Buying or renting a property involves more than just price and location. It requires attention to numerous details such as technical restrictions, legal issues, building codes, HOA reserves, and insurance risks.
A mistake can be costly, leading to situations like a condo in litigation, a house in a flood zone, or a property that cannot be insured or resold.
Many believe myths such as:
“The agent will explain everything.”These ideas cause fear, distrust, and make people skip getting professional help. But that’s how bad deals happen — the ones you regret later with, “If only we had known…”. A professional realtor acts like a filter, protecting you from hidden problems. When they do their job well, you might never even realize what they saved you from.
Trusting the wrong realtor can lead to significant financial loss, as illustrated by real stories from South Florida:
In Florida, many investors buy homes “AS IS” with plans to flip them for a profit. These homes often come with no warranties and sometimes only basic cosmetic updates, or none at all.
Most of these properties are older homes with fresh paint, new floors, and quick surface repairs. But behind the clean finishes, you’ll often find outdated systems—including electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC—that can lead to major issues later.
Termite damage is also a common problem in Florida, especially in single-family homes with wood framing. Treating and repairing this can be very expensive.
If you’re planning to resell a flipped home, be prepared for Florida’s requirements: you’ll likely need building permits, reconstruction plans, and several inspections, including the 4-point, wind mitigation, and roof certification. Older homes with aging systems often struggle to pass these inspections without costly upgrades.
Flipping homes in Florida can still be very profitable—but only when you fully understand the hidden risks and costs involved.
Realtors help you buy or sell homes, but there are some things they aren’t allowed to do by law:
An experienced realtor has a trusted network of lawyers, mortgage brokers, and insurance agents, and will connect you with the right experts when needed to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.
A skilled Miami realtor knows every important detail to protect you, including:
A realtor’s role goes beyond just selling homes. A true professional protects clients from hidden financial and legal risks in attractive listings. They stay actively involved, coordinate all parties, and resolve issues promptly to keep the process on track.