Investing in real estate is a popular way to make money. Owning property is often less risky than owning stocks, and there are also tax benefits and additional advantages. However, real estate investing is not risk-free, and understanding some of the common mistakes...
How will a vacation home affect my taxes?
Most people dream of purchasing or building a vacation home. Even if the home is remarkably smaller than the primary home, the opportunity to escape to a beautiful location feels tempting. The recent tax reform may have compelled you to hold off on this purchase to...
Buying a home vs renting in Florida
One ongoing debate among millennials and other generations is whether to rent or buy a home. From a short-term perspective, renting makes a lot of sense. It requires a lower capital investment, may prove cheaper on a monthly basis and renters can outsource problems...
What is the fire code for condo lanai conversions?
If you own a condominium in Florida, your unit likely includes a lanai. This common feature allows residents to enjoy an outdoor space that requires minimal maintenance. In many situations, condo homeowners prefer to expand their indoor living space and converting an...
A quick overview of “fiduciary duty” for condo HOA board members
When condominium or co-op members elect individuals to the association’s board of directors, they do so trusting that those individuals will put the interests of the association first and will act with impartiality and fairness. From enforcing community rules and...
When is the best time to buy a home?
Sometimes you do not have the luxury of deciding when to buy a home. Circumstances can arise that require you to relocate quickly, such as a new job or an urgent family situation. Other times, however, you have some control over the timing of your move. If so, you can...
How can I sell my home quickly?
Whether your home has become too large for you to handle, you are struggling to pay your expenses or you have accepted a job in another state, there are times when you may want to sell your property as quickly as possible. Or, maybe you have fallen in love with...
What do I need to know before buying a foreclosed home?
Foreclosed homes often hit the market in a great price range, yet many people skip right by them. Why is this and should you do the same? The easy answer is that foreclosed homes are risky investments. Prices are low, but damage to the interior is sometimes high. ...
What do I need to consider before signing a sale agreement?
This is a very broad question, but it is one question many real estate buyers have from their first purchase to their hundredth. There are a lot of things to consider and no prudent buyer wants to leave any stone unturned and uninspected. The Florida Bar...
What is a prescriptive easement?
An easement is when someone has the right to use part of your property to access his or her own property. Sometimes an easement is with another property owner or it may be with a utility company, the local government or some other type of organization or business. In...