Stubborn seller's struggle to sell in buyer's market

South Florida housing sales plunged in April, while prices mostly held steady. That's no way to unload property in a buyer's market, as sellers are discovering.

PROPERTY TAXES - Group pushes for property tax-cut vote

A Miami-based citizens' group with some influential backers is preparing to launch a statewide petition drive for a constitutional amendment to lower property taxes.

6 reasons your home isn't selling

So, you're in agony because your home has languished on the market week after week. Here are some culprits that may be keeping buyers away in droves.

Find a superstar real-estate agent

The woods are full of agents these days, and many are beginners. Here are the eight questions you can ask to separate the average agents from the experienced heavy hitters.

WHAT YOU WOULD PAY

Under the House Democrats' plan, each county would base property-tax exemptions on ''just value,'' the median government-set market value, for single-family homes there. Owners of primary homes would get a homestead exemption equal to half that, plus the existing $25,000 exemption. Examples of how it would work:

• Miami-Dade: The maximum exemption is $129,982; median home value is $209,964 for the current tax year.

Current situation: If a home has a just value of $450,000 and is purchased today, new owner would pay taxes on $425,000 at 21.795 mills, resulting in a $9,263 bill.

New plan: Homeowner would get $25,000 homestead exemption, plus an additional $104,991 exemption. The homeowner would pay taxes on $320,018, resulting in a bill of $6,975 -- and savings of $2,288 a year.

• Broward: The maximum exemption is $130,365; median home value is $210,730.

Current situation: If a home is valued at $450,000 and is purchased today, the new owner would pay taxes on $425,000 at 22.065 mills, resulting in a $9,378 bill.

New plan: Homeowner would get $25,000 homestead exemption, plus $105,363. The homeowner would pay taxes on $319,635, resulting in a bill of $7,053 -- and savings of $2,325.

• Monroe: The maximum exemption is $274,110; the median home value is $498,210.

Current situation: If a home is valued at $550,000 and is purchased today, the new owner would pay taxes on $525,000 at 8.606 mills, resulting in a $4,518 bill.

New plan: homeowner would get $25,000 homestead exemption, plus an additional $249,110. Homeowner would pay taxes on $275,890, resulting in a bill of $2,374 -- and savings of $2,144.

MARY ELLEN KLAS AND MARC CAPUTO

Seniors likely to get a homestead boost

Low-income seniors across South Florida may soon be eligible for an extra $25,000 exemption on their property tax bill.

Lawmakers put off property tax solution until June

TALLAHASSEE -- Property owners waiting to hear from the Florida Legislature about how much their taxes will be cut will have to hold on at least another month: Battling lawmakers gave up Wednesday on trying to find a solution and will come back in June.