It’s possible to lower your interest rate when you buy a home in North Florida – even when interest rates are higher than they’ve been in recent memory. This guide explains. The Inside Scoop on Bringing Down Your Mortgage Rate Here are five ways to get the best possible interest rate: Pay down debt Save […]
Could Use an FHA Loan to Buy a Farm in North Florida?
If you’re like many people, you’ve been on plenty of websites that discuss FHA loans. But what are these loans, are they guaranteed, and could you possibly use one to buy your next home? This guide explains. What is an FHA Loan? An FHA loan is a type of mortgage loan that is insured by […]
The Inside Scoop on USDA Loans
If you’ve spent any time looking at mortgage financing, you’ve probably seen or heard the term USDA loan. But what is a USDA loan, and is it possible for anyone to use one? This guide explains USDA loans, how to use them, and what they’re good for. What is a USDA Loan? A USDA loan […]
Private Mortgage Insurance, Explained Simply
If you’re like many people, you’ve heard of private mortgage insurance, or PMI. But what is it, and is it something that you’ll be required to purchase when you buy a home land in North Florida? This guide explains. Private Mortgage Insurance, Explained Simply Private mortgage insurance is something the vast majority of lenders make […]
What Are Interest-Only Mortgages?
If you’re like many buyers, you may have heard of interest-only mortgages. But what are these types of loans, what are they good for, and should you use one to buy a home? Though we’re not financial advisers (and you should talk to a qualified financial planner to get advice on your personal situation), this […]
How to Find the Best Mortgage Lender for Your Needs
If you’re like most people who are buying a home or land in Lake City or a nearby community, you’re going to need a mortgage loan. A recent survey cited by Realtor.com says that 1 in 5 buyers is disappointed in his or her lender – and we don’t want that to happen to you. […]
Should You Get a Mortgage Online?
If you’re like many people, you know that the market for online mortgages is growing – it’s becoming popular for people to apply and get approved for a mortgage without ever leaving their homes. But is it the right choice for you? Should You Get a Mortgage Online? Taking out a loan is one of […]
How to Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
When you buy a home with a mortgage loan, lenders want to see that you have a debt-to-income ratio of 36 percent or less. There are some exceptions, but this is the “gold standard.” That means you spend 36 percent or less of your monthly cash on debts and obligations. The lower your debt-to-income ratio […]
How to Get Your Credit Report Before You Apply for a Mortgage Loan
If you’re going to apply for a mortgage loan, you’ll need to know what your credit looks like first – that way, you can take steps to clean it up or dive right into the application process. Either way, you have to start somewhere. Here’s how to get your credit report before you apply for […]
Mortgage Basics
When you’re buying a home for sale in Lake City, timberland in North Florida, or a cattle ranch in Columbia County, chances are pretty good that you’re going to need financing from a lender. But how does it all work, and what do you need to know if you’ve never borrowed before? Financing Basics There […]