The Role of Appraisals in Home Buying
You’ve selected a home you love. You’ve put in the offer. Now, your lender wants you to get an appraisal done. What is the role of the appraisal, and how will it impact your home purchase? Here’s everything you need to know. What is the primary purpose of an appraisal? The purpose of the appraisal […]
When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
Refinancing your mortgage may be intimidating, but it can often place you into a better financial position. The trick is to know how and when to apply for a refinance. In general, there are five situations where a refinance might be a good idea. When your interest rate is higher than the current average. High […]
How to Back Out of a Home Purchase
Life happens—even when you’re trying to buy a new home. The long lead-up time between making an offer on a home and closing on a home offers a lot of room for life to start happening, and for things to go wrong. Sometimes, it’s 100% necessary to back out of a home purchase. Yet a […]
What to Do If Your Home Purchase Falls Through
It happens to the best of us. Sometimes, real estate deals fall apart. In fact, the National Association of Realtors notes that at least 5% of real estate deals terminate before closing. Usually, when your home purchase falls through the problem lies with the financing. Sometimes, you can fix the problem, and sometimes, you can’t. […]
How to Make an Offer on a House
If you have obtained the services of a real estate agent, the physical process of making an offer on a house is relatively easy. You’ll tell your real estate agent to make an offer, and let them draw up the paperwork. What is a bit less straightforward is how you go about making a winning […]
How to Refinance Your Mortgage, Step by Step
A home loan refinance could be your ticket to a smaller monthly payment, the cash that you need to renovate your home, or the means to meet other financial goals. Don’t worry. The process is not as intimidating as it looks. Here is your step-by-step guide to refinancing your home loan. Step 1: Understand What […]
What Role Do Real Estate Agents Play During the Home Buying Process?
It’s always a good idea to secure the services of a buyer’s agent before purchasing a home, especially as sellers currently pay most of the buyer’s agent commissions. A recent lawsuit challenging the National Association of Realtors (NAR) on commission practices has settled in such a way that sellers won’t take the whole brunt of […]
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Foreclosed Home
Buying a foreclosed home can be a great way to save money on your home purchase, but there are hidden pitfalls you should be aware of. If you’re not prepared, you could sink your money into a disaster instead of into a fixer-upper. These pros and cons can change depending on what phase of foreclosure […]
The Pros and Cons of Purchasing an Old House vs. a New House in Florida: 2024 Edition
In 2024, Florida’s real estate market is experiencing dynamic shifts, presenting both opportunities and challenges for homebuyers. Whether you’re considering an older home filled with character or a new build featuring the latest amenities, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons in the context of today’s market. As your trusted mortgage expert with over […]
What to Expect During the Home Inspection
You should never purchase a home without a proper home inspection, but the process can be nerve-wracking. After all, if there are too many problems with the house, the bank might deny financing, and you might have to continue your search. Nevertheless, forgoing the inspection can mean setting yourself up for years of expensive problems. […]
Using Rental Income to Qualify for a Mortgage: Unlocking New Home Opportunities with Alex Doce
Navigating the mortgage landscape can be daunting, especially when seeking to leverage rental income to secure your dream home. However, with the right guidance and expertise, this seemingly complex process can be simplified and highly rewarding. Alex Doce, an esteemed mortgage lender with over 36 years of experience and a track record of hundreds of […]
The Complete Guide to Closing Costs for Homebuyers
When you purchase a home, the down payment is not the only money you’ll need to save or payment you’ll need to make. You’ll also have to worry about closing costs, which are typically not covered by your mortgage loan. Let’s discuss closing costs so you can prepare for them. What are closing costs? Buying […]
Your 2024 Roadmap to Buying Your First Home
Purchasing your very first home is a big step, and it can be a scary one. As of this writing in 2024, media fearmongering isn’t putting too many potential first-time homeowners at ease. Yet the story that gathers clicks and comments isn’t always the real story. Once you arm yourself with a bit of knowledge, […]
How to Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
You can have stellar credit and a great income, but if your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is too high, it may still be challenging to obtain a mortgage. Your DTI, also known as your credit utilization ratio, helps your lender determine whether you are likely to become overextended after taking on the new loan. Even if […]
Rent vs. Mortgage: Which is the Best Option for You?
Mortgages are often cheaper than rent, though homeownership itself isn’t always. Plus, owning a home is an investment since you build equity as you make payments. The two payments often look similar to the inexperienced, as they compare the numbers without considering what those numbers are doing. But it’s essential to understand how your money […]
How to Understand Your Mortgage Payment Structure
If you’re a first-time home buyer, you might be surprised to learn that the price of the home you select isn’t the only factor in that all-important monthly payment amount. Your monthly payment will ultimately be a combination of several types of payments. Here is everything you need to know about how your monthly payment […]
Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage insurance is a policy that protects lenders if you default on your loan. If you default, mortgage insurance will not pay the lender the entire balance but will cover their lost interest payments and administrative expenses. Foreclosure will take care of the rest. Mortgage insurance may sound burdensome, but it serves a purpose. It […]
The Ultimate Guide to Mortgage Interest Rates: What You Need to Know
If you take out a $250,000 home loan, you won’t pay back $250,000 exactly. Instead, you’ll pay $250,000 plus interest. The amount of interest you repay is expressed as a percentage, known as your mortgage rate. Interest is the reason why home loans are available at all; they create a mechanism for lenders to profit […]
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your First Step to Homeownership Success
When you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll receive a letter from a lender who commits to lending you a certain amount of money as long as you close on a house within a certain period. Pre-approval means you’ve already gone through the process of formally applying for a mortgage. An underwriter has examined your financial […]
How to Spot a Great Realtor
Having a positive home-buying experience means working with a skilled buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent can help you find homes you’d never see on Zillow, can help you negotiate with sellers, and can help you make competitive offers in a tight market. The best buyer’s agents also know the neighborhood and the local market inside […]
Increase Your Home Value With FHA Fixer-Upper Loans
Many first-time buyers are happy to put in their “sweat equity” but know that renovations take money, too. In addition, certain loan programs won’t allow you to borrow money if the home has too many problems. Fortunately, lenders recognize the value of sweat equity and have created programs for buyers who wish to purchase a […]
A Complete Guide to Understanding the Home Zero Program
Eager to own a home but don’t have a 3.5% down payment or lots of money in savings to cover closing costs? You’re not alone. Many prospective homeowners and repeat home buyers find down payment requirements to be restrictive and difficult to work around. Our Home Zero program may be able to help. Our HomeZero […]
Getting Back Into the Housing Market After Credit Difficulties
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have a perfect credit history in order to buy a house. It’s more important to understand what an adverse credit event will require of you after it happens. After an adverse credit event, you will generally:- Need to observe a waiting period before you take out […]
What to Look for in a Mortgage Lending Company in Florida
A home loan is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever take on during the course of your life. You should choose the mortgage lender you work with carefully, as the decision will help shape your financial life for many years to come. Here are five things you should look for in any company […]
Navigating Conventional Home Loans in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, Florida
Owning a home in the vibrant and sunny state of Florida is a dream for many, and the tri-county area of Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties offers a diverse range of real estate opportunities. If you’re considering buying a home in these regions, understanding the nuances of conventional home loans is crucial. In this […]
5 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Fort Lauderdale
The Florida housing market can be tough, and it’s not getting any easier. Nevertheless, it’s more than possible to become a homeowner in Fort Lauderdale. You just need to know what to expect and be prepared. 1) Get Your Financial and Mental House in Order You’re competing against investors who can buy any home they […]
5 Crucial Facts About Down Payments in 2024
There are real advantages to buying a home with a down payment. Zero-down mortgages still exist, and the ability to buy a home without a down payment may seem exciting. Nevertheless, you should consider slowing down and saving up. A down payment can give you an edge. 1) A Down Payment Can Strengthen a Mortgage […]
What Makes a Condo Warrantable vs. Non-Warrantable?
Condo home loans: The Doce Group has mortgage options if you are buying a warrantable condo, or even a non-warrantable condo. But what’s the difference? Considering a condo? Start your pre-approval here. When you’re in the market for a condo, there are additional things to keep track of during the mortgage process, on top of […]
Understand the Pros and Cons of Buying a Condo Before You Decide Which Type of Property Is Right for You
There are many pros and cons of buying a condo. Deciding whether to buy a condo or another type of property comes down to your lifestyle, preferences and budget. We break down the different factors to help you decide. Considering a condo? Start your pre-approval here. What is a condo? Condos are single units within […]
Townhouse vs Condo: What’s the Difference?
This article explores the differences between owning and buying a townhouse vs a condo vs a single-family home. There are many advantages to opting for a townhouse and condo living over a standard, single-family house. Chief among them is cost – townhouses and condos tend to have lower list prices (not to mention less maintenance) […]
Purchasing a Condo or Townhome
Townhomes and condominiums can offer homeowners many benefits, including convenience and lower maintenance, but purchasing this type of home can also present challenges, particularly when dealing with condo mortgage loans. Due to the way condos and townhomes are categorized by mortgage lenders, they often have mortgage requirements that are more stringent than those of a […]
How can you tell that your mortgage broker is doing a great job for you?
Identifying whether your mortgage broker is doing an excellent job for you involves assessing various factors related to communication, responsiveness, transparency, and the overall effectiveness of their services. Here are key indicators that your mortgage broker is performing well on your behalf: Clear Communication: Explanation of Options: A good mortgage broker should explain different mortgage […]
Navigating the Mortgage Maze: Top 10 Things to Know When Applying for a New Home Loan
Buying a new home is an exciting journey, but the process of securing a mortgage can seem daunting. Understanding the ins and outs of mortgage applications is crucial for a smooth and successful home-buying experience. Here are the top 10 things you need to know when applying for a mortgage: 1: Know Your Credit Score: […]
8 Location-Based Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Programs Available in Florida in 2024
Looking for down payment assistance for a Florida home in 2024? It may pay to restrict your search to certain cities and counties.
What is a Down Payment Assistance Loan?
Looking for a zero-down mortgage? A down payment assistance loan may be the next best thing. Here’s what you need to know.
Pros & Cons of Down Payment Assistance Programs in Florida
A down payment assistance program can help you achieve your dreams of home ownership, but there are both advantages and disadvantages you should know about.
4 Florida First-Time Homebuyer Grants and Programs in 2024
Looking for down payment assistance for a Florida home in 2024? These four first-time homebuyer programs may help.
2024 Florida Home Purchase Requirements
Think it’s difficult or even impossible to purchase a home in 2024? You may be surprised to learn that home ownership is quite feasible for many Florida residents. If you’ve been holding off on a home purchase because you believe you can’t possibly qualify for a loan, you’ll want to stop and read this article. […]
The Pros & Cons of Buying a Condo in 2024
A condo can be a highly affordable option for home ownership, but owning one is a little different from owning a stand-alone single family home. Condos even come with special loans known as condo mortgage loans that account for these differences. See also: How Does a Condo Mortgage Work? A Complete Guide for Buyers Understanding […]
How to Calculate ROI on Investment Property
The ability to calculate ROI on a rental property is a critical skill if you want to become a successful real estate investor. ROI calculations tell you what you can expect when you add a property to your portfolio, and whether it is worth pursuing. Of course, ROI calculations alone won’t be your only consideration. […]
The Pros and Cons of Owning Rental Property
Owning rental property is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth. Yet nothing comes without problems. If you want to build wealth with rental property, you’ll be taking on a whole host of new responsibilities. So it’s important to understand what you’re jumping into before making any decisions or purchasing any properties. Here […]
Financing Options for Investment Properties
Purchasing investment properties is one of the world’s most reliable ways to grow wealth. Yet many people assume investment properties are out of their reach. If you’re someone who thinks only rich people get to invest, here’s great news. There are many options for investors, and many are available to people just like you. In […]
How to Understand Home Loan Estimates
Three days after you apply for a mortgage you will receive a 3-page document called the Mortgage Loan Estimate. The law requires residential lenders to provide you with this standardized document so you can make an informed decision about whether the proposed home loan is right for you. You should receive this document both for […]
