Frequently asked questions

Yes. Under the 2024 NAR practice changes, if we are working with you through the MLS we sign a short written buyer agreement before the first in-person or live virtual tour. It spells out what we do for you and how we are paid. Broker fees and commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable, and you do not need an agreement just to ask about our services or visit an open house on your own.

Every coastal county has mapped flood zones, and Brevard is no exception. If a home sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (typically an A or V zone) and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is generally required. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, so we check the flood zone early, talk through what that means for your budget, and point you to FloodSmart.gov, the Brevard County floodplain office, and a licensed insurance agent for quotes.

A wind mitigation inspection documents hurricane-resistant features like roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, and opening protection, and it can help you qualify for premium discounts. A 4-point inspection looks at the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, and many insurers ask for one on older homes. They are separate reports. We help you decide when to order them, and your insurance agent confirms what your carrier needs.

Florida premiums reflect hurricane and wind risk, roof age and condition, construction details, claims history, deductibles, and how close a home sits to the coast. Getting early quotes from a local insurance agent is one of the smartest steps in your search, because the premium belongs in your monthly budget alongside the mortgage and taxes. We can share names of agents our clients have used; you choose who you work with.

We work with a lot of people moving here for aerospace and related work. We start with a video call about commute, budget, flood and insurance questions, and the towns that fit how you want to live, from Titusville and Port St. John down through Merritt Island, Viera, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and the beaches. Then we set up virtual or in-person tours so you can get to know the area before you commit.

If you own and permanently live in your Brevard home as of January 1, you can apply for Florida's homestead exemption with the Brevard County Property Appraiser. The base exemption reduces taxable value by up to $25,000, and an additional homestead exemption that adjusts for inflation each year may apply as well. The usual filing deadline is March 1 for the tax year you want the benefit. This is general information, not tax advice. Check current amounts and apply at bcpao.us, or ask a tax professional for your situation.

Both are common across Brevard. An HOA can bring shared amenities and exterior rules, along with dues and design guidelines. A home without an HOA usually means more day-to-day freedom and fewer shared amenities. We help you weigh dues, reserves, rental rules, and what you want from the property itself so you can choose the setup that fits your life, not a one-size answer.

We start with a conversation about what you want, where you want to be, and what fits your budget. Next comes lender pre-approval, a short written buyer agreement before tours, then showings, offer strategy based on nearby sales, and guidance through inspections to closing. Jason and Kari are local REALTOR® associates with eXp Realty, and you can reach either of us anytime at 321-398-3739 or 321-408-6458.