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Most people relocate to South Florida for a few reasons. Retirement, job opportunity, second home, tax savings, lifestyle, and to be closer to family to name just a few. Relocating to a new state or region can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to settling into an unfamiliar community. Whether you’ve moved locally before or this is your first big relocation, there’s more to it than just packing boxes and changing addresses.   Finding the right city or neighborhood will make all the difference in your satisfaction with your decisions. Here are a few  key tips to help make the relocation transition smoother,…

With the recent “disasters” nationwide, it has become clear to me that very few homeowners understand that they need to ensure that their policies cover replacement cost for their homes.  To ensure that you can rebuild your house at the current market costs and codes, you MUST have replacement cost valuations and insurance coverages. Whether you are dealing with missing tiles on the roof or a collapsed ceiling, knowing how replacement cost works can mean the difference between making do with quick fixes or restoring…

People relocate to South Florida for a few reasons; retirement, job opportunity, second home, tax savings, lifestyle, and to be closer to family to name just a few. Relocating to a new state or region can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to settling into an unfamiliar community. Whether you’ve moved locally before or this is your first big relocation, there’s more to it than just packing boxes and changing addresses.   Finding the right city or neighborhood will make all the difference in your satisfaction with your decisions. Here are a few  key tips to help…

A new Florida law requires people who sell their home must disclose to buyers if they’ve ever filed a flood insurance claim or received federal assistance related to flood damage. It currently applies to homeowners and excludes landlords. Before HB-1049, property owners and real estate agents selling homes in Florida did not have to tell buyers about a property’s risk for flooding. It is no secret that Florida has a history of extreme weather and flooding. Nevertheless, sellers were not required to disclose the flood tendencies and risks associated with their homes prior to October 1,…

Renovations that make homeowners and residents of a home happy are always worth the investment. Though it’s certainly true that projects that create more functional, usable space and add comfort and convenience are worth the price, such renovations are even more beneficial if they provide a good return on homeowners’ financial investment ( ROI). Returns on investment (ROI) are often cashed in when homeowners put their homes up for sale, and each year Remodeling magazine releases its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which considers a wealth of data across the United States to determine which renovations return…

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…