Let's Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen tackle a topic every Florida homeowner should understand: mold. They break down what happens when mold, especially black mold, is discovered during a real estate transaction, explaining how standard Florida contracts (including Section 10(c)) offer limited protection unless buyers include specific inspection riders like FR/BAR Rider I or CRSP Rider R. The conversation highlights key timelines, repair limits, and buyer options, along with practical insight into cancellation rights, disclosure obligations, and why addressing mold early can help both buyers and sellers avoid bigger issues down the line.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen break down the newly updated compensation agreement and what it means for real estate professionals. With the release of the CASSB-1 form in January 2026, two previously separate agreements have now been combined into one streamlined document—eliminating confusion and simplifying the process. Tune in to learn how this updated agreement improves clarity, reduces potential issues in transactions, and helps ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to broker compensation.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen break down the latest FinCEN real estate reporting requirements. They explain what these new rules mean, who they affect, and how they impact real estate transactions—especially for deed preparers. Realtors, you’ll want to listen closely so you can communicate this process to your buyers!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen continue their deep dive into the FR/BAR Contract—this time breaking down Riders T through GG. They explain what each rider addresses, why they matter, and how they can affect the terms and outcomes of a real estate transaction. This is the second half of the two-part series, wrapping up everything buyers, sellers, and agents should know to feel confident navigating the full set of FR/BAR Riders.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen are joined by Maria Howell, Current President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) and Broker of REV Realty. Maria shares insights into ECAR’s mission, the importance of involvement within the real estate community, and how Realtors can take the next step into leadership. From joining committees to participating in the Leadership Development Program (LDP), this episode offers valuable guidance for anyone looking to grow professionally and make an impact in the industry.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen take a deep dive into Riders A through S of the FR/BAR Contract. They walk through what each rider covers, how they impact real estate transactions, and the key details buyers, sellers, and agents need to understand. This is Part One of a two-part series, with even more riders to come in the next episode!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen welcome special guest Kyle Hock of RealJoy Realty for a fun and insightful discussion. Together, they walk through real-life real estate scenarios where Kyle gives his take on how he would handle each situation, then Dion and Ashley weigh in to confirm if he’s on the right track. It’s an engaging conversation packed with practical takeaways and valuable insights for anyone navigating the real estate world!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen explore another important legal update for condo owners, buyers, and real estate professionals. They break down the latest revisions to the Condo Law 4.0, focusing on milestone inspections and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS), and share what these changes mean for compliance and property transactions. Plus, they cover an important update to the condo rider you won’t want to miss.

Real estate contracts can be confusing, but they don’t have to be! In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen break down the key differences between the AS IS and Standard FR/BAR contracts. They explain what each one means for buyers and sellers, the pros and cons, and which option might work best depending on your unique situation. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, understanding these contracts is essential for a smooth transaction!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen break down the ins and outs of seller financing - what it is, how it works, and why it might be an attractive option in today’s real estate market. They cover the benefits and risks for both buyers and sellers, key legal considerations, and a few alternative financing options that might suit your next deal. Whether you're a real estate agent, investor, or homeowner, this episode offers valuable insight into creative ways to structure a sale!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss important updates to the Condo Rider in the FR/BAR Contract. They explain the increased focus on seller disclosures, including the requirement to report any special assessments or association projects discussed within the past twelve months. Listen to the full episode to learn why full transparency is essential to protect both buyers and sellers with these new updates!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss the revisions to the FR/BAR Contract that went into effect on December 31, 2024. They unpack these key changes and explain how these updates impact real estate transactions in Florida. Listen to the full episode now wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen continue their Florida Contract Series with a deeper dive into residential contracts. Building on Parts 1 and 2, they wrap up their discussion on the nuances of the FR/BAR contract and how it contrasts with the CRSP contract, offering expert insights and practical tips to navigate complex scenarios. Whether you’re a real estate professional, a seller, or a buyer, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge to help you understand residential contracts in Florida!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen continue their Florida Contract Series with a deeper dive into residential contracts. Building on Part 1, they further explore the nuances of the FR/BAR contract and how it contrasts with the CRSP contract, offering expert insights and practical tips to navigate complex scenarios. Whether you’re a real estate professional, a seller, or a buyer, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge to help you understand residential contracts in Florida!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title by Emerald Coast Title Services, hosts Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen launch their Florida Contract Series with an in-depth look at residential contracts. Focusing on the FR/BAR contract, they walk listeners through essential details and highlight key differences from the CRSP contract. Tune in for expert tips and valuable insights on navigating residential contracts in Florida!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen dive into two new contract riders, FF and GG, that came out in August, addressing buyers' broker compensation when it hasn't been pre-negotiated. They explain how Rider FF allows buyers and sellers to handle broker compensation directly through the contract, meanwhile, Rider GG makes the contract contingent on negotiating a compensation agreement after the contract is executed.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen give you a legal update on a law (Statute 689.302) that goes into effect on October 1, 2024. This law requires that sellers provide a flood disclosure to buyers either prior to or at the time of contracting for the sale of residential property. Listen to the full episode to learn more!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss the different ways that you can communicate compensation apart from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in light of the new National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement that prohibits any disclosure of seller commissions going to the buyer on the MLS. This prohibition becomes effective for the state starting August 17th, but Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) will no longer have fields for compensation on the MLS starting August 12th. Listen to the full episode to learn more.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen walk you through the newly revised Buyer-Broker Agreement form (also known as BBA) section by section to inform you of all the changes that have been made. A signed BBA or, alternatively, a signed Showing Agreement, will be mandatory state-wide as of August 17th (but ECAR is mandating the requirement on August 12th) for each buyer that you represent before showing a property to them.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen delve further into the recent updates to the Surfside legislation, effective May 2022. Now, condominiums are required to undergo milestone and SIRS (Structural Integrity Reserve Study) assessments at the age of 30 in some counties (replacing the previous criteria of 25 years within 3 miles of the coastline). Tune in as we unpack the implications of these changes for coastal property management and communities!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen share their thoughts on pre and post-closing occupancy agreements and why they may benefit you during a real estate transaction. They share the different types of these agreements, their requirements, and much more! Have questions about this episode? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss Florida's new law that addresses Right-to-List agreements. Right-to-List agreements can create a lien on the property and prohibit the seller from using a different broker. There is a big offender of using this agreement in a malicious way that caused this new law to exist. Learn about this offender, how you can avoid an invalid Right-to-List agreement, and much more! Have questions about this episode? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss some of their favorite apps that can be used to improve your real estate processes so you can start the new year strong. Dion also shares how the ECTS team uses technology to increase Google reviews, Facebook ratings, and more! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen are breaking down what a Buyer-Broker Agreement is and how it can be used in the real estate industry in light of recent NAR litigation. They get you up to speed with a summary of the litigation, the three types of Buyer-Broker Agreements, and much more! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen are back to give you two new legal updates you should be aware of. The first legal update, going into effect on January 1, 2024, changes the requirements for deeds. The second legal update, which is already in effect as of October 1, 2023, states that mortgage payoffs from lenders are valid for 60 days unless otherwise updated. Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen are joined by special guest Cathy Alley, a Realtor for the Cathy Alley Team, an Elected Official for Niceville City Council, Chair for the RPAC of ECAR, Director for ECAR for Florida Realtors, Director for the National Association of Realtors for Florida Realtors, 2016 Past President for ECAR, 2017 Graduate of Leadership Academy for Florida Realtors, and 2018 DVP for District 9 for Florida Realtors. They discuss what RPAC is and how important it is for realtors to be involved in this organization to support initiatives for public policy on the state and national levels. They also share a few current public policies, how RPAC has supported realtors in the past, and much more! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss a new federal law that comes into effect on January 1, 2024, called the Corporate Transparency Act. They share how this impacts LLCs used to buy real estate and much more! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen bring you up to speed on the new foreign buyers law and how it affects real estate transactions in our area. They cover who this new law affects, the different types of exemptions from this law, and much more! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen have a special guest, Jane Kerrigan from Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, who specializes in Estate Planning and Probate Administration. They discuss what a trust is, why it can be useful, how a trust is a great asset planning tool, and much more! Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] or visit handfirm.com to learn more.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen have a special guest, Jane Kerrigan from Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, who specializes in Estate Planning and Probate Administration. They discuss probate, how it could impact your real estate transaction or closing, and much more! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected] or visit handfirm.com to learn more about Hand Arendall Harrison Sale!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss the different types of tenancies (the different ways you can take title to a property). They discuss the three types of tenancies and share the characteristics of each. Listen to the full episode to learn which tenancy is best for your situation! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss short term rentals and how you should address them in a contract for purchase of real estate. For many years, short term rentals were not addressed in the contract at all, but were recently added in November of 2021 in the rider of FAR/BAR. Dion and Ashley break down the components of the rider and share their expertise regarding how common issues should be handled. Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen explain the revisions to the new condo building safety law that they discussed in our last episode. Since that episode, there has been an update to the condo rider form for both the CRSP and FAR/BAR contracts. Dion and Ashley share all you need to know about the updates! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss a new condo law that recently went into effect regarding milestone inspections. They share what the new law means for someone who owns or is looking to purchase a condo in Florida, what milestone inspections are, and much more! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss powers of attorney and how they should and should not be used for real estate estate transactions. They cover the different types of powers of attorney, which is best for real estate purposes, and much more. Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss a current trend regarding vacant land fraud and what you can do to avoid it. Listen to the full episode to learn the different types of fraudulent activity, red flags to look out for, how you can be proactive in avoiding fraudulent contracts, and more. Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen talk about the top five closing day challenges and the things that you and their team can do to have a seamless closing. Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss what title insurance is and why you would need it, because title insurance is very important! Have questions about this episode? Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss what happens if a property is appraised below the contract price. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen present their top five tips for realtors. Whether you are a new or experienced real estate agent, their tips can help you have a smoother, more efficient closing process on your properties! Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen explain the importance of how 1031 Exchanges apply in your process of buying or selling a property. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen explain how the new financing contingency deadline is impacted by the FHA/VA & Appraisal Riders. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen explain what FIRPTA is and how it affects your real estate transactions. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen talk about the NEW changes to the FR/BAR contract effective November 1, 2021. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen compare the addenda within the contracts FARBAR and CRSP as Part of their series on Florida Real Estate Contracts. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen provide an explanation of the closing defaults and dispute resolution within the contracts FARBAR and CRSP as Part of their series on Florida Real Estate Contracts. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen provide an explanation of the closing costs and repairs within the contracts FARBAR and CRSP as Part of their series on Florida Real Estate Contracts. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen provide an explanation of leasehold interests and the different financing contingencies in FARBAR and CRSP as Part of their series on Florida Real Estate Contracts. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen discuss the important terms in the FARBAR and CRSP contracts as Part of their series on Florida Real Estate Contracts. Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Title with Emerald Coast Title Services, Dion Moniz and Ashley Bowen are joined by special guest Rachel Spencer, Closing Agent of our Destin Office. Together they discuss the current Florida Real Estate market and the crazy things they have seen lately on the title/closing side! Have questions about this episode? Visit our website at www.ects.com or call us at 850-650-0077.