Wednesday, November 12, 2025 / by Ana Baldner
Florida may be the Sunshine State, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune to sudden temperature drops. Every winter, a cold front or two sneaks down from the north, sending us scrambling for sweaters and space heaters. Because our homes are designed to stay cool, not warm, it’s worth knowing how to prepare when the air turns crisp. Whether you’re in Cocoa Beach, Viera, or anywhere along the Space Coast, these tips will help you stay cozy, protect your home, and avoid unnecessary repairs.
1. Protect Your Pipes Before the Freeze
Freezing temperatures are rare in Florida, but when they do happen, the risk of burst pipes becomes real—especially for homes with outdoor plumbing or uninsulated spaces.
Let faucets drip overnight. A slow trickle keeps water moving and prevents freezing.
Open under-sink cabinets. This allows warmer air from your home to reach plumbing lines.
Cover outdoor spigots. Foam covers, towels, or even a thick sock will do the trick ...
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Friday, October 31, 2025 / by Kelly Bruno
There’s a 50/50 chance you might!
I'm glad you're here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here's a sneak peek at what's on tap:
It looked good on paper…
Would you buy a haunted house?
6 ways to protect your home (& trick-or-treaters) on Halloween
But first, let’s start it off with my...
Meme of the Week
I’m always curious to know which neighborhoods get the most trick-or-treaters. Do you typically get a lot of activity in yours?
It looked good on paper…
It’s important for agents to make sure we draw attention to features of a home we’re listing, and really make sure buyers can envision the possibilities.
But a real estate agent in the U.K. may have taken that a li ...
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cocoa beach florida, florida lifestyle
Sunday, September 28, 2025 / by Kelly Bruno
Congratulations! Your offer on that dream home in sunny Florida has been accepted. That's an exciting milestone, but the journey doesn't end there. As a Realtor who's guided countless buyers through the Florida real estate process, I know the post-acceptance phase can feel a bit overwhelming with all the moving parts. Don't worry—I'm here to break it down into clear, actionable steps. In this post, we'll cover the key things you'll need to do right away, focusing on the earnest money deposit, scheduling inspections, and making your formal loan application. By understanding these, you'll navigate the process with confidence and keep your path to closing smooth and stress-free.
1. Make the Earnest Money Deposit: Locking in Your Commitment
Once your offer is accepted, the first order of business is to submit your earnest money deposit (EMD). This is essentially a good-faith payment that shows the seller you're serious about buying the property. In Florida, the EMD is typica; ...
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cocoa beach florida, cape canaveral, florida living, florida lifestyle realty, florida lifestyle, what to do, brevard county, tips and advice, buyer's agent, buyer tips
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 / by Ana Baldner
If you’re buying, selling, or renewing homeowners insurance on a Florida house, you’ve probably heard of a four-point inspection. It’s a shorter, focused home inspection used mainly by insurance companies to assess risk for older homes (typically 30 years and up) — but for Florida properties it’s more than just a checkbox exercise. Here’s a deep-dive into each component of the four-point inspection and what homeowners in the Sunshine State should know to prepare, pass, and protect their investment.
What is a Four-Point Inspection?
A four-point inspection evaluates four major systems of a home: the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Unlike a full home inspection, which examines everything from the foundation to the doorknobs, the four-point focuses on age, material condition, and any safety hazards that most influence insurance risk and potential large losses. Insurance underwriters use the report to determine eligibility, . ...
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Wednesday, September 3, 2025 / by Katy Foster
When buying a home in Florida, one of the most important hurdles to clear is the 4-point inspection. This inspection focuses on four major systems:
Roof, Electrical, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning), and Plumbing. Insurance companies require these items to be in acceptable condition before they’ll issue a policy. If there are problems in any of these areas, it can delay—or even derail—a closing.
Why the 4-Point Inspection Matters
Without a clean 4-point inspection, you typically can’t get homeowners insurance, and without insurance, you can’t close on a mortgage. That’s why buyers and sellers need to pay close attention to these systems during the homebuying process.
Handling Issues That Come Up
If problems show up during the inspection, all hope isn’t lost. Sometimes repairs can be negotiated to be done after closing. For example, roofs are a common sticking point. Because many roofers are booked weeks in advan. ...
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buyer tips, strategy
