Kerri Africano-Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage

07/11/2025

Just Sold!

02/24/2025

Price Reduction

12/19/2024

New on the Market

08/29/2024

Taking an Ethics class today and was reminded of the Golden Rule (Treat others as you want to be treated). Good rule to live by.

08/16/2024

Victims of a real estate investment scheme involving multiple HGTV stars, including Christina Hall and Tarek El Moussa, have been awarded more than $12 million in refunds by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The ex-couple, known for their hit show "Flip or Flop," were among several reality TV stars recruited by Utah-based Zurixx LLC to promote home-flipping seminars.

In 2019, the FTC and the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Consumer Protection sued Zurixx’s owners, Cristopher Cannon, James Carlson, and Jeffrey Spangler. The lawsuit alleged that false earnings claims were used to lure participants into “spending thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in a relatively short amount of time.”

Some participants also alleged that the reality stars used to promote the seminars did not actually attend the coaching sessions, according to Deadline.

The FTC’s investigation revealed that Zurixx enticed consumers with free courses before pressuring them to pay for additional training, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars. Over 25,500 people will receive refunds as a result of the FTC's action.

Other reality stars, including Hilary Farr from HGTV’s "Love It or List It" and Peter Souhleris and Dave Seymour from A&E’s "Flipping Boston," were also involved in promoting similar programs.

Despite customer complaints reported by ABC in 2017, Hall and El Moussa defended the program, claiming it was based on their own successful system for flipping houses. However, the FTC has since barred Zurixx and its owners from teaching or promoting these programs, with Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, warning consumers to carefully evaluate money-making promises before investing.

08/16/2024

The Florida Realtors legal team has released updated listing agreement forms and buyer representation videos to help Realtors prepare for settlement requirements.

08/09/2024

08/06/2024

Interest rates have dropped! Woohoo!!!

07/30/2024

A Realtor's Perspective on the New NAR Settlement

Dear Customers,

As many of you may have heard, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently reached a significant settlement that impacts the real estate market. This agreement resolves claims against NAR and its members, including all state, territorial, and local REALTOR® associations. Here's a brief overview of what this means for you as home buyers and sellers:

Choice and Transparency: Despite changes, the settlement ensures that consumers retain the freedom to choose their real estate professionals. You will still have the ability to negotiate terms and select services that best suit your needs [2].

Impact on Commissions: While the agreement may alter the traditional commission structures, the ultimate effect on costs is still unfolding. The real estate market may see shifts in how commissions are disclosed and negotiated, potentially leading to greater clarity and fairness [3].

A New Market Landscape: This settlement could reshape the way homes are bought and sold in the United States. As your trusted Realtor, my priority is to navigate these changes with you, ensuring a smooth and informed experience [6].

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to adapt to this evolving market. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Kerri Africano