AboutBrenda Miller, ABR, Realtor Expertise When acquiring waterfront property, you are making a lifestyle choice. How you plan to use the property is the first decision you will need to make. Unless your idea of a waterfront property is sweeping views of a man-made retention pond, you need to make sure the property borders navigable water suitable for recreational boating with river or ocean access. Jacksonville, Florida offers a fantastic diversity of navigable waters. Properties can be purchased along the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, St. Johns River, Trout River, Arlington River, Broward River and Dunn Creek Basin, Ortega River, Julington and Durbin Creeks Basin, Pablo Creek and many other tributaries. Ask me questions that will help you properly market or purchase a waterfront home in Jacksonville, Florida.
Experience Boater, Homeowner and Realtor®. Regularly navigates the Trout River, St. Johns River, Sister's Creek, Ft. George River, and Intracoastal Waterway, Arlington River and the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Organizations National Association of REALTORS® since 1998, Florida Association of REALTORS®, Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council, NorthEast Florida Association of REALTORS®
Publications Regular online contributor since 1999. Ponte Vedra Lifestyle, Jacksonville Homebuyer, American Lifestyle and Home by Design Magazine contributor [various dates since 2002].
Education/Credentials Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®), Residential Marketing (IRM) courses offered at the National Association of Home Builders University of Housing and include: Understanding Housing Markets & Consumers – IRM I, The Challenge of New Home Sales Management – IRM IV, Lifestyle Merchandising, Advertising & Promotion Strategies – IRM III and Marketing Strategies, Plans & Budgets – IRM II
Awards and Honors • Top Listing Agent Residential Properties 2007
• Florida Association of Realtors Committee Member 2006-2007
• Top Salesperson Residential Properties 2006
• Sales & Marketing Council Laurel Award over $10 Million Builder Sales 2005
• South East Region $14 Million Builder Sales 2004
• Achievers Club 1999 - 2002
• Sterling Member RPAC 2002
• Excellence in Sales Residential Properties 2001
• Excellence in Listings Residential Properties 2001
• Million Dollar Club Residential Properties 1999
Past/Present Clients With nearly a decade of buying and selling homes for sale in Florida’s River City, Brenda Miller helps people buy homes and list homes for sale all over the Jacksonville, Florida region. She successfully brings buyers and sellers together through experience and training in new construction, builder and residential real estate sales, the mortgage industry and property insurance. At home on the Jacksonville, Florida coast since 1998, Brenda cares about her customers and has many raving fans. Combined with honest, hard-working business ethics, her sense of humor and patience are key to Brenda’s success and the driving force behind her outstanding customer service reviews and referrals. Throughout the buying, home-building or selling process, Brenda's commitment is that you will enjoy the experience, and you can refer her to your friends with confidence.
I'm moving to FL from Las Vegas and I would like to know more about hurricane insurance. I plan to buy a newer (last 5 years) condo. Is hurricane insurance typically included in the HOA fees? If not, is it extremely expensive? How can I find out what it would cost for 100K contents and a 300K unit for hurricane and flood insurance? Or if you have an idea, can you let me know? I've heard that in some cases insurance companies go bankrupt during a hurricane and the policy holders are SOL. Is this true? How do I find a company that will guarantee payment if there is a hurricane? Is that possible?
Thanks,
Stephen
Answer I am a Realtor who formerly sold insurance. You are best served by asking someone who currently is licensed to sell insurance, but here is my answer:
Hurricane insurance can be included in the Building Coverage policy purchased by the Condominium Owners Association. The Master Association (if there are multiple buildings and each have their own association) would typically assess the fee for this expense.
The building coverage purchased for the physical structure(s) has limited liability for the unit owners and limited coverage for the unit owners personal property which is subject to policy conditions. There is usually a separate hurricane deductible for this coverage and it can be a flat amount or a percentage. Hurricane coverage is not flood insurance. The expense of the policy depends on the coverage offered and area located.
Each unit owner owns a "box of air", and this is typically defined as "from the drywall in". That means: anything affixed to the drywall, covering the drywall or inside the drywall. Each unit owner has some liability outside their unit, but typically, unit owners should carry an HO-8 or Condominium Unit Owners policy for contents coverage and liability/medical payments coverage. This will protect your personal contents and personal liability for all that crosses your threshold. I believe you can purchase flood insurance very inexpensively for contents through the Federal Flood Insurance program. Hurricane coverage should be included in your condominium unit owners policy subject to the deductible.
I do not believe there is a backup plan for insolvency of insurers as there is with Federally Insured Banks, but I've been out of the insurance business for more than 10 years and things could have changed. My recommendation is to go with national name brand insurance carriers who have been in business at least 30 years or more.
