Latest news with #Surfside
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Why so much?': Florida condo owners fear losing their homes after being handed shocking $3.5M assessment
Like many condo owners in Florida, residents at the Heron Condominiums in West Kendall were expecting to receive a special assessment of some kind. The mandatory 40-year recertification inspection is the result of new regulations for condominiums in the state following the deadly 2021 condo collapse in Surfside, Florida. But when their special assessment came back for $3.48 million, the residents were aghast. While the aging condo building was likely to need repairs of some kind, the colossal price tag has left many worried about potentially losing their homes. "They're not against the special assessment," said Mayra Rodriguez, a resident speaking on behalf of several homeowners in an interview with CBS News Miami. "They're just saying, why so much?" Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Those who own condos know that some of the costs and maintenance responsibilities are outside the residents' control. For example, this condo needs roof repairs, building repairs, waterproofing and other structural work. And, until these are completed, the buildings cannot be recertified and must bare code violation signs throughout the property. These repair costs are covered through the assessment, which is divided between the number of units a building has so that each unit covers a portion of that total bill. In this case, the $3.48 million assessment is spread across approximately 250 units. Residents at Heron have a choice between two different payment options: a 10-year bank loan amounting to roughly $154 per unit per month or a self-funded payment of over $13,200, paid either as a lump sum or divided into four quarterly payments of roughly $3,300, starting in June. In order for the condo board to move forward with the bank loan payment option, at least 66% of the condo owners must approve that action. With the vote yet to happen, residents are worried about being able to cover the cost on their own. 'That's $3,300 every three months," Rodriguez explained. "Most people here just can't afford that." Beyond the consternation about the upcoming assessment, residents are frustrated about the lack of communication and transparency from the board. The owners at this condo complex already pay $260 per month in dues. But they aren't clear on how those funds have been used. "Where is all the money we've been paying for?" asked Jose Redondo, an owner in the complex. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Earlier this month, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill aiming to bring immediate financial relief to condo owners. The bill allows condo associations to tap into lines of credit or loans for their reserves and allows for an extra year to make repairs following a structural inspection. While this bill may offer some financial relief for condo owners in the short term, it doesn't entirely protect their budget or longer-term financial wellbeing. The ability to tap into loans likely means many condo owners will face an ongoing monthly payment (with interest) or higher condo dues. Similarly, not all residents have the luxury to wait for the bill to come into effect in July (Heron residents for example are expected to start paying their portions of the assessment in June). So while Florida's post-Surfside condo regulations were made with safety in mind, the new requirements have also meant greater financial strain for those living on a fixed income. Some residents of the Heron complex are seniors living on such an income. While their property values might be high, these lower-income residents may feel 'house rich but cash poor.' Depending on the situation, some residents might also not qualify for new loans to cover their assessment costs. If they wanted to leave the complex, they might struggle to find a comparable housing option in the area. With that, many condo owners might feel compelled to sell below market value, downsize to a smaller place, relocate to a more affordable city, or switch to renting for the foreseeable future. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Why so much?': Florida condo owners fear losing their homes after being handed shocking $3.5M assessment
Like many condo owners in Florida, residents at the Heron Condominiums in West Kendall were expecting to receive a special assessment of some kind. The mandatory 40-year recertification inspection is the result of new regulations for condominiums in the state following the deadly 2021 condo collapse in Surfside, Florida. But when their special assessment came back for $3.48 million, the residents were aghast. While the aging condo building was likely to need repairs of some kind, the colossal price tag has left many worried about potentially losing their homes. "They're not against the special assessment," said Mayra Rodriguez, a resident speaking on behalf of several homeowners in an interview with CBS News Miami. "They're just saying, why so much?" Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Those who own condos know that some of the costs and maintenance responsibilities are outside the residents' control. For example, this condo needs roof repairs, building repairs, waterproofing and other structural work. And, until these are completed, the buildings cannot be recertified and must bare code violation signs throughout the property. These repair costs are covered through the assessment, which is divided between the number of units a building has so that each unit covers a portion of that total bill. In this case, the $3.48 million assessment is spread across approximately 250 units. Residents at Heron have a choice between two different payment options: a 10-year bank loan amounting to roughly $154 per unit per month or a self-funded payment of over $13,200, paid either as a lump sum or divided into four quarterly payments of roughly $3,300, starting in June. In order for the condo board to move forward with the bank loan payment option, at least 66% of the condo owners must approve that action. With the vote yet to happen, residents are worried about being able to cover the cost on their own. 'That's $3,300 every three months," Rodriguez explained. "Most people here just can't afford that." Beyond the consternation about the upcoming assessment, residents are frustrated about the lack of communication and transparency from the board. The owners at this condo complex already pay $260 per month in dues. But they aren't clear on how those funds have been used. "Where is all the money we've been paying for?" asked Jose Redondo, an owner in the complex. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Earlier this month, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill aiming to bring immediate financial relief to condo owners. The bill allows condo associations to tap into lines of credit or loans for their reserves and allows for an extra year to make repairs following a structural inspection. While this bill may offer some financial relief for condo owners in the short term, it doesn't entirely protect their budget or longer-term financial wellbeing. The ability to tap into loans likely means many condo owners will face an ongoing monthly payment (with interest) or higher condo dues. Similarly, not all residents have the luxury to wait for the bill to come into effect in July (Heron residents for example are expected to start paying their portions of the assessment in June). So while Florida's post-Surfside condo regulations were made with safety in mind, the new requirements have also meant greater financial strain for those living on a fixed income. Some residents of the Heron complex are seniors living on such an income. While their property values might be high, these lower-income residents may feel 'house rich but cash poor.' Depending on the situation, some residents might also not qualify for new loans to cover their assessment costs. If they wanted to leave the complex, they might struggle to find a comparable housing option in the area. With that, many condo owners might feel compelled to sell below market value, downsize to a smaller place, relocate to a more affordable city, or switch to renting for the foreseeable future. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Why so much?': Florida condo owners fear losing their homes after being handed shocking $3.5M assessment
Like many condo owners in Florida, residents at the Heron Condominiums in West Kendall were expecting to receive a special assessment of some kind. The mandatory 40-year recertification inspection is the result of new regulations for condominiums in the state following the deadly 2021 condo collapse in Surfside, Florida. But when their special assessment came back for $3.48 million, the residents were aghast. While the aging condo building was likely to need repairs of some kind, the colossal price tag has left many worried about potentially losing their homes. "They're not against the special assessment," said Mayra Rodriguez, a resident speaking on behalf of several homeowners in an interview with CBS News Miami. "They're just saying, why so much?" Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Those who own condos know that some of the costs and maintenance responsibilities are outside the residents' control. For example, this condo needs roof repairs, building repairs, waterproofing and other structural work. And, until these are completed, the buildings cannot be recertified and must bare code violation signs throughout the property. These repair costs are covered through the assessment, which is divided between the number of units a building has so that each unit covers a portion of that total bill. In this case, the $3.48 million assessment is spread across approximately 250 units. Residents at Heron have a choice between two different payment options: a 10-year bank loan amounting to roughly $154 per unit per month or a self-funded payment of over $13,200, paid either as a lump sum or divided into four quarterly payments of roughly $3,300, starting in June. In order for the condo board to move forward with the bank loan payment option, at least 66% of the condo owners must approve that action. With the vote yet to happen, residents are worried about being able to cover the cost on their own. 'That's $3,300 every three months," Rodriguez explained. "Most people here just can't afford that." Beyond the consternation about the upcoming assessment, residents are frustrated about the lack of communication and transparency from the board. The owners at this condo complex already pay $260 per month in dues. But they aren't clear on how those funds have been used. "Where is all the money we've been paying for?" asked Jose Redondo, an owner in the complex. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Earlier this month, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill aiming to bring immediate financial relief to condo owners. The bill allows condo associations to tap into lines of credit or loans for their reserves and allows for an extra year to make repairs following a structural inspection. While this bill may offer some financial relief for condo owners in the short term, it doesn't entirely protect their budget or longer-term financial wellbeing. The ability to tap into loans likely means many condo owners will face an ongoing monthly payment (with interest) or higher condo dues. Similarly, not all residents have the luxury to wait for the bill to come into effect in July (Heron residents for example are expected to start paying their portions of the assessment in June). So while Florida's post-Surfside condo regulations were made with safety in mind, the new requirements have also meant greater financial strain for those living on a fixed income. Some residents of the Heron complex are seniors living on such an income. While their property values might be high, these lower-income residents may feel 'house rich but cash poor.' Depending on the situation, some residents might also not qualify for new loans to cover their assessment costs. If they wanted to leave the complex, they might struggle to find a comparable housing option in the area. With that, many condo owners might feel compelled to sell below market value, downsize to a smaller place, relocate to a more affordable city, or switch to renting for the foreseeable future. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Louis Rees-Zammit catches cocktail can while water-skiing as Welshman lives dream with new partner
Louis Rees-Zammit catches cocktail can while water-skiing as Welshman lives dream with new partner The Welshman is back in the USA and is hoping to enjoy a breakthrough season with the Jacksonville Jaguars Louis Rees-Zammit soaks up the sun while water-skiing in Florida (Image: Instagram ) Louis Rees-Zammit is back in Florida and already making the most of both the Jacksonville Jaguars' pre-season and the Sunshine State's lifestyle. The Welshman, who swapped rugby union for a shot at the NFL, has returned to the United States after spending several months back home in the UK with friends and family. Now fully focused on the upcoming NFL season, Rees-Zammit has joined his Jaguars teammates for pre-season training. But away from the practice field, the 23-year-old has also been enjoying some downtime, posting videos of himself water-skiing and soaking up the Florida sunshine. In one social media clip, the former rugby star showcased his balance and coordination in style. As he skied across the water, a friend tossed him a canned drink. Rees-Zammit caught it mid-air, took a swig, and continued skiing. Not long after sipping the drink, however, the former Wales rugby star stacks it into the water. He posted another photo on his social media account with his brother, Taylor, fellow IPP graduate and former Jaguars player Patrick Murtagh and Travis Clayton, an English offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills. Rees-Zammit's new girlfriend, Drew Knotts, posted her own photos on the boat on social media. The group were at New Smyrna Beach, a Florida city south of Daytona Beach. Rees-Zammit shared Knotts' photo of the cocktail cans to his own Instagram account, with the pair sharing cans of 'Surfside' cocktails. The pair's relationship was confirmed last month, which you can read more about here. Article continues below Louis Rees-Zammit's girlfriend, Drew Knotts, posted a photo on the boat drinking a can (Image: Instagram ) While the off-field fun grabbed fans' attention online, Rees-Zammit has also been back in the thick of things at training. Recent footage released by the Jaguars shows him catching passes from starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the squad ramps up preparations at the Miller Electric Center. Rees-Zammit had previously taken part in the team's voluntary off-season workouts in April, signalling his ongoing commitment to making it in the NFL after a steep learning curve during his first year. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. On Thursday, the Jaguars released their pre-season schedule, outlining three games in August against the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and Miami Dolphins. These fixtures represent a major opportunity for Rees-Zammit to prove himself in competitive action. Last year, the Welsh speedster briefly joined the Kansas City Chiefs and featured in their pre-season games, gaining valuable experience at elite level despite being released before the regular season. He later signed with the Jaguars as part of their practice squad, where he remained for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign. While he was eligible to be promoted to the main roster, that opportunity never came. With the Jaguars enduring a disappointing season, the squad was overhauled at its conclusion. Rees-Zammit was briefly released but was re-signed shortly after, this time to the active roster — a promising step in his NFL journey. However, in late April, the Jaguars reclassified him as an International Player Pathway (IPP) athlete. This designation gives international players a unique path into the league but also places certain limitations on their eligibility and opportunities. Rees-Zammit now faces added competition. The Jaguars have recently signed two undrafted wide receivers — the same position he's working to master — adding to the crowded room of around 90 players currently on the roster. By the end of August, that number will be slashed to 53 players on the active roster and 17 on the practice squad. One of those practice squad spots is reserved for an IPP player — the route Rees-Zammit is currently aligned with. He was previously competing with fellow IPP athlete Patrick Murtagh for that international slot, but Murtagh was cut by the Jaguars last week, likely clearing the way for Rees-Zammit to reclaim the role. NFL analyst and former player Phoebe Schecter told WalesOnline earlier this year that the IPP designation is only available for a maximum of two years. If Rees-Zammit takes that spot again this season, 2025/26 would be his final year of IPP eligibility. Article continues below That means time is ticking for the Welshman to establish himself as a regular NFL player. If not promoted beyond the IPP designation this season or next, he will need to compete for a standard roster spot like any other domestic player. For now, though, Rees-Zammit appears focused, determined, and enjoying the ride — both on the field and out on the water.
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gisele Bundchen takes Mother's Day weekend stroll with newborn son in Miami
Gisele Bundchen is celebrating her first Mother's Day as a mom-of-three. The 44-year-old Brazilian supermodel — who welcomed her third child, and first with boyfriend Joaquim Valente in February — stepped out in Miami on Saturday, the day before Mother's Day, with her newborn son fastened to her torso in a beige carrier. She also shares son Benjamin, 15, daughter Vivian, 12, and stepson Jack, 17, with ex-husband Tom Brady. The former Victoria's Secret Angel was clad in a white T-shirt with cuffed sleeves, a matching hat, and dark leggings during the outing. Her long, sandy blonde hair was swept into a ponytail and she rounded out her look with white Hoka sneakers. Bundchen's son's light brown hair peaked out from the carrier, as well as his adorable little bare feet. She walked her dog while using white earphones and busying herself with her phone during the walk. Missing from the scene were her two older children, as well as boyfriend Joaquim, who is nearly ten years her junior. Friends of the beauty recently revealed to that her baby's middle name is River. The sources also shared that the new mom has chosen a first name for her son that is 'close to her heart' with a family tie. In April her neighbors spoke with Page Six about how she stays under the radar in the tiny .564 square mile Surfside enclave where she resides. One person dished, 'People have seen her around. But she sticks to her street, which feels like a private road and ends in a cul-de-sac. I've never seen her at the community pool, which is only open to Surfside residents, or at the local Publix.' The local resident also noted that people who live in the area are accustomed to seeing famous faces, including the likes of Ivanka Trump. 'Surfside is the least starstruck community in Miami. Gisele is just another mom in the neighborhood,' the person explained. A wellness enthusiast, Gisele is a mainstay at Bay Harbor Islands' Reforming Pilates. And a fellow patron of the gym has observed about the beauty, 'She's super quiet, and never draws attention to herself. 'She takes the last reformer in the back and doesn't linger after class. I can tell she doesn't like attention being drawn to her. She's naturally beautiful in person, it's like she's glowing.' Bundchen and Valente began dating in June 2023, after she and the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artist struck up a friendship while he trained her.
