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10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move

Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable.

An Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home

EcoFriendly Holiday Blog

Check out our ideas for an Eco-friendly holiday at home with 5 iIdeas to celebrate Sustainably this year during the holidays. Its the most wonderful time of the year, and yet its also the most wasteful.

Selling Your Home: Sellers Checklist

Sellers-Checklist-Prep-Your-Home-For-Selling-Blog-Image

If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market. We have included a check list for your convenience.

Real Estate CMA: Comparative Market Analysis

CMA Home Value Report Comparative Market Analysis by Martin Group

Know the factors that affect market or home value which are different from assessed value, which is often lower than the market value. Martin Group can help you with both numbers. Text or Call at 561-3391-779 to schedule your free consultation.

Florida Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday September 2022

Florida’s tool time sales tax holiday begins September 2, 2023, which means shoppers won’t pay sales tax on most of the things found on the tool time list! The Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday ends September 8, 2023.

8 Strategies to Secure Lower Mortgage Rate

8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate This year, mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. Even the experts are divided about where rates are headed next1 when it comes to predictions. There is hope for you in that you might get a lower mortgage rate. This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, you can work toward qualifying for the best mortgage rates available today – and open up the possibility of refinancing at a lower mortgage rate in the future. How does a lower mortgage rate save you money? According to Trading Economics, the average new mortgage size in the United States is currently around $410,000.2 Let’s compare a 5.0% versus a 6.0% fixed interest rate on that amount over a 30-year term. Mortgage Rate (30-year fixed) Monthly Payment on $410,000 Loan(excludes taxes, insurance, etc.) Difference in Monthly Payment Total Interest Over 30 Years Difference in Interest 5.0% $2,200.97   $382,348.72   6.0% $2,458.16 + $257.19 $474,936.58 + $92,587.86         With a 5% rate, your monthly payments would be about $2,201. At 6%, those payments would jump to $2,458, or around $257 more. That adds up to a difference of almost $92,600 over the lifetime of the loan. In other words, shaving off just one percentage point on your mortgage could put nearly $100K in your pocket over time. Therefore, how can you improve your chances of securing a low mortgage rate? Try these eight strategies: 1. Raise your credit score. Borrowers with higher credit scores are viewed as “less risky” to lenders, so they are offered lower interest rates. A good credit score typically starts at 690 and can move up into the 800s.3 If you don’t know your score, check with your bank or credit card company to see if they offer free access. If not, there are a plethora of both free and paid credit monitoring services you can utilize. If your credit score is low, you can take steps to improve it, including:4 Correct any errors on your credit reports, which can bring down your score. You can access reports for free by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Pay down revolving debt. This includes credit card balances and home equity lines of credit. Avoid closing old credit card accounts in good standing. It could lower your score by shortening your credit history and shrinking your total available credit. Make all future payments on time. Payment history is a primary factor in determining your credit score, so make it a priority. Limit your credit applications to avoid having your score dinged by too many inquiries. If you’re shopping around for a car loan or mortgage, minimize the impact by limiting your applications to a short period, usually 14 to 45 days.5           Over time, you should start to see your credit score climb — which will help you qualify for a lower mortgage rate. 2. Keep steady employment. If you are preparing to purchase a home, it might not be the best time to make a major career change. Unfortunately, frequent job moves or gaps in your résumé could hurt your borrower eligibility. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will typically review your employment and income over the past 24 months.5 If you’ve earned a steady paycheck, you could qualify for a better interest rate. A stable employment history gives lenders more confidence in your ability to repay the loan. That doesn’t mean a job change will automatically disqualify you from purchasing a home. But certain moves, like switching from W-2 to 1099 (independent contractor) income, could throw a wrench in your home buying plans.6   3. Lower your debt-to-income ratios. Even with a high credit score and a great job, lenders will be concerned if your debt payments are consuming too much of your income. That’s where your debt-to-income (DTI) ratios will come into play. There are two types of DTI ratios:7 Front-end ratio — What percentage of your gross monthly income will go towards covering housing expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, and dues or association fees)? Back-end ratio — What percentage of your gross monthly income will go towards covering ALL debt obligations (housing expenses, credit cards, student loans, and other debt)?   What’s considered a good DTI ratio? For better rates, lenders typically want to see a front-end DTI ratio that’s no higher than 28% and a back-end ratio that’s 36% or less.7 If your DTI ratios are higher, you can take steps to lower them, like purchasing a less expensive home or increasing your down payment. Your back-end ratio can also be decreased by paying down your existing debt. A bump in your monthly income will also bring down your DTI ratios.   4. Increase your down payment. Minimum down payment requirements vary by loan type. But, in some cases, you can qualify for a lower mortgage rate if you make a larger down payment.8 Why do lenders care about your down payment size? Because borrowers with significant equity in their homes are less likely to default on their mortgages. That’s why conventional lenders often require borrowers to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) if they put down less than 20%. A larger down payment will also lower your overall borrowing costs and decrease your monthly mortgage payment since you’ll be taking out a smaller loan. Just be sure to keep enough cash on hand to cover closing costs, moving expenses, and any furniture or other items you’ll need to get settled into your new space.   5. Compare loan types. All mortgages are not created equal. The loan type you choose could save (or cost) you money depending on your qualifications and circumstances. For example, here are several common loan types available in the U.S. today:9 Conventional — These offer lower mortgage rates but have more stringent credit and down payment requirements than some other types. FHA — Backed

Home Sellers: Avoid These 7 Costly Mistakes

Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable.

July 4th Independence Day Celebrations

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day or July 4th, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. But the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

Overcome Inflation With Real Estate Investments

The Top Home Design Trends for 2022 are represented in the above photo. Key words: warm, inviting, minimalist, back to nature, rounded, earth tones, variety of textures. These design trends will be covered in this article.

Higher Rates Short Supply Real Estate 2022

A high offer price gets attention. But most sellers consider a variety of factors when evaluating an offer. With that in mind, here are five tactics you can utilize to sweeten your proposal and outshine your competition.

Write A Winning Real Estate Offer

A high offer price gets attention. But most sellers consider a variety of factors when evaluating an offer. With that in mind, here are five tactics you can utilize to sweeten your proposal and outshine your competition.

Top Popular Home Design Trends 2022

The Top Home Design Trends for 2022 are represented in the above photo. Key words: warm, inviting, minimalist, back to nature, rounded, earth tones, variety of textures. These design trends will be covered in this article.

Home Buyers: 10 Step Buying Process

10 Steps to Buying a Home

Home Buyers: 10 Step Buying Process 1. Save Your Down Payment Many people believe you need a 20% down payment to buy a home. There are loans available that allow buyers to put down as little as 3% or 0% with a VA or USDA Loan. 2. Know Your Credit Score Your credit score is a numeric representation of your history and ability to pay back debts in the past. Different home loans have different credit requirements. Save credit card purchases until after you close on your mortgage… to improve your credit score. 3. Find a Real Estate Agent Once you have a handle on your credit score and down payment savings, the Martin Group 561-339-1779 can guide you through the home buying process. 4. Get Mortgage Pre-Approval We can give you a list of lenders from which you can choose the one you want to work with to get pre-approved for your mortgage loan. This will help keep you on budget during the next step! 5. Go House Shopping Make a list of what you want vs. what you need in your next home. The Martin Group of Realtors® will use this list to find homes for you to tour. We make the appointments for you after your approval of our list. 6. Make an offer Using our 50 years of experience as real estate agents, the Martin Group will help you determine the best price to offer in the current market for the home. In a competitive market, you may net be the only one bidding and will want to stand out! 7. Get a Home Inspection Once your offer is accepted, you will want to have the home inspected professionally to ensure there are not any hidden issues with the home. We can furnish a reliable list of home inspectors. 8. Get a Home Appraisal Your lender will arrange for a home appraisal to ensure that the property is worth the price that you have agreed to pay for it. The bank will only issue a loan for the appraised value. 9. Close the Sale Once your loan is approved, your lender will schedule a closing date. This is the day you sign all your paperwork with a Title Company to complete the purchase and get the keys to your home. 10. Move In Congratulations! You are now the owner of the home! And time to move in. The Martin Group can give you some recommendations for moving companies. This is the beginning of your next phase in life. Enjoy! CONGRATULATIONS! Summary of 10 Step Home Buying Process Ready to Begin the Buying Process? We have many more tips to help you… Let’s Talk! Schedule A FREE Consultation Doug Martin Realtor® Broker 561-339-3299 Email Me

Downsizing Your Home: 5 Step Strategy

5 Steps to Downsizing Success 1.Determine Goals and Limitations,2.Find the Perfect Home,3.Sell Your Home,4.Sort and Pack Belongings,5.Get Help When You Need It

5 Factors Reveal Where The Real Estate Market Is Really Headed

It’s the old supply-and-demand predicament: Home sales in the U.S. continue at a torrid pace, but the availability of listings remains limited. Buoyed by historically low mortgage rates, buyers keep shopping for homes, reducing the available inventory and sparking a rise in home prices across the country.

How to Bridge the Real Estate Appraisal Gap

Today’s Real Estate Market Unlike Any Other If you’re searching for drama, don’t limit yourself to Netflix. Instead, tune in to the real estate market, where the competition among buyers has never been fiercer. And with homes selling for record highs,1 the appraisal process—historically a standard part of a home purchase—is receiving more attention than ever. That’s because some sellers are finding out the hard way that a strong offer can fizzle quickly when an appraisal comes in below the contract price. Traditionally, the sale of a home is contingent on a satisfactory valuation. But in a rapidly appreciating market, it can be difficult for appraisals to keep pace with rising prices. Thus, many sellers in today’s market favor buyers who are willing to guarantee their full offer price—even if the property appraises for less. For the buyer, that could require a financial leap of faith that the home is a solid investment. It also means they may need to come up with additional cash at closing to cover the gap. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, it’s never been more important to understand the appraisal process and how it can be impacted by a quickly appreciating and highly competitive housing market. It’s also crucial to work with a skilled real estate agent who can guide you to a successful closing without overpaying (if you’re a buyer) or overcompensating (if you’re a seller). Find out how appraisals work—and in some cases, don’t work—in today’s unique real estate environment.   Appraisal Requirements An appraisal is an objective assessment of a property’s market value performed by an independent authorized appraiser. Mortgage lenders require an appraisal to lower their risk of loss in the event a buyer defaults on their loan. It provides assurance that the home’s value meets or exceeds the amount being lent for its purchase. In most cases, a licensed appraiser will analyze the property’s condition and review the value of comparable properties that have recently sold. Mortgage borrowers are usually expected to pay the cost of an appraisal. These fees are often due upfront and non-refundable.2 Appraisal requirements can vary by lender and loan type, and in today’s market in-person appraisal waivers have become much more common. Analysis of the property, the local market, and the buyer’s qualifications will determine whether the appraisal will be waived. Not all properties or buyers will qualify, and not all mortgage lenders will utilize this system.3 If you’re applying for a mortgage, be sure to ask your lender about their specific terms. If you’re a cash buyer, you may choose—but are not obligated—to order an appraisal.   Appraisals in a Rapidly Shifting Market An appraisal contingency is a standard inclusion in a home purchase offer. It enables the buyer to make the closing of the transaction dependent on a satisfactory appraisal wherein the value of the property is at or near the purchase price. This helps to reassure the buyer (and their lender) that they are paying fair market value for the home and allows them to cancel the contract if the appraisal is lower than expected. Low appraisals are not common, but they are more likely to happen in a rapidly appreciating market, like the one we’re experiencing now.4 That’s because appraisers must use comparable sales (commonly referred to as comps) to determine a property’s value. These could include homes that went under contract weeks or even months ago. With home prices rising so quickly,5 today’s comps may be lagging behind the market’s current reality. Thus, the appraiser could be basing their assessment on stale data, resulting in a low valuation.   How Are Buyers and Sellers Impacted by a Low Appraisal? When a property appraises for less than the contract price, you end up with an appraisal gap. In a more balanced market, that could be cause for a renegotiation. In today’s market, however, sellers often hold the upper hand. That’s why some buyers are using the potential for an appraisal gap as a way to strengthen their bids. They’re proposing to take on some or all of the risk of a low appraisal by adding gap coverage or a contingency waiver to their offer. Appraisal Gap Coverage Buyers with some extra cash on hand may opt to add an appraisal gap coverage clause to their offer. It provides an added level of reassurance to the sellers that, in the event of a low appraisal, the buyer is willing and able to cover the gap up to a certain amount.6 For example, let’s say a home is listed for $200,000 and the buyers offer $220,000 with $10,000 in appraisal gap coverage. Now, let’s say the property appraises for $205,000. The new purchase price would be $215,000. The buyers would be responsible for paying $10,000 of that in cash directly to the seller because, in most cases, mortgage companies won’t include appraisal gap coverage in a home loan.6 Waiving The Appraisal Contingency Some buyers with a higher risk tolerance—and the financial means—may be willing to waive the appraisal contingency altogether. However, this strategy isn’t for everyone and must be considered on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to remember that waiving an appraisal contingency can leave a buyer vulnerable if the appraisal comes back much lower than the contract price. Without an appraisal contingency, a buyer will be obligated to cover the difference or be forced to walk away from the transaction and relinquish their earnest money deposit to the sellers.7 It’s vital that both buyers and sellers understand the benefits and risks involved with these and other competitive tactics that are becoming more commonplace in today’s market. We can help you chart the best course of action given your individual circumstances.   What To Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 39% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, elaborates: __________________________ “The frequency of buyers

Is the Real Estate Market Going to Crash?

In Future Is Real Estate Market Going To Crash In 2021 FLPalmBeach Martin Group 900x450 1

At the beginning of the pandemic, fears of an economic recession and an ensuing mortgage meltdown were top of mind for homeowners all across the country. For many buyers and sellers, the two seemed to go hand in hand, just as they did in the 2008 economic crisis. This time around, because of lessons learned in 2008, banks are better funded, homeowners are holding more accrued equity, and, crucially, much of the economic activity is focused on financial factors outside the housing market.

Top 10 Myths that Trip Up First Time Home Buyers

Top 10 Myths That Trip Up First Time Home Buyers   If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably received your share of advice from family and friends. Add to that the constant stream of TV shows, news segments, and social media posts that over-simplify the home buying process for easy entertainment. With so much information to sift through, it can be tough to distinguish fact from fiction. That’s why we’re revealing the truth behind some of the most common home buyer myths and misconceptions. Buying a home is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one. If you arm yourself with knowledge and a qualified team of support professionals, you’ll be well equipped to make the right choices for your family and financial future.   Don’t Fall For These Common Home Buyer Myths   #1 Myth: You need a 20% down payment. Plenty of buyers are purchasing homes with down payments that are much less than 20% of the total cost of the property. Today, you can buy a home with as little as 3-5% down. There are multiple programs out there that allow you to have a lower down payment, and a lender or mortgage broker can talk you through which option is the best for you. Since you’re putting less money down, you’re a riskier borrower to your lender than people who put down a full 20%. Because of this, you will most likely need to pay mortgage insurance as part of your monthly payment.   #2 Myth: Real estate agents are expensive. Your agent is with you every step of the way throughout your home buying journey, and he or she spends countless hours working on your behalf. It sounds like having an agent is expensive, right? Well, not for you. Buyers usually don’t pay a real estate agent’s commission. Your agent’s fee is paid for at closing by the seller of the home you’re buying.1 The seller knows to factor this cost into the property’s total purchase price.   #3 Myth: Don’t call a real estate agent until you’re ready to buy. The earlier you bring in an agent to help with the purchasing process, the better. Even if you’re in the very early stages of casually browsing Zillow, a real estate professional can be a huge help. They can create a search for you in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), so you get notifications for every house that meets your criteria as soon as it hits the market. The MLS is typically more up-to-date than popular home search sites like Zillow and Trulia. Setting up a search a few months before you’re considering buying gives you a good idea of what’s out there in your town that’s in your budget. Reviewing the MLS and speaking with an agent as soon as possible can help you set realistic expectations for when you actually start the house hunting process.   #4 Myth: Fixer-uppers are more budget friendly. We’ve all watched the shows on HGTV that encourage people to go after fixer-uppers because they’re more affordable and allow buyers to eventually renovate the home to include everything on their wish list. But, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, homes that need a lot of work also require a lot of money. Big renovations, like add-ons, a total kitchen remodel, or installing a pool, take a lot longer than it looks on TV. If you’re really interested in a fixer-upper, ask your agent to show you a mix of newer homes and older homes. If you fall in love with an older home that needs a lot of work, get some quotes from contractors before you buy so you know the real cost of the renovations and see if you can work them into your budget.   #5 Myth: Your only upfront cost is your down payment. Your down payment is big, but it isn’t the only money you’ll spend during the home buying process. At closing, you’ll pay your down payment, but you’ll also bring closing costs to the table. Closing costs are typically anywhere from 2-4% of the total purchase price of the home.2 This amount includes the cost for items like homeowners insurance, title fees, and more. You’ll also need to pay for an inspection before closing, which usually costs a few hundred dollars. This price will be higher or lower based on the size of your new property. Your lender will also require an appraisal. An appraiser will come in and inspect the home to determine how much it’s worth. Depending on your lender, you may have to pay this when the appraisal is conducted or it might be rolled into your closing costs.   #6 Myth: You need a high credit rating.  You don’t need perfect credit to buy the perfect home. There are loans out there that buyers with lower credit scores can qualify for. These are good options for people who have had credit issues in the past, but some of them come with additional fees you will need to pay. Speak to a few local lenders or mortgage brokers to talk through which options might be best for you.   #7 Myth: You can’t qualify for a mortgage if you’re still paying off student loans. While some buyers may feel more comfortable paying off their existing debts before taking the leap into home ownership, it’s not a requirement. When you’re applying for a mortgage, the lender takes a close look at your debt-to-income ratio.3 If you want to calculate this on your own, add up all of your monthly debt payments and divide those by your monthly income. When you’re lender does this, they’re trying to make sure that you will be able to afford your monthly mortgage payments along with your other existing payments. If your income is high enough to allow you to make all of these payments each month, having a student loan will most likely not stop you from getting

Household Budget: 20 Ways to Save Money

Save Money Stretch Budget

There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month. Your Household Budget: 20 Ways to Save Money.

Do Rising Home Prices Impact Net Worth?

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important for you to understand how your home’s value contributes to your overall net worth. 

However, for some renters, rising home prices are making dreams of homeownership feel further out of reach. If you’re a renter, now is the time for you to figure out how home ownership fits into your short-term goals and your long-term financial future. An investment in real estate can help you grow your net worth.

Can I Buy or Sell a Home Without a Real Estate Agent?

We all like to save money. Forgoing professional representation may not always be in your best interest. Find out whether the benefits outweigh the risks and considerable time and effort of selling or buying a home on your own.

Move-Up or Upsizing vs.Second Home

Moving-Up Upsizing Houses Yellow Arrow

What type of home would suit you best: a move-up home or a second home? Which is right for you? Answers with things to consider. Text to book free consultation 561-339-1779.

SOLD!! North Palm Beach Intracoastal Waterfront Condo

Old Port Cove Condo Intracoastal Marina East View From Balcony FLPalmBeach Martin Group Real Estate Image

This listing in North Palm Beach has been SOLD!! Retire in Waterfront Condo next to a Boat Marina on each side of building. Enjoy peace, quiet, fresh air, of ocean breezes, warm in winter months, and walk to top-rated Belle’s Restaurant, next door.