Retirement opens up a world of possibilities, especially when it comes to where you want to live. No more being tied down by work – you’re free to choose a place that truly suits your lifestyle. It could be a warmer climate, a coastal paradise, or somewhere more affordable. Of course, the basics like cost of living, taxes, safety, and weather are essential factors in picking your ideal retirement spot, and yet there are some less obvious but equally important things to consider. With all these criteria, the decision can quickly become overwhelming. Here are five key things that Ponte Vedra Beach offers that make it the ideal spot to retire.

Ocean Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Golf and Club Options

For golf and club options there are plenty…

1131 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

by Aaron Bacus, First Coast Mortgage Funding

Ponte Vedra Beach, with its beautiful beaches and upscale neighborhoods, presents a compelling draw to real estate investment. Whether you're envisioning a sunlit second home for family vacations or a rental property to tap into our thriving tourist market, understanding the financing nuances is paramount. As a local mortgage broker, I'm here to guide you through the intricacies of financing your investment property.

Differentiating Between Second Homes and Investment Properties

First and foremost, lenders view second homes and investment properties differently. A second home is a property you intend to occupy for a portion of the year, while an investment property is primarily for generating rental…

523 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

by Jenn Heller

Selling a home can be a complex and often stressful process, especially when it comes to making necessary repairs to close the deal. However, in certain situations, the option of selling a property "as-is" can be an appealing alternative. When you sell a home as-is, you're essentially telling potential buyers that they will receive the property in its current condition, and negotiations won't involve major repairs or renovations. In this article, we'll explore what it means to sell a home as-is, how it works, and the key considerations for both sellers and buyers.

What Does Selling a Home "As-Is" Mean?

Selling a home as-is essentially means that the property is being offered in its current state, and the seller is not willing to…

490 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

By Aaron Bacus

Are you thinking about buying a home? The prospect of being a homeowner is so exciting! However, before you dive headfirst into the whirlwind process, there's a step to consider: your credit score. Your credit score plays a pivotal role in determining the mortgage rate you'll qualify for, and understanding this relationship is vital for securing the best possible deal on your home loan.

Let's break down the ins and outs of how your credit score affects your mortgage rate and discuss ways to improve your creditworthiness.

credit score for mortgage

The Credit Score-Mortgage Rate Connection

Your credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness, providing lenders with a snapshot of your ability to manage debt responsibly. Mortgage…

472 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

by Jenn Heller

Are you thinking about the idea of "aging in place?" Well, it's a pretty important decision, and the first thing you need to do is check if your current home can be adjusted to fit your needs as you get older. Let's break it down for you.

As we all get older, we face this choice: do we stay in our own homes or move to a senior living community? Nowadays, more and more families are choosing to stick with their homes, and they call it "aging in place."

Aging in place can mean different things to different people. We will summarize by saying that The National Institute on Aging says essentially it involves residing safely, independently, and comfortably in your own home and community, regardless of your age, income, or abilities. …

356 Views, 1 Comments

Read Full Post

by Jenn Heller

So, your new home purchase is on the horizon with a "pending" status; congratulations! You've successfully navigated inspections, and negotiations, and the offer has been accepted. But what does "pending" really mean? In this article we will be shedding light on the intricacies and offering valuable insights for both buyers and sellers on the pending status in real estate.

Once a buyer's offer is accepted, the home enters the contract stage. The buyer has inspections performed and can back out based on inspection results or negotiations. Properties can be "contingent under contract" and "taking backup offers," if additional conditions exist beyond typical inspections, appraisals, and loan approvals. Once these contingencies are…

726 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

by Willow Logue

Most of the discussions around buying and selling are financial. For many, owning a home is the single biggest investment they will make. Even if it's not, understanding the finances is a very big part of the consideration. Lately, with current mortgage rates hovering around 7% and inventory low, all the headlines can be discouraging. However, even when all the financial aspects are perfect, seldom does the dream house come on that ticks all the boxes (price, location, living space, pool, etc). If the dream does materialize, usually it's someone else's dream too.

Thus, buyers (and sellers) should also consider the unquantifiable joy a home might offer. What will buying or selling bring to your life? What freedoms, life experiences or…

267 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

by Jenn Heller

Elder fraud is no small concern, with the FBI reporting a staggering $900M+ loss for Americans aged 60 and above in 2020 due to scams. And this is not just limited to the U.S.; it's a global concern as cybercriminals increasingly exploit online scams to target older adults, particularly those living independently. The financial implications of falling victim to scams are evident. Losses can deplete retirement savings, disrupt plans for inheritance, or compromise daily expenses such as bill payments and groceries.


Identifying Elder Fraud Schemes

Fraudsters employ an array of methods to exploit individuals, but understanding common types of financial scams targeting older adults is key to…

299 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

by Jenn Heller

That house you've been eyeing? Well, it's officially labeled as "under contract" now. But don't toss in the towel just yet—there might still be a glimmer of hope.

So, what's this "under contract" business all about? Gwinn Volen with The Volen Group says, "When a home goes under contract, it means the seller and buyer have shaken hands on a deal. They've both signed on the dotted line, and the buyer has paid a binder deposit."

This binder deposit is usually required within three days of agreement and will become non-refundable to the buyer once contingencies to the contract have expired. The binder deposit is usually 2 to 3% of the home's price. This money later gets deducted from your final amount due at closing.

…

2133 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

by Aaron Bacus, Mortgage Broker, First Coast Mortgage Funding

The journey towards homeownership is an exciting one, filled with dreams of cozy living spaces, white picket fences, and the pride of calling a place your own. But before you dive headfirst into the world of real estate listings, it's crucial to understand a fundamental question: How much mortgage can you truly afford? As a trusted mortgage broker, I'm here to guide you through this critical step on your path to becoming a homeowner.

Assess Your Financial Landscape

The first step in determining how much mortgage you can afford is to take a close look at your financial situation. This involves calculating your monthly income, factoring in any steady sources of…

291 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post
Previous Next
View All Results