Often times, new and/or inexperienced real estate investors will purchase a piece of real estate with the thought that the property can be easily rezoned to accomplish whatever new development the investor desires. Unfortunately, people come to the quick understanding that securing a successful property rezoning is anything but a […]
Far too many of us fail to take the time and effort to set up a basic estate plan in the event of an untimely passing. It’s easy to understand why. No one wants to think about how their estate is handed down after they pass away. In spite of […]
Far too often, I’m approached by tenants who have an issue with a residential lease that they have already signed and agreed to but have come to find out is full of problems and missing key information. Like any contract, once a lease is signed, there’s not much a tenant […]
As a real estate attorney, I’m often approached by clients purchasing a new property that are concerned with deed restrictions. They first want to know what deed restrictions (also known as covenants and restrictions) are, and second, they want to know whether such deed restrictions can be circumvented. These are […]
Among the many attractive features of owning real estate in Florida is the possibility of having a waterfront view of one of the numerous scenic bodies of water throughout the state. However, property owners in Florida are often under the mistaken impression that they have an absolute right to a […]
As a real estate attorney, I am often approached with the question of whether it’s necessary to hire an attorney when purchasing a new home. After all, there is no requirement in the state of Florida that a homebuyer needs to be represented by counsel. Plus, there are several other […]
Paying off one’s mortgage can be an exciting time for homeowners. Not only is the homeowner relieved of the burden of their monthly mortgage payments, but they are also finally able to proclaim that the property is owned free and clear. However, making the payoff alone does not automatically free […]
In the wake of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, many buyers looking to purchase condos for either their primary residence, a second home, or as an investment property have paused to consider whether the unit being purchased is structurally sound. Such a pause will likely […]
In the mid-1880s, the U.S. Government was searching for a way to encourage westward expansion. To achieve its goal, Congress passed the Homestead Act of 1862 which rewarded individuals brave enough to head west by allowing them to claim up to 160 acres of land as their own homestead. Many […]