How to Choose the Best Mortgage Loan
Purchasing your first home is a big step that comes with a lot of responsibility. To set yourself up for success in your homeowner’s journey, the first thing you need to do is decide which mortgage loan works best for you. There’s a wide variety of mortgage loans available, which can make it challenging to […]
Understanding The Factors That Affect Mortgage Rates
Life can be stressful, especially when your mortgage rates are high. Your mortgage rates are set when you first purchase your home. Although they may seem manageable at first glance, things may change once you get your first billing statement. Many factors determine your mortgage rates. Some are within your control, and some are not. […]
Top Springtime Places to Take Your Kids in Florida
All Kids Included Family Arts Festival The 12th annual festival is a free event that features multidisciplinary art experiences for kids with and without disabilities. Each aspect of the fest is designed to be fully accessible and will utilize ASL interpretation, large print, Braille, sighted guides, audio description, sensory-friendly programs, and shadow interpreted theater. Museum […]
Which is Best for Your Bottom Line: Downsizing or Refinancing?
The decision to downsize may come in a flash, or it may require lengthy consideration. Downsizing can and should be a fun, memorable time with your friends and family. Many homeowners near or in retirement find themselves owing little or nothing on their property, often making the home their largest investment. That home equity can […]
5 Things Mortgage Lenders Look For
Buying a home isn’t easy; after all, you have to convince a mortgage banker that you’re capable of accepting a loan. When lenders review your application, they try to determine your ability to pay off your loan. Keep in mind that they are taking a chance on you—and they need to minimize risk as much […]
Maximizing Your Appraisal
If you want to refinance your home and still take advantage of currently low interest rates, you’ll they have to get through a home appraisal, before landing a new 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. What do you do when the appraisal came back less than what you’re expecting, and too low to support the new loan? Low […]
Owning a Home Pays at Tax Time
Buying a home is a big undertaking, but did you know that your new home purchase might help you enjoy a world of tax breaks? If you’re a new homeowner, you should know that there are several tax deductions available, some of which can put a fair amount of money back in your pocket. Here […]
Odd Topic Museums in Florida
T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum 330 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL, 32502 (850) 595-5990 T.T. Wentworth, Jr., as the story goes, was a compulsive collector who never threw anything away. As an eight-year-old, he found an 1851 gold coin on the beach, which sparked a fascination in history. Over time, thousands of items comprised […]
Memorable Open House Ideas
You spruced up the curb appeal and decluttered the house, but a clean house alone is the bare minimum. You’ve used your social selling skills to mass-market across the internet, and the price is right. These are all vital first steps in getting a listing noticed, but hosting an open house is still a terrific […]
Why Buying a Home is Better than Renting
Owning your own home has distinct advantages over renting, especially when it comes to building your net worth and providing a stable environment for your family. If you’re struggling with whether to buy versus rent, consider these 10 reasons to take the plunge into homeownership: 1. You can ramp up energy efficiency. Energy-efficient improvements—from adding […]
