Ep. 116 - Summer Book Series: Exactly What to Say Part 1

Part of our Summer Book Series: revisiting a deep dive into one of the least glamorous but most important parts of real estate contracts.In this episode of The Principles, Ashley Ballio and Lauren McDermott tackle title defects — open or expired permits, liens, violations, and anything that could cloud a clean title transfer. Since Florida is a title state, buyers rely on title insurance to guarantee no hidden claims exist against a property. Ashley and Lauren break down how that process works, what can go wrong, and how contract language protects (or fails to protect) buyers and sellers.Show Notes

Title searches and the 5-day buyer review period once evidence comes back

The 30-day cure period for defects, plus up to 120-day extensions

Florida Statute 153: water, sewage, and ad valorem taxes

Why unpaid water bills can become a lien on your property

HOA estoppels vs. city violations vs. CDD (Community Development District) assessments

The "llama loophole": agricultural zoning variances and tax savings

Property taxes in arrears — why new construction and long-held homes create surprise bill jumps

Oil, gas, mineral, and air rights, including a real-life air rights negotiation

Public utility easements and how small encroachments can (or can't) become issues

A cautionary tale: a foreclosure notice appearing after closing due to a missed lien

Why sellers rarely face real accountability for undisclosed unpermitted work