Optima Properties' Blog

‘Renovate’, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary means “ renew, restore, refresh, and rejuvenate all mean to make like new.”  When the phrase “completely remodeled or renovated” is used in the description of a listing, many homebuyers expect the entire house to be completely updated. But i...

An appraisal gap is the difference between the fair market value determined by the appraiser and the amount you agreed to pay for the home.   An abnormally high number of homes across the United States are being appraised below their agreed-upon sales prices, causing some deals to implode.With h...

On average, the cost of homeowners insurance in Florida has gone up by 32.5% since 2016. This is more than three times higher than the average rate change than the rest of the country experienced during this time (10.9%). More and more of my clients are analyzing the pros and cons of self-insurin...

Caveat Emptor, “Let the buyer beware.” is a real estate principle that warns buyers to "beware" and do their due diligence. It is of paramount importance, for Florida real estate buyers, since the majority of real estate agents are transactional agents. When a purchase contract for property says ...

The Florida Realtors Association asked construction specialists and attorneys about the questions we should all be asking about the condition of our living spaces and what kinds of updates they need as they deteriorate from heat, humidity, hurricanes and climate change.Read Full Article on Optima...

The 4th of July is here, and if your pet is afraid of fireworks and loud noises, you may need just a little more preparation to make sure your pet stays happy and relaxed during the celebration. Set up a safe space in advance.Create a “happy place” where your pet can retreat to and feel secure. C...

 With higher temperatures often comes...higher energy bills, as we attempt to combat the heat outside with cool, air-conditioned interiors. To help you shave a few dollars off your energy bills all summer long, here are some tips and tricks for reducing your energy consumption. From little fixes ...

 A bidding war is when at least two prospective buyers have made legitimate offers for a home that are similar and the Seller wants to select the best offer and terms for themselves. Bidding wars are common—in most of 2020, over half of home offers presented have faced competitive bids, according...

 The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be more active than usual.  A total of 18 named storms, eight hurricanes and three major hurricanes are expected this season.This is above the 30-year average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. In order to ensure yo...

  An escalation clause is language inserted into a purchase offer for a home that’s intended to make sure a buyer is the highest bidder. It’s typically used when a buyer and their real estate agent strongly believe a house will receive multiple offers.An escalation clause states that the buyer wi...