Straight, useful advice for Volusia & Flagler County buyers and sellers — written by Arthur Simpson, Florida attorney, REALTOR® & CIPS.
A new article every day — market moves, law changes, and what they mean for Volusia & Flagler.
Selling · June 2026
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.
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Owning · June 2026
How the Florida homestead exemption and Save Our Homes cap lower your property taxes — who qualifies, how much you save, and how portability works.
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Buying · June 2026
Thinking 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.
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Buying · May 2026
Buying your first home in the Daytona area? A step-by-step Florida first-time buyer guide — pre-approval, assistance programs, inspections, and closing.
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Selling · May 2026
Want 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.
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Relocating · May 2026
Thinking about relocating to Florida? Here is what to know first — taxes, insurance, hurricanes, cost of living, homestead, and choosing where to live.
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Relocating · May 2026
Florida has no state income tax — but what about property tax, sales tax, and establishing residency? A clear tax overview for people moving to Florida.
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Relocating · April 2026
Moving to Florida? Here is how to properly establish residency and domicile — driver's license, declaration of domicile, homestead, and cutting old-state ties.
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Relocating · April 2026
Moving to the Daytona Beach area? A local guide to Volusia & Flagler communities, lifestyle, beaches, and what to expect when you relocate.
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International · April 2026
Yes — 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.
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International · April 2026
How foreign nationals finance Florida real estate — foreign-national loan programs, down payment, documentation, and buying without a U.S. credit score or SSN.
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International · March 2026
FIRPTA withholding explained for Florida real estate — what it is, the 10% and 15% rates, who withholds, exemptions, and how foreign sellers reduce it.
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International · March 2026
When foreign buyers need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to buy, finance, or rent Florida property — and how to get one.
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Compare · March 2026
Daytona Beach or New Smyrna Beach? Compare lifestyle, vibe, beaches, and who each community fits best before you buy on Florida's Volusia coast.
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Compare · March 2026
Thinking 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.
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Compare · March 2026
Beachside or mainland in Ormond Beach? Compare lifestyle, insurance, value, and convenience to decide which side of the Halifax River fits you.
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Living Here · February 2026
What does it cost to live in Volusia County, Florida? A practical look at housing, taxes, insurance, and everyday expenses for people considering the move.
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Living Here · February 2026
How property taxes work in Volusia County, Florida — millage, the homestead exemption, the Save Our Homes cap, and how to lower your bill.
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Living Here · February 2026
Thinking 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.
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Buying · January 2026
How 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.
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Buying · January 2026
Down payment, closing costs, and reserves — how much cash you really need to buy a home in Florida, plus low-down-payment loan options.
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Selling · January 2026
Inherited a house in Florida? Here's how probate works, the stepped-up basis tax advantage, and the steps to sell — from an attorney-REALTOR®.
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Selling · January 2026
Will 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.
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Investing · December 2025
Can you Airbnb a home in Volusia County? Short-term rental rules for Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores, plus HOA and zoning realities.
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Living Here · December 2025
What buyers should know about flood zones and flood insurance in Volusia County — NFIP vs private, when it's required, elevation certificates, and costs.
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Living Here · December 2025
Florida home insurance explained for buyers — wind mitigation savings, the 4-point inspection, hurricane deductibles, roof age, and how to lower premiums.
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International · December 2025
Buy a Florida home from abroad without flying in — power of attorney, remote online notarization, wiring funds safely, and how an attorney-REALTOR® coordinates it.
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International · December 2025
What 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.
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International · November 2025
Pros and cons of buying Florida real estate through an LLC as a foreign national — liability, privacy, taxes, and estate-tax considerations.
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International · November 2025
How international buyers move money to buy Florida property — exchange-rate timing, FX services, proof of funds, and avoiding wire fraud.
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Buying · November 2025
What a Florida home inspection covers — plus wind mitigation, 4-point, and termite (WDO) inspections, the inspection period, and how to use the results.
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Buying · November 2025
What an "AS IS" contract means for Florida buyers — your inspection rights, seller disclosure duties, and how to buy as-is safely.
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Buying · October 2025
New construction or a resale home in Florida? Compare cost, customization, warranties, builder contracts, and negotiation to choose the right fit.
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Buying · October 2025
A guide to buying a snowbird or second home in Florida — homestead vs. second home, insurance for part-time occupancy, rentals, and financing.
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