Real Estate Law Articles

Real estate laws are always changing, and Florida has its own set of regulations that residents, homebuyers, and sellers all need to know. Here are the 5 most important recent changes. If there's one thing that's certain in real estate, it's that the laws are always changing. Florida realtors, ho...

Code enforcement may lead to fines and other headaches. Learn what the most common code violations are in Florida so you can prevent them. Code violations are common throughout Florida's many cities and districts. Local codes put standards in place for the appearance and maintenance of properties...

The property inspection helps buyers understand if there are any underlying issues with the home or building. Who needs to be there? Whether you're a buyer or seller, the property inspection is a key part of the transaction process. Issues discovered during the inspection can impact decisions abo...

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...

This simplified probate process could save you and your family lots of time in probate court if the estate qualifies The probate process can make losing a loved one much more challenging and emotionally taxing. In Florida, the average probate process can take up to 12 months, while more complicat...

Did you know your association board election is an annual event? Your governing documents have the answers! Every HOA and condo association board is required to have meetings, including an annual meeting that serves as the association board election. The annual election meeting is the most import...

HUD's new guidance on service and emotional support animals clarifies how homeowners' and condo associations can comply with the Fair Housing Act According to the federal government's Fair Housing Act, housing providers, including homeowners' and condo associations, cannot discriminate against an...

The end of the COVID-19 eviction ban could be a positive development for HOAs and condo associations in South Florida, but it also brings uncertainty. On August 1, 2020, the temporary moratorium on evictions for unpaid rent throughout Florida will end. The conclusion of the eviction ban seems lik...

HUD's new guidance on service and emotional support animals clarifies how homeowners' and condo associations can comply with the Fair Housing Act According to the federal government's Fair Housing Act, housing providers, including homeowners' and condo associations, cannot discriminate against an...

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year No matter what kind of business you have, you need to make sure that both your property and your business are protected during hurricane season. The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has pushed hurricane season to the backgroun...

Many community associations find it challenging to incorporate the latest technologies. But doing so improves many areas of operations throughout the community. Some community associations have been slow to implement new technologies into their workflows. But the latest innovations can cause majo...

Remember, you're running a business: Create boundaries, make better decisions, and remain professional by putting personal feelings aside with these 7 tips. The board of directors of an HOA regularly faces challenges with no simple answers — disputes with or between homeowners, legal issues, fina...

What are some things you want your audience to know right now? *Community associations need to pivot just like businesses. *We recommend coming together as a board virtually and looking at budgets. Owners will need to pay assessments, but many may have lost income. Can you adjust assessments? ...

How should you approach accommodations for the disabled in your Florida community? Community managers have many responsibilities within the condo or homeowners' associations (HOAs). One of these roles is to ensure that all local and federal laws and regulations are being followed. This includes p...

Here's how associations are already being affected by COVID-19, and what you can do to overcome some of these challenges As COVID-19 continues to spread around the globe, businesses are closing, millions of people are being ordered to stay home, and general uncertainty is the new normal. HOAs and...

Buying a home for the first time is an exciting step, though it can quickly become overwhelming South Florida residents who are purchasing their first home have many important decisions to make during the process. Considerations include state and local regulations and legal procedures on top of b...

Zoning regulations dictate how a piece of land can be used, including whether residential or commercial properties can exist in a certain zone Something you may not think about often is the fact that zoning laws impact where people can live and where businesses can operate in your city or communi...

Here are the legal powers and requirements you need to know about for both you and your association Disputes do arise between homeowners and their HOA or condo associations. Whether arguing over paint color, pet, or fee, it's important to know how far your association can go, and what rights you ...

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...

Commercial real estate development is booming in Florida. If you're thinking about investing, keep these 6 considerations in mind when you're looking for property and throughout the buying process When you're buying commercial property for the first time, Florida's a good place to do it. Accordin...

Neighborhood safety security is always a priority, but even more so during the holiday months. Learn the best ways to reduce risks in your community. Neighborhood safety is a major concern, whether you run a condo association or an HOA. One solution on its own won't solve all your security issues...

You may not think a lawyer is necessary when buying a house, but having one on your side will ensure you are protected and avoid legal issues. Buying a house is no small life accomplishment. You've probably been saving up to make it a reality for a long time. If you're already paying a real estat...

When you're faced with losing a home, it can feel scary and overwhelming. These 5 strategies may help you avoid foreclosure. Going through a foreclosure is no small event. It takes a toll emotionally and financially, and you may feel like you have nowhere to go. While the number of foreclosures f...

Inheriting a house can be exciting, but make sure you take these steps to avoid financial or legal trouble in the process When a loved one passes, you may find yourself with a property that was left to you, or you and other family members. There are many complex emotions that you may be experienc...

Dealing with insurance claims after a hurricane is never fun, but you can make them more manageable by following a few best practices. Hurricanes are terrifying experiences for everyone who encounters them, but even after the storm passes, the stress and anxiety remain. The minute the winds and r...