Short answer: Florida voters approved Amendment 3 with about 62% of the vote, above the 60% needed. Beginning in 2027, eligible homeowners will see the homestead exemption on non-school property taxes rise from $50,000 to $150,000, then to $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments starting in 2029. The annual assessment cap on non-homestead property such… Continue reading What Does Amendent 3 Passing Mean For Florida Homeowners?
Category: Home Buying
The Features New Home Buyers Want The Most
Short answer: The feature new home buyers want most in 2026 is a home office. A Homes.com survey of 3,036 recent and prospective new-construction buyers found that 74% rank it as important. Hobby rooms (63%), playrooms (60%), secure package areas and a second laundry set follow close behind. In South Florida, those flexible-space preferences are… Continue reading The Features New Home Buyers Want The Most
New Appraisal Format To Begin In November 2026
Quick answer: A new appraisal reporting format, the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 and the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR), takes effect November 2, 2026 for many conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Reports are more detailed and can run 45 to 50 pages or more, so appraisals may take longer.… Continue reading New Appraisal Format To Begin In November 2026
Common Steps In An Escrow Dispute
Quick answer: In a Florida real estate escrow dispute, the buyer and seller each claim the earnest money deposit after a deal falls through. The common steps are: (1) the contract fails and both sides make competing demands, (2) the escrow holder freezes the funds, (3) the parties try to resolve the dispute informally as… Continue reading Common Steps In An Escrow Dispute
5 Most Common Budget Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make
Quick answer: The five most common budget mistakes first-time homebuyers make are (1) budgeting only for the down payment and ignoring closing costs, (2) focusing on the mortgage payment instead of the total monthly cost of owning, (3) underestimating South Florida insurance, taxes, and HOA or condo fees, (4) skipping a repair and maintenance reserve,… Continue reading 5 Most Common Budget Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make
Intricacies Of Seawall Inspections In South Florida
Quick answer: A South Florida seawall inspection is a hands-on assessment of the wall’s cap, panels, anchors, drainage, and the soil behind it, ideally performed at low tide by a qualified marine contractor or engineer. Owners should inspect at least annually and after major storms. Buyers should make a seawall inspection part of waterfront due… Continue reading Intricacies Of Seawall Inspections In South Florida
Florida Continues To Dominate For Snowbirds
Quick Answer Florida is still the top state for snowbirds in 2026–2027. It holds 63 of the 100 best snowbird destinations in the U.S., and Winter Haven (#1) and Lakeland (#2) lead the national ranking, according to StorageCafe’s analysis of 471 cities. Hollywood, Vero Beach, Clearwater and Lake Wales also land in the national top… Continue reading Florida Continues To Dominate For Snowbirds
Buying Can Still Be Better Than Renting
Quick answer: Yes, buying can still be better than renting, even with mortgage rates above 7%. A Homes.com analysis from economist Brad Case, which looked back at mid-1990s data when rates ran between 7% and 9%, found that buying often came out ahead when a home’s price was modest relative to its rental value. Rates… Continue reading Buying Can Still Be Better Than Renting
Florida Snowbirds Are Getting Younger
Quick answer: Yes, Florida snowbirds are getting younger. Remote work now lets buyers in their 30s and 40s split their time between Florida and another home, according to agents interviewed in a September 2026 Florida Realtors report. These part-time residents want more than a winter getaway, and their arrival is changing how and when South… Continue reading Florida Snowbirds Are Getting Younger
5 Benefits Of Building A New Home
Quick answer: The five main benefits of building a new home are (1) customization, (2) energy efficiency, (3) lower maintenance and warranty protection, (4) improved safety, and (5) stronger long-term value. Instead of adapting your life to someone else’s floor plan, you work with a builder to create a home that fits how you live,… Continue reading 5 Benefits Of Building A New Home