Sage Counsel Realty

10/11/2026

🌿 HURRICANE RECOVERY TIPS 🌿

FROM SAGE COUNSEL REALTY

As our community begins to recover, take it one step at a time.

🏠 RETURN HOME SAFELY
Only return when officials say it’s safe.

⚡ WATCH FOR POWER HAZARDS
Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the utility company.

📸 DOCUMENT DAMAGE
Take photos before cleanup and contact your insurance company to start a claim.

🧤 PROTECT YOURSELF
Wear sturdy shoes and gloves while clearing debris.

🔌 USE GENERATORS SAFELY
Keep generators outdoors, away from doors and windows.

💧 AVOID FLOODWATER
Floodwater may contain dangerous debris and other hazards.

🤝 LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER
Check on neighbors and watch for repair or insurance scams.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Recovery takes time. Please be patient with yourself and your community.

Together, we are stronger.

SAGE COUNSEL REALTY
Because we Sage So!!

10/08/2026

As storm preparations continue, public schools across our local area will be closed. Be sure to check in with your local school district for any updates and make sure you know your evacuation zone if you live off base:

🏫 SCHOOL CLOSURES

- Okaloosa County Schools: CLOSED
- Santa Rosa County Schools: CLOSED
- Walton County Schools: CLOSED

🗺 NOW YOUR EVACUATION ZONE

- Okaloosa County Evacuation Zones: https://myokaloosa.com/ps/evacuation

- Santa Rosa County Evacuation Zones and Alerts: https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/667/Be-Informed

- Walton County Evacuation Zones: https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1515/Evacuations-in-Walton-County

Walton County Board of County CommissionersCounty Administration76 N 6th StreetP.O. Box 1355DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 4:30 pmFriday: 8 am to 3:30 pm.County Phone Directory

10/07/2026

Military moves come with more than boxes. There are orders, deadlines, financing questions, commute considerations and the challenge of creating stability in a new community.

At Sage Counsel Realty, we understand that relocation is not simply about finding an address. It is about helping you evaluate your housing options, understand the Emerald Coast and create a practical plan that works with your timeline.

Whether you are buying, selling, renting or preparing for your next assignment, we provide responsive guidance through every step.

Your orders may determine the destination but you deserve support making it feel like home. 🏡

📞 850.374.3137
🌐 sagecounselrealty.com

10/06/2026

09/28/2026

TODAY’S RATES. SMARTER STRATEGY. 🏡

Higher interest rates do not mean homeownership is out of reach. They mean your buying strategy matters more than ever.

SAGE ADVICE FOR TODAY’S BUYERS:

• Look beyond the advertised interest rate
• Ask about seller paid closing costs
• Explore an interest rate buydown with a qualified lender
• Negotiate repairs or the purchase price
• Review the true monthly payment before making an offer

The right home is not just one you qualify for it is one that fits your budget and your real life.

At Sage Counsel Realty, we help you understand the numbers, negotiate with confidence and create a buying plan around your goals.

Ready to make a smart move?

SAGE COUNSEL REALTY
📞 850.374.3137

09/27/2026

🏡 FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS AMENDMENT 3 IS ONE TO WATCH!

Florida voters will make a major decision about property taxes on November 3, 2026.

If Amendment 3 receives the required 60% voter approval, it would significantly expand the homestead exemption on non school property taxes:

🔑 Up to $150,000 in 2027
🔑 Up to $250,000 in 2028
🔑 Inflation adjustments beginning in 2029
🔑 The annual assessment-increase cap on non homestead properties, including rentals and commercial properties, would drop from 10% to 5%.

So what could this mean for Florida homeownership?

For qualifying homeowners, a larger portion of their home’s assessed value could be protected from certain property taxes potentially reducing the ongoing cost of owning a home. For investors and rental property owners, the lower assessment cap could also provide greater predictability in future property tax assessments.

There is another important detail: eligibility for the expanded homestead benefit depends partly on when Florida residency is established, so buyers relocating to Florida need to understand that the benefit may not apply immediately.

Florida Realtors has officially announced its support for Amendment 3, citing property tax relief and homeownership affordability. The proposal also has critics who are concerned about the reduction in local government property tax revenue and its potential effect on locally funded services.

📌 Bottom line: Amendment 3 has NOT passed yet. Florida voters will decide in November.

As real estate professionals, our job is to make sure buyers, sellers, homeowners and investors understand what is being proposed and how it could affect the true cost of owning Florida real estate.

Sage Counsel Realty
Real estate isn’t just about the purchase price. It’s about understanding the cost of ownership, too.