Is a USDA Loan Right for You?

If you thought U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans were just for farmers, think again. Many homes in small towns and even the suburbs are eligible for USDA loans. But hey, if you are a farmer, you can probably benefit from this loan type too.

What is a USDA Loan?

A USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan is a 30-year mortgage with an interest rate determined by the lender. They were long thought of as just for farmers, but the program has been expanded in recent years to help families without adequate housing finance the purchase of a home in a rural area.

A USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan is 30 years, with an interest rate determined by the lender. No down payment is required (yes!), which sets these…

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Central Florida Real Estate Market Recap of April 2022

April’s median home price was recorded at $370,000. This sets a record high for the third month in a row.

April 2022 Recap

State of the Market

  • April’s median home price was recorded at $370,000, an increase of 2.5% compared to $361,000 in March 2022; this sets a new record high for the third month in a row.
  • Interest rates increased by 17.6% from 4.2% in March 2022 to 4.9% in April 2022. This is a 66% increase compared to April 2021 when interest rates were at 3%.
  • Overall sales in April decreased by 7.3%, with a total of 3,800 sales compared to 4,100 sales in March 2022. This is a 7% decrease compared to April 2021 when overall sales were recorded at 4,081.
    • …

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What Are the Different Types of Home Inspections?

One of the most important steps when buying a home is the inspection that helps you determine whether the house is worth the price. These inspections are designed to identify any structural issues with the house, allowing buyers to avoid issues and avoid expensive issues down the line. But as you look for homes for sale in Minneola, you may be surprised to discover that there are actually many types of home inspections that you can carry out. In addition to a general inspection, a savvy buyer may opt for one or multiple of these inspections to address specific concerns.

General Home Inspections

A home inspection is a traditional part of most due diligence in real estate, and each inspector…

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What Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover in 2022?

As a part of buying a home, you’ll need to consider what will happen if something breaks or is damaged in the home. These issues can be costly and stressful to deal with, which is why it’s important to have insurance in place. Homeowners' insurance is often required, but even when it’s not, it is a good idea to plan to purchase a policy. Before you begin looking at homes for sale in Groveland, FL, you can read this guide to understand what a homeowners’ insurance policy covers and what to think about when it comes to your own coverage.

Basics of Homeowners’ Insurance

A standard homeowners’ insurance policy is designed to offer protection if you need to repair or replace your home and its contents…

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Condo vs. Townhouse: What’s the Difference?

When it comes time to buy a home, understanding the difference between a condo and a townhouse can help narrow down your options. Many homebuyers consider factors like size, location, price, and structure, with some opting specifically for a condo or a townhouse. However, while condos and townhouses share similarities, they also have distinct differences that are important to understand. Read on for a comprehensive look at each option and how they differ so that you can determine which new homes in Davenport, FL are right for you.

What Is a Condo?

Condos, or condominiums, are a type of housing defined by the structure of ownership. Most condos are similar to apartment buildings, with very similar…

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How Often Does Your Credit Score Update?

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When you are planning to make a big purchase, it can feel like your credit score is always looming and coming up in conversations. You may be making changes to your spending and savings habits in order to improve your credit, which makes it tempting to check your score as often as possible. But what if you see little change? Don’t be discouraged because credit scores are updated according to a range of factors, and changes may take a bit to show up. As you browse homes for sale in Clermont, FL, it’s important to understand how and when your score may change.

What Is a Credit Score?

First, it is important to know what your credit score represents and how to interpret the number you see. Credit scores…

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What is the Average Cost to Build a 1,500 sq ft House? 

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Buying any home is a huge investment, and you may consider many factors when making a decision for your family. This can include whether to build a new home or buy an existing one and what your requirements, including size, are. The average-sized home in 2019 was about 2,500 square feet- but what if you need less space and prefer to build a new home in Davenport, FL? We will break down the average cost of a 1500 sq ft home to help you determine if this is the right path for you.

What Can 1500 Square Feet Include?

Most of us cannot instantly visualize what 1500 square feet means, especially when it is in the shape of a house, which could include different features and stories. An…

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What Does Pending Mean in Real Estate

If you spend time looking at online listings of Champions Gate homes for sale, you’ve probably experienced the disappointment of seeing your dream home listed as “pending.” But does that mean all hope is lost?

A pending description means an offer has been accepted, but it is not a guarantee that the deal will go through. You can keep an eye on the listing and look for opportunities to swoop in if the listing remains available.

What “Pending” Really Means

A listing will be changed to “pending” when the homeowner has accepted an offer from a buyer. This means they may have negotiated on a price and other terms, and both parties have decided those terms are acceptable. There will be a contract executed that states the price, conditions,…

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Does Paying Rent Build Credit?

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Building and managing your personal credit can feel like a daunting task, especially if you are just starting out. One of the difficult things about the process is that without a credit history, it’s hard to get credit- which is how you form a credit history. In order to raise a credit score, people will search for a range of ways to show they have a reliable payment history, and in some cases, rental payments can be reflected. If you are looking to qualify for a mortgage to pay for new construction in Davenport, FL, your rent payments may be an asset.

About Your Credit Score

A credit score is a number assigned to each individual in the United States, designed to indicate your risk when it comes to credit, or…

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The dos and don'ts of money management when buying a home

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…

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