08 Oct 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

New FHA Financing Available For Condo Buyers That Has A Low Down Payment

Real Estate
Condominium owners and buyers have previously been at a disadvantage when trying to use the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) support to get a home mortgage. Single-family homes could get better FHA mortgage deals than condominiums. In October 2019, this changes. New FHA Condominium Financing As of October 15, 2019, FHA loan availability is extended to condominium buyers. This is important news for first-time buyers who frequently purchase a condominium. First-time buyers appreciate FHA loans because they only require a very modest 3.5% down payment. FHA loans were strongly curtailed after the real estate market collapse in 2008. Since 2009, most condos did not qualify for FHA loans. The problem was that…
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04 Oct 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

Top Tips For Having A Home That Is Also Your Office

Real Estate
Telecommuting has significantly changed the housing market. More people than ever before are working from home. Younger people are especially likely to do this and become part of what is called the "gig" economy. Many are working as freelancers or starting online businesses. Advantages Of Working From Home There are many advantages to working at home. It is less stressful. There is no commute. This saves money and is better for the environment. There may be lower income taxes because currently, the IRS allows a tax deduction of the expense of a home office.  Homeworkers find clients online. They also can work from anywhere that has an Internet connection. There may…
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02 Oct 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

How To Create A Home-Buying Partnership

Real Estate
Many want to have a home, yet find it difficult to afford one by themselves. Some people are forming home-buying partnerships to buy a home and live in it together. Here are some considerations for those interested in forming a home-buying partnership. A home-buying partnership is a legal and personal relationship that is similar to having a permanent roommate. It has the feeling of being married to the other person in a legal way, not in a romantic way. Like any business partnership, there are advantages and disadvantages. Advantages Of A Home-Buying Partnership Buying a home is easier when sharing the responsibility with another person. In an equal partnership, the money…
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01 Oct 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

4 Cool Green Material Ideas For Your New Home

Real Estate
If climate change is foremost in your mind, you may be interested in reducing your new home's carbon footprint. Choosing green materials is one way to promote sustainability and ensure you're doing your part to help the planet. Green Flooring  Flooring takes up all the square feet throughout your home. If you can opt for green flooring that will do a lot to reduce your new home's carbon footprint. Bamboo is a sustainable flooring option to consider. Bamboo grows at a rate that far outpaces any hardwood. For that reason, it's become a popular choice for homeowners looking for green material options. Bamboo flooring now comes in a wide variety of…
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27 Sep 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

Is It Possible To Have A Hurricane-Proof Home?

Real Estate
The recent total devastation of the Bahamas by hurricane Dorian reinforced the need for hurricane-proof homes in areas that are subject to this risk. Building codes have not kept up with the increasing severity of the weather. Wind Damage As an example, Florida communities, such as the Miami-Dade County area, have building codes that are designated by risk zones. The risk zones in Miami-Dade County are: Risk Category I - Buildings must be able to withstand 165 mph winds. Risk Category II - Buildings must be able to withstand 175 mph winds. Risk Category III - Buildings must be able to withstand 185 mph winds. These building codes were last updated…
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25 Sep 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

4 Reasons to Take Your Own Car When Viewing Homes

Real Estate
When you're in the market for a new home to buy, your real estate agent will likely invite you to ride along with them to view homes. This is a convenient courtesy, but you may want to reconsider. Your other option is to follow the real estate agent in your own car instead. Here are some reasons to take your own car when viewing homes: 1. It Gives You Time To Confer With Your Partner After you've looked at one house, getting back into your private vehicle with your partner allows some time to openly talk about the house you just saw without worrying about how it may influence others.  2.…
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