Blog
The VA Funding Fee Exemption Most Disabled Veterans Don’t Know They Have
By Gilbert Bennett If you've served and you're thinking about buying a home in Tampa Bay, you've probably heard that the VA loan is one of the best benefits available to veterans. Zero down, no...
How the Dual-Score Option With VantageScore and FICO Works for Your Florida Mortgage
By Sam Wax Wondering whether your credit score is the only thing standing between you and a home in Tampa? For decades, every conventional mortgage in the country used the same model: Classic FICO....
How and Why to Avoid an Appraisal on Your Florida Home Loan
The home financing process in Tampa can quickly go from exciting to overwhelming. From credit checks to inspections to closing costs, the appraisal often feels like just another delay draining your...
What Is Title Insurance and Do You Really Need It?
By Eric Yoder Buying your first home in the Tampa Bay area is exciting, but there’s something in the closing disclosure to be aware of: title insurance. In Florida, it’s one of the smartest...
How Your Student Loans Affect Your Ability to Buy a Home
By Stephen Arthur With nearly $1.84 trillion in outstanding student loan debt spread across more than 42 million Americans, it’s no surprise that student loans are one of the biggest concerns we...
Relocating to Tampa Bay from Out of State: Your Mortgage Survival Guide
By Eric Yoder Moving to Tampa has been a hot-button topic for a while. It makes sense: Beautiful beaches, weather, no state income tax, and an ever-improving job market make this city a great next...
Pre-Approved but Not Really: What Tampa Homebuyers and Realtors Need to Know
By Eric Yoder After all you’ve been through in the housing process, the deal falls apart at the 11th hour. Why? Getting pre-approved can feel like you’ve got it in the bag, but all pre-approvals...
Why Choose an Independent Mortgage Broker in Tampa Over Larger Banks?
There is a crucial decision to make when securing a mortgage for your home in Tampa. This decision is: Should you work with an independent mortgage broker or a large bank? Many assume a traditional...
What Happens When Your Credit Score Drops Mid-Transaction?
By Sam Wax You'll think the buying process is going smoothly, and in the blink of an eye, something changes. Your credit score, which was in great standing, has suddenly fallen after the...
How VA Loans Help Active-Duty Military Members Buy a Home in Tampa Bay
By Gilbert Bennett Buying a home while serving on active duty can feel like one more mission stacked on top of an already packed schedule. Between PCS timelines, deployment uncertainty, and the cost...
When to Lock Your Mortgage Interest Rate
By Sam Wax One of the first things potential borrowers will say in the introductory phone call goes along the lines of “I just want the best rate.” This very straightforward statement has a...
How My Easy Mortgage Handles Jumbo Loans
By Lesley Holroyd Buying a home is stressful enough without running into a financing wall. And if the home you’ve got your heart set on costs more than $832,750, that’s exactly what happens with a...