Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Unenforceable HOA Rules In Florida
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are organizations of people who agree to be bound by a set of rules governing both the properties and their residents. Most HOAs enjoy a high level of cooperation from their residents, but sometimes, rules are suggested and enacted that cannot, as written, be successfully enforced. While homeowners can bring these… Read More »
Do I Need An Attorney To Invest In Florida Real Estate?
The Florida Realtors predict that the state’s real estate market will continue to be very busy and popular, with investment continuing to rise. However, most of the investors tend to be individuals, rather than corporations, and individuals are not always as well versed in the details of the law as they need to be… Read More »
The Effects Of Rising Sea Levels On Florida Beachfront Real Estate
The June collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside has placed an exclamation point on an issue that many Florida realtors have been worrying about for years – namely, the question of the effects of coastal erosion and rising sea levels. While this issue predominantly affects waterfront property, erosion in particular can play a… Read More »
Florida Partition Actions
It is not uncommon for people to co-own property in Florida, given rising real estate prices. However, too often, co-owners have a falling-out, or one may choose to invest their money closer to home. When that happens, the owners may be able to work out a division of the property themselves, but if they… Read More »
Can A Condo Board Ever Evict An Owner?
Condominium boards and other community associations have quite a lot of power in Florida, including taking actions against owners who violate the community bylaws. However, it is quite rare that a board would actually arrive at a situation where eviction would be on the proverbial table. It can happen, in the most extreme cases,… Read More »
The Digitization Of Real Estate Transactions
The Florida real estate market has always been lively, with supply and demand fluctuating according to current events and other factors. The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed the direction of the market, but safety considerations have also fueled changes to how real estate transactions are concluded. Real estate professionals have adapted to social distancing… Read More »
Sunshine Laws & Condominium Associations
Sunshine laws are regulations essentially requiring openness and transparency from governmental actors, which in turn allows the public to have a better understanding of (and often, more of a role in) governance and politics. The state of Florida has its broad Sunshine In The Government Act, allowing access to almost all public records, though… Read More »
Different Types Of Florida Real Estate Deeds
When one is looking to conclude a real estate transaction in Florida – whether buying or selling – one should be familiar with the different types of deeds that are used in the state, as one type may be better suited for your purposes than others. An ability to understand and appraise a proposed… Read More »
How Far Can Community Associations Go?
When one purchases a home or condominium governed by a community association, one tacitly grants that community association a modicum of control over certain things in their lives. A homeowner in a homeowners’ association (HOA) cannot, say, paint their house in a color that is not acceptable to the association. However, the power granted… Read More »
What Should I Look Out For As A Florida Real Property Investor?
2021 has been a tumultuous year for those who invest in Florida real estate. As of this writing, the market is in good shape for sellers, but the current low interest rates favor buyers. However, there is so much more that an investor needs to be aware of before dipping into the somewhat volatile… Read More »