Knowledge Base

Understanding the FL Pet Addendum for Lease Agreements

In Florida, a Pet Addendum is a common attachment to a residential lease agreement when a tenant plans to keep one or more pets on the property. While it may appear simple at first glance, a Pet Addendum can include important terms that directly affect both landlords and tenants. Taking the time to understand what […]

3 Easy Ways to Trim Your Mortgage Costs: A Real Life Example

Bringing down the cost of your mortgage sounds great in theory, but how does it look on paper? Below is a true-to-life sample of how a mortgage works and how you can bring your total payments down. Example: $250,000 mortgage over 30 years 5% interest rate $1,342 total monthly payment Add one extra payment per

What Are the Types of Mortgages?

What are the different types of mortgages, and which is best for you? Let’s explore your options below. Government Vs. Conventional Loans Government loans are most commonly offered by the FHA (Federal Housing Administration), the VA (Veterans Affairs), and the USDA (Department of Agriculture). A conventional loan is considered a “normal” loan not backed by

How Do I Lower My Mortgage Payment?

A high mortgage payment can quickly put pressure on your monthly budget. When housing costs take up too much income, everything else feels tighter. The good news is that homeowners have several practical ways to reduce their mortgage payment, either before taking out a loan or after the loan is already in place. With the

Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

When is the best time to refinance, and should I refinance at all? These are questions homeowners ask once they start to wonder if they can get a better deal. Refinancing is the process of replacing a current mortgage with a new one. It’s ideal for getting a lower interest rate and a shortened term

What is the Foreclosure Process and How Long Does it Take?

Foreclosure allows a lender to financially recover from a defaulted loan on a house. This processes is initiated after a fourth missed payment on a mortgage, and a Notice of Default is what begins the process officially. If you’ve reeived a foreclosure notice from a lender, you legally still have the right to stay on

What is the Difference Between a Short Sale and a Deed-in-lieu?

There are two options when foreclosure is an inevitability and you want to make the process as painless as possible. Short sales or a deed-in-lieu are two options that can save you from financial trouble. Short Sale A short sale involves selling your property for less than the amount you owe on it. While it

Is 100% Financing Available?

The short answer? Yes, 100% financing is available! This is a great option for new and repeat buyers alike who want to eliminate the need for a down payment. This is because many individuals can’t afford the traditional 20% down payment on a home. If you’re buying a $255,000 house, you immediately have to come

How Long Does the Eviction Process Take?

When a landlord wants to remove a tenant from their rental home, they move forward with an eviction process. Once the notice is in place, the tenant can agree to the final move-out date. Or based on the circumstances, a legal dispute may take place. This is why the answer to this question really depends