Posts in category 'Condos Coastal Living'

If you're buying a Florida condo, it's easy to focus on the unit.

How's the kitchen?

What's the view?

Is there a pool?

How close is the beach?

Those things matter.

But you're not only buying a condo.

You're buying into an association.

And understanding the health of that association can be every bit as important as deciding whether you like the unit itself.

A low monthly fee isn't automatically a good thing

Buyers understandably pay attention to association fees.

But I wouldn't evaluate an association simply by asking, "How much is the monthly fee?"

I'd want to know what that fee is supporting.

An association has buildings and common areas to maintain. Depending on the property, that might include roofs, elevators, pools, landscaping, exterior maintenan...

Click Here to Read More...

We Knew We Wanted Florida. We Just Didn't Know Where.
When Mark and I decided we wanted to live near the beach in Florida, we didn't start out saying, "We're moving to Ormond Beach."

Actually, we weren't even sure which coast of Florida we wanted.

We had a pretty simple wish list.

We wanted to be close to the ocean. Ideally, we wanted to live within about a mile of the beach. And, like pretty much every buyer I've ever worked with, we had a budget.

So we did what I now help other people do.

We started exploring.

And what we discovered is something I tell buyers today: choosing where to live in Florida isn't just about finding a house you like.

It's about figuring out how you actually want to live.

First, We Looked at Florida's West Coast

We explored the west coast because the...

Click Here to Read More...

Buying a condo in Ormond Beach has always been appealing — from oceanfront sunrises on A1A to low-maintenance living perfect for full-time residents, snowbirds, and investors. But in 2025, the condo-buying process looks different than it did even a few years ago. New regulations, insurance changes, structural inspection requirements, and rising HOA expectations mean buyers need a clear, local guide.

Here's everything you need to know before making your move.

1. Milestone Inspections: What Buyers MUST Know

Florida's updated Milestone Inspection requirements mean condo buildings must complete structural evaluations at specific ages and intervals.
This affects:

Click Here to Read More...

Oceanfront living sounds like a dream — and it can be — but before you buy that condo with the perfect sunrise view, it's important to understand what you're really paying for.

The "Hidden Costs"

• HOA Fees: Cover amenities, maintenance, insurance, and reserves.

• Assessments: Sometimes necessary for structural repairs or major updates.

• Insurance: Florida's coastal policies are changing so be sure you know what's included.

Click Here to Read More...