1st Florida Mortgage

How to get the best mortgage rate

The mortgage industry examines a number of factors to determine not only if you qualify for a mortgage, but also what interest rate you’ll pay. An excellent rate on a mortgage is about a lot more than comparison shopping. It’s also about much more than just your credit score. Mortgage rates can differ by several […]

Getting a home appraisal

A property appraisal is different from a property inspection. The home appraiser’s job is to determine the current value of a house or other property. The appraiser, of all the people you encounter during a home purchase, is the one you’ll probably interact with least. Looking for issues in the home that the buyer should […]

How to Add Value to Your Home

You can enjoy the benefits and updates of many projects that add value to your home and improve your family’s quality of life. Renew the Kitchen Kitchen updates pay off. You can usually recover 60% – 120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel—as long as you keep it balanced with the rest of your […]

Hazard Insurance and Insurance Riders

Trying to be prepared for every contingency is part of being a responsible homeowner. Dealing with the associated legal and medical problems out-of-pocket is nightmarish, so you’ll have peace of mind in paying for extra hazard insurance. Studies have proven the home is the number one place where accidents occur, and both homeowners insurance and […]

Regular Home Maintenance Checklist

As a new homeowner, it can seem intimidating or totally overwhelming keeping up with the tasks required of home ownership. Fortunately, most of this list of tasks can be completed on your own without much experience. Without further ado, here’s your regular home maintenance checklist: MONTHLY Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filters Experts will […]

What is Mortgage Protection Insurance?

Consider what would happen if someone listed on your mortgage became disabled, came down with a serious illness or died? Do other family members have the finances to make monthly mortgage payment? Do you have a financial back-up plan? Don’t feel alone. Many people don’t have a plan or an insurance that would assist in […]

Energy Improvement Projects

According to energy experts, roughly 35 percent of heating and cooling is lost through your roof. Even more can escape through the walls, windows, doors, and from air leaks. Make your home energy-efficient with the basics, and the most important is the proper sealing of air leaks and insulating sufficiently for the weather in your […]

Millennials and the Home Buying Experience

Totaling more than 80 million individuals, millennials represent the largest generation in the U.S. By 2025, they will claim three-quarters of all jobs. Also considered the best educated, 35% of 25 to 29-year-olds hold a degree, while at the same time carry some of the highest debt levels due to student loans and credit card […]

Hidden Costs of Home Ownership

To determine what they can afford, buyers too often focus on mortgage payment or a home’s list price alone. Non-mortgage related costs associated with homeownership can affect the monthly bottom line, if you’re not prepared. Let’s take a look at some of the hidden costs of home ownership. Property taxes If you’re only plugging in […]

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