As of 10/5/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.49%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.78%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
As of 10/5/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.49%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.78%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
Have you received an Insurance Letter from Citizens?
Over the last few weeks, Citizens Insurance has sent out 300,000 letters to some of their customers offering private insurance as an alternative to continuing with Citizens Insurance. Citizens is considered Florida’s Insurer of Last Resort. This effort is to reduce the number of policy holders by Citizens.
If the private insurance offered is within 20% of Citizens and you do not contact Citizens by 10/10, you will be switched to the new insurance provider. Citizens will not renew your policy. If it is more than 20%, you can decline the new insurance and remain with Citizens. If you have not shopped homeowner’s insurance in a year or t...
As of 9/28/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.31%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.72%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
Homeowner’s Insurance costs have been skyrocketing in Florida. Many insurance companies previously providing policies have withdrawn from the state, and other companies that still service Florida homeowners have increased prices.
Did you know you can re-shop your homeowner's policy -- just like you do for auto insurance? It's true! A best practice I suggest to my customers is to shop for your Homeowner’s Insurance every 2-3 years to make sure you are getting the best rates available. Companies and prices change all of the time, so it's a good idea to re-quote your policy every few years. It's a simple way to possibly save some money!
Don't forget -- if your insurance is covered in your ...
As of 9/21/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.19%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.54%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
The 2023 Hometown Hero program funds are officially depleted.
If you were counting on that assistance program, does that mean you're out of options? NOPE! There are other programs to help first-time buyers make their housing dreams a reality. Here are a few to consider:
1. Florida Bond offers $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
2. USDA Loans offers 100% financing on eligible properties to qualified buyers.
3. Sometimes sellers offer funds to a ready and willing buyer that could be applied to closing costs or to buy down your interest rate.
First step is to get pre-approved for a home loan. I've got a list of recommended lenders who can help find the best solution for you. ...
As of 9/14/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.18%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.51%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
As of 9/8/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.12%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.52%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
As of 8/31/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.18%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.55%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
As of 8/24/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.23%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.55%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
As of 8/17/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 7.09%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.46%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
The preference of most buyers is to purchase a MOVE IN READY home that does not require any major repairs or renovations. But sometimes the home you are interested in buying does require repairs or upgrades. One solution would be to consider the FHA 203K Rehab Mortgage Loan. This loan has two versions. The first version is for minor repairs under $35,000. The second version is for more extensive repairs over $35,000. These programs roll the repair costs into your mortgage. There are many aspects to consider with this loan program. I recommend you contact a lender to see if this program will work for you.
To understand more details about the 203K Loan, click here.
As of 8/10/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 6.96%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.34%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
Seller Tip: Showroom Ready
This is one of the hardest aspects to maintain. Until you close on your home, the home needs to remain showroom ready. Showings may only give 2-4 hours' notice. After you get a contract, they will conduct inspections. The home should stay showroom ready during inspections. The next step is an appraisal. Yep! You guessed it! The home should be showroom ready for appraisals as well. After the appraisal comes the final walk through, and you have already moved out of the home. So, you can relax after the appraisal is completed.
Did today's tips spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you? Give me a call and let's talk!
David Shippey - Xcellence R...
As of 8/3/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 6.90%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.25%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
Buyer Tip: Permits & Surveys
The title company checks for open permits, if you so request it. If you do not, the responsibility passes to you at time of purchase. Some sellers do not even realize there are open permits for work supposedly completed years ago! A good example of this is a new pool install, and the final inspection was never completed. Hopefully, it is fine but that is why you have it inspected through a permit. If you are getting a loan, the lender will require a survey. Be sure to look at it closely for neighbor encroachments, your own encroachments, and that all easements are honored. Any of these could turn into a potential problem for you.
Did today's tips spark a que...
As of 7/27/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 6.81%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.11%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
Seller Tip: Pictures
Great pictures make for a successful listing of your home. I recommend professional pictures with aerial drone shots when possible. First impressions are key! Good photographs highlighting the features of the home lead to showings. Buyers look for good pictures with aerial views as a determining factor as to whether to request a showing and take a closer look at your property.
Did today's tips spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you? Give me a call and let's talk!
David Shippey - Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results
As of 7/20/2023:
30 year mortgages averaged 6.78%
15 year mortgages averaged 6.06%
For more information, view this article Mortgage Interest Rate.
The answer is Yes. It is possible but there are several points to consider. FHA loans are for primary residences so it cannot be used for investment purposes.
The first task would be to make sure the seller's loan is assumable. The seller's lender decides if you qualify to assume their loan.
A seller will want a release from their lender on the loan so they are no longer tied to the property. If the lender is not willing to give a release, the seller may not be willing to let you assume their loan. If you do not make payments, the seller would be responsible.
Another consideration is the purchase price. For example, if the home is being sold for $300,000 and the assumable loan on the h...