Real Estate Blog

Ad Valorem & Non Ad Valorem. What are They?

Summertime… it is time for staying cool in the pool, running through the sprinkler or having an ice cream cone. But in order to be refreshed in time for Truth in Millage (“TRIM”) notices and tax bills, I pose this question: “What are these ad valorem taxes and non ad valorem assessments? Are they…

Avoiding Litigation. The Married Seller Edition.

This has been an incredible selling market. Real estate professionals are signing up their sellers, listing the property, and procuring offers in contract in short time periods. Time is of the essence, but it is important to make sure that you dot your “I’s and cross your “T’s” when it comes to not only…

Repairs In an As Is Contract?

As the local real estate market continues to experience an unprecedented level of competition and lack of inventory, it is more important than ever to brush up on exactly what is and is not contained in the FAR/BAR residential contracts. The FAR/BAR “As Is” Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase (the “Contract”), which is…

Notice Something is Missing?

Get it in Writing We know. You’re in the real estate industry. You’ve heard “get it in writing” a thousand times. That applies to contracts for the sale of property (I’m sure you’ve read a previous blog on Florida’s statute of frauds), and for any changes to the contract that the parties agree on.…

Survey’s: To The Nines

A survey is a vital piece of the puzzle that is obtained throughout the closing process. A buyer is typically required to obtain a survey in order to purchase real property due to their lender’s requirements. The vast majority of lender’s require a Florida Form 9-06 Endorsement (also known as a “Clean Florida Form…

“The Usual Suspects”

Common Causes of Real Estate Litigation As the real estate market continues to flourish, so does the real estate litigation field. Claims and lawsuits range from residential and commercial sale and purchases to landlord-tenant disputes, and condominium or homeowner association disputes. Even disputes between neighbors over property lines or easements are increasingly more common.…

Know Your Contract

“Deposit” Means All Deposits Paragraph 2 PURCHASE PRICE in both the “AS IS” and the “Standard” FR/BAR Contract* is the section of the Contract dealing with earnest money deposits on a purchase by a Buyer. In order for there to be a valid and binding contract, there must be an offer made by the…

Did You Ever Notice?

The things we are seeing in today’s real estate market are giving attorneys all across the state heartache; buyers waiving appraisal and financing contingencies, a constant barrage of escalation provisions, and even parties forgoing their right to inspect the property! Due to a severe shortage of inventory, this is a seller’s market in which…

Fear of Rejection?

What You and Your Buyer(s) Need to Know About the Condominium and Homeowner’s Association Approval Process. Afraid of rejection? Who isn’t? Applying to a condominium association or homeowner’s association shouldn’t be as scary as asking someone out on a first date. However, it is common that your buyer will need to be approved by…

“The Additional Terms” – A Cautionary Tale…

There are few things in purchasing a home more complicated than the real estate purchase agreement. To most, these contracts are pages upon pages of complex terms, definitions, and conditions that seem never ending, but hold the key to the next major event in their life. These contracts are methodically drafted by the Florida Realtors…

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