The No. 1 question in real estate of the last years was “are we there yet?” Buyers who were sitting on the fence could not wait any longer and sellers …
How to calculate Coinsurance
This is one of the best examples to explain the importance of being correctly insured. If an HOA or condo association is underinsured as in the following example provided by …
Citizens Property Insurance of Florida Changes for 2013
Commercial property owners will want to make note of many rule, form and lastly rate changes coming in 2013 from Citizens Property Insurance of Florida. This post is from their …
When in Doubt about the Economy, ask a Trucker!
Back in early 2005 when the real estate market reached never before seen heights I was hired for a marketability study. The client wanted me to investigate if a planned …
An “Aha” Moment Solves Challenge of Cost Estimating Local Sarasota Sailor Circus Roof
This is s collaborative guest post that is truly a joy to publish. I have relied on their unabashed expertise for my business for 18 years and am always pleased …
Reserve Studies Demystified- Funding Models
Reserve Studies Demystified (Blog 4 of 4) Funding Models There are several funding models, however, the best funding model for an individual association depends on the tolerance for risk. And …
Reserve Studies Demystified- Ideal Reserves vs. Fully Funded
Reserve Studies Demystified (Blog 3 of 4) Ideal Reserves vs. Fully Funded My clients frequently ask me, “What really are ideal reserves and what does it mean when a component …
Reserve Studies- Budgeting Methods Demystified
Reserve Studies Demystified (Part 2 of 4) Non-Pooling or Pooling? Straight-Line or Cash Flow? That is the question! Pooling and non-pooling budget concepts are often misunderstood and misinterpreted. CPAs usually refer …
What is a Reserve Study?
Reserve Studies Demystified Part 1 of 4 Reserve Studies are a myth for many homeowner’s and even the condo and HOA boards most often have no idea if their community …
Citizens’ Depopulation Strategy
Under Governor Scott’s tutelage Citizens Insurance starts an aggressive depopulation strategy. The new limitations, rate increases, exclusions and rules, which were issued by Citizens since January 2012 were just the …
Citizens Property Insurance – Summary of 2012 Changes – so far….
After receiving literally every week Citizens Agent Communications with ever more rate increases, coverage limitations and restrictions, it is necessary to post a summary of these changes for my clients …
Hurricane Season 2012 – El Niño or La Niña?
Recently, I attended a meeting where an insurance agent made a presentation about the probability that Manatee and Sarasota Counties in Florida will be hit by a hurricane this upcoming …
Are We There Yet? Real Estate Recovery Or Not?
To buy or not to buy, the $100,000-question we all would like to have answered. For the last three to four years we have observed buyers getting back into the …
2010 Florida Building Code Changes
The Florida Building Commission (FBC) reviewed a total of 827 proposed changes for the development of the 2010 Florida Building Code and approved approximately 55% of the changes submitted for …
Here We Go Again – Citizens Insurance Increases Premiums for A-Rated Risks
Citizens just released their latest insurance increases, which will apply to Condominiums, Homeowner’s associations and apartment buildings. Therefore it becomes more and more important to have accurate insurance appraisals and …
Does your Building comply with the Aldridge-Benge Firefighters Safety Act?
When conducting real estate inspections at condominium associations, homeowner’s associations and commercial buildings for an insurance appraisal, I realize that a lot of these buildings do not comply with the …
Citizens Insurance in the Spotlight
Two recent developments in the Florida insurance world will have a great impact on residential property and insurance appraisers throughout the State of Florida. Although we had no hurricane events …
The Highlight of every Real Estate Property Inspection is on the Roof!
Although some roofs require top physical shape to get up, my favorite moment is to stand up on top of that roof. That is the moment I “own” the building, …
Citizens to Increase Commercial and Residential Policies in 2012
After the recent discussions to increase premiums for Florida condominium buildings, which are valued above the dreaded 10-million dollar threshold, and after general premium increases for all insurance carriers, Citizens …
Citizens plans 19 Percent Rate Hike for Condo Buildings over $10 Million
This Blog was written by Julie Patel and published in the Sun Sentinel: By Julie Patel November 9, 2011 09:35 AM Citizens Property Insurance plans to discuss raising rates for …