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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Selling and Investing in Brevard County, Florida Whether you are getting ready to sell your home or looking at investment property on the Space Coast, you probably have questions. Here are the ones I hear most often from sellers and investors across Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Palm Bay, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach and the rest of Brevard County. If you do not see your question here, reach out. I am always happy to talk it through. Debbie Strawhand, REALTOR®, Avanti Way Realty Selling Your Home How do I know what my home is worth in Brevard County? The most accurate way is a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) prepared by a local agent. I compare your home to recently sold, pending and active properties nearby, then adjust for differences like size, updates, roof age, pool, lot and location. Online estimates can miss by a wide margin here because they cannot see your home's condition, flood zone or insurance factors. A CMA from me is free and comes with no obligation. How long does it take to sell a home in Brevard County? It depends on price, condition and location, and it changes with the market. Well-priced, well-prepared homes sell faster. As one example, my listing at 184 SE 2nd St in Satellite Beach went under contract in 28 days, compared with a 56-day average for that zip code. For current numbers in your area, see my monthly market update or ask me for a report specific to your neighborhood. What should I fix or update before I list? Focus on what buyers, inspectors and insurance companies notice first. In Florida that usually means the roof, HVAC, water heater, electrical panel and any visible water issues. After that, fresh paint, clean landscaping, good lighting and a deep clean give the best return. Big remodels rarely pay for themselves right before a sale. We walk through your home together and make a short, prioritized list so you spend money only where it counts. How do you market my home? Every listing gets professional photography and video, a written marketing plan, MLS exposure, and promotion across major home search sites, including premium placement on Homes.com. I also market on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, run targeted ads, and send direct mail to nearby homeowners. You receive regular updates on showings, online views and feedback so you always know how your home is performing. How much does it cost to sell a home? Plan for the listing brokerage fee, any compensation you choose to offer a buyer's agent, title insurance and closing fees, Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed, prorated property taxes, and any repairs or credits you agree to. Commissions are always negotiable. Before you list, I give you an estimated seller net sheet so you can see what you are likely to walk away with. Do I have to pay the buyer's agent? No law requires it. Since August 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their own agent that states how that agent is paid, and buyer-agent compensation is no longer advertised in the MLS. Many sellers still choose to offer it, or agree to it in the offer, because it can widen the pool of buyers. We decide together what makes sense for your home and your goals. What happens after we accept an offer? The buyer typically has an inspection period, an appraisal if they are financing, and a loan approval process. Title work, the survey and insurance quotes happen during this time too. Most financed purchases close in about 30 to 45 days; cash sales can close faster. I coordinate with the buyer's agent, lender, title company and inspectors and keep you updated at every step. Can I sell my home if I still have a mortgage? Yes. Most sellers do. Your remaining loan balance is paid off at closing from the sale proceeds, and the title company handles the payoff. If you think you may owe more than the home is worth, contact me early so we can look at your options. Florida-Specific Seller Questions What do I have to disclose about flooding when I sell? Since October 1, 2024, Florida law (Section 689.302, Florida Statutes) requires residential sellers to give buyers a written flood disclosure at or before the time the contract is signed. It asks whether you have ever filed a flood insurance claim, including with the National Flood Insurance Program, and whether you have received federal flood assistance such as FEMA aid. Beyond that form, Florida sellers must also disclose known facts that materially affect a home's value. Will my roof age affect my sale? Often, yes. Many Florida insurance companies are reluctant to write new policies on older roofs, especially shingle roofs, and a buyer who cannot get insurance cannot get a mortgage. If your roof is older, we can gather a roof certification, permits and receipts up front so buyers and their insurance agents have what they need. Sometimes a roof credit or replacement makes the sale smoother. We look at the numbers together. What are 4-point and wind mitigation inspections? A 4-point inspection reviews the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and insurers often require one on older homes. A wind mitigation inspection documents features that resist hurricane damage, such as roof-to-wall connections and impact windows, and can lower the insurance premium. Having recent reports available can make your home more attractive to buyers because they can get insurance quotes quickly. I own a condo. What do Florida's newer condo laws mean for my sale? Florida now requires milestone structural inspections for many condo buildings three stories or taller, plus structural reserve studies and funded reserves for key building components. Buyers and lenders review these documents closely, and special assessments can affect price. Gather your association's inspection reports, reserve study and budget early so we can price accurately and avoid surprises. Does my home need to be in a flood zone to need flood insurance? Flood insurance is typically required by lenders only in FEMA high-risk flood zones, but flooding can happen outside those zones too, and standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Buyers increasingly ask for flood insurance quotes on every home. Having a quote ready helps buyers budget and keeps your sale moving. Real Estate Investors and 1031 Exchanges Can I buy investment property in Brevard County if I live out of state? Absolutely. A large share of my investor clients buy remotely. I handle live video tours, send detailed photos and notes, attend inspections, and coordinate with your lender, title company, inspectors and property manager. Closings can be completed with remote or mail-away signing. You get local eyes on every property without having to fly in. What is a 1031 exchange? A 1031 exchange, named for Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, lets an investor sell one investment property and defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds into another "like-kind" investment property. The funds must be held by a qualified intermediary, not by you. Always work with a qualified intermediary and your tax advisor to structure the exchange correctly. What are the 1031 exchange deadlines? You have 45 days from the sale of your original property to formally identify replacement properties, and 180 days from that sale to close on the replacement. These deadlines are strict and generally are not extended. Because the 45-day window goes fast, I help 1031 buyers start searching and touring Brevard properties before their sale closes, so they are ready to identify strong options on time. Why do investors look at Brevard County? The Space Coast has a diverse economy anchored by aerospace, defense, technology and healthcare employers, along with beaches, the Indian River Lagoon and access to Orlando. Florida also has no state personal income tax. Every investment is different, so I help you look at rents, vacancy, insurance, taxes and HOA rules for the specific property rather than relying on general trends. Can I use a Brevard property as a short-term or vacation rental? It depends on the city or town and on any HOA or condo association rules. Some beachside communities limit rentals to longer minimum stays or require registration. Before you make an offer, I help you confirm the local ordinance and the association's rental rules so your plan matches what is allowed. What costs do out-of-state investors often underestimate? Insurance is the big one in Florida, including windstorm and flood coverage. Others include property management fees, HOA or condo dues and assessments, property taxes (which reset based on the purchase price after a sale), maintenance and vacancy. I help you build a realistic estimate for each property before you commit. Do you work with commercial property as well? Yes. In addition to residential and investment homes, I handle commercial sales and leasing on the Space Coast, listing through the MLS and commercial platforms. If you are exploring a commercial purchase or lease, let's talk about what you need. Working With Debbie What areas do you serve? I serve all of Brevard County, including Melbourne, West Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay, Viera, Suntree, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island and Port St. John. How long have you been in real estate? I started as a full-time REALTOR® in January 2017 and have closed around $38 million in sales, working with buyers, sellers and investors. I am with Avanti Way Realty in Melbourne.  What makes working with you different? You work directly with me from the first conversation through closing. I explain the process in plain language, give you clear data to make decisions, and keep you updated without you having to chase me down. My goal is simple: real estate made simple, whether you are buying or selling. How do I get started? Call or text me at 321-317-8241, email dkstrawhand@gmail.com, or request a free home value report on my website. We start with a no-pressure conversation about your goals and timeline and go from there. Let's Talk Debbie Strawhand, REALTOR® Avanti Way Realty  |  2825 Business Center Blvd, Suite A1, Melbourne, FL 32940 321-317-8241  |  dkstrawhand@gmail.com  |  DebbieStrawhandSellsFLHomes.com Florida Real Estate License SL3375202 The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal, tax or insurance advice. Please consult a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or insurance professional about your specific situation. Laws and market conditions change; information is believed accurate as of the date posted. Equal Housing Opportunity

FOR INVESTORS 1031 Exchanges and Remote Investing in Brevard County, Florida Buying investment property from hundreds or thousands of miles away can feel like a leap of faith. It does not have to. With the right local partner, you can find, tour, buy and set up a rental on Florida's Space Coast without ever getting on a plane. I have guided investors through about a dozen 1031 exchanges, so I know firsthand how tight the deadlines are, what questions to ask, and how to keep a remote purchase moving. Let's walk through how it works. Debbie Strawhand, Real Estate Advisor, Avanti Way Realty Why Investors Look at Brevard County The Space Coast offers something many markets cannot: a growing, diverse local economy with coastal living and a range of property types in one county. •       A strong employment base. Aerospace, defense, technology, healthcare and manufacturing employers, including L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, Health First and the companies around Kennedy Space Center. •       No state personal income tax. Florida does not tax personal income, which can help your overall return. •       A range of price points and property types. From single-family rentals to small multifamily, across Melbourne, Palm Bay, West Melbourne, Rockledge, Cocoa, the beaches and more. •       Coastal appeal with room to grow. Beaches, the Indian River Lagoon, and about an hour to Orlando. Every property is different, so we look at the actual numbers for each one: rents, taxes, insurance, association rules and condition, rather than relying on general trends. Investment Properties I Help You Buy My investor work focuses on residential income property of one to four units: •       Single-family rentals (houses, townhomes and condos) •       Duplexes •       Triplexes and fourplexes Properties with five or more units are commercial real estate, with different financing and valuation. I handle commercial sales and leasing as well, so if you are exchanging into a larger multifamily or commercial property, we can talk about that too. 1031 Exchange Basics A 1031 exchange, named for Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, lets you sell an investment property and defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds into another "like-kind" investment property. For real estate, like-kind is broad: a rental house in another state can generally be exchanged for a duplex in Florida, for example. The key rules •       Both properties must be held for investment or business use. Your primary residence does not qualify. •       A qualified intermediary holds your sale proceeds. You cannot take possession of the money between the sale and the purchase, or the exchange can fail. •       To defer all of the tax, you generally need to buy property of equal or greater value and reinvest all of your net proceeds. Cash or debt reduction you keep, often called "boot," may be taxable. The two deadlines •       45 days: From the day your original property closes, you have 45 calendar days to identify replacement properties in writing. •       180 days: You must close on the replacement property within 180 days of that sale, or by your tax return due date if that comes first. These deadlines are strict and are generally not extended for weekends or holidays. Most investors identify properties using the "three-property rule," which allows you to name up to three potential replacement properties regardless of value. Your qualified intermediary can explain the other identification options. Important: I am not a tax advisor or attorney. Every exchange should be structured with a qualified intermediary and your CPA or tax attorney. My role is to help you find, evaluate and close on the right replacement property on time. How I Help You Beat the 45-Day Clock The 45-day identification window is where most exchanges get stressful. The best way to handle it is to start early. Here is how we work together: 1.      Start before your sale closes. Once your original property is under contract, we begin searching Brevard County so you are not starting from zero on day one. 2.      Define your targets. We talk through your price range, property type, rent goals and how hands-on you want to be. 3.      Build a short list. I send options with photos, video and my own notes on condition, location and likely rent. 4.      Run the numbers. We estimate rent, taxes, insurance and expenses for each property so you can compare them side by side. 5.      Identify with confidence. You name your replacement properties on time, with backups, and I coordinate with your qualified intermediary and title company through closing. How Remote Buying Works Many of my investor clients never visit before closing. Here is what the process looks like from anywhere in the country: 1.      Let's chat. We talk about your goals, budget, timeline and whether a 1031 exchange is involved. 2.      Financing. If you are financing, I can connect you with local lenders who understand investment property loans. 3.      Video tours. I tour properties for you live on FaceTime or WhatsApp, or record detailed video walkthroughs you can watch on your own schedule. You see what I see, including the things listing photos leave out. 4.      Offer and contract. Offers and contracts are signed electronically, so distance never slows us down. 5.      Inspections and insurance. I coordinate inspections and share the results with you, and I can refer you to local insurance agents for quotes early in the process. 6.      Closing from wherever you are. The title company can arrange a notary at your location, so you can sign your closing documents without traveling to Florida. 7.      Setting up your rental. After closing, I can refer you to property managers, handymen and contractors to get the property ready and rented. Your Local Team on the Ground When you invest from out of state, the people around the property matter as much as the property itself. I can connect you with trusted local: •       Lenders experienced with investment property financing •       Property managers •       Handymen and contractors for repairs and turnovers •       Insurance agents who understand Florida wind and flood coverage •       Title companies experienced with 1031 exchanges and remote closings You get one point of contact who knows the area and keeps everyone moving on your timeline. Costs Out-of-State Investors Should Plan For Florida has some costs that surprise investors from other states. We build these into every analysis: •       Insurance. Homeowners, windstorm and flood coverage can be a major expense. Roof age and wind mitigation features affect both cost and availability. •       Property taxes. Taxes are reassessed based on the purchase price after a sale, so the seller's current tax bill is not a reliable guide. Florida limits annual assessment increases on non-homestead property to 10 percent for most non-school taxes. •       Association rules and fees. HOA and condo associations may limit rentals, set minimum lease terms, or charge assessments. •       Short-term rental rules. Vacation rental rules vary by city and community. We confirm what is allowed before you make an offer. •       Management, maintenance and vacancy. Budgeting for these up front gives you a realistic picture of your return. Investor Results Andrew G (out of area investor) – Palm Bay, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Deltona - Seller/Buyer/Investor “…her work is her passion”We have had the pleasure of working with Debbie on multiple buy and sell transactions. Debbie is the most knowledgeable, responsive, and trustworthy agent we have done business within many years. She is the agent you want on your side if you're buying or selling real estate. She shines every time, and her work is her passion. Thank you Debbie.   Patrick G (out of state investor) – Income Property Single Family Home – Melbourne – Rockledge Area – Investor / Buyer “She worked tirelessly to help me find what I was looking for.”I wanted to buy an investment property (a rental) close to the beach on Florida's Atlantic coast. Not knowing anyone in that area, it was by the grace of God I found Debbie Strawhand. She listened and understood. She worked tirelessly to help me find what I was looking for. If I saw an interesting property on Redfin or Zillow she would go there and make a narrated video walk-through, sometimes within the hour. She knows the area and was able to give me sound advice. She connected me with a lender, a title insurance company, and a property manager. I did the whole thing long distance, sight unseen, and the transaction was further complicated because it was a 1031 swap. When I had questions, she had answers. Even when it was a question that really should have been addressed to one of the entities just mentioned I relied more on her because she was always the one, I could count on to reply with the correct answer in a timely way. I can recommend her highly without hesitation to anyone interested in buying in the Satellite Beach or Melbourne area. I could go on, but I realize this is just a review, not an entire book, so I'll just sum it up: “I wanted to buy an investment property (a rental) close to the beach on Florida's Atlantic coast. Not knowing anyone in that area, it was by the grace of God I found Debbie Strawhand. She listened and understood. She worked tirelessly to help me find what I was looking for. If I saw an interesting property on Redfin or Zillow she would go there and make a narrated video walk-through, sometimes within the hour. She knows the area and was able to give me sound advice. She connected me with a lender, a title insurance company, and a property manager. I did the whole thing long distance, sight unseen, and the transaction was further complicated because it was a 1031 swap. When I had questions, she had answers. Even when it was a question that really should have been addressed to one of the entities just mentioned I relied more on her because she was always the one, I could count on to reply with the correct answer in a timely way. I can recommend her highly without hesitation to anyone interested in buying in the Satellite Beach or Melbourne area. I could go on, but I realize this is just a review, not an entire book, so I'll just sum it up: She's the best.” Investor Questions Can I do a 1031 exchange from a property in another state? Yes. Like-kind exchanges are not limited by state. Many of my clients sell investment property elsewhere and exchange into Brevard County. Can I exchange into more than one property? Yes. You can split your proceeds across multiple replacement properties, such as two single-family rentals, as long as you follow the identification rules and deadlines.     Do I need to visit before I buy? No. Between live video tours, recorded walkthroughs, inspection reports and remote closing, many investors buy without visiting. You are always welcome to come see the property, of course. Can a vacation rental be part of a 1031 exchange? Possibly, but property used partly for personal stays has special rules, and local rental ordinances vary. Talk with your tax advisor, and I will help you confirm what the city and any association allow. Can you also help me sell a Brevard investment property as part of an exchange? Yes. I can list and sell your Brevard County investment property and help you find the replacement, so both sides of your exchange stay coordinated. Let's Plan a Time to Chat Whether you are starting a 1031 exchange, adding to your portfolio, or buying your first rental, let's plan a time to chat about investment options in Brevard County, FL. We will talk through your goals, timeline and budget, and figure out the next steps together. Let's plan a time to chat: call or text 321-317-8241, or email dkstrawhand@gmail.com. Debbie Strawhand, Real Estate Advisor Avanti Way Realty  |  2825 Business Center Blvd, Suite A1, Melbourne, FL 32940 321-317-8241  |  dkstrawhand@gmail.com  |  DebbieStrawhandSellsFLHomes.com Florida Real Estate License SL3375202 The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal, tax or financial advice. 1031 exchanges have strict requirements; consult a qualified intermediary and a CPA or tax attorney about your specific situation. Laws and market conditions change; information is believed accurate as of the date posted. Equal Housing Opportunity

Satellite Beach FL Area Information Welcome to Satellite Beach, FL! Located on the beautiful Space Coast, Satellite Beach is a small coastal community known for its breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and laid-back beach lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or explore the area, there’s something for everyone in this charming beachside city. Satellite Beach has numerous public beaches, parks, and 16 dune crossovers offering beach access. It is also known for its commitment to protecting the ecosystem, it’s a haven for birds, plants, and marine life, with rules in place to preserve its natural beauty. Satellite Beach is also the home of Patrick Space Force Base. Check out the link to the City of Satellite Beach for more information: City of Satellite Beach Visitor Guide Things to Do Beach Time! Relax at one of the pristine public beaches like Seagull Park, Patrick Space Force Base public beach access, Hightower Beach Park or Pelican Beach Park. Enjoy surfing, shelling, or just lounging by the waves. See below for beach addresses and the phone number for more information. Samsons Island Nature Park A hidden gem accessible by boat or kayak, this island offers walking trails, picnic spots, and opportunities to see wildlife. For more information: Samson Island Recreation Website Space Coast Fun Located at the Patrick Space Force Base (formerly Patrick Air Force Base) and nearby Cape Canaveral, you can watch rocket launches right from the beach or your backyard! Restaurants & Dining Locally owned Restaurants & unique dining spots, like Goombay’s Beachside, Seaside Florida Grill, Long Doggers, Cuizine Restaurant and Lounge, The Social Distance Bar & Grill, Sandbar Sports Grill, Mavericks Hanger Bar & Grill, and many more. For times and location check out this website: Guide to Satellite Beach Restaurants Parks & Recreation Explore parks like DeSoto Park and offer tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails perfect for family outings. Contact Information and Addresses for the Beaches: (321) 773-6458 Hightower Beach Park1525 Highway A1ASatellite Beach, FL 32937 Pelican Beach Park815 Highway A1ASatellite Beach, FL 32937 Crotty Beach Park73 Sunrise Ave.Satellite Beach, FL 32937 Seagull Park285 Hwy A1ASatellite Beach, FL 32937 Schools Satellite Beach is part of the Brevard County Public Schools, one of the top-rated school districts in Florida. The area is home to excellent schools, including: Satellite High School - 300 Scorpion Ct, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 - 321-779-2000 DeLaura Middle School - 300 Jackson Ave, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 - (321) 773-7581 Sea Park Elementary - 300 Sea Park Blvd, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 - (321) 779-2050 Holland Elementary - 50 Holland Ct, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 - (321) 773-7591 To check which school district your home falls into, visit the Brevard Public Schools School Locator. Utility Providers Setting up utilities is easy! Here’s a list of providers servicing the Satellite Beach area: Electricity: Florida Power & Light (FPL) - Florida Power and Light Water/Sewer: City of Melbourne Utilities Melbourne Water and Sewer Trash & Recycling: Waste Management - Waste Management Internet & Cable: Spectrum - Spectrum Website AT&T - AT&T Website Cell Coverage: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and other major carriers provide excellent service. Biggest Employer One of the area’s biggest employers is Patrick Space Force Base, just minutes away. The base contributes to the local economy and provides career opportunities for many residents. As someone who lives, works, and plays in Satellite Beach, I can’t wait to help you discover what makes this community so special! Whether you’re planning to move here or looking for your dream beachside home, let’s chat.