Corpus Christi, the seat of Nueces County, is located along the Gulf Coast border in Texas. The population of Corpus Christi today is around 330,000 with the larger Corpus Christi MSA home to about 450,000. Corpus Christi’s city limits encompass more than 500 square miles, 175 being land and almost twice that area in water. […]
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Home Energy Efficient Upgrades That Pay You Back
Whether your goal is to lower your utility bills or maybe you’re looking further down the road and have decided to “go green” there’s is no better place than to start at home. Going green in today’s environment is easier than ever as manufacturers have recognized this trend for several years and designing products that […]
6 Home Upgrades to Avoid
Whether you just bought a fixer-upper that needs more than just a little “TLC” or you’ve lived in your home for a few years and ready for a remodel, there are some things you should do and especially things you shouldn’t do. Of course, if you did buy a home that needs a little help, […]
How to Prepare Your Home Before You Sell It
When you’re thinking about selling your home, the current condition is an indicator of how well it’s been taken care of. With your house, there are several things you can do that fit within most any budget that will put your home in the best light possible and get the price you’re looking for. Here […]
5 Hidden Costs of Homeownership
When consumers carefully consider buying a home, most of their attention is directed at how much money is needed for a down payment, how much are my closing costs and how much money do I need overall to close the transaction. Those are important considerations and your loan officer can provide you with a pretty […]
Using an FHA Loan in Orlando
When you think of Orlando, the first thing that likely comes to mind is all the theme parks located there. Of course, the flagship is Disney World which is home to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center. Universal Orlando hosts Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the popular World of Harry Potter. Located in Central […]
VA Purchase Mortgage Greenville, South Carolina
Located within its namesake Greenville County is home to Greenville, South Carolina. Greenville was officially incorporated in 1831 but was settled decades prior. Today, Greenville is home to around 70,000 residents with a median income of approximately $45,000. One of the most visited venues is the Greenville County Museum of Art. For those who enjoy the […]
Can You Take Equity Out With a VA Loan?
Refinancing a VA loan is much like refinancing any other mortgage. However, VA loans do have a refinance option that conventional loans do not have. This option is referred to as a VA “streamline” and is a VA-to-VA refinance that requires very little documentation. No income or employment check, no appraisal required and no need […]
Two Things Florida First Time Buyers Need to Know
Buying your first home isn’t the type of decision that’s made overnight. It’s not something that suddenly pops into your head so you head out the door and start visiting open houses. Instead, it’s a thought that gradually creeps into your head over time. Maybe it was a coworker who keeps talking about the new […]
Which Type of FHA Loan is Best?
Did you know there was a choice? Did you know that an FHA loan is not just a single loan program but actually several? Sometimes thinking about which loan program is best for you, it can get a little complicated. Mortgage programs aren’t designed to be complicated but new programs can come about to address […]
FHA Loan Application Preparation
It always helps to be well-informed in order to increase your chances of successfully getting your FHA loan approved. Buyers should be aware of what steps should be taken before and after applying. Before Applying: Credit check It’s usually the little things that bring down your credit score. Check your income, […]
Georgia USDA Loan Eligibility Checklist
Many locations in Georgia are still eligible for 100% USDA rural housing. Homebuyers considering a USDA home loan should first check they meet the USDA loan eligibility requirements. Below is a basic checklist of items that will determine if you are eligible for USDA financing. Keep in mind the program as certain eligibility and qualifying […]
Pensacola USDA Rural Loan – 100% Home Loans
If you thought you never had a chance at home ownership because of inadequate finances and low savings, then consider USDA Rural Housing Loan. Most of Escambia County is eligible for the program making it perfect for first time home buyers that have limited savings for a large down payment mortgage. What Exactly Is a […]
Rising Interest Rates, What Can Buyers Expect?
We’ve enjoyed some very competitive interest rates over the past few years. This has helped the housing market not only recover but thrive in multiple markets across the country. Today, it’s common to find a 30 year fixed rate for a conforming loan amount in the 4.00% to 4.25% with some variance. These rates hit […]
Down Payment Assistance and Florida FHA Loans
One of the biggest challenges for those buying their first home is coming up with the necessary funds needed to purchase a home. There is a down payment involved and there are closing costs associated with a new mortgage. For many, it’s not their credit that is an issue nor is having sufficient income to […]
FHA Loan Guide Charlotte Home Buyers
An FHA loan may be best described as a mortgage that is issued by an approved qualified lender or bank, and subsequently insured by the Federal Housing Administration, or the “FHA” as it’s more popularly known. As a general rule, all FHA loans are specifically designed for Charlotte home buyers that may not be in a […]
100% VA Loans For Michigan Homebuyers
The VA Loan is a type of mortgage loan that is typically issued by pre-approved lenders, brokers, and banks that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This program was created by the United States government in 1944 when world war II was winding down. The core purpose was to help the returning service […]
VA Mortgage Eligibility South Carolina
VA Mortgages are one of the best loan programs available today for eligible Veterans in South Carolina. Here are some of the great features of this fantastic program: NO Down Payment, 100% financing No monthly mortgage insurance Loan limits up to $453,100 in South Carolina Easier credit qualifying compared to other types of mortgage loans VA […]
Updated 2018 Conforming Loan Limits
New conforming loan limits were just announced this week. The base conforming loan limit has increased from $424,100 to $453,100. High-cost locations were also adjusted higher per the chart below. 2018 Conforming Loan Limits: 1-Unit 2-Unit 3-Unit 4-Unit Fannie Mae $453,100 $580,150 $701,250 $871,450 Freddie Mac $453,100 $580,150 $701,250 $871,250 VA* $453,100 $580,150 […]
Reverse Mortgage Guide 2018
The concept of a “reverse mortgage” was originally considered back in 1980 and ultimately insured by the Federal Housing Administration in 1989. Today, the reverse mortgage is officially called the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM and is insured by the FHA. The HECM is a loan program designed to provide seniors access to their […]
100% USDA Loan South Carolina
There are three government-backed mortgage programs available to South Carolina home buyer today. Those three are the USDA, FHA and VA loan programs. USDA and VA are the only two that still permit 100% financing. The VA loan does not require a down payment yet is only available for veterans of the Armed Forces and Reserves and […]
How To Apply For VA Loan
VA still offers wonderful mortgage benefits to qualified veterans across the U.S. If you are looking to apply for the VA loan, certain paperwork will be required. Below we have outlined all the basic information Vets need to know before applying. The Veteran needs to provide their Certificate of Guarantee or DD 214 ( call us […]
First Time Buyer Florida FHA Loans
Florida buyers are surprised to learn the FHA loan was introduced back in 1934 and still the top mortgage program for those purchasing their first home. And while FHA is not reserved only for first time home buyers there are some reasons why it’s a good deal for those wanting to come to the closing […]
North Carolina Teacher Programs
Below we have listed some tips to help North Carolina teachers breeze through the mortgage pre-approval process. Regardless if you are looking for NO money down payment USDA loan, FHA or conventional mortgage, the tips below will apply. One of the first things a lender will want to see is evidence of full-time employment. This is usually […]
USDA Closing Costs Texas
We have received many questions lately regarding USDA financing and closing costs. Generally speaking, for a new home purchase in Texas, the buyer can expect to pay around 4.5% (of the purchase price) for closing costs and prepaid escrow requirements. Escrow requirements include prepaid taxes and home insurance. The home seller will have “customary” closing […]
USDA Loan Requirements Georgia
USDA Rural Housing provides a great opportunity for Georgia homebuyers to purchase a home with very little money out of pocket. Please read below to learn about the basic USDA loan requirements for Georgia, please contact us today with questions. Credit score – 620 min credit score is required. Applicants should have no repeated late payments […]
Should First Time Buyers Invest In Georgia Real Estate?
Over the years, Georgia real estate has been a good investment choice for first-time homebuyers. But purchasing your first-time can be a stressful task, one that requires careful planning and consideration. The following reasons will put a positive spin on this stressful decision. It will answer the main question in the back of your mind…whether […]
100% USDA Loan Nassau County Fla
The 100% USDA Loan Program remains one of the top first-time buyer programs in Florida. After all, this special program does not require any down payment there are also no maximum loan amounts. This program has been around Nassau County for years but the popularity has risen in recent years. Why? Zero down loan programs […]
VA Funding Fee Breakdown
VA loans don’t require a down payment yet even so they are still some of the highest performing loan group of all current home loan programs today. This not only in spite of the fact there is no initial “skin in the game” as some lenders put it. This fee is an upfront fee and […]
FHA or VA: Which Loan is Best?
For those who are dually qualified for an FHA loan as well as being VA eligible, there’s a choice to be made and it’s maybe not all that obvious. When financing a home when down payment funds are available, comparing the two options is a good idea. FHA and VA loans can be used anywhere […]
Low Down Payment Home Loans Texas Teachers
Saving up money in order to buy a home can be a struggle sometimes. Especially for those just starting out or recently employed in the public sector such as police, firefighters, and teachers. However, in Texas there are programs designed for all first-time buyers that not only allow little or NO down payment but also have […]
FHA Streamline Refinance Program Georgia
Home owners in Georgia that currently have an FHA mortgage should take note of the FHA streamline refinance. Recent improvements to the FHA streamline refinance program means that not only is no appraisal required, but the closing costs for this new streamline refinance program have been dramatically reduced! The FHA streamline refinance program requires that the […]
FHA Upfront – Loan Limits Texas
FHA loans have been around for a long time, as far back as 1934 when the program was first introduced. FHA loans have an inherent guarantee to the lender that compensates the lender at 100% of the foreclosed loan amount. FHA loans also have a very low down payment requirement of just 3.5% of the […]
Should First Time Buyers Use Adjustable Rate Mortgage?
Should first time buyers use an adjustable rate loan or a hybrid as their very first mortgage? “First timers” when starting out on their home buying journey can be somewhat surprised at all the decisions they must make. The biggest choice is whether or not they want to buy in the first place. Making the […]
Closing Costs with USDA Home Loans
The USDA home loan doesn’t require a down payment which keeps “cash to close” as low as possible. Typically, it’s the down payment that keeps many buyers from buying a home when they want but can’t because they need to save up for a downpayment. Certainly, a 100% loan like USDA helps. But there are […]
Locking Interest Rate VA Loan
One thing that loan officers like to make clear as it relates to interest rates and VA loans is that any quoted rate isn’t official until the borrower specifically makes a direct request to lock in the rate. When buyers first begin researching information about VA loans and interest rate information they discover that rates […]
FHA Loan Terms: Which is Right for You?
You probably know the FHA loan program provided stability in the financial markets during the hardships of the Great Depression. By introducing loan guidelines that, if followed by banks, would carry a guarantee to the lender, banks felt more comfortable approving the loan. One of the main guidelines was the term of the loan, or […]
First Time Homebuyers: 5 Things You Must Know
If you’re getting ready to purchase your first home and started a bit of research already, you might be a slight victim of information overload. You will soon discover there are many moving parts to purchasing a home. There are various services needed in order to get your home loan approved to keep the loan […]
5 Reasons Why FHA Loans Get Turned Down
FHA loans are the most popular of the three government-backed home loan programs. The VA loan is a very attractive option for those who are eligible such as veterans and active duty personnel and the USDA loan has income limits and the property must be located in an approved area. The FHA loan does require […]
Difference Between Cash Out and Rate and Term Refinance
Mortgage companies have their fair share of loan terms for the different home refinance options. The most common are the cash-out refinance and rate and term. What are the differences between the two terms and why should it matter? Let’s take a closer look at refinancing and what makes one and what makes the other. […]
First Time Buyers? What To Expect
If you’re on the brink of buying your very first home, most any homeowner today will tell you it’s the fastest 30 days you’ve ever experienced. Why? one of the main reasons is there are a lot of “firsts” going on and third parties you’ve never heard of all working on your loan file. But […]
FHA Home Loan Process Explained
FHA loans are one of three government-backed loans that come with some level of guarantee to the lender issuing the loan. With the FHA program, should the loan ever go into default the lender is compensated for the loss. This guarantee comes in the form of two separate mortgage insurance policies that accompany the loan, […]
Virginia First Time Buyer Information
The housing market is going strong with increased buying activity through Virginia. More first time home buyers are now entering the market and looking for mortgage plans that offer limited down payment and secure fix rate terms. The USDA (United State Department of Agriculture) still offers 100% financing home loans across eligible rural housing locations […]
Top Things Buyers Should Know About FHA Loans
FHA remains a popular choice for home buyers in Florida, especially first time buyers. In regards to home mortgages, very careful steps have to be taken and each one considered in-depth since we are dealing with a commitment that will last for many years. Being overly anxious to acquire a home and finally getting it […]
USDA Loan Guarantee Fee Explained
There are three primary government-backed mortgage programs and all three have some sort of upfront fee or guarantee fee. The three programs are the VA loan, FHA, and USDA. VA loans are reserved for veterans and other service personnel and require no down payment. The FHA loan can be used by anyone but does ask […]
2017 VA Loan Guidelines Georgia
If you’re one of those fortunate few that are eligible for the VA home loan program, congratulations. As a result of your service you have hands-down access to the best financing option here in Georgia. VA loans are great for those seeking a mortgage program that requires as little cash to close as possible while […]
FHA Loans Ocala Florida
FHA loans are one of the three main mortgage programs that carry a government-guarantee to the lender. These three mortgage programs are those underwritten to standards issued by FHA, VA and the USDA. The VA and USDA loans have certain restrictions such as who is eligible or where the property might be located. FHA loans […]
Should First Time Buyers Choose Fixed Rate Or ARM?
This is one of the questions most first time buyers ask but perhaps they’re really not sure why one might be better than the other. Mortgage lenders offer a variety of loan programs from government-backed loans such as USDA, VA and FHA loans to conventional mortgages underwritten to guidelines set forth by Freddie Mac and […]
FHA Loans Plant City, Florida
In 1934, Congress introduced the National Housing Act which established universal lending guidelines banks could follow. These new guidelines formed the Federal Housing Administration which set forth lending guidelines banks could follow. The FHA loan has since become the loan of choice for those buying in Plant City, Florida who prefer a loan program that […]
Georgia FHA Loan Benefits
The Georgia FHA mortgage has become the first choice to the majority of first-time homebuyers in Georgia. The Georgia FHA loan program offers several benefits, keeping in mind the budget constraints of most homeowners who are interested in buying their very first home. Compared to most conventional mortgage loans, the FHA loan facilitates the buying […]