of common rules and requirements.
What Are Down Payment Gifts?
A down payment gift is money that a buyer receives from someone else to use toward a down payment or closing costs during a home purchase. Down payment gifts do not need to be paid back.
Gift Rules and Gift Letters
Different loan types have different restrictions on who can provide financial gifts, how those gifts can be used, and how they need to be documented. Regardless of loan type, most lenders require a gift letter that documents the details of who is gifting the money, what their relationship is to the buyer, and how much is being given. This letter also states that money does not need to be repaid and must be signed by the donor. Verification of sufficient funds and documentation of fund transfer is often required as well.
Conventional Loan Gift Rules
Conventional loan lenders often allow buyers to use gift money for down payments, closing costs, or financial reserves. However, sources of gift money are restricted to romantic partners and family members. Down payment gifts on conventional loans cannot be used for investment properties.
FHA Loan Gift Rules
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans allow buyers to use gift money to pay for closing costs, mortgage expenses, or down payments. Friends, family, employers, and other entities can gift this money. In addition to a gift letter, you need to provide evidence of both withdrawal from the source account and deposit to your account.
In Canada, while the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) does not offer loans directly, they provide insurance for mortgage loans that can facilitate gifts for down payments. Like FHA loans, these gifts can come from various sources with proper documentation.
USDA Loan Gift Rules
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans offer unique benefits to buyers in rural areas by requiring zero money down on the purchase of a property. As such, gift funds aren’t often used toward a down payment for USDA loans, but it can be used to pay for some or all of the loan's closing costs. This money cannot be used as financial reserves to help you make mortgage payments. Gifts for a USDA loan can come only from family members, employers, a labor union, a charitable organization, or a homeowners assistance program.
VA Loan Gift Rules
Like USDA loans, you are not required to make a down payment when applying for a Veteran’s Affairs (VA) loan. You can use gift funds if you decide to make a down payment or would like to cover your closing costs. You can also use this money to pay for the funding fee that is often required with this type of loan. Almost any person can gift you this money.
In Canada, Canadian Forces members may have similar benefits, with provisions allowing gifts to cover various mortgage-related expenses.
If you are considering using a financial gift to purchase a home, speak with your lender about their gift rules before applying.
The Transformation of Empty Offices
One of the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is that over 25% of households have at least one person working remotely. This leaves a lot of vacancies in office buildings that were previously bustling with in-person workers. While many of these offices have remained empty for months, some have been developed for alternative use. Here's a closer look at what's happening to empty office spaces.
Affordable Housing
Many, especially those living in urban areas, have felt the squeeze of affordable housing. To alleviate rising home prices and offer more affordable housing, the government has launched an initiative to transform empty office spaces into affordable housing. This effort is focused on creating housing near transportation hubs, which includes subway stations and bus terminals. Not only will this effort result in more affordable housing, but it is expected to revitalize metropolitan areas that have emptied over the last 3 years.
Residential Spaces
Housing inventory remains low, but demand remains high, so some building owners are seizing this opportunity to convert their empty offices into residential spaces. While there are challenges that come with converting office buildings into multifamily residential properties – plumbing, windows, and HVAC for each unit – property owners can benefit from not having to build from scratch.
Coworking Spaces
Property owners are also converting vacant offices into coworking spaces. Coworking spaces are attractive to work-from-home-ers who are looking for a change of scenery or collaboration one or two days per week. Additionally, small businesses and sole proprietorships are moving to coworking spaces to avoid the high overheads that occur when leasing a centralized office. A bonus for building owners is that coworking offices are rented out on a short-term basis and can generate higher revenue than traditional offices. However, managing a coworking space and keeping it at capacity (and profitable) can be a challenge.
Trending: Vertical Farms
Although less common than affordable housing and coworking spaces, empty offices are also being converted into vertical farms. During the 21st century, vertical farming has become increasingly common in urban areas where open land is scarce. Vertical farming avoids the challenges that occur in traditional farming, such as irregular precipitation and damaging weather. By growing crops indoors and focusing on those that can thrive in this artificial environment, it's possible to mitigate the risks and unpredictability associated with growing crops outside.
With so many offices still lying vacant, there's a good chance that more alternative uses for these properties will be discovered in the coming years.
QUESTIONS? VISIT HolmanSellHomes.com
Cathy Holman
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Esate
717-801-5900 direct
912-673-7373 office
cathy@holmansellhomes.com
HolmanSellHomes.com
If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. ©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.