How the New Dodd Frank Regulations Affect You

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The New Dodd Frank regulations affect your real estate business. These new closing regulations started on October 3rd. These regulations don't apply to cash deals. The closing process will be different if you're buying with a loan.

Buyers now must have all required paperwork completed three days prior to closing. These three days allow the buyer time to review the documents. While closings sometimes get hectic, this slows down the closing process.

Although the title company will still be involved in the closing process, the lender now prepares documentation. The HUD-1 will be replaced by a new document, too.

Any change made to the documents triggers a three-day waiting period. This allows the buyer and seller time to review the information.

Ultimately, we don't recommend dual closings. Don't sell your property and immediately close on a new property. It takes time to adjust to these new regulations to see how long the closings will take.

We also recommend being proactive. Get everything done ahead of time to avoid delays. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent will also ensure that you make it to closing on time.

If you have any questions for us, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!

Smart Tips to Protect Your Florida Home

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Many of us leave for the holiday season to visit family out of the area. I have some tips to share that help you protect your home while you’re away. They’re all inexpensive and affordable!

Talk to a neighbor you trust. This is someone you have a rapport with. Let them know how long you’ll be gone for. If there is a security guard in your area or development, share with them when you’re leaving. Exchange cell phone numbers, in case either of you need to reach each other.

Use automatic timers for the lights in your house. Set these timers before you leave. Make sure they work before you leave. Change the light bulbs if you need to. If you don’t have lights with automatic timers, and you’re only leaving for a few days, consider leaving a single light on the entire time. With a light on in the front and the back, it looks like someone is home.

Have the post office hold your mail. This is one of the most important steps! Thieves can easily tell if you’re away when the mail is still in the mailbox. If they find a mailbox full of mail, they assume this home is temporarily vacant and target your home. Save the burden of asking a friend and handle it with the post office directly. Remember to reverse the process once you are home!

That’s my advice to protect your home while you’re away. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. As always, if you have any questions, give me a call or send me an email today! I look forward to hearing from you.

What Organizations Are Making Miami a Better Place?

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Today, we want to discuss something other than real estate since we're currently in the season of giving. If you are looking for some opportunities to help others, I have three organizations that I work with that I want to share today:

1. Operation Underground Railroad: This organization works to help children who have been enslaved in sex trafficking throughout the world. It was created by an ex-FBI agent and it works with local law enforcement around the world to conduct military-style operations to save children. When you contribute to this organization, you will get a text informing you every time children are rescued. You can find them at OurRescue.org to take a look at the work that they do.

2. Independence Fund: This organization works with veterans. They are famous for making mobile chairs to help wounded warriors move around. The chairs are very expensive, but with your help, we can provide chairs for people who have lost limbs fighting for our country. You can find more information at IndependenceFund.org.

3. Glory House of Miami: Did you know that in Miami, the sex trafficking industry makes as much as $235 million every year? Visit GloryHouseOfMiami.org to find out how you can help this group help women between the ages 18-25 who have been victimized by this horrific industry.

If you're looking for some organizations to give to this year, look no further than these great places. Doing what we can to help people who have it harder than us is what gives us meaning as people. Thank you, and have a very happy holiday season. We hope that together we can make a difference.