​For many Americans, there are two events that tend to catch us off-guard every year, even though both events are set dates each year. They are Christmas and Tax Day. For business owners such as property owners and landlords, it is the perfect time of year to review your financial statements and think about ways to save on your upcoming tax bill, which is right around the corner. Now is not the time to get caught off-guard by the holidays and end up owing Uncle Sam more than necessary in 2016.

To help out, we decided to give rental property owners a list of deductions that might make sense for you to save on your upcoming tax bill, but you only have until the end of the year. Now is the time to start gathering those receipts and making any other end-of-the-year expenses.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your CPA prior to making serious financial decisions before the end of the year.

1) Loan Interest/Points. If there is a mortgage on any of your properties, the interest might be your largest deductible expense.

2) Depreciation of Assets. Generally speaking, this involves the value of a structure (not land), value of improvements, and equipment.

3) Taxes. This includes any property taxes, employee taxes and permit fees/inspection fees.

​For residents of DeLand, the recent buzz of activity regarding commercial development on the south end of town has everyone excited. With the new Publix completed, Starbucks in the works, and Chick-fil-A committed, there is a lot for people to be happy about!

Although this commercial activity is not as close to residents in the north end of town, those residents should not feel slighted and should expect more development in the near future. As Chili's led the way several years ago, Zaxby's and the Hampton Inn eventually followed. Recently, construction of a new Dairy Queen restaurant has begun next to Lowe's on International Speedway Blvd. Rumors of a new Applebees have also spread.

Residents of North DeLand can probably expect new developments in the future. Here is why:

1) The airport industrial area continues to grow with several large businesses in the area. Kingspan (U.K. based) and Frontier Communications (north location) each have a workforce of several hundred employees, and it is expected to grow. 

​Florida offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to retire in the Sunshine State, offering some of the best retirement communities in the world. In fact, you've probably heard of one community over the rest, The Villages.

The Villages is a mega-retirement community located in sections of Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. The population is more than 114,000. The community is popular because of its numerous golf courses, recreation centers, restaurants and shopping.

However, you don't have to live in The Villages to enjoy retirement life at its finest in Florida. We have an amazing retirement center in DeLand that offers a different experience. Cresswind at Victoria Gardens is a 55+ community located as part of the larger Victoria Park development in DeLand, Fla. The community has a lot to offer and is a completely different experience than The Villages.

Below are 7 reasons why Cresswind at Victoria Gardens might be the place to hang your hat instead of the Villages.

1) Conveniently located 20 minutes from New Smyrna Beach.

2) Only 45 minutes away from the Orlando theme parks.

3) Close to the St. Johns River and some of the best scenery that Central Florida has to offer.