South Florida Law Blog

We are in a percolating real estate cycle which is clearly symbiotic with the economy. For some, the economy is going quite well. For example, those who have 401(k)s are generally impressed with how they have grown this year, as well as those individuals who are savers and have found that they can earn 5% in traditional money market accounts […]

As of July 1, 2023, Florida’s recently enacted legislation, SB264, restricts certain foreigners from buying or owning  Florida real estate. Specifically, the new law, codified in Florida Statutes 692.202-204,  provides land ownership restriction, prohibiting “foreign principals” from owning or acquiring agricultural land or real property within ten miles of any military installation or critical infrastructure facility,  foreign principals include individuals […]

Cash offers on homes have increased substantially over the last few years. In 2022, according to Redfin, 30% of all home sales were paid with all cash with 64% of all $1 million plus sales in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward counties as well as 46% those under $1 million being cash deals. What are the Seller Advantages? Although it […]

The Live Local Act is Florida’s response to the housing crisis affordable legislation, designed to provide developers with substantial tax breaks and hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. On March 29th, the Governor signed this Act into law which is to take effect on July 1. What does the Live Local Act do? The Act includes $259 million for […]

There seems to be a pricing disconnect between would be homebuyers and sellers these days. Why? Homebuyers want to offer lower contract offers and yet sellers still want to obtain higher than normal sale prices as they enjoyed last year. Although mortgage interest rates near 7%, buyers still face elevated sale prices. What are the reasons for continued, elevated sales […]

While mortgage rates are still well above the 3% range from a year ago, the average 30 year home loan rate has fallen a full percentage point for the high 7% in November, bringing new buyers into the housing market. In fact, mortgage applications are up reportedly by a quarter since the end of last year, and Redfin reports that […]

Homebuyers, now more than ever, are buying homes which come with all of the furniture. While it was not unusual for second home or resort community homebuyers to purchase homes including the furniture, the pandemic has brought many homebuyers in general looking not to buy just a home but also its furnishings—even if the furnishings are not for sale. Why? […]

With increased interest rates and high home prices cooling the housing market, there are some homebuyers who have had a change of mind or “buyer’s regret” after executing a real estate contract. The question is how may a home purchaser get out of the real estate contract? Real Estate Contingencies Homebuyers have certain periods of time in which to get […]