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As required by the recent National Association of Realtors Settlement Agreement, starting August 17th, 2024, all real estate brokers providing brokerage services to a buyer will be required to have the buyer execute an Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement before touring any homes. Buyers should know that after Aug. 17: ·      If you are a buyer and your agent is using an MLS, you will need to sign a written agreement with your agent before touring a home so you understand exactly what services will be provided and for how much. ·      Written agreements are required for both in-person and live virtual home tours. ·      You do…

Approximately 50% of Floridians live in communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs), sometimes referred to a property owners associations (POAs).  These associations, which govern various aspects of community living, such as property maintenance and shared amenities, can provide numerous benefits but may impose certain restrictions on homeowners. To make informed decisions while purchasing a home governed by a homeowners association (HOA), prospective buyers must be aware of the rules set forth by the HOA and how those rules interact with local ordinances and…

An exclusive buyer’s agent (EBA)is hired to help you with a big monetary decision, which is also a big personal decision. There is a wide variety in the quality of that fiduciary (financial) advice you will get, depending on the agent you choose. An EBA is required to help their client get the best price and the best terms for the property that they want to buy. They are bound to help protect their client’s financial interests throughout the buying process. How does buyer brokerage work?  The company – traditional offices: An agent who works with a buyer — and has a…

Have big plans for this summer? Many families across Florida and the nation will spend time away from home during the summer months. To fully enjoy those activities and other summertime pursuits spent away from home, homeowners should take precautions to protect their residences when they’re not around. Crime rates across the country often start to peak as temperatures rise during the warm weather months – the same time that many families leave their homes unoccupied and unprotected. Homeowners can take these simple precautions to make their homes less of a target for criminals: No “Home Alone”: Before leaving your home during…

The Department of Justice, in its regulatory capacity, has recently intervened to reshape commission structures, a move that will trigger a multitude of changes, especially for home buyers. The National Association of Realtors ( NAR) settlement has not yet been accepted. It is proposed to go into effect at the end of June to mid-July. The results of the NAR Settlement means that: 1.    NAR owned multiple listing services ( MLS) are prohibited from sharing offers of compensation to Buyers. 2.   MLS members are required to enter into written agreements with the buyers disclosing how they will be paid and by whom before showing a…