Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you.You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation.Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation ProcessThe complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s where...

Why Pre-Approval Is More Important Than Ever This Spring

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

Spring is here, and so is the busiest season in real estate. More buyers are out looking for homes, which means more competition for you. If you want to put yourself in the best position to buy, there’s one step you can’t afford to skip, and that’s getting pre-approved for a mortgage.Some buyers think they can wait until they’ve found a home they love before talking to a lender. But in a season where homes can sell fast, that’s a risky move. Getting pre-approved before you start your search is a much better bet.Here’s what you need to know about this early step in the buying process.What Is...

Your Roadmap to Homeownership

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

Some HighlightsBuying a home isn’t just a transaction – it’s a journey. And like any great adventure, having a solid roadmap makes all the difference. ?From building your dream team to getting pre-approved, house hunting, and signing the papers on closing day – each milestone is an achievement. Your journey starts here. Connect with an agent so you have help every step along the way.?

What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Featured, For Buyers, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

Homeowner’s insurance is a must-have to protect what’s probably your biggest investment – your home. And while you never want to think about worst-case scenarios, the right coverage is basically your safety net if something goes wrong. Here’s how it helps you.Covers Repairs and Rebuilding Costs: If your home is damaged by fire, storms, or other covered events, your policy helps pay for repairs or even a full rebuild.Protects Your Belongings: Many policies can also cover personal items like furniture, electronics, and clothing if they’re stolen or damaged.Provides Liability Coverage: If...

Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market.What Is an ADU?According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on the same lot as a single-family home. It must include its own areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathrooms independent of the main house. And they can take shape in a few different ways. Fannie Mae adds, an ADU...

The Return to Urban Living — Why More People Are Moving Back to Cities

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

After years of suburban and rural migration during the pandemic, cities have been making a comeback in the past couple of years. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the percentage of people moving to cities has risen to 16%. While that may not sound like a big number to you, it is the highest level in a decade – and that’s a big deal (see graph below):And data from BrightMLS seems to confirm this trend. In a recent survey, 1 in 5 (20.6%) people looking to buy say they want to live in the city.So, what’s behind this ongoing shift back to urban living? Let’s break down...

Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on February 1, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.1. FHA LoansIf your down payment savings...

Smaller Homes, Bigger Opportunities: The Homebuilder Trend Buyers Love

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on February 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Home Prices, Mortgage Rates, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

It’s no secret that affordability is tough with where mortgage rates and home prices are right now. And that may have you worried about how you’ll be able to buy a home. But, if you don’t need a ton of space, you may find you have more cost-effective options in an unexpected place: new home communities.Builders Are Building Smaller Homes Since smaller homes typically come with smaller price tags, buyers have turned their attention to homes with less square footage — and builders have shifted their focus to capitalize on that demand. As U.S. News notes:“The combination of higher home prices...

Why More People Are Buying Multi-Generational Homes Today

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on February 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

Today, 17% of homebuyers are choosing multi-generational homes — that’s when you buy a house with your parents, adult children, or even distant relatives. What makes that noteworthy is that 17% is actually the highest level ever recorded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But what’s driving the recent rise in multi-generational living?Top Benefits of Choosing a Multi-Generational HomeIn the past, homebuyers often opted for multi-generational homes to make it easier to care for their parents. And while that’s still a key reason, it’s not the only one. Right now, there’s another...

New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

Written by Palm Harbor FL Mortgage Syndicated User on January 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Palm Harbor FL Mortgage, Palm Harbor Mortgage.

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start?Here’s some advice that can help you get the ball rolling. Focus on Your WhyTo lay the foundation, you need to focus on your why. While the dollars and cents are important, so is the driving force behind your desire to move. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, want to sell so you can downsize, or are...

Category: Buying Tips