Inspections, Insurance, Resources
The Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE) was one of the most common manufacturers of circuit breaker panels boxes in North America from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Millions of their panels were installed in homes across the country. Over time, electricians and home... read more
Inspections, Insurance, Resources
The law creating the Florida Building Code was enacted by the Florida Legislature in 1998 and became effective on March 1, 2002. Here is a brief history of why the Florida Building Commission was created and explains why the motivations for the first state-wide... read more
Financing, Inspections, Insurance
Flood maps, known officially as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show areas of high and moderate to low flood risk. Communities use the maps to set minimum building requirements for coastal areas and floodplains, lenders use them to determine flood insurance... read more
Financing, Inspections, Insurance
Buyers may purchase flood insurance through an insurance agent, not directly from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Homes and businesses in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to have flood... read more
Financing, Inspections, Insurance, Property Closing
Structures built in a Special Flood Hazard Area – including A, AE, and AH zones – or a Coastal High Hazard Area – including VE zones – when constructed were required to have a FEMA Elevation Certificate to prove that the structure met the... read more
Inspections, Insurance, Property Closing, Resources
When purchasing a home in Florida, the cost of hazard insurance can be a major issue. From my experience, the newer the home, the lower your insurance costs will be. Insurance rates start high and then are reduced (discounted) based on many factors, like age, roof... read more
Zillow Porchlight Blog