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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
You may think the homebuying process is going smoothly, and then, in the blink of an eye, something changes. Your credit score, which was in good standing, suddenly falls after mortgage preapproval...
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...
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...
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...
By Eric Yoder If you’ve been putting off buying your first home in Tampa because you think your credit score isn’t good enough, you’re not alone. Fannie Mae found that roughly one in three Americans...