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In this episode of Jim Sells the Suncoast, Jim welcomes Crystal Golm—a seasoned Florida real estate and business attorney with 20 years of experience. From the nuances of quitclaim vs. warranty deeds to the importance of getting a survey, Crystal provides legal insights that can protect your investment and keep your transactions running smoothly.

Key Highlights

• Types of Deeds
  • Quitclaim vs. Warranty: Quitclaim deeds merely transfer whatever ownership interest the grantor has (if any), whereas warranty deeds guarantee the full transfer of property—offering stronger protection for buyers.
  • Specialty Deeds: Personal Representative’s deeds (for estates) and Trustee’s deeds (for trusts) allow authorized individuals to convey property on behalf of an estate or trust.
• Homestead Exemption & Portability
  • Multiple Benefits: Beyond reducing property taxes (with a 3% annual tax cap), Florida’s homestead laws also protect your primary residence from most creditor claims and preserve property for spouses/minor children.
  • Qualifying & Portability: You can only homestead one property in the world, and you must intend it as your primary residence. Selling and then buying another Florida property may let you “port” some of your existing homestead savings.
• Co-Ownership & Partition
  • Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants in Common: Understand who “inherits” if one owner passes away, or how to handle disagreements between co-owners.
  • Partition Lawsuits: When co-owners can’t agree on selling or splitting proceeds, a costly partition action may force a sale of the property.
• Surveys & Title Work
  • Why Surveys Matter: A simple boundary error or encroachment can spiral into expensive legal disputes; always verify lot lines and structures before closing.
  • Title Agents vs. Real Estate Attorneys: While both can issue title insurance, an attorney-led closing offers additional legal guidance—often at no extra cost.
• Contingencies & Disclosures
  • Contract Contingencies: Financing, inspections, HOA docs, and even certain “hidden” contingencies all protect buyers and sellers—if dates and extensions are managed correctly.
  • Seller’s Duty to Disclose: Florida law requires full disclosure of known defects that aren’t readily observable, or sellers risk liability for future damage (e.g., past pest infestations, structural issues, etc.).

What’s Next?

If you want to dive deeper into Florida real estate law—or have pressing questions about homestead, contingencies, or title work—reach out to Jim at jim.ahearn@gmail.com or visit Jim Sells the Suncoast for more expert insights. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, the right legal guidance can make all the difference on the Suncoast!

A Personal Note from Jim:

Hey there, I’m Jim Ahearn, your go-to real estate guide and host of Jim Sells The Suncoast podcast! 🎙️✨ Dreaming of Florida life? I’ve got you covered! As your dedicated buyer's agent, I’ll handle everything from walk-throughs to closing, making your home-buying journey as smooth as a Florida breeze.

Whether you're local or tuning in from afar, I’ll bring the Suncoast to you with virtual tours and expert advice. Let’s chat about your dream home and I'll connect you with all the right people to make it happen.

Ready to move to paradise? Drop me a line – I can’t wait to help! 🌴🏡

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In this episode of Jim Sells the Suncoast, Jim speaks with Lauren Hardison from Cardel Homes about the Longmeadow development in North River Ranch—an exciting new master-planned community in Parrish, Florida. With convenient access to major airports, beaches, and shopping, North River Ranch offers a lifestyle similar to Lakewood Ranch but with lower fees and plenty of room to grow.

Key Highlights

• Community & Location
  • Prime Suncoast Access: Only 35–40 minutes from Tampa or Sarasota airports, and a short drive to sandy Gulf Coast beaches.
  • Master-Planned Convenience: North River Ranch features multiple neighborhoods, a planned village center, and nearby Publix plaza. The area is quickly becoming one of the Suncoast’s most popular spots for new construction.
  • Lower Fees: HOA dues are just $111/year, and the CDD/stewardship fee is based on lot size, keeping monthly costs manageable compared to other master-planned communities.
• Flexible Floor Plans & Design
  • Five Single-Family Models: Ranging from 2,000 to 2,800+ sq. ft., all include tile roofs and paver driveways for stylish curb appeal.
  • Gas Community: Rare in many new developments, Longmeadow offers natural gas for cooking and heating—highly sought after by Northeast transplants and avid home chefs.
  • Full Design Center: Cardel’s 2,400 sq. ft. design center lets buyers customize floors, countertops, finishes, and more, without preset package limitations.
• Amenities & Lifestyle
  • Shared Amenities: Enjoy multiple pool centers within North River Ranch, including the upcoming Camp Creek with waterslides, pickleball courts, and game rooms.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Walking trails, a dog park, and green spaces encourage an active, family-friendly environment—perfect for picnics, nature walks, or simply unwinding.
  • Nearby Growth: Ongoing improvements to Moxon Wallow Road and upcoming schools, shopping, restaurants, and even a hospital ensure the area will keep booming.
• Build Timeline & Warranties
  • Construction: Expect about 8–10 months from contract to completion, with options to pick a home site, customize structural features, and select design elements.
  • Warranty Coverage: Includes a 10-year structural warranty, 2-year systems warranty, and a 1-year walkthrough to ensure peace of mind after you move in.
• Current Incentives
  • Preferred Lender Benefits: Up to $20,000 in design center credits plus an additional $10,000 toward closing costs or rate buy-down when using Cardel’s preferred lenders (or paying cash).
  • Inventory Homes Available: For buyers needing a quicker move-in, Cardel has select homes ready or nearing completion in both Riverfield and Longmeadow.

What’s Next?

Interested in exploring the possibilities at Longmeadow or learning more about North River Ranch? Reach out to Jim at jim.ahearn@gmail.com or visit Jim Sells the Suncoast for expert guidance on making your move t

A Personal Note from Jim:

Hey there, I’m Jim Ahearn, your go-to real estate guide and host of Jim Sells The Suncoast podcast! 🎙️✨ Dreaming of Florida life? I’ve got you covered! As your dedicated buyer's agent, I’ll handle everything from walk-throughs to closing, making your home-buying journey as smooth as a Florida breeze.

Whether you're local or tuning in from afar, I’ll bring the Suncoast to you with virtual tours and expert advice. Let’s chat about your dream home and I'll connect you with all the right people to make it happen.

Ready to move to paradise? Drop me a line – I can’t wait to help! 🌴🏡

Send us a text

In this episode of Jim Sells the Suncoast, Jim welcomes Rhett Fisher from Homes by West Bay, who shares insights on the Crosswind Ranch community in Parrish. Explore larger lot sizes, diverse floor plans, and a range of customization options in a serene, nature-focused setting.

Key Highlights:

• Home Sizes & Options: Single-family homes from ~2,100 to 4,850+ sq. ft., with 3 to 7 bedrooms, two different series (Artisan & Innovation), and optional pools.
• Pricing & Personalization: Base prices start around $499K up to the $800Ks (lot premiums, design, and structural choices extra). Buyers get up to 6% in incentives for closing costs, rate buy-downs, or price flex when using West Bay’s preferred lender.
• Community Amenities & Fees: Planned resort-style pool, lap pool, splash pad, pickleball courts, dog park, and low monthly HOA ($15/mo). CDD ranges $2,800–$3,300/year.
• Location Perks: Quick access to Tampa, Sarasota, and St. Pete while staying away from the high-traffic hubs. Enjoy gas utilities (rare in the area) and lots of green space.
• Warranty & Build Time: 1-year general warranty, 10-year structural coverage, and 5–6 months for new construction.

What’s Next?
Ready to explore Crosswind Ranch or learn more about living on the Suncoast? Email Jim at jim.ahearn@gmail.com or visit Jim Sells the Suncoast.

A Personal Note from Jim:

Hey there, I’m Jim Ahearn, your go-to real estate guide and host of Jim Sells The Suncoast podcast! 🎙️✨ Dreaming of Florida life? I’ve got you covered! As your dedicated buyer's agent, I’ll handle everything from walk-throughs to closing, making your home-buying journey as smooth as a Florida breeze.

Whether you're local or tuning in from afar, I’ll bring the Suncoast to you with virtual tours and expert advice. Let’s chat about your dream home and I'll connect you with all the right people to make it happen.

Ready to move to paradise? Drop me a line – I can’t wait to help! 🌴🏡