September and October are the heart of hurricane season in South Florida, and every year I see the same avoidable damage. Whether you've owned your home for years or just moved in, this short list is worth an afternoon. 1. Know your shutters — and test them now If your home has accordion or panel shutters, open and close them once before a storm is named. Panels that haven't moved in three years have a way of seizing exactly when you need them. Missing panels or hardware are

Two money questions come up in almost every rental I handle: "Do I really need renters insurance?" and "Is there any way around the big security deposit?" Here's the honest version of both. Renters insurance: usually required, always cheap Most Palm Beach County leases now require renters insurance — typically at least $100,000 in liability coverage — with proof before move-in. The good news: a policy usually costs about as much as a pizza per month, it covers your belongings

Finding the home is only half the move. After hundreds of rentals here in Palm Beach County, I can tell you the first week is where people get tripped up — so here's the checklist I give my own clients. Before the truck arrives Book your mover or rental truck early — good local movers fill up at month-end, which is when most leases turn over. Order boxes and tape a few days ahead, not the night before. A standard 2-bedroom needs roughly 30–40 boxes. Set up internet before mov