TEAM KAPLAN
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FEATURED LISTINGS
- 3 Beds2 Baths2,254 SqFt1/63 63Open Sat 12PM-3PM
- 4 Beds2 Baths1,880 SqFt1/53 53Open Sun 12PM-3PM
- 2 Beds2 Baths960 SqFt1/33 33New
- 1 Bed1.5 Baths800 SqFt1/38 38New
- 3 Beds1 Bath966 SqFt1/36 36Active
- 2 Beds2 Baths1,162 SqFt1/44 44Active
RECENTLY SOLD
TESTIMONIALS
- Jess Taborjust wow! We LOVE our new place.. scott did ALL the work… made the entire process so easy and seamless. After a seeing a few places, scott got an idea of what i was looking for and absolutely nailed it on the head. 10/10 would recommend his services/team if you are looking to rent, buy, and/or sell!!!
- Invisible River Airfieldthis team had answers to every issue i created and got me thru the whole process fast and quick
- TELL THE TRUTHThe best home selling experience. They were extremely professional, caring, answered every question and responded to every phone call and text. If you're selling or buying this is the team to pick. They are an amazing group of professionals. Thank You 😊
- david hallerGreat agents Great Team!!!
- Luis SosaEven after we bought our home, Team Kaplan still keeps in contact and sends reminders. Awesome
- Chris PurserScott and his team helped us buy our first home. They really helped to educate us on the things we didn't know, about how to choose, what to watch out for and helped us really understand what we could or could not afford. Now we're in a great house in a neighborhood we love and we couldn't have done it without Scott and his team. Thanks Team Kaplan!
- Tina marie MastandreaAbove and beyond dedicated to getting me in my condo at record speed!!
- Edwin Contreras
- Amy HurleyI would highly recommend Scott and Cristina Kaplan. They are a GREAT team!! Very helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. Thanks for making the whole process go smoothly.
- Evan Johnson
- Mary K WulfScott and his team sold my mom's house quickly and professionally. They walked me through every step of the way. The communication was impressive, I never worried about a thing.
- Gissette MarreroScott found us the perfect home for our family. He is very attentive and comes through. He exceeded our expectation and we are happy with the process.
- Cassandra OharaI can’t say enough good things about this team. We purchased our home 5 years ago through them & it wasn’t the easiest transaction. They navigated it flawlessly, found us the perfect home, went above & beyond for our family. They are very real with their information & don’t just try to make a sale. They recommend the contractors for our home construction project also. We since recommended them countless times to family & friends, everyone, to each they have treated just the same. They are active in the community both their business & their personal lives. This crew became more like family than real estate agents. For that we are thankful.
- gfrancesbI needed to sell my house QUICKLY. Scott listed my house, sold it and closed on it in six weeks start to finish. He was constantly updating me and answered texts and phone quicker than my family does! He helped us find a perfect new home too! This is someone you can trust.
- LScott helped me buy my first home. We finally closed last week after 7 months of back and forth with different homes, and financing options. He kept me informed of any hiccups, but followed them with all possible solutions. He was relentless with negotiations!
- Michael MarreroI can not say enough about Scott. He’s a true professional and extremely knowledgeable. I was looking for my first duplex investment and thankfully I came across Scott because he truly understands the business. Scott provided me with ideas and recommendations that I could only imagine come from his many years of experience in the industry. Very happy to say that yesterday we closed on a property and soon we will be getting ready to look for the next property investment with Scott’s help.
- Michelle Lara-OteroWonderful service
- Pedro BarberaScott is very professional and just gets things done fast and simple. Strongly recommend.
- Rafael GruenbaumScott Kaplan & Associates did an amazing job in helping me find my first home. Thank you Scott!
- Manuel BarriosScott Kaplan helped my wife and i find our first home and he did a great job. He listened to what we we were looking for and also our budget and showed us many houses in that range. Since it was our first time buying a house Scott was able to educate us about some things we should look for when making a purchase. He was always professional, responsive and on time. We found a house that was perfect for us. I would definitely give Scott and his team my recommendation if you are looking to purchase a house in south Florida. A+
- Jade RyanI highly recommend this or oficient and knowledgeable staff. Scott Kaplan was attentive and efficient in assisting me with finding homes based on my personal needs. In addition, Kaplan and Associates has assisted friends and coworkers in finding rentals and homes to buy. Excellent service from a professional team.
- Jose y Carolina Delgado - AristimunoWe have been clients of Kaplan & Associates for the past few years. They helped us purchased our fist home at a fantastic price and later helped us rented it out in a record time of 1 week. We are loyal clients and will always trust them.
- Garry EbanksI've known and worked with Scott for around five years and have found him to be hardworking, sincere, with integrity, knowledgeable and full of energy. If you're looking for property, he's your man! Garry Ebanks - All Florida Inspections
- Random GuyThe Kaplan Team are very experienced in Real Estate transactions. I felt comfortable with them from the beginning. They negotiated my price down due to poor inspection results and get me the best price in the neighborhood. They were always available when I had questions and I felt like they had my back the whole time. Great job and I still refer them to my friends!!
MY BLOGS
Broward County Real Estate Sees Surge Amid Lower Interest Rates
As the year progresses, positive trends have emerged in the real estate market, particularly with interest rates hitting their lowest levels in over a year. This has sparked increased activity among homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance their loans. Interest Rate Drops Fuel Mortgage Applications From August 4th to August 10th, mortgage applications surged by 35%, marking a significant 118% increase from the same period last year. This jump is largely attributed to favorable decreases in both 15- and 30-year fixed mortgage rates. For 30-year fixed-rate loans with conforming balances ($766,550 or less), the rate dropped slightly from 6.55% to 6.54%, with points decreasing from 0.58% to 0.57%. Similarly, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage saw a dip from 6.03% to 5.96%, with points decreasing from 0.74 to 0.65. Though these changes may seem small, they provide significant savings over time, reducing monthly payments and overall interest paid on home loans. Homeowners are seizing the opportunity to refinance, taking advantage of the lowered rates to improve their financial standing. Impact on Refinancing and Purchasing Activity The refinance share of mortgage activity rose sharply to 48.6% from 41.7% the previous week, reflecting growing interest in taking advantage of the lower rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 35% increase in refinance applications—the highest level since May 2022. Home purchases have also seen an uptick, with applications to buy homes rising 3% between July 28th and August 10th. However, overall purchase activity is still 8% lower than this time last year, indicating that buyers remain cautious due to high home prices and limited supply. Market Outlook Although the market is showing positive signs, many buyers are still waiting, anticipating further rate drops. Current economic conditions, including inflation and other monthly expenses, continue to play a role in the decision-making process for homebuyers. Mortgage rates may fluctuate further depending on upcoming economic reports, particularly the consumer price index (CPI). For now, the favorable mortgage environment presents an excellent opportunity for homeowners to refinance and for potential buyers to consider entering the market. However, the overall impact of these changes remains dependent on future rate movements and market conditions. Source: CNBC and Mortgage Bankers Association(MBA)
Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Broward County
Purchasing your first home is a significant milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. By taking the right steps and working with professionals, you can approach the process with confidence. Here's a deeper look at essential tips for first-time homebuyers in Broward County. 1. Establish Your Budget and Understand the Full Costs Before starting your home search, it’s crucial to set a clear budget. While your mortgage payment is the largest monthly cost, it’s important to account for other expenses like property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, utilities, and possible Homeowners Association (HOA) fees if you're considering a condo or townhome. These additional costs can add up, so working closely with a local Realtor® can help you get a realistic picture of what you can afford. Additionally, you’ll need to budget for upfront costs such as a down payment, closing costs, and reserves for emergency repairs or home improvements. Our team can guide you through these considerations to ensure you’re financially prepared for homeownership. 2. Get Preapproved for a Mortgage Securing preapproval is an essential step before you begin house hunting. Preapproval helps you understand exactly how much you can borrow, giving you a clear budget and showing sellers that you're a serious and qualified buyer. To get preapproved, you'll need to gather important documents like proof of income, tax returns, and information on debts or loans. Your lender will also check your credit, so it's a good idea to review your credit score beforehand. A strong credit score can lead to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and reduced private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirements. If your credit needs improvement, your lender or Realtor® can help you create a plan to increase your score before you apply. 3. Manage Debt and Improve Credit Lenders will evaluate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which is a critical factor in mortgage approval. Ideally, your DTI ratio, including the future mortgage payment, should be below 36%, though some lenders allow up to 43%. To improve your chances of qualifying for a mortgage with favorable terms, focus on paying down credit card balances and reducing outstanding loans. Additionally, regularly check your credit report for any errors and dispute inaccuracies with credit bureaus. Improving your credit score by lowering credit card utilization and managing debt responsibly can significantly impact your ability to secure a good mortgage. 4. Research Neighborhoods and Property Types Broward County is home to a wide range of neighborhoods and housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. Each option has its own set of advantages and costs. For example, while single-family homes offer more privacy, they may come with higher maintenance costs and property taxes. Condos and townhomes can be more affordable, but they often come with monthly HOA fees to cover shared amenities and maintenance. Your Realtor® will be instrumental in helping you evaluate neighborhoods based on factors like school districts, walkability, access to transportation, and proximity to recreational areas. It’s important to visit potential neighborhoods at different times of the day to get a feel for the community and assess traffic, noise levels, and overall convenience. 5. Compare Mortgage Rates and Loan Options While it may be tempting to go with the first lender you meet, shopping around for mortgage rates can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Different lenders offer varying interest rates and fees, so it’s essential to compare offers from several institutions. Beyond interest rates, be sure to review closing costs, points, and any additional fees that might be involved. Our team has fantastic lender recommendations and they can help you explore different types of loans—such as FHA, VA, or conventional loans—and determine which is best for your situation. They also have programs available that may help with closing assistance or interest rate buyouts. In some cases, putting down a larger down payment can help you avoid PMI and lower your monthly mortgage payment. Our mortgage professionals can guide you through these options to find the best loan for your needs. 6. Narrow Your Search and Stay Realistic Once you have your preapproval in hand and a clear budget in mind, it’s time to start looking at homes. It’s important to stay realistic about your expectations. You may not find a home with every feature on your wishlist, but prioritizing your must-haves will help you focus on what matters most—whether that’s location, size, or specific amenities. Your Realtor® can help you filter through the vast inventory of homes available in Broward County, focusing on those that meet your criteria. They’ll also help with evaluating potential homes for hidden costs, like property taxes and maintenance expenses, and assist with negotiating offers and navigating the closing process. 7. Prepare for the Long-Term Homeownership comes with responsibilities beyond just the financial aspect. Once you purchase a home, you’ll need to stay on top of regular maintenance, repairs, and other homeowner duties. It's wise to set aside an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses like appliance repairs, roof replacements, or plumbing issues. Having a couple of months’ worth of mortgage payments in savings can help cushion against financial strain if an unexpected situation arises. By following these steps and partnering with a knowledgeable Realtor® and mortgage professional, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and find a home that fits both your lifestyle and budget. Broward County offers a diverse range of housing options, and with careful planning, you'll be on your way to making your first home purchase a successful and enjoyable experience. Source: Forbes and Florida Realtors®
Positive News on Florida’s Property Insurance
Florida's property insurance market is showing promising signs of improvement, thanks to recent reforms and initiatives aimed at reducing costs and expanding coverage for homeowners. For first-time homebuyers and homeowners in Broward County, this news is especially relevant as it impacts both affordability and stability in the market. One key development is the introduction of the Florida Optional Reinsurance Assistance (FORA) program, designed to help insurance companies purchase reinsurance at more favorable rates. This initiative aims to stabilize the cost of homeowners' insurance, with 12 companies already filing for rate decreases that will affect 1.8 million policies statewide. Additionally, companies like Progressive, State Farm, and new entrant Trident Reciprocal Exchange are working closely with Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to offer more competitive rates. The OIR has reported a significant drop in rate requests for 2024, with the current 30-day average at just 0.5%, compared to 7.6% last year. This shift reflects broader positive trends, including a decrease in reinsurance costs and increased participation in the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Depopulation Program, which has removed over 132,000 policies from state-backed insurance. These developments signal a strengthening property insurance market in Florida, offering a more stable and affordable environment for homeowners and potential buyers alike. The continued collaboration between state regulators and national insurers is expected to further benefit Floridians, ensuring better protection against risks while making homeownership more accessible. Source: Florida Realtors® and Reinsurance News