Real-ativity | The intelligent way to navigate the residential housing market | Atlantis, Lantana, Wellington, Lakeworth,South Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, FL

The listing agreement, a contract between the homeowner and the real estate agent’s brokerage, will lay out the commission rate.  Learn more about Florida Real Estate Commission.

Homeowners often ask, when is the best time to list a home in South Florida.  Check out our Insight/Blog for advice on timing the market to get the most out of your Florida home sale.

A comparative market analysis, often referred to as a CMA, is a real estate agent’s estimate of market value based on recent sales of similar homes in the same neighborhood.  Learn more about how CMAs are calculated.

In South Florida, the land of hurricanes, purchasing a condo on the ground level in a flood zone could be an issue without adequate insurance.  Visit our SMARTS section for more Florida home insurance tips.

The market is hot and you have multiple offers on your home.  How do you choose the best offer?  Learn more about selling a home in Florida in our Smarts section.

In Real Estate, an escrow is a legal arrangement in which a third party holds funds until the conditions of a contract are met.  Learn more about how to make an offer on a home.

Assistance is available for homeowners struggling with financial distress due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Find out more about CFPB Regulation X.

With the housing market correction underway, is it better to sell or refinance your home in 2023? To learn more about refinancing or selling your home, head on over to our SMARTS section.

Discount points allow you to prepay interest on your mortgage by paying more at closing.  Learn more about closing costs in Palm Beach County.

Do you want to know how banks look at student loan debt for mortgages?  Find out how to get a mortgage pre-approval.

DTI, or Debt to Income Ratio, has a major impact on your mortgage qualification.  Learn more about budgeting for a home purchase.

Your monthly mortgage payment includes principal and interest, but what else?  Check out this informative video and learn more about financing a home in our Smarts section.

The difference between prequalification and preapproval is very important.  Learn more about how to get a mortgage preapproval that sellers will take seriously.

If you fall in love with a house that is “For sale by Owner” make sure you get professional help.  Learn more about how to protect yourself when buying a home For Sale By Owner.

Leasehold ownership occurs when a landowner enters into a ground lease with an individual or company.  Learn more about different types of properties and ownership types.

Fee simple is the highest form of ownership and grants title to the property, the land, and any improvements to the land in perpetuity to the buyer.  Learn more about different ownership types and financing.

Single-family home is a pretty common term, but what does it actually mean?  Find out more about single-family homes.

While lenders may approve you for a mortgage upwards of 40% of your net income, you may struggle to make your payments.  Learn more about how to budget for a home purchase.

Townhouses are generally eligible for the same loan products as single-family homes.  Learn more about financing a townhouse.

If you decide to finance a co-op, you will need to apply for a share loan.  Learn more about financing a co-op.

What is a Co-op?  A co-op is a non-profit company that owns and operates a residential complex.  Learn more about co-ops.

CAM stands for Common Area Maintenance and is also known as “Operating Expenses".  Is it negotiable on a commercial lease?  Learn more about how CAM is calculated.

Are you buying a resale property?  Consider a Home Warranty to save on costly home repairs.  Learn more about what is covered in home warranties.

A Conventional Loan can be more challenging to qualify for than FHA loans because the lender assumes greater risk.  Read more about conventional home loans.

FHA stands for Federal Housing Administration.  Backed by the government, FHA loans tend to be easier to finance in terms of credit scores and loan-to-income ratios.  Find more about FHA Financing.

Looking to sell your home fast?  A simple Home Warranty doesn't cost much and is paid at closing.  Here's how you can use a home warranty to market your home for sale.

What is the difference between an adjustable-rate mortgage and a fixed-rate mortgage?  Learn about types of mortgages and the advantages of each.

Sunshine and beaches are great perks, but did you know that the Sunshine State also offers incredible fiscal savings?  Learn more about Florida Tax Benefits.

You don't have to break the bank to make a great first impression on potential buyers. Download our Prepare to List Checklist.

Be sure you fully understand your offer before you sign. Download our Home Offer Checklist for pro tips.

How to find a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle and budget. Download our guide to finding the perfect neighborhood.

Find out what loan options are available to condo buyers. Learn more about condo financing options.

Explore the many loan options available to single-family homebuyers. Learn the difference between conventional, FHA, VA, and renovation financing options. Download our Home Loan Guide.

Learn how to navigate the home buying process in Florida. Download our free step-by-step home buyer's guide for expert tips and comprehensive checklists.