Author Archives: Larry Bray
What Does an Indemnification Clause Do?
Do you want to be held responsible for someone else’s mistake or error? Probably not. But if you sign indemnification clauses in contracts, that’s just what you’re doing. Many people don’t understand what an indemnification clause is, or what it does. That can lead to real problems down the road. What is Indemnification? An… Read More »
Disclosures and Issues When Buying Property Subject to an HOA
Most sellers of homes know that they have to make certain disclosures to potential buyers, disclosures that may relate to the condition of the property. But many sellers—and even their agents—often overlook the requirement of disclosures of the homeowners association (HOA) restrictions on property to a buyer. HOA Disclosures In every real estate purchase… Read More »
What Happens When a Buyer or Seller Dies Before Closing?
When we think of things that could go sour when we are getting close to a real estate closing, we don’t think of death as being a possibility. But it can and does happen, that a buyer or a seller passes away, while property is under contract, but before the closing. Most real estate… Read More »
Common Mistakes When People Start New Businesses
It is seemingly just so easy to start a business. The State of Florida does a good job online, making it easy to just fill out some forms, and suddenly, you have a state recognized business. But that’s really a facade, because although you may have a legally established business, that’s not the end… Read More »
Estate Planning Considerations for Unmarried Couples
It is more and more common for couples to live with each other, often long term, but never officially tie the knot. And while that is just fine if it is your own personal choice, it isn’t so fine when it comes to estate planning or to the probate court. Because although you may… Read More »
Electronic Wills in Florida: What are the Steps?
Just a few years back, Florida seemingly came into the modern age and finally changed the law to allow the drafting and usage of electronic wills. But just like their non-electric counterparts, drafting and signing electronic wills has specific requirements that need to be followed, in order for the will to be valid and… Read More »
How and Why Are Quiet Title Lawsuits Used?
When it comes to real estate, whether residential or commercial, you assume that if you buy property, you automatically own it. But it’s not that simple. There is a complex process to make sure you own the property you purchased. And when things go wrong, and there is a dispute over ownership, there could… Read More »
Challenging Property Tax Appraisals
If you own a home in Florida, you likely already know that your property taxes are based on the appraised value of your property, as appraised by the governing authority, the county. The lower the appraisal, the less taxes you pay. County property appraisers are human, and can make errors, and appraising property is… Read More »
Don’t Get in Trouble for Handling Client Credit Issues
You probably know that many companies that advertise credit repair services, may not all be above board. Although some are legitimate companies, the industry is fraught with companies that promise more than what they can actually (or legally) deliver. That’s why the law puts a lot of restrictions on the industry and numerous regulations… Read More »
Home Inspections-Why are They So Important?
When we think of all the steps involved in homebuying, inspections tend to get very little notice or attention. Many people see them as formalities; from the outside the home looks great—and may even be new or newer construction—so what could possibly go wrong with an inspection? But an inspection is one of the… Read More »
