Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Are Special Assessments?
One of the major duties for homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condominium boards is to maintain an appropriate reserve fund in order to replace and maintain common items and areas. However, if something happens where major repairs or replacements are needed, the association may simply not have the funds on hand to make the changes…. Read More »
The Florida Homestead Exemption
When someone purchases property or real estate in Florida, they are usually given the opportunity to apply for what the law calls a homestead exemption. Florida’s tax laws are extremely favorable to homeowners, and the state’s homestead exemption is a status which allows you to escape some of what might be a heavy tax… Read More »
Can My HOA Prevent Me From Working From Home?
The strong majority of Florida homeowners’ associations (HOAs) prevent homeowners from engaging in any kind of commercial or ‘non-residential’ activity out of their home. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of those who might otherwise do their work in offices have found themselves stuck at home telecommuting. With the existing prohibitions… Read More »
The Evolution Of Real Estate Transactions During The COVID-19 Pandemic
The general procedure for buying and selling real estate can often be a complex process, especially when there are potential issues before closing. That said, the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on normalcy in 2020, and industry has had to adapt. One significant change in Florida law that has already made… Read More »
Homeowners’ Associations Can Regulate ‘Yard Displays’ This Election Season
In 2020, election season has been drawn-out and passionate, with many strong opinions on all sides of the political spectrum. Because of the depth of feeling present, many people are inclined to try and show their support for one candidate or another, most often by placing signs or flags out on their property. However,… Read More »
Common Reasons For HOA Lawsuits
In Florida, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have a lot of power, with the ability to regulate almost every facet of life for the association’s members, because when someone moves in, they are generally required to sign a form displaying the association’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). While the HOA can file suit against a homeowner… Read More »
Foreclosing On HOA and COA Liens In Florida
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condominium associations (COAs) want to work with their residents in order for everything to go smoothly. However, residents must live up to their end of the bargain, and if they fail to pay dues and assessments on time, it is the right of the HOA or COA to obtain a… Read More »
Need To Quiet Your Florida Title?
When two parties agree to go through with a Florida real estate transaction, there are certain guarantees that each party has to make to the other. One of those that the seller must guarantee is that there is no cloud on the property’s title, meaning that there are no potential issues that could prevent… Read More »
Pros & Cons Of Self-Managed Homeowners’ Associations
A homeowners’ association (HOA) is a body that makes and enforces regulations for condominiums, townhouses, and other so-called planned communities. Many of them engage a property management company to handle day-to-day operations like collecting rent, dealing with resident complaints, and managing staff, but others choose to manage themselves. There are positives and negatives to… Read More »
Boundary Disputes In Florida Real Estate Litigation
There are several different reasons why boundary disputes between neighbors might occur – though most of the time, property owners will add fences or other landscaping features to their land over a period of years and it will simply be accepted out of ignorance or complacency. However, a legal boundary is a legal boundary,… Read More »