Found 35 blog entries tagged as Buying a Home.

Cost of Owning a Home in Florida: Insurance, HOA, and Taxes Explained

Cost of Owning a Home in Florida: Insurance, HOA, and Taxes Explained

Owning a home in Florida offers a lifestyle filled with sunshine and coastal charm. However, it's important to recognize that the cost of owning a home in Florida extends beyond the mortgage payment. Homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and property taxes all factor into the total expense. Knowing these costs helps you budget effectively and decide if Florida homeownership fits your financial goals and lifestyle.

All Costs to Consider When Owning a Home in Florida

When considering owning a home in Florida, it's fundamental to account for all associated costs. Expenses such as homeowners' insurance, HOA fees, and property taxes can significantly impact your budget. Being aware of…

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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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Going into 2022, we’d all love to see the world calm down from some of the bigger challenges of 2020 and 2021. However, spending more time at home in these past two years has definitely impacted homebuyer tastes, to the point that demand has shifted pretty substantially. Finding a great real estate agent and buying a house in 2022 will require prospective buyers to think through which of the current and emerging home trends matter most to them.

 

HomeLight gleaned insights from real estate agents in all major U.S. markets and they see these features being paramount in the coming year for the housing market. Keep them in mind as you make your decisions.

 

People Want Space in Their Homes Now 

The first inklings of this trend were when people…

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ORLANDO MEDIAN PRICE RISES IN OCTOBER WHILE SALES AND INVENTORY DROP

October 2019 Recap

Orlando’s housing market in recorded a 6% year-over-year increase in median price and a small 1% decrease in sales in October. The inventory of homes available for purchase appears to be back on a declining trend, with a decrease (5%) for the third consecutive month.

“Low inventory translates into opportunity for sellers,” says Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President Jeffrey M. Fagan, Watson Realty Corp. “Declining interest rates mean greater purchasing power, which is alluring to buyers, and our local demand is illustrated by an 8 percent increase in pending sales for October.”

“The holidays and wintertime are actually excellent times to list a…

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ORLANDO MEDIAN PRICE GAINS WHILE INVENTORY DROPS AND SALES HOLD STEADY

Orlando’s housing market in August saw both its largest increase (+9%) in year-over-year median price and its first inventory decline (-2%) in 2019. Sales were up a tiny fraction (+0.1) compared to August 2018.

“Orlando’s ongoing challenge with the lower-price range categories, which have solid demand and insufficient supply, is consequently pushing up home prices,” says Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President Jeffrey M. Fagan, Watson Realty Corp. “In addition, while our local economic indicators — particularly very favorable interest rates — point toward a housing strong market, low supply that leaves first-time homebuyers with few options is restraining sales up the…

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Questions to Ask When Buying A HouseWhen looking through the different homes for sale in Kissimmee, FL, you’ll quickly need information about the home you’re considering. Asking the right questions will give you a lot of insight about the home and the circumstances surrounding its sale. Prior to buying your next home, consider asking the seller some of the following questions about the house.

Best Questions to Ask About Houses for Sale in Kissimmee, FL

Why Is The Home For Sale Now?

The first question to consider is why the seller has decided now is the time to sell their house. Some people want to get a bigger or smaller house because of their specific circumstances. Others had a job transfer, or they want to move closer to family.

However, not all buyers are going to be honest when…

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9 Steps to Buying a House

For most people, buying a house takes years of planning and preparation. The whole process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. Step-by-step, we’ll guide you through the important decisions that go into homeownership. When it’s over, you could have the keys to your dream house and the biggest investment you make in your lifetime.

1. Check your financial and credit history

Your financial history and credit score affect your overall loan options, and a higher credit score will usually get you a lower interest rate. To avoid any surprises down the road, know what your credit score is before you start the mortgage preapproval process. Most mortgage lenders like to see credit scores in the mid 700s…

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Your home purchase is a big deal, but your down payment shouldn’t be. If you haven’t saved a significant down payment for a home, but you’re otherwise qualified to receive financing, we have you covered. Waterstone Mortgage offers a variety of no- and low-down-payment mortgage programs to help you achieve your goal of homeownership.

No Down Payment

USDA/Rural Housing Loans

  • FICO as low as 600
  • Home must be located in designated area

VA Loans

  • FICO as low as 600
  • No mortgage insurance requirements
  • Available for active-duty military, veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard, and some surviving spouses of veterans

Wealth Building Loan

  • FICO as low as 680
  • Financing through adjustable rate mortgage
    • …

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6 Tips for Feeling at Home in a New House

Photo via Pexels

Moving to a new house can be hugely exciting, but it is also nerve wracking. The stress of moving aside, it can take a while for this new, unfamiliar place to start feeling like home. This period of transition is completely natural, but there are a few things you can do to speed it up. 

  • Unpack Right Away

The easiest way to make a new house feel like home is to see your stuff in it. That is why it is best to start unpacking as soon as possible. That said, it is best to have a strategy before jumping in. The first rooms you should unpack include the nursery and kids’ rooms and the kitchen, and it is a good idea to organize high-traffic areas such as the linen closet and…

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