Hurricane Prep in Florida: How to Handle a Water Emergency
With hurricane season upon us, I’ve researched ways to prepare for emergencies, including emergencies with your home. I interviewed a water and mold remediation expert, Marco DeJesus, owner of All Dry Services of Orlando, about what to do in a water emergency, including how his services work with homeowners’ insurance. I hope none of you […]
Trees Might Grow Money, For Homeowners
Why plant trees? There are so many answers to that question: shade, privacy, energy savings, biodiversity, air quality, water conservation, and more. When homeowners plant a tree or small forest, they may be growing a little money and well-being as well. Trees Add Value to Your Home There are multiple groups out there who have […]
My Thoughts on Current Real Estate Market Trends
So what’s up with the state of the real estate market and interest rates? Real estate is like many things in life – connected to many things.
Is the Buyer’s Agent a Thing of the Past?
The NAR Settlement Could Change Real Estate It’s been an interesting few weeks for us realtors to wrap our heads around how the NAR settlement will shake out. In a nutshell: a buyer’s agent commission can no longer be advertised in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). In the past, the seller would agree to pay […]
Closing Costs Explained
Closing costs for a home buyer can seem like a bit of a mystery. Here’s what a buyerpurchasing with a mortgage pays for: Inspection Fees Several different inspections examine the condition of a property: general inspection, 4-point inspection (roof, plumbing, electrical, a/c), WDO inspection (wood destroying organism), and wind mitigation inspection. Inspections are optional for […]
What is Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI?
When a buyer makes a down payment of less than 20%, the lender considers the buyer a higher risk. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) protects the lender in case the buyer stops paying the mortgage.
What happens if I die without a will? Estate planning explained by an attorney.
Over 2023 I spent some time working on my will and estate planning with Darlene Campbell, attorney for Spencer Law. It was such an informative process that I thought I’d interview her to share what I’ve learned.
My Predictions for Florida Real Estate in 2024
Are you wondering what to expect in Florida real estate in 2024? I’ve come up with the trends I’m seeing, and what to be on the lookout for in the new year. These are just forecasts, there is no way to know for sure. Interest Rates It appears the Fed isn’t going to hike rates […]
Is Your Insurance Requiring an Inspection Report?
Lately, I have seen Florida homeowner’s insurance requiring an inspection report…sigh. We’re all struggling with the astronomical rise in costs over the last few years, and there is more to come I’m sure. Something I’ve noticed lately is insurance companies requiring 4-point inspections and wind mitigation reports. What are these and how can they help […]
Property Fraud, a Fast Growing Crime
You may have never heard about what the FBI calls the fastest-growing white-collar crime in the nation. I hadn’t until recently. It’s called property fraud.
How does it work?