— Topic
Contingencies
Inspection, financing, and appraisal contingencies in a Florida purchase — which to keep, which can flex.
The FAR-BAR Contract in Florida: A Section-by-Section Walkthrough
The FAR-BAR AS-IS contract governs 95%+ of Florida residential transactions. Here is what buyers and sellers need to know about the key sections — from deposit structure to inspection rights, financing contingency, title evidence, and what happens when someone defaults.
How to Buy a Foreclosure Property in Florida
Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, meaning every foreclosure goes through the courts — and the average case runs 200 to 400 days from lis pendens filing to certificate of title. That timeline creates three distinct windows to buy: pre-foreclosure, courthouse auction, and REO. Each one has a different risk profile, price point, and title situation.
How Escalation Clauses Work in Florida Real Estate Offers
An escalation clause automatically bumps your Florida offer above any competing bid, up to a set cap. Understanding the three components — increment, trigger, and cap — plus the seller's proof requirement is what separates buyers who use it well from those who overpay or expose themselves unnecessarily.
Reading a Florida Builder Contract: The 7 Clauses That Bite Buyers
Builder contracts in Florida are written by the builder's attorneys — not yours. Seven specific clauses show up in every standard agreement and routinely catch buyers off guard: delivery-date language, force majeure scope, price escalation, deposit forfeiture, design center commitments, warranty carve-outs, and arbitration waivers.
Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement in Florida: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Yes, a seller can stay in the house after closing in Florida — but only with a signed post-closing occupancy agreement. Here is how the daily rate, security deposit, 60-day Chapter 83 threshold, and FAR-BAR Comprehensive Rider F actually work.
Earnest Money in Florida: When You Get It Back and When You Don't
In Florida, most buyers get their earnest money back if they cancel during a valid contingency window and give proper written notice. Once contingencies expire, that deposit is at risk. Here is exactly when each scenario applies under the FAR/BAR contract.
How to Win a Bidding War in Florida: Offer Tactics That Actually Work
Multiple offers are still common on well-priced Florida homes, even as the broader market cools. These are the specific tactics — price, terms, and timing — that help buyers compete without overpaying or waiving protections they cannot afford to lose.
Which Contingencies to Waive — and Which to Keep — When Buying in Florida
Waiving contingencies can make your offer stand out — but each one you drop puts real money at risk. Here's how to think through the inspection, financing, and appraisal contingencies in a Florida purchase.
How Much to Offer Over Asking Price in Florida
Whether to offer over asking — and how much — depends entirely on your market temperature. In a Florida buyer's market you can often go under ask and ask for concessions. In a seller's market, going over may be table stakes. Here is how to read the signals and size the number.