The 10-Minute Homeowner - Chris Cusimano

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 wh...

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 cultur...

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...

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...

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 ge...

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 advanta...

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. gra...

If you’re buying a home in 2026, there’s a mortgage strategy that can lower your monthly payment by hundreds of dollars—but the most popular option isn’t always the smartest one long-term. In this episode, Chris Cusimano breaks down the 3-2-1 temporary rate buydown versus the permanent rate buydown , using real numbers and real buyer scenarios. You’ll learn why the option that feels less exciting...

If you own, or plan to own residential rental property, depreciation isn’t just accounting. It’s strategy. In this episode, we break down accelerated depreciation and why it’s one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — tools available to residential real estate investors. We start with the basics: why the IRS spreads depreciation over 27.5 years, how Congress experimented with faster write-off...

What would actually happen if Florida eliminated property taxes? In this episode, Chris Cusimano breaks down the real-world housing market consequences behind a proposal that sounds simple—but isn’t. While eliminating property taxes feels like it would make housing more affordable, real estate markets don’t respond to intentions. They respond to math. Chris explains why buyers shop monthly payment...

What Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Really Includes (Principal, Interest, Taxes & Insurance) Most home buyers think their monthly mortgage payment is just the loan and the interest. In reality, your payment usually includes taxes and insurance too and those costs can change after you buy. In this episode, I break down what your monthly payment really includes, explain why payments often increas...

The Fed made a move today, and mortgage rates are already reacting. We are currently sitting at a 6.19% average for a 30-year fixed—that is significantly lower than the 6.69% average we saw last December. In this 5-minute breakdown, I explain why we are in a rare "buyer window" where rates are falling but competition hasn't skyrocketed yet. Don't wait until the spring rush—list...

Why do some homes fly off the market while others sit, collect dust, and become the “forever listing” of the neighborhood? In this episode, Chris Cusimano breaks down the real reason homes don’t sell—and it’s not bad photos, bad luck, or an agent who “isn’t doing enough.” The truth most sellers don’t want to hear is simple: the price doesn’t match what buyers are actually willing to pay in today’s...