Blog
How to Minimize Flood Damage To Your Home
With hurricane season upon us (and a recent scare from Tropical Storm Elsa), there are many things that homeowners must keep in mind in case a major storm targets their area.
What Closing Costs Are Associated With FHA Loans?
Except for the addition of a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance premium, FHA closing costs are similar to those of a conventional loan. As of 2013, the FHA requires a single, upfront mortgage insurance premium equal to 2.25% of the mortgage to...
3 Things That Will Delay Your Closing
During your real estate transaction, you can expect to jump through a few hoops in the process of reaching the ultimate goal: the closing table. However, even when combing through all the fine details, there is the possibility of certain occurrences that will delay or p...
How Do I Get My Keys At Closing?
One of the most exciting parts of a buyer’s closing process is the jingle of your shiny new set of keys. However, even though you may come into a title company’s office to sign those official documents, it’s not actually the title company who hands you the keys.
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Understanding Your Loan Estimate: Services You Can Shop For
When it comes to your loan estimate, there are some costs that are paid to outside parties that you are free to shop for by comparing providers for a variety of services. These might include a pest inspection, or a survey to verify property lines, or a r...
5 Things Homebuyers Should Consider About Pools
Having a home with a pool is a dream for many homeowners, especially since they can be used all year round in Florida. They’re a great way to get outside to relax and have fun with family and friends, and can even be used for health and fitness purposes. And then of c...
Debunking Credit Score Myths
Your credit score is involved in nearly every major purchase that you make—which creates a track record that people are either very proud of or maybe even a little afraid of. Credit scores are widely misunderstood, and it’s important to know what is fact and what is...
What Are the Advantages of Fixed-Rate Mortgages?
Fixed-rate mortgages are one of the most common types of mortgages that lenders offer. For both 15 and 30 year terms with fixed rates, housing costs won’t be affected by interest rate changes and inflation compared to other options, making them an excellent choice...
Inspection Protection: A Word to the Wise
If you’re in the market for a house, it’s likely that you’re familiar with the concept of a home inspector performing an inspection on any property that you’re seriously interested in. However, the required credentials of a home inspector can differ from state t...
5 Ways To Find Your Property Lines
Ah, property lines. The invisible barriers that divide our land from that of our neighbors and the general public. Sometimes they’re marked by fences, while other times we simply accept them to be where our neighbor’s lawn mowing endeavors end. But these lines can o...