Davidson Realty, Inc.

Is a Down Payment Assistance loan right for you?

October 15, 2019

 | 
Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

Not having enough cash to make a down payment on a home is a common concern. But it doesn’t have to be the end of the road! I recently spoke with Mark Sherman of Atlantic Trust Mortgage, who provided valuable insights on another option: a DPA (Down Payment Assistance) loan.

 

Mark said in addition to understanding the ins and outs of traditional loan products (e.g. Conventional, Jumbo, USDA, VA, FHA), mortgage brokers are also responsible for being well-versed in a variety of niche and first-time homebuyer products. This includes knowing how and when these alternative products are valuable to buyers.

 

Key among these products is the DPA loan. Though there are 3% down, 3.5% down and even 100% conventional, government and USDA financing options, some buyers still can’t cover the down payment and closing costs. However, they might have good credit and the necessary income to qualify for the monthly payment.

 

For these buyers, Mark says the DPA portion of their financing is provided as a “second” mortgage “grant” that requires no payment (or a reduced interest-only monthly payment). Then they can apply the funds from their “grant” to their down payment and closing costs. In many cases, the buyer needs no cash at closing.

Read more

Comments currently closed.

Easy ways to boost your curb appeal…this weekend!

October 1, 2019

 | 
Posted by in Agent Feature, News, Top Agents

When home sellers think about improving curb appeal, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. New exterior paint? New landscaping and sod? New driveway? Sounds exhausting and expensive.

 

But it doesn’t have to be!

 

If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future but worry about the time and expense of enhancing your curb appeal, there are plenty of easy ways to spruce it up—without breaking the bank.

 

Here are six easy curb appeal enhancements you can knock out this weekend with a trip to the home improvement store:

 

1.) Pressure wash your exterior. For some jobs, a water hose just won’t do. Be sure to spray all surfaces including the eaves and driveway; just avoid easily damaged areas like caulking around doors and windows as well as roof shingles. Don’t forget to wash the fence as well! You will be shocked at how much a good washing can make your home sparkle. Home Depot rents out electric pressure washers for just $38 per day.

Read more

Comments currently closed.

Together

August 20, 2018

 | 
Posted by in Agent Feature, News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success.

 

Some time ago, Erin and Gail were talking over a cup of coffee and discussing how to create some new avenues for success in their real estate world.  Their talk culminated in the creation of a joint venture website called North Florida Home and Hearth which has evolved into a platform from which they intend to make new business connections and opportunities for professional growth.

Read more

Comments currently closed.

Jacksonville Real Estate Trends in November – Industry Experts Predict Home Sales Reaching Highest Level Since 2006

December 22, 2015

 | 
Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” — Lyndon B. Johnson

A great thought as we wrap up 2015 and embark on a wonderful new year in 2016. This time of year most of us begin planning the next year so let’s look at a few of the predictions.

The 2016 housing forecast issued by realtor.com said “New home construction and moderate gains in the existing home market will deliver a one-two punch that pushes total home sales to the highest levels since 2006.” They are predicting total sales for existing and new homes will reach 6 million, prices will grow around 3% year-over-year and new home sales will grow 16%. Read more

Comments currently closed.

Jacksonville Real Estate Trends for February Show a Normalizing Market

March 20, 2014

 | 
Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

I thought this quote was appropriate when I read RealtyTrac’s report that Florida is still the number 1 state in the nation in foreclosure activity even though initial filings dropped 24% in February from the previous year. The judicial foreclosure process drags on for 1,095 days on average. Only Arkansas and Hawaii have longer time frames. Jacksonville ranked number 3 in highest foreclosure rates in the nation.

I cannot do anything about the foreclosure process, but I can take advantage of all the buyers looking in our area because of the schools, the improvement in jobs and the brutal winter that most of the country has experienced. Read more

Comments currently closed.
Older Posts »

Davidson Realty