Category: Orlando Realtors

Explaining Mortgage Insurance

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Mortgage insurance is one of the many benefits of owning a home. This type of insurance protects the mortgage company from large uncollectible debts when borrowers fail to make their payments. The different types of mortgage insurance include default and non-default. Learn about the types of mortgage insurance and how much they cost. If you’re thinking about getting mortgage insurance, keep reading! Hopefully, you’ll find this information useful!

Pay for mortgage insurance

You can choose to pay for mortgage insurance as part of your monthly payment or as an extra expense at closing. This insurance protects the lender in the event that you default on your mortgage loan. If you do not pay it, you could be subject to losing your home to foreclosure, damaging your credit score. There are several kinds of loans for low down payments, and each type requires different mortgage insurance policies. Learn more about the different types of mortgage insurance policies and how to choose one that works best for you.

Lender-paid mortgage insurance, or LPMI, is bought on your behalf by the lender and is usually reserved for borrowers with good credit. While it reduces your monthly payments, it is not refundable. You cannot cancel it once you’ve taken out the loan. Once you’ve agreed to pay for mortgage insurance, you can’t get it out. As you pay down your mortgage, you cannot cancel the insurance plan.

Types of mortgage insurance

There are several types of mortgage insurance. Borrower-paid mortgage insurance (PMI) is usually the most common. This type of insurance is paid monthly along with the mortgage. You will be required to pay it until you have 22% equity in your home, based on the original purchase price. Once you reach this amount, the lender must cancel your PMI. The process of accumulating enough equity to cancel BPMI usually takes 11 years.

One option is to opt for single-premium mortgage insurance (PMI). This allows the borrower to pay the entire premium for mortgage insurance in one payment. But this type of mortgage insurance is not as common as you might think. Most buyers will need mortgage insurance, but some people can get away with dropping the insurance after paying at least 20% of the original purchase price. In such cases, it is important to keep in mind that PMI does not cover your mortgage in the event you die or become unable to make payments.

Benefits of mortgage insurance

Mortgage insurance, also known as private mortgage insurance (PMI), helps buyers secure loans with a small down payment. By using this type of insurance, home buyers are only required to pay 5% of the property’s value. This option can be beneficial for first-time buyers or those with limited resources. A mortgage-insurance policy offers the buyer peace of mind by helping to cover extra costs if something happens to him or her. If you need to buy a new home, learn more about the benefits of mortgage insurance.

It’s an important part of the mortgage process, but a great many people are still not aware of the benefits. Mortgage insurance can help buyers with a smaller down payment, and it can protect a lender’s interests. If you have a steady payment record, you can easily transfer your insurance policy to another property, saving money on premiums over time. In addition to saving money on premiums, mortgage insurance also protects your investment from the financial impact of a death.

The cost of mortgage insurance

You may wonder how much mortgage insurance costs. This type of insurance is separate from homeowner’s insurance and is mandatory for conventional loans that require less than a 20% down payment. Mortgage insurance is a type of private insurance that protects the lender in the event that a borrower is unable to make payments. The mortgage insurance company attaches the insurance to your home loan when you pay less than 20% of the purchase price. It will then add a premium to your monthly payment until you have reached 20% equity.

The cost of mortgage insurance is usually one-to-two percent of the total loan amount. The rates can vary from lender to lender, but in general, you should expect to pay about $167 a month for a $200,000 loan. Depending on your loan amount, the monthly premium can be high, or low, but it is important to note that mortgage insurance costs are not based on the purchase price or appraised value of the home.

Should I Get Mortgage Insurance?

Whether to obtain private mortgage insurance or standard mortgage life insurance depends on your circumstances. Term life insurance offers a cash benefit instead of tying your future mortgage debt to your death. Term life insurance is not required, but it is a good idea. Mortgage life insurance can be costly. A term life insurance policy can be priced appropriately to match your mortgage term. If you intend to live in your home for many years, owner’s title insurance is essential.

In case of death, the policy will pay off the outstanding mortgage balance. This insurance protects your family in the event of your death before the loan amortization period has been complete. The benefit will equal the outstanding mortgage balance at the time of your death. When the time of your death comes, the mortgage insurance death benefit will be paid directly to your lender. Whether you choose life insurance or term life insurance, both policies are valuable to protect your family’s future.

Mortgage insurance is an essential part of personal financial planning. Without it, you risk losing your house, your assets, and your job. Purchasing mortgage insurance protects you from these risks, while the costs are often higher than the costs of regular life insurance. The cost of mortgage life insurance is usually higher than regular life insurance, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. A good idea is to compare the premiums offered by different companies to decide whether it is worth it and always consult with your Orlando Realtor.

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What are the Necessary Inspections For a Home Purchase?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

There are many important inspections, but which ones are really necessary? Here are some of them: Termite inspection, wood infestation, Lead paint, Asbestos, mold, and radon. You should have a licensed inspector conduct the inspection if you’re planning to purchase a property. The inspector will note things on a checklist if he notices them.

Termite

In the event that your new home is infested with termites, a termite inspection is necessary before closing on the deal. A licensed inspector will identify any infestations and determine how much it will cost to treat the infestations. Once the termite inspection is complete, a pest control company will treat the home for termites, typically through fumigation or spraying insecticide. When the treatment is complete, you will have to determine the extent of damage caused by the infestation. Termite control treatments can require extensive demolition or replacement of structural support.

The most common areas where termites can cause damage to a home are in the foundation and inaccessible crawl spaces. In addition, the presence of termite wings and droppings near light fixtures can also indicate an infestation. You may also notice bubbling paint, sagging floors, and tiles, or crumbling wood trim. You may even notice tiny, pinpoint holes in drywall. If you see any of these problems, be sure to request a termite inspection.

WDO

If you’re in the market for a new home, you may be wondering if wood infestation inspections are necessary. While a home inspection isn’t strictly necessary for home buying, a pest inspector’s report will prove that the house has been inspected for wood-destroying organisms. In some states, a termite inspection is required before a home can be sold or financed, but not all lenders require this service.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned buyer, a termite and wood-infestation inspection is vital to protect your interests. Termite infestations can ruin your dream home, so it’s best to have a pest management company do an inspection before you make an offer. An inspector can find live termites, mud tubes, or molted wings. Some signs of termite damage are not visible, though. Pest management companies can identify the signs of an infestation, including damage to wood.

Lead paint

Lead-based paint is a serious issue for many American homes. Old windows and door frames may contain this hazardous metal, and it is commonly found on walls and floor baseboards. Lead poisoning affects the health of young children, but most individuals do not exhibit symptoms. However, lead poisoning can cause developmental delays and even permanent damage if left untreated. For this reason, lead inspections are important before purchasing a home.

While a home seller must give a buyer at least 10 days to conduct a lead paint inspection, buyers may also opt to waive this requirement. If the home is in the process of renovation, lead paint can be disturbed and produce toxic dust. Even a small amount of lead-based dust may pose serious health risks. Lead paint inspections are required by law and the seller must allow homebuyers at least ten days to hire a certified lead professional to conduct the test. During this time, the buyer is responsible for paying for and scheduling the inspection.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a dangerous substance and is an important consideration in buying a new home. Certain types of asbestos can cause various diseases, including cancer. Only an experienced professional can determine if you’re at risk for these complications. Although you may have an inkling of the presence of asbestos in a particular house, there is no way to be 100 percent certain. A good contractor will take at least a dozen samples in order to detect any signs of asbestos.

Asbestos was a popular building material before 1980. It was commonly used in items that needed to withstand heat, such as plumbing, pipes, vinyl flooring, and electrical panels. However, it is not completely safe, and it can cause a variety of health problems when disturbed or broken down. For these reasons, it is important to have a home asbestos inspection performed by a licensed professional before purchasing a home.

Radon testing

When purchasing a new home, radon testing should be part of your checklist. The test should be conducted by a licensed professional, and there are two types of radon tests: short-term and long-term. Short-term tests measure the current radon level in a home, while long-term tests measure the radon level over a year. Choosing the best test for your home depends on your situation and budget.

You can choose between two types of radon-testing devices. Both passive and active devices need the power to operate, and both will give you the results. To make sure you get accurate results, make sure to have windows and doors closed during the test period. Also, make sure the testing device is not disturbed during the test period, since movement can cause false results. A qualified tester will explain the results of the test to you and your agent.

Should I Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

While many homebuyers are already familiar with the different inspections that they can receive, the Wind Mitigation Inspection is one of the most important. The inspector will look at your house and evaluate its structure to make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand a high-wind event. If it does, you’ll likely be able to save money on your homeowner’s insurance premiums. If you don’t think it’s necessary, there are other reasons to get a wind mitigation inspection.

Many home insurance companies will perform a wind mitigation inspection when you purchase a home. Having one done will help them determine how much coverage you need to pay for repairs and replacement items. It also reduces the likelihood of accidents inflicted by wind damage. In addition to helping you save money, wind mitigation inspections can make your home sell faster. Fortunately, they’re relatively inexpensive and can be completed within a single day. To learn more about this service, contact Super Inspection Pros.

Wind damage is a real threat to many homes in Florida, especially during hurricane season. If your home is not built properly to resist strong winds, water can enter through poorly sealed windows and vents, causing water damage to the interior of your home. A small roof leak could lead to thousands of dollars in damage. Wind mitigation reports evaluate the strength of your roof, as well as its structural integrity. A wind mitigation inspection can help you prioritize home improvement projects and identify potential issues.

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What is the Latest on Home Mortgage Interest Rates?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

If you’ve been considering buying a home, you’ve likely wondered: What is the latest on home mortgage interest rates? Mortgage rates have been steadily increasing this year and are predicted to continue to rise through 2022. Mortgage rates are highly dynamic, responding to a number of economic factors. Inflation, the federal funds rate, and even the Federal Reserve itself are driving mortgage rates higher. The Federal Reserve has already raised interest rates three times this year, signaling its intention to raise rates again in order to combat inflation. However, the higher the rate, the more expensive the mortgage payment will be.

Freddie Mac’s weekly report covers mortgage rates for the previous week

Each week, Freddie Mac surveys lenders for the latest rates. The results are based on first-lien, conventional, conforming home purchase mortgages. They use rates for high-quality borrowers with down payments of at least 20%, so the actual rates can differ slightly from those reported by Freddie Mac. The rates are usually higher than those of the real market. In addition, Freddie Mac’s survey includes the effect of discount points, which borrowers can pay to lower their rates.

The rise in mortgage rates has caused some alarm in the housing market, and the rising rate may have a negative impact on demand for homes in the near future. However, the rates don’t include fees and other costs associated with home loans. Although no one deliberately tries to manipulate mortgage rates, a rise in rates could be a sign of trouble in the housing market. Typically, the home buying season is the busiest time of year, but the recent uptick in mortgage rates has affected demand.

The weekly report from Freddie Mac looks at mortgage rates for the week ending Thursday. The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 20% down represents a good rate for borrowers with good credit. Lower-credit borrowers will see rates higher than this. Money’s daily mortgage rate survey is based on lending activity over the previous day. While there is little consistency in these figures, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is at a record low.

Freddie Mac’s average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped up to 5.23% for the week ending June 9

Mortgage rates have climbed significantly over the past year, with the recent increase in the federal funds rate contributing to the jump. Last week, the Federal Reserve increased its interest rate target by 75 basis points, the largest increase in almost three decades. The Fed’s statement last week emphasized its commitment to inflation at or below 2%, which is the target the central bank has set for itself.

Freddie Mac’s weekly report covers rates for the previous week, and today’s rate may be higher than the one reported this week. Those rates are based on averages and don’t reflect individual circumstances. Lenders often use FICO scores to determine the interest rate on a mortgage, and the higher your score is, the better.

Freddie Mac’s average rate for borrowers looking to buy a home rose a quarter-point last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 5.23% last week, up from 4.96% a year ago. Meanwhile, the average rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rose 4%, up from 2.23% a year ago.

Freddie Mac’s average

You might be interested in knowing what Freddie Mac’s average home mortgage interest rates are. The agency has been collecting this information since April 1971. The survey is based on rates on first-lien, conventional, conforming home purchase mortgages. These rates vary for refinances since they are based on rates for high-quality borrowers. This survey does not apply to every borrower, so you may want to compare the rates of different loan products to find the best rate for your circumstances.

The average interest rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages climbed 0.4 percent to 5.27% last week, up from 5.1% a week ago. That rate is still lower than the year-ago rate of 2.27 percent. Meanwhile, the average rate on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage rose 0.3 percentage points to 4.2 percent. Freddie Mac’s average home mortgage interest rate chart will show you what’s happening in the market.

Freddie Mac’s survey differs from Bankrate’s, which shows that mortgage rates have been falling each decade since the financial crisis. While mortgage rates are higher now than they were two decades ago, they are still quite attractive when compared to pre-financial crisis levels. And if you don’t have much down payment, you can consider applying for discount points to lower your interest rate.

How Do I Qualify for the Lowest Interest Rates?

How do I qualify for the lowest interest rates? The best way to qualify for the lowest interest rate is to have good credit. While those with bad credit will likely pay higher interest rates, those with good credit are often approved at a lower rate. Low debt-to-income ratios and a high annual income are key factors in qualifying for low-interest rates. Other factors to consider include the length of time you have been with your current employer, area of study, and job history. Regardless of the amount you need to borrow, it’s worth shopping around with several lenders to find the lowest interest rate on a credit card or personal loan.

Having good credit makes it possible to qualify for a lower interest rate on a personal loan. By lowering your credit utilization and reviewing your credit report, you can improve your credit score and get approved for a lower interest rate. If you don’t have excellent credit, you can also look for a co-applicant who has a higher credit score than you. A higher credit score means a lower rate on a personal loan.

The best way to find the lowest interest rate on a personal loan is to shop around for a loan and check your credit score. Good to excellent credit is needed for a personal loan, but shopping around can help you get the lowest rate. To get a good interest rate, shop around using an online marketplace like Credible. It takes just two minutes to compare personal loan offers from multiple lenders. You can also get a copy of your credit score from one of the three major credit bureaus. However, these bureaus may charge you a fee. Many banks offer credit score monitoring services for free.

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Helpful Tips to Save For a Down Payment

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Several helpful tips for saving for a down payment on a home are outlined in this article. You can automate your monthly transfers or pay off high-interest debt before focusing on saving for a down payment. Other helpful tips include negotiating with the seller to help with the down payment. Hopefully, these tips will help you build up your down payment quickly. 

Another option for savings is to open an account with a bank that offers a higher interest rate. A certificate of deposit (CD) can be a good option for your down payment fund because of its higher interest rate. However, before you open a CD, make sure that you can access the money for a down payment. A CD typically is inaccessible for a specified term, which may be a year or more. If you plan to take out the money before then, you should consider paying a penalty.

If you have a difficult time saving for a down payment, you may want to hire a credit counselor to help you reach your goal. With a little discipline and some research, you can start a savings plan for your down payment. Just keep in mind that the housing market can change in the meantime.

Automate monthly transfers

Setting up automatic monthly transfers to save for a down payment can be as simple as linking your checking and savings accounts. You can do this through your online banking or financial budgeting app. You can also choose a specific date and amount to transfer each month. The more time you set aside, the sooner you’ll be able to make a down payment on your home. Once you’ve set up your automatic transfer, you won’t have to remember to make the transfer.

One way to save for a down payment is to automate your savings plan. Automated transfers into your savings account can help you build your fund faster. It can also be helpful to use a savings account that limits the number of withdrawals you make each month. You may also want to look at your expenses and cut back on items you no longer need. In the long run, it will be worth it. You can also use automatic savings plan to transfer money into your down payment savings account.

You may want to avoid large interest payments altogether by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. The process of buying a home can be confusing and you should seek out advice from a home advisor before making the final decision. Banks offer free home advisors that can help you navigate the process. By automating your savings, you’ll be putting the money to work for you without the stress of deciding what to buy.

Selling your car and other belongings is another way to save your down payment. It’s a great way to free up space in your home and save money on gas. If you don’t need the car for daily commutes, you might consider selling it. Alternatively, if you have alternative transportation, you can use public transportation and save money each month. Then, you can begin to think about your future in your new home.

Pay off high-interest debt before saving for a down payment

A common mistake many people make is to let their debt pile up before saving for a down payment on a home. This is a mistake because high-interest debt will slow down your ability to save for a down payment. The money you’ll spend on interest won’t help you save for a down payment – it just wastes it. In order to free up cash for a down payment, you should first pay off high-interest debt.

The best way to manage your debt is to spread it over many years. This way, you won’t have to worry about the interest rates rising or the prepayment penalties reducing your savings. Once you have paid off your high-interest debt, you can start contributing to a new savings account. You should also build an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses. The emergency fund is one of the most important elements of saving for a down payment on a home.

It’s a good idea to start paying more than the minimum payment on your debt to begin building a nest egg. Even if you only manage to pay off a small amount each month, this can add up quickly. Saving an extra $20 a month can help you pay off high-interest debt faster. By building your savings fund, you’ll be able to focus more on your savings account and reduce your debt.

Negotiate with the seller to save for a down payment

You have found the perfect home in a great school district and neighborhood. You’ve negotiated with the seller, and your offer has been accepted. Now what? The seller might have given you credit for your down payment or offered to cover closing costs. You may have to take their word for it, so make sure you check with your lender before accepting the credit. But even if the seller accepts your offer, you can still negotiate with him or her to save for a down payment on your new home.

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Florida’s Green Lights Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

The Florida legislature has appropriated $363 million for the state’s Green Lights Hometown Heroes Housing program. This will fund programs that help Florida’s low and moderate-income citizens purchase a home. The Florida Housing and Finance Corporation administers these programs, including down payment assistance and SHIP-Homeownership and Rental. The Florida Housing and Finance Corporation also offers a list of affordable housing options, as well as information on disaster relief programs, special needs housing, and lenders and property managers.

Teachers are a definite incentive for the program

For many Florida residents, a home is an expensive proposition. Even a median-priced home can cost over $62,000, which puts them out of reach for most of the population. Teachers, police officers, and other frontline employees earn far less than this amount, so they face the extra hurdle of finding a home. For this reason, this housing program is an especially welcome development for educators and other frontline workers.

The program provides up to $25,000 to cover down payments and closing costs for qualifying applicants with a credit score of 640. However, teachers are not automatically eligible because the requirements are very strict. Loan officers are getting between ten and fifteen calls a day, and it is a competitive process, especially with the limited supply of homes in a given area. Further, the demand is much higher than the supply.

Florida Realtors are actively advocating for affordable housing for our heroes. The state legislature recently allocated $100 million for the program in the fiscal year 2022-23. A total of two hundred and fifty homes are planned to be made available to heroes. The first phase of the program is targeted toward educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees, and active military personnel. The program offers down payment assistance, reduced mortgage rates, and other helpful benefits.

It will provide zero-interest loans to be used toward down payment and closing costs

The Green Lights Hometown Heroes Housing program will help eligible frontline workers obtain low-interest loans for their down payment and closing costs. Funds from this program do not have to be repaid until the home is sold, refinanced, or paid off. This program is modeled after the Salute Our Soldiers military loan program, which has helped hundreds of veterans purchase homes.

Florida’s Hometown Heroes Housing program will provide down payment and closing cost assistance to front-line workers and military members. The program is open to veterans, active-duty military, and front-line workers in more than 50 professions. The program is designed to make homeownership affordable for these heroes in our communities and will help low and moderate-income homebuyers purchase their first homes.

It is a definite incentive for homebuyers

The state has established a $100 million program to give first-time homebuyers who qualify for low-interest loans a chance to own their own homes. The program will provide zero-interest loans for up to 5% of the loan amount and up to $25K in down payment assistance. The program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Eligible homebuyers can receive zero-interest loans for a down payment or closing costs. They can also receive a zero-interest second mortgage with a 30-year deferred term. This second mortgage will be due in full upon sale or transfer of the deed to the home. The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is non-forgivable and cannot be refinanced.

The program complements other efforts by the Florida government to increase homeownership opportunities for low-income Floridians. It would be similar to the Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program, which has helped hundreds of active-duty military and veterans purchase a home. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program would provide zero-interest loans to help homebuyers with their down payment and closing costs. In addition, qualifying homebuyers would receive down payment assistance up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount. The zero-interest loans would be repaid in full if the buyer sells the home, refinances, or sells the property.

“During the pandemic and beyond, our hometown heroes – the nurses, EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and educators – were the ones who kept us safe, cared for our loved ones, and taught our children,” says 2022 Florida Realtors President Christina Pappas. “Unfortunately, with skyrocketing home prices, they often can’t afford to live in the communities where they work. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program is a great way to help address this issue.” 

The program will be available to more than 50 occupations and is subject to certain income and purchase price limits that vary by county. DeSantis said mortgage loan officers throughout the state would begin accepting applications for the program beginning June 1, 2022.

“There are 1,000 lenders involved in the program to start providing assistance to essential workers, such as police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and teachers, among other professions,” says Florida Realtors Vice President of Public Policy Andy Gonzalez.

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