Real Estate Law Articles

Lenders will require a title search when giving you a mortgage, and the title must be clean for a real estate transaction to move forward. But are they always necessary? Key Takeaways A title search is necessary before a lender approves a mortgage You need a title search to avoid unnecessary...

Having these 5 mortgage documents on hand before you apply can streamline the approval process and make it easier to buy a home Purchasing a home or commercial property is a major step in anyone's life because it can help set you up for the future. The process can also be overwhelming because the...

The opinion of title outlines a property's real ownership to make it safe for all parties to proceed with business, and it's an absolute necessity for many real estate transactions. Key Takeaways You need an opinion of title to meet city or municipality requirements before subdivisions or comb...

Don't try to sell your property alone. Hiring the right real estate attorney helps you take all the right steps to ensure a smooth closing process. Key takeaways:  There are many reasons to hire an attorney as a seller. An attorney can help with paperwork and ensure you avoid charges from th...

What is a title search, and do you have to do one when buying a property? Here's why you should always work with a real estate attorney. Key Takeaways A title search tells you details about property ownership and its history, whether there are any claims or liens on the property, mortgage info...

Whatever role you have in a real estate transaction, you need to understand the agreement. Here is your guide. Key Takeaways Real estate contracts outline all terms of the transaction, including financing, price, contingencies, and closing information 5 important terms to watch for: ...

Hiring a real estate attorney provides benefits for buyers and sellers in Florida Your home could be the largest purchase you ever make. After all, when else are you going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars or more on a single item? It could also be the most significant thing you ever sell...

COVID-19 changed everything, including the real estate market. The unexpected boom in home sales has many homeowners wondering what's going on and how long it will last.  Key Takeaways: The COVID-19 pandemic shelter mandates and more people working from home caused a severe drop in housing pri...

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the economy and the real estate market, Florida's housing market continues to stay strong with an influx of new residents. Here's what else you need to know about home values and trends. Key takeaways Northerners have been flocking to Florida to buy home...

Selling your home? While it's not a legal requirement in Florida to hire an attorney, it's a good idea. Learn why you don't want to try to handle the process on your own. If you're selling a home in Florida, you are not legally required to hire a lawyer to assist with the process, though it is a ...

A real estate attorney can help you review a home purchase and sale contract, but there are still items and terms to beware. The process of buying or selling a home involves many moving parts. Once the deal is close to done, the purchase and sale contract moves to the forefront of your negotiatio...

Everything you need to know about ordering a municipal lien search and why it's recommended in Florida When you or your client is thinking about purchasing a property in Florida, an important step in the process is conducting a municipal lien search. These are especially crucial in foreclosures a...

Real estate tips and legal advice Laws and regulations have a way of changing on us just when we think we've learned all there is about owning property in Florida. If you're a member of a community association, which includes condo associations and homeowners' associations, there's, even more, to...

AS IS doesn't mean there's something wrong with the home If you're buying or selling a piece of real estate in the state of Florida, you're likely going to see the contract written on what's known as the FAR/BAR Contract. This is essentially a warranty disclaimer. It's the seller's way of getting...

Florida real estate law includes doc stamps — here's what that means Doc stamps are taxes. In Florida, these taxes are most commonly levied on real estate transfer documents, mortgages, and other promissory notes. Responsibility for this tax varies by district. In Florida, all parties are legally...

The Florida Real Estate Commission was created to make sure that real estate professionals and the public work together. You know what they say about assuming things – so, first things first. We did pose the question about Frick and Frack, and maybe you don't know about them, either. So, let's st...