Closing on a new home is an exciting moment for anyone - but that moment could quickly turn to one of unparalleled disappointment, thanks to wire transfer scams. These scams have only risen in popularity since their inception, including an over 480 percent increase in 2016, leading to multiple billions of dollars stolen from potential homeowners. The next time you purchase a home, keep these tips in mind to avoid Read More

Low inventory has always been a key component of a seller’s market in Florida. Unfortunately, the pandemic has had a detrimental impact here, and demand for new homes has far outstripped supply. This factor, along other market challenges, hints at an upcoming wave of foreclosures. Moratoriums ended months ago and, last September, foreclosures increased by 17 percent in the Orlando area.  If financial challenges have Read More

Mortgage rates for Florida homebuyers and refinancers continue to creep up in signs of a market correction. Prime rates have hovered just above 3 percent for months now, and they currently stand at around 3.5 percent.  Last month, our blog covered the need for homeowners sitting on the fence to refinance mortgages. Homeowners are still in a good spot to refinance or sell. The market can still be considered a seller’s Read More

You’re in a difficult situation at the moment. The current mortgage rates are incredibly tempting, but you don’t plan on selling for at least another few years. It can be tough to get the stars to perfectly align for a home sale—more on that in next month’s blog—but it just might be the right time to refinance.  A typical mortgage rate for well-qualified borrowers is just above 3 percent. The best predictions at the Read More

As COVID-related work leave is ending and things gradually get back to normal, many workers still have FMLA leave for serious health conditions. The FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) grants certain workers 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year. Employers with at least 50 employees are required to offer FMLA leave to employees who have been with the company for one year and worked at least 1,250 hours during the Read More

To the surprise—and relief—of many Floridians, the COVID-19 pandemic did little to quell the motivations of home buyers AND sellers. In fact, home prices went soaring, as buyers showed few signs of delaying their purchases, partly buoyed by historically low interest rates.  Vaccines are now going into arms. The economy is slowly coming back, COVID-19 variants notwithstanding. And, the Federal Reserve is poised to Read More

A bill which was passed by the Florida legislature on the last day of the most recent legislative session, signed by Gov. DeSantis, and went into effect on July 1, 2021 aims to provide some relief for homeowners insurance policyholders who’ve seen their premiums dramatically increase in recent years. The bill, SB 76, implements several changes to existing state insurance laws to accomplish this, but Florida Read More

The success of just about every construction project depends on the strength of its underlying contracts. Contracts give assurance to prime contractors and subcontractors that they will be compensated for services rendered. In Florida, these construction professionals have another legal tool at their disposal to encourage project and property owners to disburse payments. This is called a mechanic’s lien, and it Read More

As any mother (or parent) knows, life sure doesn’t stop for you after you’ve had a newborn. Many mothers feel they must go back to work days after giving birth, either by financial necessity or from fear of losing their jobs. Fortunately, there are a handful of protections for pregnant and nursing mothers in the workplace.  Family and Medical Leave Act As long as your employer has at least 50 employees within a Read More

Florida’s insurance carriers have claimed, for years, that they are in dire financial straits. While there are plenty of indicators otherwise, the bottom line for policyholders in the Sunshine State is that carriers will attempt to recoup these alleged losses through any means possible. Some Florida homeowners have already seen dramatic increases in their premiums, and others should prepare for future Read More