Recent Articles
Flood Zones in South Florida: How They Affect Insurance and Your Monthly Payment
In South Florida, your flood zone can affect (1) whether flood insurance is required for financing, (2) how much it costs, and (3) your monthly payment because flood premiums may need to be paid up front or included in escrow. Even inland homes in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach can fall in higher-risk flood zones.
Wind Mitigation vs. 4-Point Inspections in Florida (2026): How Insurance, Premiums, and Closings Are Affected
In 2026, a wind mitigation inspection can help many Florida homeowners qualify for insurance credits by documenting hurricane-resistant features (roof shape, attachment method, impact windows/shutters, and more). A 4-point inspection is different: it helps insurers decide whether they will write the policy at all by evaluating the home's roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Together, these inspections often determine your premium and whether your deal stays on track, especially in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach.
Multiple Offer Strategies That Do Not Require Overpaying (South Florida 2026)
In 2026, you can win in a South Florida multiple-offer situation without overpaying by making your offer feel certain, simple, and low-stress. The winning move is usually not a bigger number. It is cleaner terms, stronger documentation, faster timelines, and smart protections that do not scare the seller.
Appraisal Contingency vs Financing Contingency: Florida Contract Basics (2026)
In 2026, Florida buyers protect themselves with contract contingencies that define when they can cancel and get their deposit back. The financing contingency protects you if your loan is not approved by a specific deadline. The appraisal contingency protects you if the home appraises low. They are related, but they are not the same and missing either deadline can put your earnest money at risk.
Inspection Negotiations in 2026: What Florida Buyers Can Reasonably Ask For
In 2026, the strongest Florida inspection negotiations are focused, safety-first, and evidence-based. Ask for repairs (or credits) on major systems and safety issues, not cosmetics. Use your inspection period to confirm condition, clarify insurance risks, and decide whether the home still makes sense.
The "Do Not Do This" List After Mortgage Pre-Approval in Florida (2026)
In Florida, many deals don't fall apart because the buyer "didn't qualify." They fall apart because something changes after pre-approval—often discovered during final underwriting and pre-funding verifications. New debt, new credit, undocumented deposits, or job changes can trigger delays or denials. Keep your profile stable until you close.
What Mortgage Underwriters Actually Look For in 2026 (And How to Prep Your File Early)
Underwriters don't "judge" your file. They verify that your income, assets, credit, and the property meet guidelines. In 2026, the fastest approvals happen when your documents match your story, your bank statements are clean, and Florida items like insurance and HOA/condo docs are handled early.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Explained With Real Florida Examples (2026)
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) measures how much of your gross monthly income goes toward debt payments, including your future housing payment. In 2026, Florida buyers must factor in insurance, taxes, and HOA fees because these costs directly impact how much home you can qualify for.
BIG NEWS: Mortgage Rates Are at Their Lowest Level in Years—What That Means for You
Find out what this rate drop means to you for buying a new home.