Straight, useful advice for Volusia & Flagler County buyers and sellers — written by Arthur Simpson, Florida attorney, broker & CIPS.
A clear breakdown of what it costs to sell a home in Florida — commission, documentary stamp tax, title, prorations, and closing costs — for Volusia & Flagler sellers.
Read more → OwningHow the Florida homestead exemption and Save Our Homes cap lower your property taxes — who qualifies, how much you save, and how portability works.
Read more → BuyingThinking about a coastal or beachside home in Daytona, Ormond, New Smyrna or Ponce Inlet? Here is what to know about flood zones, insurance, and coastal costs in Volusia County.
Read more → BuyingBuying your first home in the Daytona area? A step-by-step Florida first-time buyer guide — pre-approval, assistance programs, inspections, and closing.
Read more → SellingWant to sell your Daytona-area home quickly and for a strong price? Local strategies that actually work — pricing, prep, marketing, and timing in Volusia & Flagler.
Read more → RelocatingThinking about relocating to Florida? Here is what to know first — taxes, insurance, hurricanes, cost of living, homestead, and choosing where to live.
Read more → RelocatingFlorida has no state income tax — but what about property tax, sales tax, and establishing residency? A clear tax overview for people moving to Florida.
Read more → RelocatingMoving to Florida? Here is how to properly establish residency and domicile — driver's license, declaration of domicile, homestead, and cutting old-state ties.
Read more → RelocatingMoving to the Daytona Beach area? A local guide to Volusia & Flagler communities, lifestyle, beaches, and what to expect when you relocate.
Read more → InternationalYes — foreign nationals can buy property in Florida with no citizenship, residency, or visa required. Here is how it works, what you can buy, and what to know.
Read more → InternationalHow foreign nationals finance Florida real estate — foreign-national loan programs, down payment, documentation, and buying without a U.S. credit score or SSN.
Read more → InternationalFIRPTA withholding explained for Florida real estate — what it is, the 10% and 15% rates, who withholds, exemptions, and how foreign sellers reduce it.
Read more → InternationalWhen foreign buyers need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to buy, finance, or rent Florida property — and how to get one.
Read more → CompareDaytona Beach or New Smyrna Beach? Compare lifestyle, vibe, beaches, and who each community fits best before you buy on Florida's Volusia coast.
Read more → CompareThinking about a 55+ or active-adult community in Volusia County, Florida? Here is how they work, what to look for, and how to choose the right fit.
Read more → CompareBeachside or mainland in Ormond Beach? Compare lifestyle, insurance, value, and convenience to decide which side of the Halifax River fits you.
Read more → Living HereWhat does it cost to live in Volusia County, Florida? A practical look at housing, taxes, insurance, and everyday expenses for people considering the move.
Read more → Living HereHow property taxes work in Volusia County, Florida — millage, the homestead exemption, the Save Our Homes cap, and how to lower your bill.
Read more → Living HereThinking about an HOA or condo community in Florida? Here is how HOAs work, what fees cover, the questions to ask, and how to protect yourself before buying.
Read more → BuyingHow much are closing costs for buyers in Florida? Typical 2–5%, what title insurance costs, who pays it, doc stamps, and how to budget — explained plainly.
Read more → BuyingDown payment, closing costs, and reserves — how much cash you really need to buy a home in Florida, plus low-down-payment loan options.
Read more → SellingInherited a house in Florida? Here's how probate works, the stepped-up basis tax advantage, and the steps to sell — from an attorney-owned brokerage.
Read more → SellingWill you owe capital gains when you sell your Florida home? The $250k/$500k exclusion, the 2-of-5-year rule, no state income tax, and investment-property options.
Read more → InvestingCan you Airbnb a home in Volusia County? Short-term rental rules for Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores, plus HOA and zoning realities.
Read more → Living HereWhat buyers should know about flood zones and flood insurance in Volusia County — NFIP vs private, when it's required, elevation certificates, and costs.
Read more → Living HereFlorida home insurance explained for buyers — wind mitigation savings, the 4-point inspection, hurricane deductibles, roof age, and how to lower premiums.
Read more → InternationalBuy a Florida home from abroad without flying in — power of attorney, remote online notarization, wiring funds safely, and how an attorney-broker coordinates it.
Read more → InternationalWhat foreign owners should know about U.S. taxes on Florida real estate — rental income, FIRPTA at sale, and U.S. estate-tax exposure for non-residents.
Read more → InternationalPros and cons of buying Florida real estate through an LLC as a foreign national — liability, privacy, taxes, and estate-tax considerations.
Read more → InternationalHow international buyers move money to buy Florida property — exchange-rate timing, FX services, proof of funds, and avoiding wire fraud.
Read more → BuyingWhat a Florida home inspection covers — plus wind mitigation, 4-point, and termite (WDO) inspections, the inspection period, and how to use the results.
Read more → BuyingWhat an "AS IS" contract means for Florida buyers — your inspection rights, seller disclosure duties, and how to buy as-is safely.
Read more → BuyingNew construction or a resale home in Florida? Compare cost, customization, warranties, builder contracts, and negotiation to choose the right fit.
Read more → BuyingA guide to buying a snowbird or second home in Florida — homestead vs. second home, insurance for part-time occupancy, rentals, and financing.
Read more →