Archives

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: […]

How to Qualify for Jumbo Mortgage Loan in Boca Raton Without Paying PMI

Living in Boca Raton, Florida, offers a combination of luxury, convenience, and year-round sunshine. With its beautiful beaches, excellent schools, upscale shopping, and vibrant arts scene, Boca Raton is an attractive destination for those looking to settle down in a desirable location. Additionally, the city provides excellent recreational opportunities, a strong economy, and a safe, […]

What’s the Minimum Down Payment for an FHA Loan in Miami?

Living in Miami is a dream for many. The vibrant culture, beautiful weather, and an exciting lifestyle all make this place special. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of helping countless families and individuals make the move to this beautiful area. One of the most common questions I often get from potential homebuyers is […]

Is a Jumbo Loan in Fort Lauderdale Only for Luxury Homes?

As a longtime resident of Fort Lauderdale, I understand why so many people want to live here. It’s a vibrant city that boasts beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene, top-rated schools, and a nightlife that appeals to people of all ages. With easy access to Miami and its favorable tax climate, Fort Lauderdale provides the […]

How to Qualify for a VA Loan in Fort Lauderdale

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding hundreds of veterans and active-duty service members through the VA loan process here in Fort Lauderdale. Many of them came to me unsure of what they qualified for, uncertain about the paperwork involved, or simply overwhelmed by the homebuying process. My role is to simplify every […]

How Can I Get an FHA Loan in Pompano Beach, Florida?

If we haven’t met yet, my name is Alex Doce, and I’ve been helping people buy homes in Pompano Beach and surrounding areas for over 37 years.  In this guide, I’ll explain how you can get an FHA loan in Pompano Beach, what to expect during the process, and how to make the most of your […]

Mortgage Loan Options When Buying a Home in Weston, Florida

Weston, Florida, is celebrated for its beautiful neighborhoods, lush landscapes, and affluent lifestyle, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the state. However, buying a home here can sometimes be challenging due to the area’s competitive real estate market. Over the past 37 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping dozens of […]

What Are the Requirements for a DSCR Loan in Ft Lauderdale?

One of the most effective financing options I offer to real estate investors in Ft Lauderdale is the DSCR Loan. These loans are designed for investors who want to buy or refinance income-generating properties without needing to provide traditional income documentation. A DSCR Loan in Ft Lauderdale is based on the property’s ability to generate […]

DSCR vs. Conventional Loan: Key Differences to Know

There are two things you need for a stellar real estate investment: the right property and the right mortgage loan. Conventional loans and DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans are two popular options here in Florida with unique benefits to buyers who qualify. But to decide which one is right for you, you need to […]

FHA Loans in Coral Gables: Answers to the 12 Most Common Questions

Coral Gables, is often referred to as “The City Beautiful”. It’s a stunning and vibrant community located in Miami-Dade County, Florida known for its lush, tree-lined streets, Mediterranean Revival architecture, and timeless charm. With its grand estates, boutique shopping districts like the Miracle Mile, and proximity to top-tier schools, cultural venues, and the sparkling waters […]

Guide to Being a First-Time Homebuyer in Florida: Qualifications & More

Buying a home for the first time is an exciting – and often overwhelming – experience. This is especially true in Florida, where high demand in local markets puts pressure on buyers to spend wisely and finance appropriately in order to get their dream home. Fortunately, you’re not on your own when it comes to […]