Blog

Is It a Good Time to Shop Around For Homeowner’s Insurance?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

If you have not shopped around for your homeowner’s insurance for a while, now may be the time to do so. Many insurers tend to raise their rates at renewal time, usually because of inflation or changes in the value of your home. By re-shopping your policy now, you’ll get a better deal on your premiums in the future. Also, if you’ve made any major purchases or added anything to your house, you’ll want to check to see if you’re still covered. You’ll also want to check your floater coverage to see if it is still necessary.

Before you begin your search for homeowners insurance, take a look at your credit score. A good credit score will lower your premiums. Make sure you pay your bills on time and don’t take on too much debt. You’ll also want to take a look at your policy’s coverage and decide if you need any changes. Once you’ve decided what coverage you need, compare rates from different companies.

You’ll want to compare coverage and prices yourself or work with a broker or competing agent. Homeowner’s insurance quotes should include replacement costs for your personal belongings and dwelling. If your policy only provides replacement costs for a depreciated value, you’ll be out of luck if you need to replace them, and you’ll want to make sure your coverage covers these factors, too.

Homeowner’s insurance quotes are an essential part of home ownership, so make sure you shop around early. Compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies before making a final decision. Compare coverage, deductibles, and customer service from multiple companies. After all, you’ll be staying with your policy for the next year, so you want to make sure it meets your requirements. Also, check with your lender for any clarifications.

You’ll also want to check if the company you choose offers any discounts for multiple policies. If you’re living with someone, be sure to ask the insurance company. Many companies offer discounts if you combine multiple policies with them. You can also bundle multiple policies together for a larger discount. Be sure to compare the total cost of these policies to find the best one for you.

While shopping around for your insurance policy can be time-consuming, it’s a good idea for many consumers. Research shows that more than seventy percent of consumers have saved money by shopping around for their insurance. Shopping around can be done in less than an hour. The best time to do it is between 30 minutes and two hours. Regardless of your budget, it’s worth the time to compare different policies and insurance companies. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes.

Getting a homeowner’s insurance quote is easy online and over the phone. Many insurance companies have websites that can help you compare prices. You can even get a free quote over the phone. However, if you have any questions, you should talk to an insurance agent. They’ll know what type of coverage you need and the price you can afford. In addition, independent agents have access to a large number of insurance companies, making it easier to find a great deal. Call your local Orlando Realtor and ask them for help.

What Makes It a Good Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

There are many things to consider when buying home insurance. First, make sure that you understand your policy fully. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, especially the one that covers the cost of replacing your belongings. You should also make sure to review your policy on a yearly basis. The main reason for this is that many home insurance companies tend to increase their rates annually because of inflation and increases in the value of homes. Even a small increase can add up over time, so it is always worth considering other options.

Another thing to consider is your location. The type of perils your home is exposed to will affect your premium. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, for example, you will pay a higher premium than if you live in a rural area. The type of house you own will also affect the premium, as will its age and style. If it is an older or deteriorated house, you are more likely to have an expensive claim.

A good homeowner’s insurance policy will cover damage to your personal possessions, even if they are not in your home. It also covers the damage caused by a listed disaster. In addition, it covers any expenses related to identity theft. In addition to a property policy, homeowners can opt for extra coverage like sewer and drain backup coverage. It is also important to consider whether the insurance provider offers identity recovery coverage for people who have been a victim of identity theft.

Let's Keep In Touch!

New ORC Form Lead

"*" indicates required fields

Who Qualifies for an FHA Loan?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

If you’ve been wondering who qualifies for an FHA loan, you’re not alone. Many homebuyers have questions like “What are the FHA loan requirements?” and “How much money do I need to pay for a loan?” But there are some important things to keep in mind before applying for an FHA loan.

First, you must have a credit score that is not too low. A credit score under 620 may not be enough, so make sure you have a stable job. Besides, you must also show that you have sufficient income to pay off the loan in full.

Generally, a lender will require a higher credit score if you’re applying through a traditional lender. But it’s important to understand that if you’re applying through an FHA lender, you may be accepted even if you were rejected elsewhere. Typically, the FHA loan criteria are much less strict than those of a traditional bank loan, and you could be approved with a higher credit score if you apply for a smaller mortgage.

If you’re planning on using the home as your primary residence, you can use an FHA loan to finance the purchase. The FHA loan has no lifetime limit and is generally only for a primary residence. You can’t have more than one FHA loan at a time unless you’re relocating for work or permanently moving out of a state. The FHA publishes these limits for different regions of the country.

A good rule of thumb is to buy a home that is lower in price than you’d like to pay. A lower-priced home will help reduce your loan amount and your estimated DTI. Getting pre-approved is essential because FHA loan rates and terms vary widely among lenders. However, you can save money by comparing different mortgage lenders. A professional, licensed real estate agent like Jenny Zamora can also help you shop around for the best FHA loan.

Who Approves an FHA Loan?

You may be wondering who approves an FHA loan. To find out, you’ll need to prepare your financial documents, such as two years’ worth of tax returns, two recent pay stubs, and a copy of your driver’s license. FHA-approved lenders use a CAIVRS system to verify your debts and income. Make sure you compare offers from several lenders to find the best deal.

While FHA mortgage loans typically require a greater amount of paperwork than conventional mortgages, an experienced loan officer can expedite the process. The application process shouldn’t be too much longer than a conventional loan, so do your financial housekeeping before applying for an FHA mortgage. Resolve any outstanding disputes with creditors and gather all your documentation. Make sure you submit all your required documents promptly, in the format that the lender requests.

Having a steady income is essential. While FHA mortgages require low down payments, they don’t cover homes that need major repairs or structural cracks. But if you are a first-time homebuyer, an FHA loan may be an affordable mortgage option for you. If you meet all these requirements, you’ll be able to find a great property at a competitive rate. The process can be confusing, so talk to a mortgage lender to get the answers you need.

While FHA mortgages don’t require borrowers to be working full time, job loss can impact your eligibility for an FHA mortgage. While a lender doesn’t need the applicant to be at their current job for a specific amount of time, it requires the lender to verify employment for at least two years prior to applying for a loan.

If there are gaps of more than one month in employment, they must be explained. Additionally, loan officers will consider the applicant’s training and qualifications in addition to their employment history. If the applicant has a stellar employment history, it may compensate for some of the negative aspects.

Foreclosure and bankruptcy do not disqualify an applicant from an FHA mortgage. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, for instance, requires at least two years of credit history after the bankruptcy. Additionally, the lender needs to see proof that the borrower has chosen not to incur new debts after bankruptcy. Even though past foreclosures don’t disqualify an applicant, a judgment against them will prevent them from getting an FHA home loan.

The FHA was created in 1934 as part of the National Housing Act to stop foreclosures and make homeownership more affordable for American families. However, the government mortgage program allowed borrowers to borrow up to 80% of the home’s value, allowing many more people to afford homeownership.

The FHA loan program insures 8 million single-family homes. When compared to a conventional mortgage, an FHA mortgage is much easier to qualify for.

If your credit score is lower than five hundred, it’s a good idea to work on building your credit. Most lenders that specialize in FHA loans have minimum credit scores closer to the FHA guidelines. Some of them may offer manual underwriting if you don’t have much credit history. Moreover, a low-down payment is one of the main advantages of an FHA home loan. A borrower can qualify for a loan with as little as a 3.5% down payment.

Let's Keep In Touch!

New ORC Form Lead

"*" indicates required fields

How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent!

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

There are many ways to choose a real estate agent. The experience, location, and personal style are just a few of the factors to consider. But before you settle on a real estate agent, you need to know their commission rates and how you can communicate with them. Interviews are an excellent way to get to know them. Listed below are some ideas on how to find a good real estate agent.

Experience

Choosing an experienced real estate agent has several advantages. Experience allows agents to make the most of their time and manipulate the market to their advantage. An experienced agent can hit the ground running, which expedites the sale of a property. Agents with a thorough understanding of the local market are able to secure the highest price possible for a property. Listed below are some of these benefits. Experienced agents can make your life easier, as well.

If you’re a recent college grad, you’ll probably want to talk about your background in real estate. While your Real Estate Sales History may sound impressive, it isn’t a very good opener for a conversation with a new client. You’ll want to talk about your personal story and the features of the organization you’re affiliated with. You’ll also want to talk about their benefits and the work environment. Real estate agents are often responsible for presenting purchase offers to sellers, negotiating sales terms, evaluating mortgages, promoting sales through multiple listing services, developing content for sales presentations, and accompanying buyers during property inspections.

Location

A real estate broker needs a good location to attract potential agents. Depending on the vision of the real estate broker, different locations may be better for different agents. For example, a busy agent might be better served with a location on the first floor, which is often more affordable. It should also be near plenty of parking and easy access to highways so that the agent can come and go from client meetings quickly.

Personal style

Dressing appropriately for work is an important part of the job of a real estate agent. While most agents stick to the traditional business casual look, it’s always a good idea to dress the part, especially if you’re meeting businessmen or entrepreneurs. Dressing for success has proven to increase productivity, so it’s recommended to dress up when meeting clients. For instance, if you’re meeting with a tech startup or a wealthy businessperson, you may want to wear a suit.

For prospective clients, the personal style of a real estate agent should reflect the type of properties they sell. Those looking to sell a vacation home might be dressed casually. On the other hand, an agent focusing on commercial properties would dress more professionally. A real estate agent representing a farm or ranch may opt for jeans and a t-shirt to convey a casual approach. Whatever the case may be, a professional agent’s clothing should reflect the style of the target audience.

Interviewing agents

Interviewing agents to find a good real estate agent involves asking the agent a few questions. Ideally, you should interview at least two agents before you choose one. When interviewing the agents, you should consider their track record, experience, and credentials. For example, a full-time agent will likely be more accessible, available for last-minute home visits, and has ample time to market a home.

During the interview, you should ask about their experience, how many homes they have sold, and what types of advanced credentials they have earned. You should also ask about their time commitment. A go-getter will likely answer the questions honestly and humbly, but an interviewer will also get a feel for whether or not they are a hard worker. Real estate agents should be willing to work long hours and drive long distances.

Hiring a real estate agent can be challenging. Many people are tempted to avoid hiring an agent simply to save money. However, there are many benefits to hiring a professional to help you with your real estate transaction. They have access to properties that are not advertised on the property search website or MLS.

Orlando Realty Consultants has experience in navigating the complex real estate market and can negotiate the best price for their clients.

When hiring a real estate agent, make sure that you have all the documents and information about them before making a decision. An agent who works on a full-time basis will be more available and more responsive to your needs. Additionally, they will be more willing to schedule last-minute home visits and spend enough time on your case. If you don’t feel comfortable with your new agent, try another one.

Lastly, make sure that your chosen agent has a good work ethic. A real estate agency functions best when they have a full staff of agents. When an agent leaves, the agency scrambles to find a replacement quickly. That is why hiring a real estate agent should not be a part-time job. Make sure that your new agent has enough time to focus on their own career, as a poorly performed agent can have negative effects.

Let's Keep In Touch!

New ORC Form Lead

"*" indicates required fields

What Happens if I Stop Making my Mortgage Payments?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

You may have already been wondering: What happens when you stop making mortgage payments? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people find themselves in a similar situation. Sometimes a job loss wipes out their entire income, medical bills pop up unexpectedly, or investment goes bad. The money that was set aside for mortgage payments suddenly disappears. Fortunately, there are many options for people in these situations.

The lender will usually take over if the homeowner stops making mortgage payments. Usually, the lender will contact the homeowner after a missed payment, and if the homeowner has missed three payments, the lender will likely start foreclosure proceedings. The lender’s actions will vary based on your individual circumstances, but they will most likely initiate repossession proceedings after three missed payments. The timeframe will depend on the type of foreclosure and how much time has passed since the last missed payment.

If you fall behind on your payments, your lender may impose late fees, which are set by state law and usually amount to 3% to 6% of the monthly payment. For example, if you missed two payments, you’d pay $50 per month in late fees. If you’re in a foreclosure prevention program, this penalty may not be assessed to you. To avoid this penalty, research your options and speak with your lender or Real Estate Agent.

When you’re struggling with your financial situation, you may be considering mortgage forbearance. Forbearance is a way to temporarily lower or suspend your mortgage payments while you work on improving your financial situation. If you’ve been struggling to make your payments for a long time and have reached a point where you cannot keep up with them, you may qualify for a loan modification or refinance.

Another option is to challenge your lender to restructure your loan. However, this is not advisable and may only delay the inevitable. You can also opt for forbearance if you owe more than you can afford to pay. But if you’re not able to continue making mortgage payments, your lender may agree to a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. The process of foreclosure is lengthy and expensive.

Mortgage payments are due every month. However, if you fall behind, you will have to contact your loan servicer to determine your eligibility and work out a repayment plan. Most mortgage companies give homeowners a “grace period” during which they can make their mortgage payments without incurring a late fee. You may have up to 15 days to make up the missed payments before they are reported to the credit bureaus.

When Is a Mortgage Forbearance Right for Me?

Forbearance is a temporary suspension of payments for a certain period, usually one month or more. Under a forbearance agreement, your mortgage company agrees to accept a reduced payment or no payment. Your loan will continue to accrue interest and accrue late fees, but you won’t be charged a late payment penalty. The federal government provides forbearance periods of up to 18 months.

If you qualify for a forbearance, you must contact your loan servicer and state your financial hardship. A pandemic, such as a severe economic downturn, can cause significant financial hardship, such as a drop in income. Make sure to check online to determine whether your loan is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before applying for forbearance. Once you have the required documents, you can apply for mortgage forbearance.

You can choose a longer-term mortgage forbearance if you anticipate a quick financial improvement. However, mortgage forbearance agreements differ from lender to lender. It all depends on your financial circumstances and what kind of mortgage you have. Fortunately, a forbearance will prevent you from being in arrears for an extended period. This way, you’ll have more time to catch up on missed payments.

Mortgage forbearance is a loan modification that will temporarily suspend payments until your financial situation improves. Generally, forbearance agreements last for six months, and you can extend them if you meet certain criteria. Some lenders even offer forbearances on home equity loans. This type of agreement can be beneficial to homeowners who need extra time to recover from an unexpected crisis.

What is a Short Sale?

And how does one go about it? The first step in the process is to gather all the documents that are needed. First, you must send the Third-Party Authorization to the lender, which asks for the sale package, reinstatement figures, payoff, and other important details. Be sure to include your name and the name of your lender. If you do not have this information, you must call the lender’s customer service department and request it. Secondly, you must have a copy of the authorization file and contact information for the loss mitigation department and customer service.

The process is far simpler than a foreclosure. The lender will not evict the homeowner and will allow the current owner to sell the home for less than the remaining mortgage debt. The end buyer can enjoy a great deal on the house because the lender gets back some of the money that was promised during the mortgage contract. Short sales benefit everyone involved. It allows homeowners to get rid of the stress and expense of facing foreclosure.

When it comes to getting a good deal on a short sale, it is best to compare the prices of similar homes in your area. These properties usually have deferred maintenance and sell for below market value. Buying a short-sale home may be the best way to save your credit but be sure to look at recent sales before making an offer. If you find a good deal, you might be able to negotiate a lower price for the home than the market value.

Let's Keep In Touch!

New ORC Form Lead

"*" indicates required fields

How to Find the Right Home in this market?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home. You must do your due diligence and make compromises to find the right one for you. The following article offers tips for preparing your wish list and finding the right home for you. We recommend defining your non-negotiable must-haves and your wish list. By identifying these two lists, you will have a guide to the home buying process.

1st Step

Before you start looking at homes for sale, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. It is a good idea to meet with several mortgage loan officers to find out what your budget and income are. Once you have your pre-approval, you can begin looking at homes within your price range.

The next step is the actual purchase process. You must have a pre-approval for your mortgage, understand what kind of property you are looking for, and know what your qualifications are. After you have your pre-approval, you can submit an offer to the seller or listing agent. If your offer is accepted, you’ll enter a due-diligence period, which includes final mortgage approval, inspections, and other necessary steps. At the close of the process, you’ll be officially a homeowner!

After you’ve applied for pre-approval, your mortgage lender will issue you a letter with your pre-approval status. You’ll need to show the letter to your Orlando real estate agent and let them know that you’re ready to start looking for homes within your budget. Your lender will ask you about your income and assets, as well as run a credit check to make sure you’re eligible.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of homes, the next step is to make an offer. Once you’ve decided on a price range, you’ll need to contact a real estate agent to see what comparable homes are selling for in the area. If you aren’t confident about your offer, the real estate agent will recommend a price based on comparable homes in the area. The lower the competition, the better your negotiating power will be.

Buying a home is a big decision

Buying a house is a big decision, both emotionally and financially. There are many different things to consider: size and style of property, financing options, and economic conditions. Realtor Jenny Zamora offers insight into these factors. Read on to learn more about the home buying process. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you’re comfortable paying a down payment. Many buyers have trouble saving a lump sum for this expense. Unfortunately, millennials have graduated college during the worst recession in U.S. history and are saddled with student loan debt. In addition, underwriting is becoming stricter, and renting is becoming increasingly expensive, making saving for a down payment almost impossible.

There are many factors to consider

Location is a major factor to consider when finding the right home. A house in the right neighborhood is more likely to increase in value as time goes by, but you may not realize this until it’s too late. Listed below are five factors to consider when looking for a new home. In addition to the location, consider the amenities in the neighborhood. Are there any parks, cultural services, or shopping centers nearby?

You need to do your due diligence

If you are buying a home, you need to do your due diligence. During the inspection process, you should be aware of the property’s conditions, including any possible issues that might cause the transaction to be delayed or canceled. If the inspection reveals unfavorable conditions, you have the right to walk away from the deal. You can also request that the seller leave the home during the inspection.

Doing your due diligence is vital for buyers to avoid purchasing a lemon. Buying a lemon could turn out to be disastrous because it will not fit your needs, or it may have no resale value. To avoid buying a lemon, buyers should perform thorough examinations and investigations of the property before signing a contract. You should also obtain records related to any past or pending legal action on the property.

You must make compromises

When you’re buying a home, you must be willing to make some compromises, and it can mean lowering your standards. When you’re buying a home, compromise is not necessarily a bad thing – it means being flexible and peaceful. In fact, nearly 90% of buyers have made at least one compromise while buying a home in other markets. So, how do you compromise?

If you have a family, you’ll need more space than a two-bedroom condo. If you hate sharing walls, a condo is not for you. If you’re a first-time buyer, compromises will probably be necessary to get the house you want. You’ll likely have to give up some of your ideal features, like a backyard and a garage.

You must be realistic about your budget

Many people overspend when buying a home. In addition to paying for the house, they also pay for services they don’t use. To keep your budget on track, you should review your current expenses and look for ways to cut them. Unsubscribe from services you don’t use and cut out the things you do not really need. Being honest about your finances will help you make sound decisions and buy a home that is within your price range.

While home prices have plummeted since the recession, you should be realistic about your budget. There are many things that you should consider, including the mortgage interest rate. Many people will end up in a “house poor” scenario if they can’t afford their monthly mortgage payments. It is important to have a good emergency fund for unforeseen expenses, so you’ll have some extra money in case an unforeseen expense comes up.

Let's Keep In Touch!

New ORC Form Lead

"*" indicates required fields