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Solar panels and battery backup systems are becoming increasingly common on Florida homes. But if you’re buying a home with solar, there is an important piece of due diligence that shouldn’t be overlooked. I recently experienced this firsthand when a client was purchasing a home with Tesla solar panels and a backup battery system. It required learning not only about the technology, but also about the financial and contractual obligations that can come with it. Who Owns the Solar Panels? Before entering into a contract, buyers should determine whether the solar system is: Owned outright Financed Leased This distinction matters because solar…

Buying a luxury home in South Florida is about much more than finding the right location, architectural style, or view. Whether you are considering a waterfront estate, a golf community residence, or a luxury condominium, the purchase price is only one part of the financial picture. Before making an offer, today’s sophisticated buyer should understand the true cost of ownership. Planning ahead can help avoid surprises and ensure that your new home fits comfortably within your long-term lifestyle and financial goals. 1. Insurance Can Be a Significant Expense Insurance is one of the first expenses luxury buyers should investigate—before the inspection…

One of the biggest decisions homebuyers face is whether to purchase a brand-new build or an existing home. Each path offers distinct financial, lifestyle, and logistical trade-offs, and the right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and long-term priorities. New Construction Homes The Pros Everything is brand new: From the roof and HVAC system to appliances and flooring, new builds require minimal maintenance during the first several years. Modern energy efficiency: Newer homes adhere to updated building codes and incorporate modern insulation, high-efficiency windows, and advanced HVAC systems, which can significantly lower monthly utility bills. …

Buying a home in South Florida means preparing for more than sunshine and coastal living. It also means understanding one of the region’s most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of homeownership: property insurance. Unlike many parts of the country, protecting a home here often requires two separate types of coverage—windstorm insurance and flood insurance. Understanding how they work together can help you avoid costly surprises and better protect your investment. The Golden Rule: Wind and Flood Are Not the Same The single most critical concept to grasp in South Florida is the…

2026 Hurricane Preparedness Guide The 2026 hurricane season is fast approaching. NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30, predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of…

Real estate scams, including wire fraud, title theft, and fake listings, are increasingly common. Scammers impersonate professionals to steal funds or personal information, often using phishing or spoofed emails to steal closing costs or forge ownership documents. Protect yourself by independently verifying all wire instructions via phone and watching for urgent requests or too-good-to-be-true deals. Scammers might use deepfake-generated audio or video to impersonate buyers, sellers, real estate agents, real estate lawyers, title agents or other professionals. Common Real Estate Scams Wire Fraud: Fraudsters hack emails or spoof agents/title companies to send fake wiring instructions for closing costs and down payments. Title/Deed Fraud: Scammers forge…

Homeownership comes with several tax benefits that can help reduce your federal income tax bill. Some of the key 2025 homeowner tax advantages (deductions and credits) available to homeowners include: Mortgage Interest Deduction – You can deduct interest paid on your mortgage for your primary residence (and sometimes a second home) up to a limit ($750,000 for loans taken after Dec. 15, 2017; $1 million for older loans). You will find a summary of your mortgage interest payments on Form 1098, which lenders send out around the end of January. Property Tax Deduction – Increased SALT…

Buying a fixer-upper offers pros like lower purchase prices, less competition, and total customization for building equity, but comes with significant cons including hidden costs, major time commitments, unexpected problems (like bad wiring), and lifestyle disruptions from living through renovations, requiring deep pockets and patience to succeed. It’s a great investment if planned well but can become a “money pit” if you underestimate the work or skip due diligence like inspections. A fixer-upper is best for those with patience, a strong budget buffer, DIY skills (or money for contractors), and a clear vision,…

The National Association of REALTORS® is forecasting a 14% increase in existing home sales in 2026, driven by higher inventory, modest affordability improvements, and a more accommodative Federal Reserve policy. NAR 2026 Housing Forecast South Florida ended 2025 with improving momentum but mixed pricing trends. Year-end market reports showed rising sales activity in the second half of 2025, with average sale prices increasing approximately 4%–5% year-over-year to roughly $770,000. New listings and pending sales also increased, while the condominium market experienced softer conditions due to higher inventory and insurance costs. MIAMI Realtors® 2025…