We knew it was coming and the time has arrived. Assessment letters are out for the neighborhood portion of the Longboat Key underground project. We all remember that the Town of Longboat Key approved a project to bury its infrastructure in three phases over three years: Phase 1: Undergrounding of the Gulf of Mexico Drive…
When buyers or sellers live outside of Florida, ensuring that closing documents are properly notarized and witnessed can be a challenge. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a simple way to have closing documents notarized by the closing agent when a signor can’t physically make it to the closing? Remote online notarization is a…
Homeowners who are planning to move are often faced with the dilemma of – “What do I do first? Buy or sell?” Depending on your specific circumstances, it may be beneficial do to one or the other first. However, it is popular for homeowners to want to try to pull off both at the same…
The day you have been waiting for has come. You were just notified that your new condominium is ready for inspection and closing is set a few weeks out. You immediately line up an inspector to assist in vetting your Unit. Within moments after your inspection is completed, you are provided with a laundry list…
You and your significant other purchased and jointly titled an investment home together. The investment home is a big commitment, but the love is strong…for a time. Thereafter, the partnership fails and you move-out. The decoupling is amicable and your ex agrees to make all future mortgage payments. Subsequently, you purchase a new homestead property. …
Major changes are coming to a Florida beach near you this summer, and I’m not talking about the annual snowbird migration to the North once the summer sun returns. Beginning on July 1, 2018, Florida beach-goers may need to reconsider the routes they take for their daily beach strolls, or even the way they have…
At Berlin Patten Ebling we are lucky to deal with happy real estate investors on a daily basis. Unfortunately, from time to time, we also hear from investors who’ve been stung by a purchase. Here are a few common pitfalls that we see investors fall into, and some tips to avoid them: Failing to Order…
“Sarasota in the 1950s was one of the most important places in the world for architectural creativity, where the greatest design movements of the day came together.”- Carl Abbott FAIA, original member of the Sarasota School of Architecture Fortunately for us, there has been a welcome surge in the restoration and renovation of many of…
We have had many questions about parents who have previously gifted real estate to their children, as well as forward planning parents who want to give a gift of real estate to their children. Without proper planning and counseling, this will often cause tax and other problems that could outweigh the parent’s generosity towards their…
Real-world examples serve to better underscore the advice that we provide to clients. For example, when purchasing real estate that does not involve a condominium, we always recommend that one obtains a survey (either from the seller directly or purchasing a new one from a reputable surveyor). And in most cases, our clients heed our…
