Fort Lauderdale Real Estate

Can HOAs Ban Politicking? | Florida Realtors

An HOA is considering a ban on political speech in a neighborhood, including door knocking and lawn signs. Is this legal? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: With the upcoming elections, our association is considering banning politicking in our community. They want to stop everything from door knocks to lawn signs, all in an effort to … Read more

Florida Home to NAR 30-Under-30 Finalists

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Two Realtors from Florida are among the finalists for NAR’s 2024 30-Under-30 class. Voting for the Web Choice Winner opens April 3. ORLANDO – Two Florida young professionals – from Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale – are among 50 real estate industry rising stars who embody innovation, determination and selflessness, vying for Realtor® Magazine’s 30 … Read more

Pool Deck Likely Origin of Surfside Condo Collapse

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Federal investigators analyzing the 2021 Surfside condo collapse said they think there is conclusive evidence that a pool deck collapsed before the tower. A final report won’t be ready until 2025. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A federal probe into the June 2021 collapse of a Surfside condo tower that left 98 people dead continues to … Read more

South Florida Condo Buyouts May Change the Skyline

MIAMI — South Florida saw the highest number of condominiums selling out to developers since the pandemic. More buyouts are in the pipeline, raising questions about the future of South Florida’s skyline. Miami-Dade and Broward saw 18 condo buyouts last year, the highest number since 2019 when both counties had a total of 23 buyouts, … Read more

Which States Have No Income Tax?

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CONYERS, Ga. – There are nine income tax-free states scattered across America. While tax-free income seems like paradise at first glance, it’s still important to understand the tax structures within these states are like a complex jigsaw puzzle. States still need to function, so some of the revenue puzzle pieces include sales tax, property taxes, and … Read more

Does Reverse Mortgage Have a Non-Recourse Clause?

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Check the paperwork and read for context. “Non-recourse” is more of a description of how a loan works than a direct term, so it could be described differently. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.– Question: We took out a reverse mortgage in 2011 and I thought I understood how it worked. However, having reviewed the documents, I cannot … Read more

What If You Can’t Pay Hefty Special Assessment?

RE Q&A: Communicate with your HOA or condo association. Most will try to address the issue with homeowners who have financial difficulties, but there are legal limits. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our condominium association recently passed a rather large special assessment to get some work done that we do not have enough money in … Read more

Most Americans Say They Pay Too Much in Taxes

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New poll: Many also don’t think the institutions – whether federal or local – that use their tax dollars spend the money in the best interest of “people like them.” CHICAGO – A majority of taxpayers feel they pay too much in taxes, with many saying that they receive a poor value in return, according … Read more

Redfin Report: Home Buyer Demand Shows Signs of Early Rebound

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Home buyers, encouraged by declining mortgage rates and increased listings, are moving from the sidelines, the Redfin Homebuyer Demand Index found. WASHINGTON – Redfin real estate found U.S. pending home sales had the smallest decline since March 2022, dropping by 4% year over year in the four weeks ending Dec. 24. The Redfin Homebuyer Demand … Read more

Fannie Mae Maintains Secret List of Restricted Condos

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MIAMI – Some people trying to buy a condominium in South Florida but getting mysteriously rejected for a mortgage could be in for a jolt: The reason they can’t get a loan may be that the condo is on a secret quasi-governmental blacklist. News media reports and data leaks to a pair of law firms … Read more