Why Financing Condos Is Tougher — and How We Make It Easier Financing condominiums has become more complicated, especially since the Surfside building collapsed, which triggered stricter lending and inspection requirements. That’s why working with experienced professionals is more important than ever. At Keller Williams A Team Florida, Cindy Abraham and Brian Gaiefsky streamline the process from day one. We gather all required documentation at the time of the listing appointment,…

The Florida Legislature ended in a real blockbuster way about new condo legislation.  In the end The Florida House and The Florida Senate agreed on ONE BIG BILL that is 191 pages long. It passed the Senate unanimously and, in the House, there were only 2 opposed.  Obviously, we can’t talk about the entire contents…

2025 Estimate of Taxable Values The preliminary 2025 property values are now showing on our website at web.bcpa.net. Florida Statutes require our office use January 1 as the date of assessment each year.  Our office must consider changes in market conditions – up or down – when developing the Just/Market Values.  The 2025 Just Values are based on the…

Copies of Deeds are Public Records & Available for Free Online We often hear of mailings aimed at Broward County property owners offering to provide the owner with a copy of their deed or previously recorded document.  The company will provide this service for a fee; however, most documents are available online for free.   Deeds and many other important documents are already available online…

No one sells Hillcrest like we do — period! We don’t just sell homes here; we live, breathe, and love Hillcrest. When you’re passionate about the lifestyle, it shows, and that is why we consistently deliver results. This isn’t just a neighborhood to us, it’s home. That belief is what sets us apart, along with our commitment to the Code of Ethics, and…

DOES MY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AUTOMATICALLY RENEW? After your initial application for Homestead Exemption has been approved, it automatically renews each year unless there is a change of ownership or eligible use of your homesteaded property. Each January, our office mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and “Change Card” to all Homesteaded properties. Florida law requires the property owner to notify the…

While many board members are already informed about the new laws, some may not be, so this article serves as a helpful reminder. If you believe your board may not be fully compliant with the new laws, consider raising your concerns respectfully and privately with board members. Addressing matters one-on-one helps avoid any unintended embarrassment…

Is paying the buyer’s agent worth it for you? Traditionally, most home sellers have compensated both the selling agent and the buy-side agent from the proceeds of their home’s sale. Today, homebuyers must sign an agreement to guarantee payment terms with their agent before they begin touring homes. Many buyers still look for home sellers who…

Courtesy of Brian Gaiefsky, Keller Williams A Team Florida The new laws and statutes regarding safety inspections and Reserve Studies not only affect our condominium finances and the membership as a whole, but also impacts what we are now required to provide buyers when they make an offer on one of our units. In the past, not only was a signed offer along…

2024 Homestead Exemption/Save Our Homes Cap Set by the State The Florida Department of Revenue has set the 2024 Save Our Homes (SOH) cap at 3%.  This SOH assessment cap limits increases to the Assessed/SOH Value for properties receiving Homestead Exemption to no more than 3% per year or the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) regardless of increases to the just value…

A condo insurance policy covers the fixtures and personal belongings inside your unit for scenarios such as theft, fire, and wind damage. Below are the types of coverage your condo policy will typically include. Dwelling coverage is the part of a condo policy that covers your unit’s built-in fixtures. Under Florida law, an association’s master…

Where are the best deals in Real Estate right now?  Anything that is priced to market value or even a little higher. The cash buyers are finally easing out of the market and families with mortgages now have a chance to buy the home or condo of their dreams. Appraisers are doing their best to…

– by Cindy Abraham, Keller Williams Realty Professionals A Team Florida We have gotten several calls lately from people who live in condos, especially on the beach. Many have been doing fine up until now. But the hike in maintenance fees as well as assessments in condos has made it impossible to make ends meet. IF you think you have no choice but to sell…

Courtesy of Brian Gaiefsky, Keller Williams A Team Florida The following is a short list of inexpensive projects we have done for clients to add value to their property. Sometimes the smallest touches can make a big impact when you are selling your property. 1. SCREEN ENCLOSURES: Do your old brown or silver oxidized screen enclosures have a worn-out tired look? We can change the…

When entrusting the sale of your home or condo, a significant financial transaction for most, to a real estate agent, the quality of service you receive is paramount. Selling a property involves both an art and a science. The artistic aspect encompasses staging and marketing, while the scientific side entails profound market insights and negotiation…