— Topic
Title Insurance
Owner vs. lender title policies in Florida, who pays, and why an owner's policy still matters when rates are state-set.
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.
Buying Florida Real Estate as a Foreign Buyer: The Complete Guide
Florida remains one of the top destinations for international real estate buyers, but the process has real legal and tax layers -- from FIRPTA withholding to foreign-national mortgages and the 2023 SB 264 ownership restrictions. Here is what to know before you make an offer.
Closing Costs for First-Time Buyers in Florida: What to Expect
First-time buyers in Florida typically pay 2–5% of the purchase price in closing costs — on a $350,000 home that's $7,000–$17,500. The largest line items are lender fees, title insurance, prepaids, and doc stamps. Seller concessions and assistance programs can offset most of it.
Owner's vs. Lender's Title Insurance in Florida: What Each Policy Does
Florida requires a lender's title policy for every financed purchase — but only the owner's policy protects you. Rates are state-set (no shopping), but the reissue discount can cut your premium by 40% if the seller's policy is under three years old.
The Florida Real Estate Closing Process, Step by Step
Florida closings take 30–45 days for financed purchases and as few as 10 for cash. Here is what happens at each stage — from the escrow deposit through the closing table — and what to watch for so nothing derails your timeline.
Title Insurance in Florida: Owner vs. Lender, Who Pays, and Why It Matters
Title insurance sounds boring until the day you need it. In Florida, rates are state-set and every company charges the same premium — but who pays, what's covered, and whether you even need an owner's policy are questions most buyers get wrong.
LGBTQ+ Homebuyer Guide for Florida: Rights, Protections, and What to Watch For
Florida has no statewide housing non-discrimination law protecting LGBTQ+ buyers. But federal Fair Housing Act protections do apply — and knowing where the gaps are helps you shop smarter, vet your agent, and title a home correctly as an unmarried couple.
Selling a House with Open Permits in Florida
Yes, you can sell a Florida home with open permits — but an open permit found during a title search can stall your closing or kill a financed buyer's deal. The path forward depends on whether the permit is still active, expired, or simply never finaled. Here's what to do.