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 NotesTitle searches and the 5-day buyer review period once evidence comes backThe 30-day cure period for defects, plus up to 120-day extensionsFlorida Statute 153: water, sewage, and ad valorem taxesWhy unpaid water bills can become a lien on your propertyHOA estoppels vs. city violations vs. CDD (Community Development District) assessmentsThe "llama loophole": agricultural zoning variances and tax savingsProperty taxes in arrears — why new construction and long-held homes create surprise bill jumpsOil, gas, mineral, and air rights, including a real-life air rights negotiationPublic utility easements and how small encroachments can (or can't) become issuesA cautionary tale: a foreclosure notice appearing after closing due to a missed lienWhy sellers rarely face real accountability for undisclosed unpermitted workReal horror stories: an old parking violation, a drywall cover-up lawsuit, and moreWhy buyers must complete diligence during the inspection periodAdvice for agents: disclose everything, document improvements, never assume no permit means no issueClosing ThoughtTitle and permit issues rarely make for exciting conversation — but understanding them protects clients from expensive surprises. Giving clients an upper hand is exactly why they hire an agent.Part of our Summer Book Series — essential listening for agents and buyers heading into their next deal.