Recent Articles
Top Affordable Broward County Neighborhoods for Buyers in 2026
Quick answer: In 2026, "affordable" in Broward usually means focusing on townhomes and condos, expanding your search beyond the most premium school zones, and watching insurance + HOA fees as closely as the purchase price. Many first-time buyers find the best entry points in pockets of Lauderhill, Sunrise, Tamarac, Margate, parts of Plantation and Davie, and select communities in Hollywood, Miramar, and Pembroke Pines.
Broward vs Miami-Dade: Where Buyers Get More Value in 2026
Quick answer: In 2026, many buyers get more "value per dollar" in Broward because they can often buy more space, newer construction, or a more predictable HOA/insurance profile at a lower price than comparable areas in Miami-Dade. Miami-Dade can still be the better value if your job, lifestyle, or commute is truly Miami-centered, or if you're targeting specific pockets where transit access and long-term demand justify the premium.
Best Miami Neighborhoods for Buyers Under 40 in 2026 (Lifestyle + Commute Guide)
For buyers under 40 in 2026, the “best” Miami neighborhood is the one that matches your commute and your weekly routine. If you want walkability and nightlife, focus on Brickell, Downtown, Edgewater, Wynwood, and Midtown. If you want greener streets and a calmer vibe while staying close to job hubs, look at Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. If you want more space and easier parking with strong highway access, consider Doral.
HOA Fees in Florida: What's Reasonable and What's a Red Flag in 2026
In 2026, "normal" HOA fees in Florida depend on the property type. Many townhome and gated communities in Broward run $150–$400/month, while many condos in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach run $350–$800+/month (and luxury buildings can be higher). The real risk isn't the fee: it's what it may be hiding: weak reserves, rising insurance, and looming special assessments.
Why Some Florida Condos Still Aren't Mortgage-Eligible in 2026 (And How to Check Early)
In 2026, some Florida condos are still not mortgage-eligible because of building-level issues like weak reserves, big special assessments, structural concerns, heavy litigation, investor concentration, or poor financials. These "non-warrantable" condos are harder to finance and sometimes cash-only. Buyers can avoid surprises by running a simple early building check with their agent and lender.
Florida Condo Buying in 2026: What Changed After SB 154
SB 154 and related laws pushed Florida condos toward better safety, stronger reserves, and stricter oversight. In 2026, that means buyers must look beyond granite countertops and pool views and focus on milestone inspections, SIRS (Structural Integrity Reserve Studies), reserve funding, and special assessments. These changes improve safety but can also mean higher dues and tougher mortgage approval in some buildings.
Special Assessments in Florida Condos: What Buyers Must Ask Before Offering
Quick answer: In 2026, Florida condo buyers cannot afford to treat special assessments as fine print. Before you offer, you need clear answers on past, current, and potential future assessments, the association’s reserve balance and funding plan, recent inspection findings, and how insurance costs are changing. A low list price in a weak building can be far more expensive, and harder to finance, than a higher-priced unit in a financially healthy association.
Florida Home Insurance in 2026: What Buyers Must Budget For
In 2026, many buyers in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach should expect $3,500–$8,000+ per year in homeowners insurance, with some properties costing more depending on roof age, wind protections, and location. Insurance can easily add $300–$700+ per month to your payment, so it must be part of your budget from day one.
The True Cost of Owning a Home in South Florida in 2026 (What Your Mortgage Doesn't Show)
In 2026, many South Florida homeowners spend $800–$1,500+ per month on top of their mortgage once you add insurance, HOA or condo fees, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. The buyers who feel comfortable after closing are the ones who budget for all five, not just principal and interest. These numbers reflect what buyers actually experience after closing, not best-case estimates.