The Latest News on Real Estate, Insurance and Community Law
In Florida, Who Pays for Title Insurance?
As if purchasing a home wasn’t a hefty enough price tag. Then you have the closing costs, homeowner’s insurance, maybe HOA fees, mortgage insurance, escrow fees, survey and appraisal fees, etc., etc. We get it. Who wants to add another fee to the pile? Title...
How long is Title Insurance Good For in South Florida?
You just found your dream home and you couldn’t be more ready to move in. Congrats! But before you can hire movers or start planning out your interior decorations, there’s the paperwork. Yes, it may seem like a mountain of documents, but it’s all very necessary to...
How to Protect Yourself from Wire Fraud in Real Estate
Wire fraud is the latest scam in the real estate industry and it’s leaving some damage in its wake. Just to give you an idea of how large of an impact, wire fraud has cost companies $26 billion since 2016. In minutes, hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars can...
The Most Common Title Defects
The words “Title Issue” arising when you are in the midst of purchasing a home may send shivers down your spine. In South Florida, a title issue can mean many things but it typically means there could be a lien, defect or other issue clouding the property title. Title...
How long is Title Insurance Good For in South Florida?
You just found your dream home and you couldn’t be more ready to move in. Congrats! But before you can hire movers or start planning out your interior decorations, there’s the paperwork. Yes, it may seem like a mountain of documents, but it’s all very necessary to...
Can Relatives Serve on a Board Together? Yes.
The question gets asked again and again about relatives serving on the Board of Directors (BOD) together. Let’s go straight to the Florida Condominium Acts for this one. Section 718.112(2)(d) states, "co-owners of a unit may not serve as members of the board of...
4 Key Reasons to Have a Lawyer on Retainer for Condo Associations or Board of Directors
It’s a big question for any community, do we keep a lawyer on retainer or pay hourly, as needed? There’s no simple answer but below you’ll find 4 guiding principles that may make your decision easier. 1. If you consult with an attorney regularly If your association...
Is a Condo Association Responsible for Mold?
One of the most problematic issues for condo associations and property owners is mold. Mold can have serious health concerns, in addition to the damage it can cause to a unit and to a building. It could be caused by water damage, high moisture levels or spore...
Can a Condo Association Evict an Owner or Tenant in Florida?
Eviction is a tough business. It’s difficult and painful from either side of the field, but luckily, there are many steps to take before eviction becomes a final option. So, does a condo association have the power to evict? The short answer is yes. The longer answer...