The Dos and Don'ts of Money Management When Buying a HomeBuying a home is a major financial decision and along with that decision comes some important financial management choices as well. While everyone’s situation is different and unique to them, there are some do's and dont’s that will help keep any homebuyer on the right track till closing. Let's take a look at what you should and shouldn't do financially when purchasing one of the many homes for sale in Champions Gate.

Don’t Apply for New Credit

Regardless of what the new credit account is for, it can (and likely will) negatively impact your credit score. A lower credit score can determine your interest rate and your eligibility for certain lending programs that could be very beneficial to you. In the worst case scenario you could be denied mortgage…

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Top Maintenance Tips for Florida HomeownersOwning a home can be one of the greatest achievements in a person's life, but along with that achievement is a level of responsibility for maintenance that can't be ignored. Every home is different and has its own set of required systems maintenance items that should be checked and handled often. But while every home is indeed unique, there are some tips that will apply to most homes in Florida. 

Change Filters

Regularly changing filters within your home is similar to the normal filter replacement within your car. While a car has an oil filter that must be changed regularly, a home has air filters and potentially water filters that must be addressed on an optimal schedule. While all systems vary and you should consult a professional when…

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Is It Better to Buy or Rent in FloridaIf you are considering whether renting or owning one of the many homes for sale in Minneola, Fl is right for you, there can be a lot of factors affecting your decision. While each situation is unique, there are some advantages to both scenarios that will ring true across the board. Let's take a look at the advantages that both options provide to help you better understand what is right for you and your family.

Advantages of Renting

Avoiding Property Value Losses

One of the many benefits to renting a home is the protection from property value losses. While decline in property value is rare, especially in the recent real estate markets, outside factors can contribute to a home becoming less valuable over time. By renting the home you are not tied…

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Whether keeping up with a current garden or planting a new one, the Central Florida climate can be a difficult one to predict. Plants that are drought resistant and low maintenance are ideal for most homeowners and will bring pleasure to all who behold them. Let’s take a look at some of the best, and easiest, plants to bring life and curb appeal to your Davenport home. 

Blanket Flower

blanket flower

Blanket Flower is a Florida native that is drought resistant and salt tolerant. The nectar in its bright gold and red flowers that appear throughout summer attracts butterflies and other wildlife. This sun-loving annual reseeds and is also really easy to grow. It makes a great companion plant with the popular Beach Sunflower.

Firebush

Firebush is an easy…

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The time homes are spending on the market has reached a historic low.

July 2021 Recap

State of the Market

  • Orlando’s median home price reached $320,000 in July 2021, continuing a six-month trend of record-setting prices. The increase is 18.5% from July 2020, when the median home price was $270,000.
  • Sales fell 5.2% in July 2021 compared to the previous month; however, they have spiked 13.7% from July 2020.
  • The time homes are spending on the market has reached a historic low. In July 2021, homes spent just 26 days on the market.
  • Inventory rose for a third straight month in July 2021 but is still down 43.3% year-over-year.
  • “We are seeing the housing market start to level off from its peak, but that doesn’t mean…

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Things To Consider When Purchasing A Florida Retirement HomeIf you are starting to consider your retirement, the idea of moving to a new home has probably crossed your mind. There are many advantages to moving to a new home for retirement, but with those advantages come many factors that should be considered. Let’s take a look at a few things that should be considered early on when thinking about browsing for homes for sale in Groveland, FL to retire in.

Give It A Test Run

Whether you plan to move across the country or into a retirement community, make sure to test out your vision. Someone who likes the idea of living in a community might find that they don’t enjoy abiding by rules. Subsequently, someone who wants to move to Arizona may discover they don’t enjoy hot weather. Spend time visiting different…

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Evaluating Your Financial Situation Before Buying a HouseOne of the most complicated and stressful aspects of purchasing a home for sale in Winter Garden FL can be understanding and getting qualified for a mortgage. From collecting W2s and pay stubs, to comparing loan programs and necessary savings amounts, the financial aspect of home ownership can sound like a foreign language to many buyers. Let's take a look at some ways to evaluate your financial situation to see if buying a home is right for you. 

Credit Score

For a mortgage lender, a credit score is like a rating of financial trustworthiness. It gives them an idea of how much risk they are taking by agreeing to loan you money. If your credit score is low, their risk is high and if your credit score is high their risk is low. While many lenders will…

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What High Lumber Costs Mean for Home BuyingFor anyone paying attention to lumber prices, the last year has been staggering to say the least. The unbelievable increase in lumber prices has had far reaching effects and has touched the housing market in a significant way. Let's take a look at why lumber has increased so much in price and what that means for those looking to buy a house for sale in Kissimmee FL in the near future. 

Just How Much More Expensive Has Lumber Been?

Since April of 2020, general lumber prices have increased more than 500% and surged the most between July and October. To put that increase in perspective, a “random length” of lumber costing roughly $375 in April of last year cost $1,609 as of May 4th of this year. The random length of lumber is a standard measurement…

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