Do Online Florida Mortgage Loans Need a 20% Down Payment?
Purchasing a home in Florida is not an impulse buy. From appraisals and inspections to closing costs and down payments, it can take years to save the upfront cash required. However, thanks to low-down-payment loans now on the market, homeowners can have keys in hand to that home for sale with significantly less cash out […]
How Mortgage Companies in Florida Calculate Your Mortgage
Traditionally, you can typically afford a home in Florida priced two to three times your gross income. This means that if your household income is $100,000, you can typically afford a home between $200,000 and $300,000. However, this calculation isn’t the best method. Why? Because it doesn’t consider monthly expenses and debts. Those costs can make a […]
Florida Home Mortgage Loans
There are many types of Florida home mortgage loans. Understanding what’s available can help you review your options to get an idea of what options might work best for you and your family. Of course, 1st Florida Mortgage is happy to help you find the right home loan! In the meantime, why not review your […]
Best Mortgage Companies in Florida
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or are a seasoned veteran, you’ve got so many choices when it comes to purchasing a house. Finding the best mortgage company to structure a loan for your individual lending needs can be a challenge. Should you work with a mortgage lender? A mortgage broker? Or should you use […]
How the Fed’s Interest Rate Hike Affects Your Mortgage
This week, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the third time in 2018. This quarter-percentage rate increase brought the federal funds rate into the target range of 2 – 2.25 percent. The committee sets monetary policy, primarily by raising or lowering the Fed’s target for the federal funds rate, which is used as the […]
Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Becoming a homeowner in Florida is one of the most exciting and potentially stressful things you can do. There’s a lot to learn and a lot to do, which can leave quite a bit of room for mistakes. The home buying process is an emotional experience that is personal for each buyer. Just remember that […]
What You’ll Need Before Applying for a Home Loan
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer in Florida, or are an empty nester ready to downsize, you’ll need to complete a lot of steps before you consider talking with a lender. There are many things you’ll need to do to get ready to buy a home. It can be overwhelming. It might sometimes feel like […]
How to Survive Buying a House¶
Preparation¶ You’ll probably start entertaining the idea of looking for a home years before you’re totally financially prepared. It can be daunting, but it will give you a better idea of what you want, like a master suite, basement, or garage apartment. Using online mortgage calculators you’ll also be able to get a rough idea […]
What’s the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?
Unfortunately, without proper preparation, many buyers get lulled into the mistaken notion that if a lender pre-qualifies them for a mortgage, it means that they have been pre-approved for the home loan. There’s a world of difference between these two terms. If you’ve ever been confused by the two, this will explain how they differ, […]
Buying a House Without a Spouse
Getting married has several financial consequences; it can raise or lower your taxes. It can alter the types of retirement accounts you’re eligible for. It can affect your insurance rates. And yes, being married can also impact a mortgage. While there are many things to take into consideration when you purchase a home, you may […]