Plesko Real Estate Report

You may have noticed that your annual renewal for your home hazard insurance policy has either been creeping higher, or has drastically risen over the past couple years.  Here is a brief history on why insurance costs have gone up in Florida, and what is being done about it.

What has caused insurance rates to skyrocket in Florida?

• The initial reason was steadily rising rates due to Hurricanes, especially Hurricane Irma in 2017. The original statute of limitations for filing Hurricane claims was 3 years, so many claims concluded in 2020, with many still in litigation.
  
  
• The rising cost of "re-insurance", which insurers pay to ensure they can cover all claims after a catastrophic storm event.
  
  
• A combination of well-meaning court rulings and changes in state l...

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You've probably heard the commercials on radio or TV talking about home title theft.  A person obtains a blank quit-claim deed on your home, then forges your name onto the deed.  They then file it in the county where your home is located.  After that they can borrow against your home's equity, sell the home, etc.  Then it's weeks until you figure out you lost your home.

This type of pitch is out there in radio and TV, selling home title lock protections.  Prices vary, but $80 per year for a million dollars in protection is the common pitch. 

What are the odds this would ever happen?  What are the odds this insurance policy would ever pay out?

After checking several resources on this matter, there's one thing I can say for sure.  It is HARD and RARE that this event happens.  It is TRUE that anyone can forge your name onto any document, including a deed to try and convey title to the forger.  This forged deed can be filed in public re...

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(article published 8/19/21:  updated 4/14/22)

You've received the postcards in the mail, viewed the TV commercials, and have seen the billboards stating, "We'll buy your home for cash", or "Contact us today for a cash offer on your home".  These investor-groups range from very large corporations, to smaller area investors.  But they all have one thing in common.  They will give you an offer on your home for less than it is worth, then turn around and sell it, making a tidy profit.  

How do i-Buyers come up with their offers?

Many of these buyers use AVM (automated valuation models) to base their cash offers on your home.  These AVMs can vary wildly, and Realtors generally deem them as an unreliable way to price your home.  These companies will give you data to try and convin...

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Have you ever wondered what style of house represents your personality? There are so many home types to choose from, you should know which one fits you best! Take a look at these five popular home styles to get an idea for the aesthetic and functionality that match your unique personality when you're ready to purchase your next home.

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It's summer and you know what that means – it's listing season! Even though the market is primed for selling and many homes are selling for way over their asking price, it's still important to approach selling with a sound strategy. To that end, here are some key takeaways you should keep in mind to stay on top of your game in the lucrative 2021 market.

Understand Market Data

Though it can be exciting to sell when the market is scorching and you have the potential to make thousands over your asking price, remember that the market changes quickly, and there are a number of factors that go into pricing your home. According to Inman, if a home prices higher than comps in its area, it's likely that home has factors that can't be re...

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