Bargain-Hunters Find Cascades At St Lucie West Market That Isn’t Waiting

Bargain-Hunters Find Cascades At St Lucie West Market That Isn’t Waiting

Anyone who is buying a house in Cascades St. Lucie West– or even just checking up on the market — is likely to find that some of the rules of the game seem to have shifted. Particularly anyone expecting to be deluged by the kind of amazing deals being offered in 2008 and 2009 should see what I mean.

As the latest housing statistics continue to paint an upbeat picture, at least when it comes to bargain-priced properties, the days of multiple bids and ‘offers over asking’ are back.  If you are weighing the advantages of buying a house in Cascades St. Lucie West before interest rates and prices rise in earnest, it should be useful to take a look at some strategies that work — and some that virtually never work:

1)                  Blanket Low-balling – Running around writing up a bunch of low-ball offers is a surefire way to get yourself ignored, or worse, miss out on an otherwise great property. A better approach?  Work with a knowledgeable agent whose expertise in Florida neighborhoods will allow you to check on the most recent comps, then write a serious offer.

2)                  Dismissing Imperfect Properties – The degree of your success in buying a house in Cascades St. Lucie West can depend on starting out with a reality check: only very rarely is a property totally perfect for you and priced absolutely right.

3)                  Highest and Best – Unfortunately, the tempting low prices listed for some Florida bank-owned homes also means that it’s increasingly common to encounter the dreaded “multiple offer situation.”  If you find yourself there, be prepared to submit your highest and best offer first — you may not have another shot.

This changing market doesn’t mean we are headed into the kind of fever-induced ‘bubble’ we saw in the mid- 2000’s.  But for those seeking a deal and waiting for the bottom of the market before buying a house in Port St. Lucie, the market does not seem to be waiting. 2013 is clearly the time to jump in!

Having the right real estate agent means having an agent who is committed to helping you buy your new home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This commitment level has helped Bold Real Estate Group build a remarkable track record of delivering results

Are you tired of scouring the newspaper and MLS listing sites looking for homes in Florida? Tired of playing telephone tag with Realtors only to hear the home’s already sold? Sit back, relax and let Bold Real Estate Group and our team of professional Realtors do the work for you! Just visit our website and check off the properties you’re looking for. This service is FREE and there’s no obligation!

http://www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com

http://www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com

http://www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com

http://www.PGAVillage-Homes.com

http://www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com

http://www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

About the Author: Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida. Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties. For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net or 772-224-1634

 

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Survey: More Americans Say Walking Out on Mortgage OK

Survey: More Americans Say Walking Out on Mortgage OK.

When you are Ready To Buy,  Real Estate agent Millie Gil will…

Help you sellect a home and community that’s right for you, and ensure a good investment.

Determine an appropiate sales offer.

Negotiate a final contract.

Guide you through inspections, contingencies and deadlines, making sure you are prepared and informed at closing.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, an agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

View thousands of listings  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach, Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

Realty Times – Eminent Domain Could be Used to Seize Underwater Mortgages

Realty Times – Eminent Domain Could be Used to Seize Underwater Mortgages.

When you are Ready To Buy in Cascades,  Real Estate agent Millie Gil will…

Help you sellect a home and community that’s right for you, and ensure a good investment.

Determine an appropiate sales offer.

Negotiate a final contract.

Guide you through inspections, contingencies and deadlines, making sure you are prepared and informed at closing.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, an agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

View thousands of listings  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach, Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

 

Realty Times – Tips For Canadian First-Time Buyers

Realty Times – Tips For Canadian First-Time Buyers.

Are you tired of scouring the newspaper and MLS listing sites looking for homes in Florida?   Tired of playing telephone tag with Realtors only to hear the home’s already sold?  Sit back, relax and let Bold Real Estate Group and our team of professional Realtors do the work for you!  Just visit our website and check off the properties yuor’re looking for.  This service is FREE and there’s no obligation!

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach, Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

Thanks for visiting Bold Real Estate Group BLOG

Thanks for visiting Bold Real Estate Group BLOG

I am prepared to represent buyers, sellers and renters worldwide. Doing relocation work is also a passion, by assisting clients with every real estate need.  I have a strong network of real estate professionals all over the world, so I can refer our clients whey they are seeking property almost anywhere in the world. I know that the successful achievement of your real estate objectives will be equally dependent upon your input and my twenty-six years of experience.  I make a commitment to all of my clients, purchasers and sellers alike.  This commitment means that I work diligently and quickly to produce results.

KNOWLEDGE

As a dedicated real estate agent, I am qualified to guide you in buying or selling a home. I believe in using my skills in finance, contracts, negotiation and marketing to your best advantage.

INTEGRITY

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important transactions in the lives of many people. Because of that, it is important that you work with someone you trust and feel is a market expert with integrity. People trust me with their most-valuable asset. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously. I know that your success is my success.

LOCAL EXPERTISE

I offer local expertise in a home market tailored to meet your needs. As a local professional, I know the neighborhoods, schools, market conditions, zoning regulations and local economy. I will do the leg work, keeping you up-to-date with new listings and conditions as they impact the market. I will make the process as pleasurable and stress-free an experience for you as I can.

SUCCESS

I don’t measure my success through awards received or achievements, but through the satisfaction of my clients. Whether you are looking to buy or sell your home, I will provide sound and trustworthy advice to help you achieve your real estate goals.

Let me guide you through the complexities of buying or selling your home, eliminating hassles and stress. I look forward to working with you.

I am available and well prepared to assist you in reaching your real estate objectives.  If you are ready to move forward, you can reach me at 772-224-1634 or by email at milliegil@comcast.net   You may also visit our company Web site at http://www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com for additional information on all the real estate services we offer.

Please bookmark this site for future reference, and enjoy!  Referrals are appreciated and help my business grow.

Se Habla Español

Es para nosotros un placer poder asistirle con su compra o venta de propiedad a nivel local, nacional e internacional.  Nuestro equipo le proporcionará la información desde como elegir la mejor propiedad, la negociación y el financiamiento con su compra de propiedad residencial o comercial. Tarifas de hipoteca, mudanzas, y todo aquello pertinente a una toma de decisión de compra  en el Mercado estado unídense.

Nuestro compromiso es el de proveer servicio con excelencia y con dedicación personalizada.  Comprar o vender una propiedad puede ser un proceso difícil, tanto emocional como logístico. Nuestro equipo profesional no solamente le encontrara la mejor selección de propiedades, pero lo guiara en obtener la casa perfecta que cumpla con sus necesidades y perfil económico. Estaremos a su  disposición y siguiendo cada procedimiento meticulosamente en cada fase del proceso.

Para mas información comuníquese con nosotros al (772) 224-1634 o nuestro correo electrónico communityinfo@comcast.net  Visite nuestras páginas de Internet www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com

The Best Ways To Begin Your New Home Search

This is a great time to start looking for a new home in preparation for a summer move.  Summer is a great time to buy a home.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why now is the time to begin planning.

1.  Summer is a great time to buy a home because you can see your potential new home in all of its glory.  You will be able to see if the lawn is green, if the foliage is alive and in good condition etc.

2.  Have a vision of what you want before you begin your house hunting. Think about what local  activities your family will require, the proximity to your work, how close the home is to your needs such as groceries, daycare etc.

3.  Budget.  Get your financial plan together.  Can you afford a Home Owners Association fee if you find the perfect home?  What about any other related expenses – landscaping, pool services etc?

4.  Select a real estate agent.  Select a realtor you trust to help you through the entire buying process.

5.  Select a mortgage company or financial institution to help you with the pre-approval needs for your new home.  Your realtor will be able to recommend some reputable companies based on their daily experience in dealing with mortgage companies.

6.  Get a reality check.  No matter how much you have to spend, it is unlikely that you will get 100% of everything you want in a home.  Select a few “must haves” and let the rest of your wants come as they may.  Some people have too many “must haves” and they end up tirelessly searching for that perfect home that just doesn’t exist.  The same thing goes for your champagne taste and your beer budget.  If your realtor has shown you several homes that you want but have sold for more than you can spend, you may need to realize that you have to live within your means.  Continuing your search for homes that you cannot afford will only delay the inevitable – finding a suitable home that you can afford!

7.  Do your market research.  Have your realtor do some market research for the area you are considering.  This will help you to focus on what is real.  Yes, there are many foreclosures and distressed properties out there but do you really want to go this route – dealing with the banks and their red tape.  Then you will  have to deal with the contractors once you purchase the home?   Let your realtor help you find a home that is suitable for you and your family.

8.  Read everything before you sign it or before proceeding with the deal. Read Everything!  Enough said.

9.  Don’t get discouraged.  It is normal to make offers on more than one home before you have a seller accept your offer.  Don’t worry, this is to be expected.

10.  Don’t let the competition get the better of you.  It is not uncommon for buyers to start a bidding war for a home they want.  But don’t let temptation get the better of you.  You do not want to end up spending thousands of dollars over your budget just because you want to “win” the deal.  Remember, there are plenty of homes out there and if you miss out on this one there will be others.  Guaranteed!

Your realtor will help you stay focused.  So don’t hesitate to talk to them about your wants and needs.  Your agent knows the game and will be able to help you get the most for your money without getting into a bidding war.

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About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach, Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

NOCATEE a Northeast Florida Growing Community!

NOCATEE a Northeast Florida growing community!

Nocatee is a master-planned community located in Ponte Vedra, a golfer’s city and home to the PGA Tour of the Northeast Florida First Coast.  Nocatee currently features seven new neighborhoods and a wide variety of ready and magnificent homes for quick move-in or a great location to build your new home with choice of builder and preferred home style.  Homes are priced from the low $100s to more than $1 Million offering a wide selection of Condominiums, Townhomes, Patio Homes, Carriage Homes, Single Family, Estate Homes and 55+ active Adult Community.

Nocatee lifestyles features employment opportunities, new town center anchored by Publix Supermarket, banking, corporate office park, restaurants, St. Johns County School district, civic uses,  amenities, fitness center, a resort style water park and much more.

No matter how simple the process seems to purchase a new home from a builder you cannot go wrong by obtaining professional advice from a real estate agent who looks after your interest.

If  interested in a community tour and additional information at no cost to you, please click on Builder of choice below and complete short form  to receive your FREE information packet.  For automated listings delivered to your inbox, define the search criteria and we match it with the most current listings to hit the market in our database. This is a terrific way to stay up-to-date without spending hours scouring the internet and paging through the newspaper.  We look forward to being of service.

NOCATEE BUILDERS

David Weekly Homes
Del Webb 55+
CornerStone
Lennar
Mattamy Homes
Providence Homes
Richmond American Homes
Taylor Morrison Homes
Toll Brothers

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach, Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

How To Avoid Delays In The Closing Of Your Home

How To Avoid Delays In The Closing Of Your Home

You have finally found the house of your dreams and you can’t wait to close and get moved into your new home.  So you definitely want everything to go as smoothly as possible with the sale of your current home.  Here are a few things you can do to make sure that you help avoid any possible delays during escrow.

First of all, problems can arise during closing no matter what you do and closing dates are never set in stone.  Just about anyone involved in the process could potentially cause a delay.  So you will want to keep in close contact with your realtor.  Your realtor will be able to inform you immediately of any deadlines that are approaching and help you to effectively deal with any delays.

Here are a few a few things you can do to help avoid any escrow delays.

1.  Make sure you have a very well written sales contract

2.  Ask your realtor to make sure that the buyer is required to  provide proof of sufficient funds for their down payment and closing costs

3.  It is a good idea to have the buyer provide proof of the ability to buy homeowners insurance (due to new restrictions on insurance policies, the mortgage lender will most likely require them to provide their insurance prior to funding the loan)

4.  Make sure you modify the part of the sales contract where the seller makes a warranty to the buyer of the condition of the property.  It should be modified to reflect the sellers transfer disclosure statement.  If you leave this out, the seller may have to repair items that are found not working or faulty and this could delay your escrow period

There are many things to remember and many things that need to be taken care of prior to a closing.  So it is a good idea to keep in regular contact with your realtor throughout the entire process.  Your realtor will help keep you on track and make sure that everything you need to do gets done within the timeframe that is required.

The last thing you want is to get to your closing appointment only to realize that one of the items needed for closing has not been done.  Your agent wants to get you through the sales process and through your closing as smoothly as possible.  So you don’t need to worry about anything, but you do need to keep in touch.

The next thing you know, you will be enjoying your new home and that everything was completed without a glitch!   At least, that is, until you get ready to buy your next home, then everything starts over again.  But that is a topic for another day.  For now you can relax and enjoy your new home for years to come.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach, Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

Help For Underwater Or Nearly Underwater Homeowners – Have You Heard Of HARP?

Help For Underwater Or Nearly Underwater Homeowners – Have You Heard Of HARP? So exactly what is HARP?  Well HARP stands for “Home Affordable Refinance Program”.   The HARP program is a federal government program that was designed to help underwater or nearly underwater homeowners to refinance their homes.  The refinance enables an underwater homeowner to refinance their mortgage into a fixed loan with a lower monthly payment.

Traditionally, if you owed more than your home was worth, you would not have been able to get traditional refinancing.   The HARP program will help you refinance your home even if the value of your home has declined.  This program is not for people who simply cannot afford their current home.

Who Is Eligible? You must meet all of the following guidelines in order to qualify.

• Your mortgage must be owned or guaranteed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae

• Your mortgage must have sold to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae on or before 5-31-09

• Your mortgage cannot have been previously refinance under HARP unless it is a Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae loan that was refinanced sometime during March 2009 and May 2009

• The current loan to value (LTV) ratio must be greater than 80% – 125%

• You must be current on your mortgage at the time of refinance

• You must have a good payment history over the last 12 months

• You still have to qualify income and credit wise

HARP 2.0

On October 24, 2011, President Obama announced an overhaul to the HARP program in hopes of helping more underwater homeowners.    Remember, though, that you will only be eligible for HARP if your mortgage is held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  Ask your mortgage company if they participate in the HARP program.

Here are some of the changes to the original HARP program.  This new program is commonly referred to HARP 2.0

• There are no underwater limits

• You will now be able to refinance no matter how far the value of your home has dropped

• You will no longer have to get appraisals and underwriting

• It  contains modified fees.  Some risk based fees for homeowners who refinance into a shorter term loan will be eliminated or modified

• The deadline for this program has been extended through December 31, 2013

HARP 2.0 is a great option for qualified homeowners that want to take advantage of the lower interest rates that are currently available.  Talk to your realtor for more details about HARP 2.0 to see if this type of program is right for you.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Serving Locally and Globally.  View thousands of new and resale homes:  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com a Golf Style Private Community,  www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com  a 55+ Resort Lifestyle Community, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

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The Facts About Financing A Second Home

The Facts About Financing A Second Home

Buying a second home is very exciting.  This may be a home in the place where you vacation every year, somewhere that you like to  go and relax and enjoy your time off.   Perhaps you are looking for an investment opportunity.  Whatever the case may be, here are some things to consider when it comes time to buy and finance your second home.

• It is a great time to buy a second home – the mortgage rates are low
• If you have a strong credit history you are guaranteed the best rates
• You can use the equity in your current home as a down payment or closing costs
• Lenders are offering some really affordable loan options right now
• Remember, the guidelines for how much you can quality for is based on 28% of your gross income
• If you are a long term homeowner, you may be able to borrow more than you think

A second home as an investment property is a fantastic idea.  If you are looking for a way to save money for your retirement,  this is it.  A second home forces you to put away money every month in the form of a mortgage payment.  When it comes time to retire, you can sell it or use the income, which could be significant if you have it paid off.

Another reason a second home as part of your retirement plan is a good idea is due to the fact that your investment money is subject to less income tax and the interest and taxes may be deductible.   So planning ahead could pay off in a big way.

You must make sure; however, that you have enough money to cover the mortgage payments plus any additional expenses such as repairs, yearly taxes and insurance, if they are not a part of your mortgage payment, and anything else that may arise.  The good news is if you buy the right house at the right price, your rental property should always stay rented.

So if you are able, don’t hesitate to call your real estate agent and let them know that you are ready to buy a second home and they will move heaven and earth to help you find a home that fits your needs.  Your realtor has “inside information” if you will, about all types of homes in all types of markets and some that are not even on the market yet.  So take advantage of their wealth of knowledge and the next thing you know you will be vacationing in your second home or enjoying the benefits of all that extra income!

Having the right real estate agent means having an agent who is committed to helping you buy, sell or rent  your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This commitment level has helped me build a remarkable track record of delivering results.

Nothing is more exciting to me than the gratifying feeling I get from helping people meet their real estate needs. You can count on me to always do what’s in your best interest. I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the real estate market. I know how important it is to find your dream home. Therefore I will make it my responsibility to help you achieve those goals.

Whether you are an experienced investor or a first time buyer, I can help you in finding the property of your dreams. Please feel free to browse my website or let me guide you every step of the way by calling or e-mailing me to set up an appointment today.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

View thousands of new and resale homes:  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com a Golf Style Private Community,  www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com  a 55+ Resort Lifestyle Community, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

Making Sense Of Points, Rates And Fees

Making Sense Of Points, Rates And Fees

You have just found the home of your dreams and the seller has accepted your offer.  Now the fun begins.  You keep hearing terms like “buy down”, “discount points”, “purchase points, but you have no idea what all this means.  Do they all mean the same thing or is each term something different?  This is where your realtor comes in.  Of course you can always call your lender; however, your realtor is the one you have been dealing with and the one that will be more than happy to explain everything to you.

Purchase Points – which are also known as a buy down or discount points.  Points is a term used to define an amount of money given to the lender at closing to lower your interest rate for your mortgage loan.   Every point is equal to one percent of the total amount of your loan.  So if you have a mortgage that is $100,000 then one point would equal $1000.  Every point you buy will lower your interest rate by a certain percentage.   Just remember, the more points you buy, the more money you are going to have to come up with at closing.

The question is – is it smarter to buy points or to hold on to your money?  Well, that depends on how long you plan on staying in that home and of course what you can afford to pay.  If you are planning on staying in this home for more than five years then my advice is for you to buy as many points as you can.  Because this will lower your monthly payments and will save you interest over the life of the loan.

Interest Rates – interest rates fluctuate daily, and when you apply for a loan it doesn’t mean that the rate you were quoted that day is the same rate you will get at closing unless you “lock in” your interest rate.  Locking in your interest rate will give you a guaranteed rate within a specific time frame.  Most lock in periods are for 15, 45 or 60 days.   Keep in mind that the longer you lock in your rate the more it will cost you because a lender takes more of a risk to lock you in for a longer period of time.

Fees – since when have you ever bought anything that did not have some sort of fee associated with it?  Well, a mortgage is no different.   Some of the fees you can expect are:  title fees, underwriting fees, land survey fees,  appraisal fees etc.  Each lender is different and will work your loan differently; some lenders will charge you lower fees but a higher interest rate.

So before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you do your homework and most definitely ask your realtor to let you know who they have had the best experiences with.  Make sure there are no hidden fees and make sure that you fully understand what costs are involved and what your obligations are for the life of your loan.

Having the right real estate agent means having an agent who is committed to helping you buy, sell or rent  your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This commitment level has helped me build a remarkable track record of delivering results.

Nothing is more exciting to me than the gratifying feeling I get from helping people meet their real estate needs. You can count on me to always do what’s in your best interest. I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the real estate market. I know how important it is to find your dream home. Therefore I will make it my responsibility to help you achieve those goals.

Whether you are an experienced investor or a first time buyer, I can help you in finding the property of your dreams. Please feel free to browse my website or let me guide you every step of the way by calling or e-mailing me to set up an appointment today.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

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