Author: Andres Vasquez

When a Florida homeowner dies, the family usually assumes the house now belongs to them. In one sense that is true: Florida law passes ownership to the heirs or the people named in the will at the moment of death. But the deed still sits in the name of someone who has died, and nobody … Continued

Being behind on your mortgage and having almost no equity feel like one problem. They are two different numbers, and they block two different doors. The thin equity blocks the familiar sale, where the loan is paid off in full at closing. The missed payments are a separate figure, smaller and specific. Our guide to … Continued

Paying off a mortgage feels like the finish line. No lender, no monthly payment, the house is yours. But in Florida there is one bill that can take a paid off house just as surely as any bank foreclosure: property taxes. The tax lien sits ahead of almost every other claim on a property, including … Continued

Most Florida homeowners think foreclosure is something a bank does. It is not the only way to lose a house. If you fall behind on homeowners association dues, the association can place a lien on your home and foreclose on that lien through the courts, even if you are current on your mortgage, and even … Continued

A short sale may be an option when a home’s sale proceeds are not enough to fully satisfy the mortgage payoff and other required obligations. The lender or mortgage servicer generally must approve accepting less than the full amount owed. Approval, timing and terms are not guaranteed. Owing more than a home is worth does … Continued

A higher headline offer is not always the same type of offer. Compare the structure and terms—not only the number. One offer may come from a buyer intending to close directly. Another may involve an assignment, existing financing or marketing the home to a different buyer. Start by asking what has to happen before you … Continued

A high offer can get your attention. Before you sign, find out who is making it, where the money will come from, and what the agreement lets each side do. Who is the buyer, and how will closing be funded? Can someone else take over the agreement? Which contingencies, deadlines and obligations apply? What role … Continued

One option that may be discussed is a purchase “subject to” the existing mortgage. In this type of transaction, ownership may transfer while the existing mortgage remains in the seller’s name. Most home sales pay off the existing mortgage at closing. But sometimes a seller has limited equity, needs more flexibility, is carrying another home, … Continued

A direct cash sale is not automatically the best choice for every homeowner. Listing with a real estate agent may be the better path when your home is market-ready, you have time to market it, and your priority is pursuing the highest price the open market may support. A direct purchase may fit when repairs, … Continued