People relocate to South Florida for a few reasons; retirement, job opportunity, second home, tax savings, lifestyle, and to be closer to family to name just a few.

Relocating to a new state or region can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to settling into an unfamiliar community. Whether you’ve moved locally before or this is your first big relocation, there’s more to it than just packing boxes and changing addresses.   Finding the right city or neighborhood will make all the difference in your satisfaction with your decisions.

Here are a few  key tips to help make the transition smoother, from using online resources to connecting with locals, so you can start feeling at home before you even relocate.

If you have moved locally before, you know the bureaucracy that comes with every move:

• Change your address on your driver’s license and other ID
• Register to vote, if you are a citizen or becoming a Florida resident
• Move your utility services to the new location
• File a post office change of address
• Register your children in the local school
• Find new doctors…and more

Just like when you are moving locally, there will be lifestyle activities that you should explore before moving:

• What is the commute between work and home, school and home?
• Does the new location have access to activities you enjoy now?
• Where are the religious or social centers like those you belong to now?

How to explore potential places that I’ll enjoy in the new region.

Use Internet Resources: Start by seeking out the types of local information you rely on now, but specific to your new location.

Explore online news outlets like THE PATCH or local newspapers.  Join local social media groups, which often give a sense of the community. Just like in your current area, you’ll find a mix of people—some helpful, some not—but these groups can offer valuable insights.

Check out religious and cultural organizations that align with your interests. Their websites often list their mission and activities calendars, which can help you connect with like-minded people even before you arrive. Many also offer newsletters or online communication platforms that are great for staying in the loop. Research schools, crime statistics, demographic information, weather and more to fully understand how a move will impact your way of life.

Networking: Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues if they know anyone in your new area. Personal introductions can be invaluable in helping you get settled and learn more about your new community.

Pre-move Vacation: Consider spending a week or two in your new town or city to get a feel for the place. Use this time to meet with people who can assist with your move and try out activities you already enjoy—whether it’s sports, theater, religious services, hiking, or even attending a local event. Engaging in these activities will help you connect with locals and give you a sense of whether the area aligns with your lifestyle.

Consider a Two-Step Move: Evaluate whether it’s less stressful to rent for a year before buying a home. Each approach has its own benefits and challenges. Renting allows you to test the waters, while buying right away offers a sense of permanence—but either way, the decision should be based on your comfort level and finances.

Develop a Relationship with a Local Exclusive Buyer’s Agent: A local exclusive buyer’s agent is a valuable resource when moving to a new area. They have in-depth knowledge of the region and can guide you to community activities and resources that will ease your transition. Their expertise can help you navigate your home search while also connecting you with local networks.

Filed under: Blog, Boca Raton real estate, Down Sizing, EBA, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Buyer Agent, Florida Exclusive Buyer Agent, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Homebuyer Advice, International Home Buyers, Moving Apps, Real Estate, Relocation, Retirement, second home, South Florida Real Estate, Tax deductions, Uncategorized, vacation home by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Preparing For A Relocation

Harborside at Hillsboro Beach was constructed on the Intracoastal in 1982.  This boutique condominium has only 18 units around 2,800 livable square feet.

Harborside at Hillsboro Beach’s  amenities include a waterfront pool and sundeck and deeded beach access.

Filed under: Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Harborside at Hillsboro Beach

Approximately 50% of Floridians live in communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs), sometimes referred to a property owners associations (POAs).  These associations, which govern various aspects of community living, such as property maintenance and shared amenities, can provide numerous benefits but may impose certain restrictions on homeowners.

To make informed decisions while purchasing a home governed by a homeowners association (HOA), prospective buyers must be aware of the rules set forth by the HOA and how those rules interact with local ordinances and state laws.

One advantage of purchasing a property under an HOA is the access to various amenities. Many communities boast shared facilities such as swimming pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, tennis and pickleball, or spas, which may be included in the dues residents pay. Additionally, HOAs often are responsible for maintaining common areas to include, but not limited to, security gates, roads, lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, and exterior building maintenance, ultimately enhancing the overall neighborhood utility and aesthetics. A HOA may also have dispute resolution procedure in place to assist with conflicts between neighbors, management and more.

Living within an HOA-governed community might have certain restrictions related to architectural modifications or pet ownership. Additionally, fees required for upkeep and management could impact affordability depending on individual financial circumstances. Therefore, buyers should consider their desires for autonomy versus communal support while evaluating properties in association-controlled neighborhoods.

After considering the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a home within an HOA community.  Should you decide that an HOA community is appealing to you, it is essential to go deeper into the specifics of the prospective association.  Thorough examination of the governing documents like covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, rules and regulations, financial statements, reserve studies, insurance policies, and any other pertinent documentation will further evaluate if the specific community is where you want to make an investment in a home.

These documents will provide important information on architectural control guidelines, assessment obligations (including special assessments), dispute resolution procedures, rental restrictions, pet policies, parking rules, and maintenance requirements and more.

Here are some of the documents you need to request and review when reviewing an HOA in advance of purchase commitment.

Financials

Annual due and fees, special assessments, fines and fees and other budgeted expenses and necessary information a buyer needs when evaluation their total financial obligation when purchasing a home.  At a minimum a budget, balance sheet and audited financials should be reviewed in advance of finalizing a purchase decision.

Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)

This is a legally binding document that is officially recorded for all registered homeowners associations (HOAs)and filed with the State. The CC&R covers the rights and obligations of the HOA to its members and vice-versa.  The goal of the CC&Rs is to protect, preserve, and enhance property values in the community.

Bylaws

The community’s bylaws establish the structure of day-to-day governance of your homeowners association and duties of the Board. This includes things like:

• Frequency of HOA board elections
• Process for nominating and electing new board members
• Number of members that serve at one time
• Length of board member service terms
• Meeting frequency and quorum requirements
• Duties and responsibilities of board members

Rules and Regulations

When you purchase a home in a community governed by an HOA you are agreeing to abide by all rules and regulations specified in the governing documents. Your community’s Rules & Regulations are a catch-all for the things that aren’t covered in the CC&Rs or Bylaws. These are often the rules that might need revising over time due to changes in the community.

Every document can be changed and is done so with Amendments.  Make sure you request all these, as well, for review.

Equipped with this knowledge about what financial membership entails within an HOA community in Florida will enable buyers to make informed decisions regarding if the property is suited to your needs and desires.

Filed under: 2022 Real Estate, 2024 real estate, Blog, Boca Raton real estate, CEBA, contracts, Down Sizing, EBA, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Buyer Agent, Florida Exclusive Buyer Agent, Florida Real Estate, HOA, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Homebuyer Advice, homeowners association, POA, Property Owners Association, Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, real estate news, Relocation, Retirement, second home, South Florida Real Estate, Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on What Perspective Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Associations

Villa Octagon at 1900 N Ocean Blvd is a 5-story boutique condominium on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  There are only 4 total residences with each occupying an entire floor featuring 3 bedrooms with over 3,300+ square feet of living space, large patios, private elevator and direct oceanfront views.

Villa Octagon was constructed in 1992 and  amenities include a heated pool and garage parking.

Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, Florida has a great selection of real estate available for those looking for a home or investment opportunity. Choices range from charming two to four-bedroom single-family homes on tree-lined subdivisions, condos with world-class amenities, and beautiful, spacious homes in private gated communities. The city has an eclectic selection of neighborhoods ranging from centrally located ones like Victoria Park to the high-end waterfront enclaves in the Las Olas Isles area to country club communities such as Coral Ridge.  Popular destinations in the area include  Las Olas Boulevard, The Broward Center of the Performing Arts in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and The Galleria Mall.  The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, golfing, tennis, yacht clubs and more are only a short car ride away.

View Condos for Sale in Villa Octagon below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.

Sorry we are experiencing system issues. Please try again.

Sorry we are experiencing system issues. Please try again.

Filed under: Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Villa Octagon

As a Floridian, you already know the drill: hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 each year, and certain hurricane preparations are needed to protect your home when storms appear to be heading your way. But what happens if you are some distance away, or even out of state, when this occurs? You can still prepare ahead of time – and a few extra steps is all it takes to secure your home while you’re away.

Performing the following hurricane preparation before vacation will allow you to relax and enjoy family time, or the scenery wherever you’re vacationing.

Insurance Coverage. Every year, you should review your homeowners, flood, and wind insurance policies to make sure you will have the coverage you need should your home be in the path of the next major hurricane or storm surge. Ideally, this is done before hurricane season begins, but should absolutely be done before you leave on vacation.

Home Safety Measures. Whatever hurricane preparedness you might normally do if you were home when a storm was approaching, do before you leave on vacation. This includes closing/installing your hurricane shutters, trimming trees, and bringing in any outdoor furniture or other items subject to becoming projectiles during a hurricane. Doing all of this before a storm is even on the horizon might seem like overkill – but the peace of mind it provides should bad weather threaten while you’re away will be priceless. Especially since you won’t be able to do much from a distance.

Electronics, Water & Gas. Consider unplugging valuable electronics and appliances to avoid potential power surges as the result of a hurricane or tropical storm. Alternatively, you could opt to turn the power off at the breaker. To avoid potential leaks, you may also want to consider turning off the main water and gas valves to your home.

Inform a Trusted Neighbor or Friend. Let someone you trust know about your vacation plans, including when you’ll be away, how you might be contacted, and any relevant details about your home security or other systems. They may be able to keep an eye on your home in your absence should a hurricane develop.

Ready the Emergency Kit. Stock up on supplies you would rely on if you were home during a hurricane, such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, nonperishable food, and an ample supply of bottled water. This hurricane preparedness will be helpful if you return home without power or access to supplies are limited. Store a small version of this kit in your car, and top off the tank.

Have a Backup Plan. Should you be unable to get to your home upon your return from vacation, or if your home is damaged by a hurricane or tropical storm, have a contingency plan of possible friends or nearby locations you may be able to shelter in until your home is safe to return to.

‍Stay Informed. Even with all the right hurricane preparedness before you leave on vacation, you’ll want to monitor weather conditions from afar, especially once a hurricane or tropical storm has been identified. You’ll be able to make the best decisions when they are informed by as much information – and preparation – as possible.

Filed under: Blog, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Flood Insurance, Home Buyer Advice, Home Maintenance, home safety, Homebuyer Advice, Homeowners Insurance, Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance Claims, Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Hurricane Preparedness Before Your Vacation

Dell Park is a neighborhood of luxury homes located in East Delray Beach. The  Dell Park neighborhood  spans from Lake Ida to  George Bush Blvd with great access to the beach and Downtown Delray..

View Homes for Sale in Dell Park below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.

Sorry we are experiencing system issues. Please try again.

Filed under: Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Dell Park

Salato is an oceanfront boutique, ultra-luxury development comprised of 40 residences, including 6 penthouses,  in Pompano Beach, Florida.  Designed by Randall Stofft with interiors by Steven G. Salato features expansive 3-bedroom floor plans, extra wide living spaces, and incredibly rare 14-foot-deep terraces. The intimate residential experience is complemented by private beach service, state-of-the-art fitness & wellness facilities all serviced by five-star trained concierge partners.

Complete views of the breathtaking ocean blending with the open sky are provided by the floor to ceiling windows in each residence. The views inspire and influence the design of these homes. The light-colored decor appears to change throughout the day as do the spacious areas that embrace the grandeur of the horizon.

At Salato, nothing is random. Every part of the design, every piece of material, every service, and every amenity is thoughtfully conceived and executed to blend harmoniously. The result is refined elegance that captures the beauty and nature of this oceanside piece of paradise.

Pompano Beach, in Broward County, maintains more than 50 local parks for sports enthusiasts or those who have a penchant for outdoor relaxation. Local attractions and shopping in Pompano Beach provide myriad entertainment options.

Annual special events include a holiday boat parade in December, seafood festival in April, and a fishing rodeo in May.

Pompano Beach’s real estate market offers potential homebuyers some of the most beautiful waterfront homes in the region. Single-family homes that offer direct access to the ocean are perfect for buyers with small or large vessels. Homes fronting the Intracoastal Waterway and single-family residences that have access to ocean canals are also available and may or may not feature fixed bridges. The Heart of the Gold Coast is tucked snugly between the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton.

View Condos for Sale at Salato Pompano Beach below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.

Sorry we are experiencing system issues. Please try again.

Filed under: Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Salato

Salato is an oceanfront boutique, ultra-luxury development comprised of 40 residences, including 6 penthouses,  in Pompano Beach, Florida.  Designed by Randall Stofft with interiors by Steven G. Salato features expansive 3-bedroom floor plans, extra wide living spaces, and incredibly rare 14-foot-deep terraces. The intimate residential experience is complemented by private beach service, state-of-the-art fitness & wellness facilities all serviced by five-star trained concierge partners.

Complete views of the breathtaking ocean blending with the open sky are provided by the floor to ceiling windows in each residence. The views inspire and influence the design of these homes. The light-colored decor appears to change throughout the day as do the spacious areas that embrace the grandeur of the horizon.

At Salato, nothing is random. Every part of the design, every piece of material, every service, and every amenity is thoughtfully conceived and executed to blend harmoniously. The result is refined elegance that captures the beauty and nature of this oceanside piece of paradise.

Pompano Beach, in Broward County, maintains more than 50 local parks for sports enthusiasts or those who have a penchant for outdoor relaxation. Local attractions and shopping in Pompano Beach provide myriad entertainment options.

Annual special events include a holiday boat parade in December, seafood festival in April, and a fishing rodeo in May.

Pompano Beach’s real estate market offers potential homebuyers some of the most beautiful waterfront homes in the region. Single-family homes that offer direct access to the ocean are perfect for buyers with small or large vessels. Homes fronting the Intracoastal Waterway and single-family residences that have access to ocean canals are also available and may or may not feature fixed bridges. The Heart of the Gold Coast is tucked snugly between the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton.

View Condos for Sale at Salato Pompano Beach below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.

Sorry we are experiencing system issues. Please try again.

Filed under: Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Salato

• Convenience. This is one of the primary reasons people start down the smart-home path. It just makes life a little easier when your home automates all the mundane tasks you used to have to do on a day-to-day basis.
• Safety. A lot of smart-home technology is centered around your home’s security system, and there’s a good reason for that. No one piece of security equipment will protect your home comprehensively, but a network of pieces of equipment all working and thinking together can.
• Sustainability. A lot of energy is wasted when you leave the lights on or keep your AC running when you’re gone for the weekend. A truly smart home will adjust itself to your habits and make sure your environmental impact is a little lighter.
• Savings. You waste a lot of money when you leave things running unnecessarily. Your smart home will improve your economic efficiency by helping you remember to turn things off or down when they’re not needed

• Detectors – Smart detectors provide peace of mind, so you aren’t left worrying that you forgot something. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital additions to any home. Gas and water leak detectors are good additions as well.
• Heating and Cooling – With the initial success of 2011’s Nest Learning Thermostat, this product category is most associated with home automation.
• Lighting – With the ability to control lights through your tablet or phone, intelligent lighting has become the initial step many take in setting up smart home technology.
• Security Systems – This area has taken home automation to the next level. A lot of the newer, more advanced smart home tech is in this category, with keyless entry, camera equipment, and more. D
• Hubs – Hubs, for the most part, are what tie your systems together. .
• Appliances – Get a text message from your washer when a load finishes. Have your fridge create your grocery list for you. Shut the coffee pot off from work. Smoke a brisket for a few hours while remotely controlling its temperature. All possibilities with smart appliances.
• Energy Management – Track your energy use and make changes in real time, from any location.
• Lawn and Landscape Care – Control your pool cleaner, mow your lawn or set the irrigation system, all via smartphone app.
• Window Coverings – Automatic shades and blinds timed to open or close with your bedtime or wake up call.

Filed under: 2022 Real Estate, Blog, Boca Raton real estate, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, home automation, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Home Maintenance, home safety, Homebuyer Advice, Real Estate, Real estate trends, smart home, South Florida Real Estate, Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Benefits of Home Automation

• The amount and type of coverage
• Location and flood zone
• Design and age of your home
• Elevation (for homes in high-risk areas built after the first Flood Insurance Rate Maps were drawn)

• If flood insurance is being purchased in connection with the creation, increasing, extending, or renewing of your mortgage loan.
• If your home has been recently designated in the SFHA and flood insurance is being purchased within the 13-month period following a map revision.
• If flood insurance is required because of a lender determining that your mortgage loan that does not have flood insurance coverage should be protected by flood insurance.
• If an additional amount of insurance is selected as an option on the renewal bill.
• If your home is affected by flooding on burned Federal land that is a result of, or is exacerbated by, post-wildfire conditions when the policy is purchased within 60 days of the fire containment date.

Filed under: Blog, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Flood Insurance, Florida Real Estate, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Homebuyer Advice, Homeowners Insurance, Hurricane Preparedness, Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Confused About Flood Insurance?