Aqualand Florida Real Estate Blog

Frugal Living | Homeowners Insurance | Hurricane Preparedness | Market Conditions | Real Estate Tips

Florida Homeowners Insurance: How to Actually Lower Your Premium in 2026
ByBranon Edwards April 24, 2026April 24, 2026

Florida Homeowners: You May Not Realize Your Insurance Bill Is Actually a Negotiation The market is stabilizing. Rates are showing signs of coming down. And there’s a state program most homeowners don’t know exists that can cut your premium and put up to $10,000 in your pocket. Here’s the framework for actually doing something about…

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Buying Real Estate | New Construction | Real Estate Tips

What Are CDD Fees — and Why Should New Construction Buyers Care?
ByBranon Edwards April 6, 2026April 6, 2026

What Are CDD Fees — and Why Should New Construction Buyers Care? You’ve been touring new construction communities in St. Johns County — Silverleaf, RiverTown, Shearwater, Middlebourne — and you keep seeing the same three letters on the listing sheet: CDD. Sometimes there’s a dollar amount next to it. Sometimes it’s buried in the fine…

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Buying Real Estate | Frugal Living | Home Improvement | New Construction | Real Estate Tips

Which New Construction Upgrades Are Actually Worth It?
ByBranon Edwards April 5, 2026April 10, 2026

If you’re buying new construction in St. Johns County, you’ll spend time in a design center. It might be an afternoon, it might be two days. You’ll make dozens of decisions about flooring, countertops, cabinets, fixtures, appliances, and finishes — and virtually all of them will cost more than the base price suggests. The design…

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Buying Real Estate | Mortgage | New Construction | New Construction Financing

Is the Builder’s Financing Offer Actually a Good Deal?
ByBranon Edwards April 5, 2026April 6, 2026

If you’re buying new construction in St. Johns County, Florida, you’ve almost certainly heard some version of this offer: use our preferred lender and we’ll give you a rate buydown, closing cost credits, or both. It sounds attractive. Sometimes it genuinely is. But the math isn’t always what it appears to be — and the…

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Buying Real Estate | New Construction

Who Does the On-Site Agent Actually Work For?
ByBranon Edwards April 5, 2026April 5, 2026

If you’re considering new construction in St. Johns County, Florida, there’s one question most buyers never think to ask until it’s too late. You’re standing in a model home. Everything looks great. The finishes are beautiful, the floor plan works, and the on-site agent has been friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. You’re starting to get…

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Buying Real Estate | Real Estate Taxes | Real Estate Tips

Florida Homestead Exemption
ByBranon Edwards February 28, 2024February 28, 2024

The Deadline to File for a Florida Homestead Exemption is March 1 Your can file for your Florida Homestead Exemption at your county’s Property Appraiser’s Office. Some counties even allow you to file for your Homestead Exemption online: Saint Johns County:https://hx.sjcpa.us/ApplyOnline Duval County:https://homestead.coj.net/WebForm1.aspx From the Duval County Property Appraiser’s website: Homestead Exemption All legal Florida…

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Buying Real Estate | Mortgage | Real Estate Tips

HomeReady Home Buyer Grants
ByBranon Edwards February 1, 2024February 1, 2024

Do You Qualify for a $2,500 Borrower Credit to Buy a Home? Fannie Mae has announced a new home buyer grants program called HomeReady that can provide qualified buyers with a $2,500 Credit toward the purchase of a home. Grants are a type of down payment assistance, but without the usual strings attached. We’ve taken…

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Real Estate Cycle | Real Estate Tips

So You Earned Your Florida Real Estate License
ByBranon Edwards April 27, 2023April 27, 2023

You passed your exam and earned your real estate license. Here’s what to do next.

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Frugal Living | Home Improvement | Hurricane Preparedness | Real Estate Tips

Hurricane Windows and Doors Tax Holiday
ByBranon Edwards October 27, 2022April 16, 2026

No Retail Sales Tax on Impact Windows, Doors, and Garage Doors Through June 2024 If you are purchasing impact-resistant windows, doors, or garage doors, retails sales are EXEMPT from sales tax until exempt from sales tax until June 30, 2024. #ImpactWindows #SalesTaxHoliday #FloridaRealEstate Here is the text of the FAQ from the Florida Department of…

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Buying Real Estate | Real Estate Investing | Real Estate Taxes | Real Estate Tips

Tax Certificates and Tax Deeds in Florida Real Estate
ByBranon Edwards June 14, 2022June 14, 2022

Tax Certificates & Tax Deed Investing in Florida including resources & information to buying Tax Certificates & Tax Deed sales across the state of Florida

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