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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…

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…

Florida is now America’s fast growing state. According to recent census data, the Sunshine State added over 400,000 additional people between July 2021 to July 2022. It was a growth of 1.9%, bringing the total population to 22,244,823. That makes it faster-growing than Texas, which has the second-largest population in the United States, trailing only California. Florida is a popular destination for retirees, second-home buyers, and investors which is driving up demand for housing. Florida has consistently maintained one of the highest rates of job growth in the U.S., making it an appealing destination for those seeking employment opportunities and a…

Florida is home to over twenty different species of termites with the most damaging and common species are subterranean and drywood termites. These termites cause billions of dollars of damage annually in the United States and correct termite identification is pivotal to successful prevention, control, and protection of your home. Subterranean termites live and invade from underground, and a single colony can cover one acre underneath homes. They typically live in dark, moist, hidden environments underground but will create and live in carton nests aboveground. These can be found in walls and attics of structures and in nearby trees. To move above…