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| PRACTICE AREAS | |
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| Real Estate | |
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| Personal Injury / Wrongful Death | |
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| Corporate / Banking | |
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| Wills and
Advanced Health Care Directives |
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| Governmental Representation | |
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The firm's practice includes all areas of real estate. Buying real estate is a complicated business. There are complex legal and title issues, plus a whole new vocabulary of unfamiliar terms to deal with. The staff of Pineiro Byrd PLLC has a combined experience of over one hundred years in real estate related matters.  Real Estate Contracts Be wary of individuals forcing you to sign "form" real estate contracts. There are more than 100 versions of "form" real estate contracts in use throughout the State of Florida. The most recent version, July, 2004, contains numerous material changes to the previously used forms which you as a buyer or seller of real estate need to be aware. Our firm works with buyers and sellers from the inception of the real estate transaction, assisting with the negotiations of purchase price and other terms, as well as the drafting and completion of the real estate contract. Title Insurance In Florida, our firm and many other real estate law firms also serve as title insurance agents. This allows us to both represent our client to assure that the title to the property is suitable and to issue title insurance for additional protection. A title examination is a study of the abstract of title and sometimes of other title evidence. An abstract of title is a collection of public records relating to the ownership of a parcel of real estate. Your attorney examines the applicable title information to determine who owns the property, defects in or claims against the ownership, and any action needed to secure marketable title. This may seem like a simple operation. It is not. It requires interpreting deeds, mortgages, wills, court decrees and other instruments; considering the sequence of time of transactions and events affecting the title; and applying statutes and court decisions to the various situations disclosed in the applicable title information. A title examination is typically bolstered by issuing or obtaining for you an owner's policy of title insurance. In such a policy, the title insurance company contracts with the insured person named in the policy to protect the title as insured against financial loss and the cost of defending the title in court. But like any insurance policy, the coverage is no greater than is stated in the policy. Any policy can list matters substantially affecting title which are exceptions to the coverage and are not insured. Another type of policy, mortgagee's or lender's title insurance policy, protects only the holder of the mortgage and not the owner. There is only a one time charge for an owner's policy and its protection continues for as long as you or your heirs hold title to the insured property. Real Estate Closings Closing a real estate transaction is a technical and complex operation. The careful drafting of documents to carry out the actual intent of the parties imperative. Meeting the technical title requirements is another step. As a buyer, you should insist that your lawyer be present at the closing, checking each detail. Homestead Tax Exemption In Florida, $25,000 of the assessed value of your home can be exempt from ad valorem taxes and a cap placed on tax increases of no more than 3% per annum. Every person who has legal title to or beneficial interest in real property in the State of Florida and who resides thereon and in good faith makes it his or her permanent residence as of January 1st of the application year is eligible. If husband and wife hold title jointly, either may file but should bring proof of residence for the spouse (one exemption per married couple). If title is held jointly with person or persons other than husband and wife, each owner who resides thereon and makes it his or her permanent residence as of January 1st must make an application in person and present proof of residence. You must bring your recorded deed, and other proof of ownership when filing. You will also be required to provide the Social Security number for all owners on the deed. Commercial Real Estate Pineiro Byrd PLLC handles commercial transactions, including leases, purchases/sales and related matters for developers, builders, investors and individuals. |
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