Field Notes
The answers between the listings.
Everything I wish every buyer and seller knew before their first contract: due diligence, closing costs, title customs, insurance, school zones, and the quiet details that decide a smooth closing. Written by me, from a lifetime in real estate and 25+ years as a licensed REALTOR.
Ownership · October 7, 2026
Invasive Plants in Central Florida: How to Identify Them and How to Remove Them
Brazilian pepper, cogongrass, and Old World climbing fern are taking over Florida yards. Here is how to identify them, why they are harmful, and safe removal methods.
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Buyers · October 1, 2026
The Central Florida Home Buyer's Due Diligence Checklist
The buyers who close on time and without regret are the ones who did their homework before the offer, not after. Here is the exact order I walk my clients through.
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Buyers & Sellers · September 20, 2026
Closing Costs in Florida: Who Pays What
Florida closings are famously packed with fees. Knowing which ones are yours, which are negotiable, and which vary by county is the fastest way to avoid budget surprises.
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Sellers · September 10, 2026
Why Some Florida Counties Pay the Buyer's Title Policy and Others Don't
Florida has no law that says who pays for the buyer's owner's title insurance. County custom decides, and it can differ by an entire state from one county line to the next.
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Buyers & Sellers · August 28, 2026
Title Company or Attorney Closing in Florida: What's the Difference?
Unlike a handful of other states, Florida closes most residential sales through title agencies rather than attorney-run escrow. Here is what each model means for you.
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Neighborhoods · August 15, 2026
Minnehaha Shores, Maitland: A Lakeside Neighborhood Worth Knowing
Minnehaha Shores wraps around Lake Minnehaha with deep-water lots, established homes, and an address that has quietly been one of Maitland's steadiest investments.
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Neighborhoods · July 30, 2026
Winter Park Schools: What Home Buyers Should Know
Winter Park is one of Central Florida's most school-driven markets. Here is how Orange County zoning actually works, and which schools anchor the area.
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Buyers · July 12, 2026
Home Insurance in Florida: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Insurance can make or break a Florida purchase, and buyers with a plan get better quotes, faster closings, and fewer surprises. Here is what to organize before you offer.
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Solar Sales Scams in Florida: What Homeowners Should Watch For
Solar is a legitimate, valuable investment in Florida and a frequent vehicle for high-pressure sales tactics. Here is the script I hear from homeowners, and how to protect yourself.
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Weekly Guide · October 7, 2026
What to Do in Central Florida This Week: October 7-13, 2026
Free Central Florida events October 7-13: live-band street parties, farmers markets, volunteer gardening, plant-based potlucks, free museum days, and Halloween season.
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