Becker & Poliakoff

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Our attorneys are thought leaders in their field who keep our clients updated on the latest developments in their areas of interest. Explore our robust library of articles, blog posts, guidebooks, media commentary, and news.

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New Florida Law Restricting Certain Foreign Ownership of Real Property

On May 8, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 264, creating Part III of Chapter 692 (692.201-692.205) of the Florida Statutes “Conveyances to Foreign Entities”. This new law goes into effect on July 1, 2023 and places substantial prohibitions on foreign citizens and entities from certain foreign countries from purchasing property wit

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Panic Is Setting In – The Housing Market Must Be About to Crash

Over the last few days, I have been flooded with articles about one mortgage company after another laying off hundreds, or thousands of employees because over the last several weeks, mortgage originations are down. Similarly, I am seeing articles that title companies who close residential loans, are laying off employees for the same reason. Armageddon […]

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War In Ukraine Can Affect U.S. Real Estate Transactions

As we watch the news each night, we see images of the devastating war in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainian citizens have been displaced from their homes and are now considered refugees. The humanitarian crisis grows every day. It’s hard to imagine how such suffering can reach our daily business transactions here at home, but it […]

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Are Commercial Tenants in for a Surprise?

In early January, we learned that the inflation rate reached a staggering 7%, the highest rate since 1982. Analysts blamed many things for this increase. COVID and supply chain issues are cited as two of the leading causes. I don’t suppose it matters much to the average person why everything costs so much. We all […]

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Are NFT’s and Mortgages in Real Estate Possible?

I recently wrote an article discussing how the use of cryptocurrencies in real estate transactions may one day soon be commonplace. Cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize real estate transactions, but cryptocurrencies are not alone in that regard. NFT’s also offer the potential to change the way real estate transactions are conducted and completed.

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Buying Commercial Property? Take Property Inspections Seriously

Everybody who has ever bought a house knows that the property inspection is a crucial part of the purchase process. The property inspector tells the buyer whether the house is in good condition or if repairs are necessary. If nothing else, buyers pay close attention to the roof inspection. A defective roof will derail any […]

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Challenges to Address in the Anticipated Rise in Foreclosures

The third quarter of 2021 saw the largest quarterly percentage increase of foreclosures since 2014.  Lenders started the foreclosure process on 25,209 properties and repossessed 7,574.  That trend can be seen locally too.  We have witnessed an increase in foreclosure filings in Miami-Dade County.  For instance, one third of all foreclosures filings in 2021 have taken place […]

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Closings During COVID-19: How RON Has Forever Changed The Real Estate Industry

Just months prior to the pandemic, the title and legal industry made some tremendous strides toward virtual closings. Florida’s remote online notarization (“RON”) law, passed in July 2019, went into effect January 1, 2020. Normally, new technology takes time to implement; however,  lockdown/quarantine requirements allowed Becker and Becker Title to accelerate adoption and implementation of […]

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Association Title Services is Now Becker Title

Please join us as we celebrate the official launch of Becker Title! About Becker Title: Becker Title is the in-house title company of Becker & Poliakoff, a Florida-based law firm focusing on residential real estate closings, title, and escrow services. While we have modernized the look and feel of our logo and website to better […]

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Attorney Fees with Respect to Brokerage Commissions

Q:  If I have to sue for payment of my brokerage commission, will I be paid for my attorneys’ fees? A:  In Florida, and most jurisdictions throughout the United States, the prevailing party in a lawsuit is not automatically entitled to an award of their attorneys’ fees incurred in the course of the case.

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Residential Real Estate: Choosing a Title Agent is More Important Than You May Think

There are many critical parts to a residential real estate transaction that must fall into place in order for the closing to take place smoothly and on time. The first time home purchaser or novice residential real estate investor may not understand what goes on behind the curtain. While angst is understandable, it can be […]

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Questions Potential Buyers Should Consider When Buying an Investment Property During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Spring is traditionally the hottest time of the year for real estate.  Inventory typically spikes as many sellers put their properties for sale.  Buyers enter the market knowing that inventory is increasing. But that has changed some this year with the coronavirus in full effect.  The economy came to a stop with numerous “stay at […]

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Executive Order: Broward County Realtors

On Monday, March 30, Broward County issued Executive Order 20-04 (effective Tuesday, March 31) to clarify the types of real estate sales and real property title services that are allowed to occur in-person as opposed to remotely or electronically. Per Executive Order 20-04, in-person appraisals, inspections, surveys, or other in person required activities (as expressly required […]

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Why Brokers Should Consider a Land Use Attorney

As brokers, you are constantly looking at ways to maximize value for your clients. Whether you represent sellers or buyers, you may be missing out on huge opportunities by not engaging in land use due diligence. Many of you are familiar with real estate due diligence, on title work, deeds and insurance, but you have […]

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Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Who Gets Credit for the Deposit When Unmarried Couples Partition a Home?

Every 1 in 3 Millennials purchased a home in 2018, and yet only 36% of Millennials were married. It’s getting more and more common for this generation to choose to purchase a home together as boyfriend/girlfriend and take title as joint tenants with right of survivorship. But, what happens when they breakup and cannot agree […]

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