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Real Estate: Florida/Questions Answered by Expert Steve Schiffer

SubjectDate Asked
First Time HomeBuyer Benefits/Tax Breaks1/30/2012
  Q: Steve, If I am gifted a home(s) prior to me closing on a home, will I still be considered a First ...
  A: Tony, This comes down to timing. Do you mean your are planning on or about to close on the ...
Interested in buying parcel of FL land1/17/2012
  Q: I am planning to retire in Florida (not for ~ 5 yrs) and want to buy a parcel of land. Will I have ...
  A: Sue, Be leery of swamp land...just trying to be funny...I could not resist. You should check with ...
Landlord will not return security deposit1/9/2012
  Q: We had numerous problems with us (not giving us keys to the back door, garage door openers not ...
  A: Donna, Wow, what an ordeal. The landlord is required by law to go through a very specific process ...
wetland appraisal12/13/2011
  Q: Can you recommend a professional to appraise a wetland area? The total amount of high land is ...
  A: Laura, Oh boy...sounds like you need a topography study as well? I would google land appraisals ...
Sale of Condo10/18/2011
  Q: I am the sole owner of a condo in Pasco County, Fla. Does my wife have to sign off on the sale of ...
  A: George, Quick answer yes. Long answer - you should contact a title company in Pasco county or ...
question about breaking lease for medical emergency10/18/2011
  Q: In July 2011, my mother-in-law signed a two year lease with an apartment in Jacksonville, FL. She is ...
  A: Brian, Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's health situation. I am not a lawyer so please seek ...
HOA / foreclosure on condo8/12/2011
  Q: Our condo is in "active foreclosure." We are not residing there. We have had the mortgage loan ...
  A: Caryl, Sorry for the delayed response...I answered this but for some reason (maybe I did not click ...
Warranty Deed7/13/2011
  Q: My husband and I recently purchased a townhouse in Florida. We are residents of Louisiana and did ...
  A: Jean, Yes it is normal. If you want a legal explaination ask to talk with the closing agent's ...
Do I owe HOA fees?7/8/2011
  Q: Two years ago, my wife and I divorced. I signed a quit claim deed and turned the house over to her, ...
  A: T.J. Sorry...I answered your questioned but apparently it did not get to you. Unfortunately, you ...
Married couple buying a second home in Florida6/6/2011
  Q: If a man who lives out of state signed a property purchase agreement for a condo in Florida, but the ...
  A: Sorry for the delay...not sure what happened. I do not believe you have a binding contract. There ...
Married couple buying a second home in Florida6/6/2011
  Q: If a man who lives out of state signed a property purchase agreement for a condo in Florida, but the ...
  A: I guess that depends on which side of the contract you are...seller or buyer. I am half kidding but ...
Foreclosure / bankrupsy5/28/2011
  Q: My brother's property is in the process of foreclosure (which started almost a year ago )and he ...
  A: Andres, Sounds like the trustee assigned by the court to sell your assets sold the property. Did ...
parking in my condo complex5/25/2011
  Q: I live in a gated condo complex that has HOA's. My landlord has stopped paying the HOA dues and I ...
  A: Denise, Since you paid your rent in advance you are in a difficult situation. Is your lease up at ...
quit claim deed vs mortgage5/25/2011
  Q: My friend bought a home with her now ex-husband. In the divorce she quit claimed the deed to him. My ...
  A: Karen, Yes, she is still responsible for the mortgage. I highly suggest she consult with a divorce ...
QCD title vesting does not match previous WD5/16/2011
  Q: Purchased property in Volusia County FL in 1991 under Husband and Wife; Divorced in 1997 and QCD was ...
  A: The question before I can answer accurately is what is being done with the title? What do you mean ...
Quiet Title5/5/2011
  Q: I built a house and had the mortgage/financing in my name only and had the deed put in my name and ...
  A: Will, Please seek the advice of a real estate attorney. If you are in the Orlando area I can ...
quit claim5/2/2011
  Q: I own a condo which I inherited from my parents. I would like to add my husband to the deed. Do I ...
  A: Monika, Two issues here. 1. Adding your husband to the deed - that is a formality and I would ask ...
Title Company - Duty to Parties4/13/2011
  Q: I had a FSBO contract for a cash sale of my home. Per the contract, the Title agent was to provide ...
  A: Beth, Ouch...sorry to hear about that. Unless their was a strange chain of title this should have ...
adding spouse to deed in pasco county fl4/8/2011
  Q: My husband and I each owned a property prior to our marriage. We would like to get one another add ...
  A: Roxy, Contact each clerk of the court in the county the properties reside and tell them you would ...
quick claim deed palm beach county fl3/31/2011
  Q: I am leaving my boyfriend. I am afraid of him and just want out. Both our names are on the deed but ...
  A: Deb, You can go to the clerk of the court in Palm Beach county and ask them for the paper work to ...
Preplanned Communities3/14/2011
  Q: I don't know if you are familiar with the preplanned communities in Florida but I am hoping that you ...
  A: Sorry for the late response...I did not know you had a follow-up question. The type of community ...
Preplanned Communities3/14/2011
  Q: I don't know if you are familiar with the preplanned communities in Florida but I am hoping that you ...
  A: Chelsea, I wish I could help you but I live in downtown Orlando. The are no preplanned communities ...
Pre-purchase insurance2/18/2011
  Q: I am in the process of buying a home. I have a signed contract with a home that was in foreclosure, ...
  A: Pamela, Most likely your contract is "as-is" and their is other language alleviating the seller ...
buy/rent ?1/26/2011
  Q: Need some advice concerning the following: I am a federal govt. employee, I work in a law ...
  A: Dennis, All I can tell you is prices are definitely at historic lows or at least back to 2001-2003 ...
Exchanging property1/4/2011
  Q: I have 2 properties (houses), 1 is a vacant rental. My in-laws live in the area, but they want to ...
  A: Sounds like a quitclaim deed is all you need to do. A simple conveyance of the property from one ...
FAR-BAR As Is Contract11/22/2010
  Q: We had been looking for a smaller home to purchase then rent for 2-3 years and retire to it. We ...
  A: Dave, I am not an attorney but clearly if the HOA was disclosed the day of closing you would have a ...
FAR-BAR As Is Contract11/22/2010
  Q: We had been looking for a smaller home to purchase then rent for 2-3 years and retire to it. We ...
  A: Dave, I tried to send two answers and the one above was my second. The first was about disclosure. ...
FAR-BAR As Is Contract11/19/2010
  Q: We had been looking for a smaller home to purchase then rent for 2-3 years and retire to it. We ...
  A: Dave, I hope this additional answer comes through. Did you put your escrow with the real estate ...
I think I did a lot of work that my real estate agent should have taken care of.10/14/2010
  Q: I am purchasing a condo in a large development in south Florida. At first I though my real estate ...
  A: I am sorry you had a less than positive experience with this agent. Condo docs are to be made ...
renters rights during short sale10/5/2010
  Q: I rent a house month to month in Lehigh Acres, FL from a coworker. I have been there for 4 years. ...
  A: Lori, I am not an attorney but if you do not have a lease then you have no rights. If you had a ...
Breaking of a 1yr lease on home in Fl9/29/2010
  Q: I have a tenant that signed a 1 yr agreement to lease my house in St Johns County for 1300.00 a ...
  A: Linda, First thing and I hate to point these out right away. 1. Never allow access to the ...
tax deeds9/1/2010
  Q: Do all sales of tax deeds at counties require quiet title action with the use of an attorney? Can I ...
  A: Oh boy...you got me on that one. I would recommend you talk with a title company in the area you ...
Owner broke lease what is my rights8/27/2010
  Q: My mother in-law lives in a condo association renting through an property management company. The ...
  A: I am not an attorney but it sure seems the landlord/owner are in breach of the lease terms. What ...
Earnest money refund requirements7/16/2010
  Q: In the event that a buyer states that they were told by their bank that they didn't qualify for the ...
  A: "does the seller by law have to return the money?" No, simply ask the buyer to sign-off on the ...
adding name to Florida deed7/16/2010
  Q: My mother would like to add my name to her deed for her condo in Florida. The apartment is paid off ...
  A: Lynda, Google the county the property is located and you should find the property appraisers web ...
Return of Security deposit6/8/2010
  Q: Steve, I rented the same house for a total of 4 years. Signed a year to year lease. Managed by a ...
  A: Laurie, Remember, I am not an attorney and do not have a copy of your lease but it sure sounds like ...
rent my house6/8/2010
  Q: I hope not to take to much of your time,just simple question.I have tenants in my house and they are ...
  A: Brad, Remember, I am not an attorney and do not have a copy of your lease. The security deposit is ...
Mobile Home Sales Prices6/2/2010
  Q: Steve, for your input... I am asking for a "first instinct" type of response, since I know there is ...
  A: Dave, That statistic is available to real estate agents with access to the multiple listing service ...
Residential rental single family unit4/30/2010
  Q: I came across you in my engine search. I am renting a single family unit, to which the landlord has ...
  A: Mary, Wow... Remember, I am not an attorney. I presume your question is can she evict you? If ...
Does husband have to be on Mortage?4/21/2010
  Q: Steve- I am legally separated and wish to purchase a home in Florida. My husband has already signed ...
  A: Christina, I am not an attorney please understand that. It is really up to the lender. I do not ...
Residential Renting to Tenants Filing Bankruptcy3/30/2010
  Q: I own a home which I am attempting to rent for a second time this summer. I have two prospective ...
  A: Kathleen, First, I am not a lawyer and do not know what filing bankruptcy means with regards to a ...
Title of property3/15/2010
  Q: I have a property in FL since 2001 and I do not have copy of the Title. I tried to contact the title ...
  A: Tiare, Do you want a copy of the title or the deed? If the deed find the property appraiser's ...
Can a CDPE help me as a Buyer?3/11/2010
  Q: ...I am an eventual perspective homebuyer in the Tampa, FL area. I have just today learned about ...
  A: John, These designations as well as other are nothing more than courses that make a real estate ...
security deposit fees imposed3/10/2010
  Q: We recently received the return of our security deposit less, fees of just over $600.00. No ...
  A: Lori, Your recourse is small claims court or getting an attorney. If you choose to follow through ...
Claim on Security Depoist3/1/2010
  Q: The Management Company (who was not the same company managing the property when the lease was ...
  A: Sherry, I wish I could help you. I am not an attorney and do not have the luxury of your lease and ...
Claim on Security Depoist3/1/2010
  Q: The Management Company (who was not the same company managing the property when the lease was ...
  A: Sherry, Do not cash the check they sent and take them to court. If you have an attorney you might ...
Is a security deposit grounds for eviction?2/21/2010
  Q: If it had been agreed that the security deposit would be paid after move in, can the landlord try to ...
  A: N, A landlord can try to evict you whenever and for whatever. The question is whether or not they ...
Management Companies2/14/2010
  Q: I am very dissatisfied with current management companies to which I pay 10% per month. I have 3 ...
  A: John, Let me me begin by saying our management company does extensive background, employment and ...
dealing with a property management company 22/4/2010
  Q: I recently asked a couple questions under this subject heading pertaining to late fee distributions ...
  A: Trebor, Wow...short answer, of course you can end your relationship and the tenant can stay. Long ...
Dealing with property management company2/4/2010
  Q: I have a few questions pertaining to property owners dealing with a property management company. ...
  A: Trebor, I can respond how I and my management division handle these situations. First question, ...
Ownership of property1/30/2010
  Q: My mother recently passed away and left a house (with no mortgage, free & clear) with no will. The ...
  A: Maria, Your mother's property will most likely have to go through probate. You need to hire a ...
landlord is breaking the lease1/28/2010
  Q: The house that we are renting at the moment has had many plumbing problems. The landlord has tried ...
  A: Jessica, I would need to see a copy of your lease but even then I am not an attorney so your best ...
fla homestead1/15/2010
  Q: my wifw & I own a home in kissimmee fla ; I am still in ny working she is in fla full time the house ...
  A: Yes, go to http://www.property-appraiser.org/index.cfm ...
Purchasing at courthouse steps or County Courthouse Auction1/12/2010
  Q: I am interested about currently purchasing real estate through the Charlotte County Foreclosure ...
  A: Dale, By clouds I mean things such as liens (bank liens 1st, 2nd, 3rd, federal tax liens, mechanics ...
Purchasing at courthouse steps or County Courthouse Auction1/12/2010
  Q: I am interested about currently purchasing real estate through the Charlotte County Foreclosure ...
  A: Dale, If you have not done this type of buying you need to be really, really careful. In fact, if ...
Escrow1/5/2010
  Q: How long does the bank have to return my escrow money? I was in contract to buy a house and we ...
  A: Teresa, If both the seller and the buyer signed the cancellation and in the document it indicated a ...
Interested in Buying Triplex/Fourplex in Florida12/30/2009
  Q: I live in Oregon, where I own a few duplexes. I have noticed that Florida real estate is very ...
  A: Dennis, Investment property in our market will certainly require 20% down and maybe a bit more. I ...
Florida Homestead Act rules12/27/2009
  Q: We have recently purchased a property in Florida. We reside out of state and the property is deeded ...
  A: Joe, Great question...your son can apply for homestead exemption but would receive a partial ...
quitclaim deed12/15/2009
  Q: I have been divorce for 5 year, and in the divorce agreement I received the house because I got ...
  A: Michael, I have no idea why you would lose your title insurance just because your ex-wife removed ...
delay of closing12/7/2009
  Q: we are in the process of closing a purchase agreement of a land in Florida. The closing date was for ...
  A: Angel, If both parties agree to extend the contract in order to clear up the title issue then you ...
security deposit /lease agrrement12/3/2009
  Q: a letter was sent to us renewing a lease with the same conditions...without requiring us to sign ...
  A: Charles, Wow...this is hard to follow. You should review Chapter 83 specifically 83.49. Here is ...
Where do i move?11/30/2009
  Q: alright, I'm going to try this again, i would like to know where to move in florida. i am eighteen, ...
  A: Zach, Congrats on your newborn! Your question is very difficult to answer without knowing; what ...
security deposit and extra charges11/28/2009
  Q: My friend is a college student, and lived in an apartment complex near campus for one year. His ...
  A: Eugenia, You should refer to chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes to see if the complex made written ...
mortgage lacking notary seal11/23/2009
  Q: I have a Florida mortgage, signed by only one witness, the notary. Who signed as witness and notary ...
  A: Luis, Sorry for the delay in answering your question. Try asking one of the attorneys here on ...
Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure probability in Florida11/20/2009
  Q: My husband died recently and he was the original borrower on the condo we have in Florida. I know ...
  A: Lauren, I am sorry for your loss. If you were not a signor or guarantor on the loan then you are ...
deed transfer from passed relative11/20/2009
  Q: My father had passed almost four years ago and my mother just mentioned that he owned some property ...
  A: Michael, There are a lot of questions before I can give more advice. Was there a will? What name ...
timshare resale11/18/2009
  Q: I am selling my timeshare at Vacation Villas at Fantasy world I've been told prices all over the ...
  A: Tom, I do not work in the timeshare side of the market. All I can say is be very careful and do ...
NOISES NEIGHBORS11/18/2009
  Q: I have upstairs neighbors that has forgotten they live over another family. Just about every night ...
  A: Becky, To get out of your lease legally you would have to prove the management company is not ...
deed transfer from passed relative11/17/2009
  Q: My father had passed almost four years ago and my mother just mentioned that he owned some property ...
  A: Michael, I am sorry for your loss. Try calling the clerk of the court in the county the property ...
security deposit11/15/2009
  Q: I have a small claims court judgement against my previous landlord for my deposit. The property is ...
  A: Chuck, I am not an attorney but with a court judgement try putting a lien on the property. A lien ...
timeshare contract invalid?11/12/2009
  Q: bought a timeshare 10-28 with Westgate. Was pressured into buying by real estate agent with promises ...
  A: Wayne, I am so sorry you had this experience. You need to consult with an attorney who has ...
Florida Real Estate Contracts Law11/10/2009
  Q: My brother and I inherited a condo in Florida when our father died. Initally my brother as the ...
  A: Lauren, If you are on the deed you need to be on the listing agreement/contract. If you are not on ...
Florida Real Estate Contracts Law11/10/2009
  Q: My brother and I inherited a condo in Florida when our father died. Initally my brother as the ...
  A: Lauren, "is it still considered a "real estate sale transaction" that would require us to pay the ...
Transfer of title11/2/2009
  Q: I own about 6 parcels of vacant land and a sigle family redisential rental property, all in Lee ...
  A: Fred, You should be able to "quitclaim" deed them all to the Florida LLC and do it for $100 each. ...
counter offers10/22/2009
  Q: We are in Canada and are buying a vacation home in Davenport Florida. The property that we choose ...
  A: Lisa, If you do not have a copy of your offer at $76,226 properly executed (signatures, etc.) then ...
rental lease10/21/2009
  Q: I can not live with my roommate any longer. We both signed the rental agreement on a house. What is ...
  A: Judy, I presume your lease says you are jointly and severly responsible for the lease? If that is ...
lease breaking due to foreclosure10/15/2009
  Q: I am the renter of a condo in Merritt Island, Florida. My unit is owned by a private individual. I ...
  A: Fred, Even though the condo is in foreclosure proceedings the owner still "owns" the condo and you ...
quit claim deed10/14/2009
  Q: I own a single family residence in Palm Beach County with my ex-husband. Currently, the property is ...
  A: Kristen, Go ahead with the quitclaim via your county's clerk of the court. I am not sure the bank ...
real estate9/29/2009
  Q: How does one add a spouses name to the deed of their home
  A: Nancy, Go to the clerk of the court where you live and ask them for the paperwork to add a spouse ...
landlord tenant- security deposit9/17/2009
  Q: Okay so I know that in Florida that the landlord has 15 days to return your security deposit or 30 ...
  A: Erica, I am not an attorney but I would say postmarked meets the language of the statute. Remember, ...
Delaware deceased/ owns property in Fla.9/14/2009
  Q: I am currently working on an estate and the deceased jointly owns property in Florida with her ...
  A: Dawn, I am not an attorney so please seek legal counsel right here on AllExperts. But, why not ...
Buying Commission Rebates9/14/2009
  Q: I've read a bit about buyer agent rebates. As I've found a property on my own, I'd like to take ...
  A: Michael, Lets cut to the chase. You want to get the very best price on the house that you can with ...
Buying Commission Rebates9/14/2009
  Q: I've read a bit about buyer agent rebates. As I've found a property on my own, I'd like to take ...
  A: Michael, Pitfalls - You get what you pay for. I believe agents who give rebates are less ...
Breaking a Lease-Medical reasons9/13/2009
  Q: I have been an outstanding tenant of my complex for the last 8 years. I renewed my lease in April ...
  A: Bonnie, Sorry to hear about your father's passing. I am not aware of any law that allows for ...
Question8/29/2009
  Q: . I am hoping you can help me. My husband and I live in Yulee/Fernandina Beach FL, right outside of ...
  A: Jennifer, If your move is military related I believe you have benefits that civilians do not have. ...
Question8/29/2009
  Q: . I am hoping you can help me. My husband and I live in Yulee/Fernandina Beach FL, right outside of ...
  A: Jennifer, Quick answers: 1. Short sales, if successful, take anywhere from 6 months to a year and ...
Transfer of real property upon death8/20/2009
  Q: A couple in FL own homesteaded real property with Warranty Deed listing both names as husband and ...
  A: Ellen, I would really suggest you speak with a real estate attorney. In the typical situation ...
name off of title8/19/2009
  Q: my mother wants to remove her name off of our title (which she does not pay nor claims homestead). ...
  A: Kimberly, You can go down to the county office that manages the recording of the deed/titles in ...
Florida Statute 83, Sec 83.498/13/2009
  Q: We moved out of our rental townhouse at the end of our lease, July 31st. We have been trying to ...
  A: Brittany, Sorry for the delay...I am on vacation. Sounds like you are doing everything right. ...
condo by laws7/31/2009
  Q: I have inherited a condo in Florida and I am trying to complete the application for approval by the ...
  A: Marty, Let me guess they will send the form to sign but not a copy of the by-laws. Amazing...this ...
Security deposit - does lease language supercede the Florida law ?7/26/2009
  Q: I am a landlord for a relatively newly developed condo. The departing tenant trashed the place upon ...
  A: Dallas, I am not an attorney so I am not sure. My guess is you can not change the language of the ...
return of Secuity Deposit7/24/2009
  Q: I recently had to terminate my lease and I was paid up to July 15,2009 for my rent. My landlord ...
  A: Kimberly, Remember, I am not an attorney but here goes. The deposit if for damages. Since there ...
Security Deposit7/23/2009
  Q: Steve, I moved out of my last apartment on at the end of May. I emailed my landlord asking when to ...
  A: Mary, I am not an attorney but small claims court sounds like the way to go. Let your landlord ...
rental properties7/14/2009
  Q: I have a 2 part question. 1) do you need to have a license to rent properties. Say for example I ...
  A: Tom, If you are finding people practicing real estate without a license you need to report them to ...
Security Deposit Paid to Management Co.7/11/2009
  Q: I am currently renting privately owned condo. When I entered into the lease, I was told that I ...
  A: Meryl, Just make sure you have them inspect the property immediately after you vacate...do it with ...
Security Deposit Paid to Management Co.7/10/2009
  Q: I am currently renting privately owned condo. When I entered into the lease, I was told that I ...
  A: Meryl, 2 security deposits is highly unusual. 1 for the landlord and 1 for the management company ...
When can I show my Condo?7/9/2009
  Q: The lease that I have with my tenant expires August 31st, 2009. I would like to begin showing the ...
  A: Alex, Most leases have a clause stating the landlord has the right to enter the property with ...
rental of RV lots in resort7/5/2009
  Q: Can a private individual (unlicensed) charge a finders fee based on the length of rental for another ...
  A: Warren, Interesting question...I believe RV lots would fall under motor vehicle department rules, ...
Home Equity Loans7/2/2009
  Q: My mom deeded her house to me and my sister before she passed away. Can one of us take a equity ...
  A: Todd, You can certainly try to get the equity loan in one name and most likely it will not be a ...
HOA failure to repair my screen enclosure7/1/2009
  Q: Nearly two years have passed since Aug.07' During this period two of the previous property managers ...
  A: Ben, The HOA's capital reserve account. A % of your monthly fees should be going into the reserve ...
HOA failure to repair my screen enclosure7/1/2009
  Q: Nearly two years have passed since Aug.07' During this period two of the previous property ...
  A: Ben, It certainly seems like the screen enclosure falls under "building maintenance" which your ...
Buying a house in Florida for my son6/26/2009
  Q: I live in Houston, TX and I am retired. My son is living in Tampa and renting. His credit is ...
  A: Renato, Due to the distance between your (presumed) primary residence in TX and the new property in ...
Short Sale6/25/2009
  Q: We are in the process of moving from California to Central Florida. We found a house we love but it ...
  A: Regina, Short answer - Highly unlikely. It all depends on what stage the short sale is in. If the ...
Real Estate Contracts - Seller recourse6/23/2009
  Q: We have a contract on a house that we are selling. The Buyer, after recieving an inspection report, ...
  A: Sheldon, Is there any language stating the buyer can inspect to his or her sole satisfaction? If ...
Breaking Rental Lease6/19/2009
  Q: My husband was unemployed for 10 months and finally has a new job he is making 1/3 of his previous ...
  A: Suan, Of course you can walk away but without seeing your lease you will most likely be breaking ...
Unlicensed Rental Agent - FL Condo Bldg6/18/2009
  Q: It has come to the attention of our Board that an individual that has rented out units in our ...
  A: Rex, You could start by checking out this site ...
Rental in foreclosure only 2 weeks after moving in...6/18/2009
  Q: I am a single mom and in April of this year I signed a 1 year lease on a nice condo. Spent all the ...
  A: Tricia, Check it out... Renters in Foreclosure: What Are Their Rights? by Attorney Janet Portman ...
leasing homestead6/17/2009
  Q: I recently had to close my company. In order to make the payments on my homestead I need to lease ...
  A: Chris, Florida has a constitution...ha! Half-kidding. I have no idea about "unlimited asset ...
Const to perm loan6/14/2009
  Q: My brother did a CP loan in 10/07. Original appraisal $330k. Now it is completed and the bank did a ...
  A: Tom, Has the bank paid the final draw? If not, why not withhold the final draw and renegotiate the ...
Rental in foreclosure only 2 weeks after moving in...6/14/2009
  Q: I am a single mom and in April of this year I signed a 1 year lease on a nice condo. Spent all the ...
  A: Tricia, This is an unfortunate and all to common problem today. I am sorry this has happened to you ...
lawyer conflicts6/10/2009
  Q: Isn't it a conflict for an attorney to claim to represent an association and also represent board ...
  A: t I am not sure I understand the situation. Is the board member claiming to be slandered by an ...
Question about renting a house and inviting roommates?6/3/2009
  Q: I'm renting a house and have a 1yr lease until February but have been thinking of renting out the ...
  A: S, Your lease should state whether or not you are allowed to sub-lease. Meaning re-rent the ...
homestead and inheritance6/2/2009
  Q: I inherited through both will and quit claim deed with my father and I as join tenants with right of ...
  A: Sally, I am not an attorney. I highly suggest you consult with one or at the very least a title ...
Separated Spouse forclosed on Primary Res5/22/2009
  Q: Are you able to answer this question? I am separated from my spouse and in the process of divorce. ...
  A: Sherly, I am not an attorney and I really, really suggest you find one. You can try this AllExpert ...
FORCLOSURE ON RENTER PROPERTY.5/1/2009
  Q: I signed a lease for a year on a condo back in Oct 2008 through a realtor here in Palm Coast. Now 7 ...
  A: Jeff, Check this out Renters in Foreclosure: What Are Their Rights? by Attorney Janet Portman ...
FORCLOSURE ON RENTER PROPERTY.5/1/2009
  Q: I signed a lease for a year on a condo back in Oct 2008 through a realtor here in Palm Coast. Now 7 ...
  A: Jeff, Sorry about your situation...it is all to common in this market. My first question is what ...
renewing a lease during undisclosed foreclosure?4/28/2009
  Q: I apologize for the long letter. My wife and I are in an odd predicament. I know renter/foreclosure ...
  A: Robert & Cindy, There are a variety of issues here. 1. Can you sue? Sure, but it would be a waste ...
Security Deposit4/27/2009
  Q: I rented a home for 3 years from a property management company. I did my first walk-thru with them ...
  A: Michael, Sounds like you have a great case to get your security back. Most courts will recognize ...
30 days to make claims?4/24/2009
  Q: I was reading FL statute 83.49 and I'm slightly confused. I gave my landlord 8 days written notice. ...
  A: Michael, If you have moved in to the new place and your previous landlord is trying to get $1,200 ...
30 days to make claims?4/23/2009
  Q: I was reading FL statute 83.49 and I'm slightly confused. I gave my landlord 8 days written notice. ...
  A: I apologize for the delayed response. You have asked a couple questions but then seem to answer ...
Sell or keep renting out4/21/2009
  Q: I tried to sell my home for 7 months before I gave up and rented it out. The renter also has a ...
  A: Robin, Since you do not want to be a landlord you should give the tenant more time. All your ...
landlord law regarding utilities``4/8/2009
  Q: I have a lease that specifies the utilities included only $30 per month for the water/sewer/gas/ Yet ...
  A: Tiffany, I am not an attorney so my answer is only based on experience as a landlord and managing ...
foreclosures4/6/2009
  Q: I live in Florida and I have been renting a house for the past 4 months and paid rent on time every ...
  A: Kibbles, Read your lease very carefully to see if there is any language about foreclosure/default ...
highest property taxes3/29/2009
  Q: I am trying to determine which county in Florida has the highest property taxes in order to settle ...
  A: Cathy, I am not aware of any particular sites that clearly list each county and the tax rates. Try ...
Foreclosure/Eviction/Realtor3/16/2009
  Q: I leased a townhome on Indian Rocks Beach on 10/15/08. I have just found out that Wachovia Bank ...
  A: Cathy, Why are you named in a suit? By whom? Anyway, you need to read your lease very carefully. ...
getting my parents out of their sarasota condo3/10/2009
  Q: My elderly parents would like to (and urgently need to)move to an assisted living facility. ...
  A: Gary, It all makes sense. I think we can agree they will not sell the condo at '05 prices. In ...
Pay rent during a pre-forclosure?3/10/2009
  Q: My husband and I have been renting a Central Florida home for two years. In October, a county clerk ...
  A: Tamara, That is pretty funny...serve you with eviction papers when the owner is the one in ...
Return of Security Deposit Rights3/6/2009
  Q: I am confused by the return of Security Deposit in the Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a),{Notice by landlord: ...
  A: Stefanie, Did you have a move-out inspection with the leasing company and if so did they provide a ...
Return of Security Deposit Rights3/6/2009
  Q: I am confused by the return of Security Deposit in the Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a),{Notice by landlord: ...
  A: Stefanie, Ok question by question. "Can you tell me what the 15 day is for?" Answer - To tell ...
Return of Security Deposit Rights3/6/2009
  Q: I am confused by the return of Security Deposit in the Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a),{Notice by landlord: ...
  A: Stefanie, Thanks for using AllExperts. Although I am not an attorney and am not giving you legal ...
General Advise3/5/2009
  Q: 2 Yrs. Ago a bought a House in Newberry, Fl. (Near Gainesville) I financed by using My Orlando ...
  A: Robert, I certainly hope in 8 years your property is worth at least the original $218k and ideally ...
landlord issues2/24/2009
  Q: my landlord has not fixed any of my complaints for over a year and a half. he now has tiles falling ...
  A: Kathy, Thank you for using AllExperts to get some help. I will try but I am not an attorney ...
home purchase in Florida2/22/2009
  Q: I want to make and offer on a home I saw in Florida that's on the market for $424,900. What would ...
  A: Deborah, Thanks for the follow-up. To provide you with the most accurate value I would compare ...
townhome rental2/13/2009
  Q: Iam recently started renting a townhouse in Oct of 2008. I was served this evening for my landlord ...
  A: Tamara, I am going to give you a response based on my experience. I am not an attorney and your ...
foreclosure? yes or no....2/11/2009
  Q: I am renting a property here in Naples. My landlord told me that I had to be out because he's ...
  A: Elizabeth, Sorry for the delayed reponse. There are so many questions here and so much confusion. ...
home purchase in Florida2/10/2009
  Q: I want to make and offer on a home I saw in Florida that's on the market for $424,900. What would ...
  A: Deborah, Sorry for the late replay. Your email went to my spam folder. Where in Florida are you. ...
rewriting the property deed1/15/2009
  Q: My father-in-law wants to put mine and my husband's names on the property deed. We live in Pasco Co. ...
  A: Cheryl, The easiest way to do this is via a quitclaim deed. This is the quickest way to simply ...

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Real Estate: Florida

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Steve Schiffer

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Licensed real estate agent since 2003

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