Coming up with a down payment for a conventional loan can be incredibly difficult – especially when you consider the fact that it’s usually about 20 percent of the home’s total sale price. You’ll still need to come up with closing costs, too. However, the good news is that you may not have to come […]
List of Lake City Schools (And Tips for Helping Kids Adjust)
If you’re buying a house in Lake City, FL and you have children, they’ll be part of the Columbia County School District. The district, which is headquartered at 372 West Duval Street in Lake City, serves children in Lake City and the surrounding communities. List of Lake City Schools Columbia County Elementary Schools Columbia City Eastside […]
What You Need to Know About VA Loans
If you’ve been honorably discharged from the military, or if you’re still serving, you may be entitled to use a VA loan to purchase a home in North Florida. The VA doesn’t issue loans, but they do guarantee them – and as an honorably discharged or currently serving service member, the VA is willing to […]
Do You Need to Hire a Home Inspector?
Many people who are buying a home – particularly first time buyers – aren’t quite sure whether they need to hire a home inspector. After all, it’s entirely possible to test outlets, visually inspect roofing materials and look for cracks that could betray a sinking foundation without adding the expense of hiring a home inspector. […]
What Are Closing Costs?
When you are buying a home, you’ll have to pay closing costs. However, the amount may vary; typically, buyers are responsible for paying closing costs that total between 2 and 5 percent of the home’s total value. But what goes into closing costs, and do you always have to pay them when you’re buying a […]
New Fannie Mae Rules – Do They Affect You?
It may have just gotten easier to buy a home. New Fannie Mae rules allow for “nontraditional” credit histories – and that means borrowers without a FICO credit score may now be eligible for Fannie Mae-backed loans. To understand how this all works, you first need to know what Fannie Mae is. What is Fannie […]
FSBO vs. Realtor – What’s Better?
If you’re like many people considering selling your North Florida land or home, you may have explored the option of doing it yourself. While some people can successfully move a “for sale by owner,” or FSBO, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. What’s Involved in Selling a Home? As you may have guessed, there’s […]
Buying Equine Property in North Florida: The Basics
If you’re like many people who would love nothing more than buying equine real estate in Florida, you probably have many questions about buying and owning a horse property. Before you find an equestrian property in North Florida, you have to know exactly what you want. Buying Equine Real Estate in North Florida It’s imperative […]
Seller Financing vs. Rent-to-Own
If you’re like many people, you’ve heard of both seller financing and “rent-to-own” financing, but do you know the difference between the two? What is Seller Financing? Seller financing, which is also commonly referred to as owner financing, is a loan that the seller provides to the purchaser. Generally, the buyer and seller reach their […]
Finding the Right HVAC Contractor in North Florida
It’s important that you hire a professional to service your HVAC system before the weather gets too cold. However, how do you know if you’re making the right choice? How to Find the Right HVAC Company in North Florida It’s common sense that preventive maintenance can protect you from disaster – and your HVAC the system […]