The 10-Minute Homeowner - Chris Cusimano

Chris Cusimano
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Your daily dose of simple, smart home advice from house hacks to insurance tips, buying/selling insights, and home maintenance must-knows.Chris Cusimano, S. Florida Realtor based in Boca Raton & Coral Springs, Florida gives you quick, friendly guidance that saves time, money, and stress… all before you finish your morning coffee.

  1. 2d ago

    14 - The Catch Behind Florida's Historic $250,000 Property Tax Exemption

    Florida is preparing for the largest property tax cut in state history but what’s the hidden catch? On June 2, 2026, the Florida Legislature officially passed House Joint Resolution 1-F, sending a monumental $250,000 property tax exemption proposal to the November 3, 2026 ballot. If approved by 60% of voters, this amendment could virtually erase non-school property taxes for roughly 60% of homesteaded homeowners. But with local governments facing an estimated $8.4 billion annual revenue drop, is this tax break a dream come true for homeowners - or a financial crisis for local infrastructure, renters, and local businesses? In this episode, we break down: 🏠 How the $250k Exemption Works: Timeline ($150k in 2027 → $250k in 2028 + inflation adjustments).🎓 The School Tax Carve-Out: Why you’ll still pay school taxes (and why lawmakers did it).⚠️ The 5-Year Waiting Period: What new residents moving after Dec 31, 2026 need to watch out for.🏢 Impact on Renters & Investors: Why rental property non-homestead cap reductions (10% to 5%) and potential tax shifts matter.📊 Smart Real Estate Strategies: How to leverage SOH Portability and buy strategically in 2026.📍 Thinking about relocating to South Florida before the 2026 deadline? Reach out to the Homes By Cusi Team today, we’d love to help you navigate Florida's changing real estate market! 561-289-9305 WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE  Get an instant home value estimate HERE See how The Homes By Cusi Team works HERE email: chris@homesbycusi.com cell: (561) 289-9305 Agents: Apply to Chris' Coaching HERE

  2. Jul 7

    Boca Raton: Paradise For a Price

    The Real Cost of Living in Boca Raton, Florida Boca Raton looks flawless, and that is by design. Crime 52% below the national average, a median household income north of $121,000, and roughly 1,000 new residents pouring in every year from high-tax states. But there is a price for perfection, and most of it is hidden. In this episode, real estate agent Chris "Cusi" Cusimano breaks down what it actually costs to live in Boca Raton in 2026, drawing on 25+ years of selling across Palm Beach and Broward County. In this episode: The "New Yorker Effect" and why the wealthy keep relocating hereZero state income tax and what it really saves a high earnerThe country club monopoly, and the deed-mandated initiation fees from $150K to $400KFlorida's home insurance crisis and what is changing in 2026The A-rated schools, beaches, and lifestyle that keep people comingWho Boca is perfect for, and who should look elsewhereWhether you are planning a South Florida move or just curious how the other coast lives, this is the honest, numbers-first tour. Read More HERE on my blog OR Watch the video HERE Connect with Cusi: Homes by Cusi, Keller Williams Boca Raton Web: https://homesbycusi.com Local South Florida guide: https://thefriendlyscoop.com Get an instant home value estimate HERE See how The Homes By Cusi Team works HERE email: chris@homesbycusi.com cell: (561) 289-9305 Agents: Apply to Chris' Coaching HERE

  3. Jun 9

    Why Families Pay $400,000 Just to Join a Boca Raton Neighborhood

    What if moving to a neighborhood required a $400,000 non-refundable payment before you even bought the house? Welcome to Boca Raton, Florida. In this episode, we break down the hidden mechanics of one of America's most fascinating luxury real estate markets. From exclusive country club communities and equity memberships to flood-zone economics, school district competition, youth sports culture, and the rise of zero-equity luxury developments, we explore how Boca Raton has evolved into a carefully engineered lifestyle ecosystem. You'll learn: • East Boca vs West Boca lifestyle differences • The true cost of country club living • Why some buyers pay $400,000 just for club access • How Boca Bridges and newer luxury communities are disrupting traditional clubs • The impact of FEMA flood maps and insurance costs • The role of top-rated schools in driving property values • How youth sports and community networks shape family life • The biggest Boca Raton real estate trends heading into 2026 Whether you're relocating to South Florida, investing in luxury real estate, or simply fascinated by how affluent communities operate, this deep dive reveals the hidden blueprint behind Boca Raton's most desirable neighborhoods. Topics covered: Boca Raton real estate, luxury communities, country clubs, gated neighborhoods, Florida relocation, private schools, public schools, Boca Bridges, Woodfield Country Club, St. Andrews Country Club, East Boca, West Boca, luxury housing trends, South Florida real estate, flood insurance, HOA communities, and family lifestyle planning. Read the full blog here Get an instant home value estimate HERE See how The Homes By Cusi Team works HERE email: chris@homesbycusi.com cell: (561) 289-9305 Agents: Apply to Chris' Coaching HERE

  4. Jun 9

    11. Florida's $250,000 Property Tax Exemption Explained: What Florida Homeowners, Buyers & Investors Need to Know in 2026

    Florida homeowners could soon see the biggest property tax reduction in state history. In this episode, we break down Florida's proposed $250,000 Homestead Property Tax Exemption and explain exactly how it could impact homeowners, home buyers, sellers, retirees, investors, and anyone considering a move to Florida. You'll learn: • How the proposed $250,000 homestead exemption works • When the tax savings could begin • Why some Florida homeowners may pay little to no non-school property taxes • The 5-year waiting period for new Florida residents • How rental property and vacation home owners could benefit • Important strategies for buyers and sellers before the 2026 vote • How Save Our Homes portability remains a critical tax-saving tool If approved by Florida voters in November 2026, this constitutional amendment could reshape homeownership costs throughout the state and create significant opportunities for current and future property owners. Whether you're buying a home, selling a property, investing in real estate, relocating to Florida, or simply trying to understand the future of Florida property taxes, this episode provides the key facts you need to know. Disclaimer: This podcast episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation. Production Note: This episode was created using automated voice technology to efficiently deliver timely real estate and market updates. Get an instant home value estimate HERE See how The Homes By Cusi Team works HERE email: chris@homesbycusi.com cell: (561) 289-9305 Agents: Apply to Chris' Coaching HERE

  5. Apr 1

    10 - The $14 Billion Insurance Secret in Florida

    Florida’s insurance market is in chaos but the real story goes deeper than lawsuits and hurricanes. This episode uncovers the hidden financial structures, political decisions, and billion-dollar loopholes shaping the crisis in 2026. Read all about it HERE Watch the video version HERE Get an instant home value estimate HERE See how The Homes By Cusi Team works HERE email: chris@homesbycusi.com cell: (561) 289-9305 Agents: Apply to Chris' Coaching HERE

  6. Mar 6

    9. What Stealth Bombers Over Iran Have to Do With Your Mortgage

    A military strike 6,000 miles away shouldn’t affect whether you can buy a home in America… but it does.  WATCH VIDEO HERE In this episode, we break down the hidden pipeline connecting global conflict, oil markets, inflation, and the U.S. housing market. When the United States and Israel launched major strikes against Iranian targets on February 28, 2026, the immediate concerns were military and geopolitical. But almost overnight, the ripple effects began moving through the global economy. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed dramatically. Oil prices surged. Inflation pressures returned. And suddenly the Federal Reserve’s ability to lower interest rates to help homebuyers started disappearing. The result? Mortgage rates stay elevated, construction costs rise, and housing becomes even more unaffordable for everyday Americans. This episode explores: • Why one narrow shipping channel controls 20% of the world’s oil • How oil prices influence mortgage rates • The historical relationship between war and inflation • Why construction costs are rising so quickly • And why global investors are flooding into U.S. real estate while Americans get priced out Geopolitics isn’t something that only happens overseas. It travels through energy markets, supply chains, and financial systems—until it shows up in your neighborhood as a home you can no longer afford. War, oil, inflation, and housing are all connected. And the effects are happening right now. Get an instant home value estimate HERE See how The Homes By Cusi Team works HERE email: chris@homesbycusi.com cell: (561) 289-9305 Agents: Apply to Chris' Coaching HERE

  7. Jan 20

    8. The Hidden Traps in Florida Real Estate Contracts That Cost Buyers Thousands

    Florida may be paradise, but buying a home here can be a legal minefield. In this episode, Chris Cusimano breaks down the “as-is” contract that dominates the Florida housing market—and uncovers how small mistakes can quietly kill deals or cost you thousands. Whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or real estate pro, you’ll learn how to: Use the inspection period loophole to your advantageAvoid the invisible fuse of missed acceptance datesNavigate escalation clauses and kickout clauses like a proProtect yourself from surprise expenses like missing appliancesClose with confidence by handling permits and title negotiations rightDon't get burned by the fine print. This episode is your behind-the-scenes guide to mastering Florida real estate contracts. 📍 Chapters: 00:00 – Florida Real Estate is the Wild West 00:40 – What “As-Is” Really Means 01:10 – The Power of the Inspection Period 01:45 – The Invisible Fuse: Acceptance Dates 02:20 – Bidding Wars & Escalation Clauses 03:00 – Kickout Clause Explained 03:50 – The Appliance Trap 04:40 – Permit Pitfalls 05:30 – Title Strategy for Big Savings 06:30 – The Real Cost of Not Knowing the Contract 📌 Save this episode and revisit it before your next Florida real estate deal. 👉 Visit www.coachingbycusi.com to learn about Chris’s real estate training and coaching programs. Get an instant home value estimate HERE See how The Homes By Cusi Team works HERE email: chris@homesbycusi.com cell: (561) 289-9305 Agents: Apply to Chris' Coaching HERE

  8. Jan 13

    7. Buyers - 7 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes That Cost Thousands (Especially in Florida)

    Most first-time homebuyers don’t lose money because of bad luck — they lose it by following outdated advice. This episode reveals 7 costly mistakes buyers make, including the 20% down payment myth, credit score surprises, Florida property tax reassessments, and insurance inspection failures that can kill a deal. If you’re planning to buy a home, listen before you make these expensive mistakes. grab the contract analysis tool HERE: contractcoachapp.com Get an instant home value estimate HERE See how The Homes By Cusi Team works HERE email: chris@homesbycusi.com cell: (561) 289-9305 Agents: Apply to Chris' Coaching HERE

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Your daily dose of simple, smart home advice from house hacks to insurance tips, buying/selling insights, and home maintenance must-knows.Chris Cusimano, S. Florida Realtor based in Boca Raton & Coral Springs, Florida gives you quick, friendly guidance that saves time, money, and stress… all before you finish your morning coffee.

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