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25 Ways To Dramatically Increase The Value Of Your Home
Whether you are thinking of selling your home—or just want to spruce it up—here are some inexpensive ways to increase the value of your home. Some require plain old elbow grease. Some require …
How to buy a house that’s not on the market.
In a competitive real estate market, it may be difficult to find the house you’re looking for. And when you finally find it, you could be outbid by another buyer. That’s why many …
Best of Palm Beach County Finalist
We appreciate your vote! Steve Prince (Loan Officer, NMLS# 355013) and Ideal Lending Solutions is among the top 5 finalists for The Best Mortgage Lender in Palm Beach County in The Best of …
2021 Loan Limit Increase
Searching for a home in today’s competitive market? We have good news for you! If you’ve been in search of a home in today’s competitive market, Ideal Lending Solutions, A Division of American …
Get Rid of Your Mortgage Insurance
Changes in the housing market could mean big savings for you! Lack of inventory and a spike in purchases has caused a rise in home values. This means that you may have enough …
Stretches for Desk Workers
Whether you’re still working from home or going back to the office, chances are you’re sitting at a desk for most of the day. We’ve laid out some important stretches that you can …
Taking the First Step into Home Ownership
Home Buyers Face Decisions that Affect Their Long-Term Financial Picture West Palm Beach, FL – Taking the step into homeownership is one of the most important financial decisions a person will make in …
The Ultimate Tips to Overcome Objections
Are you putting a ton of work into your sales process—working with a prospect for days, weeks, maybe even months—to get a deal to the finish line? Just to see it fall through …
6 Ways To Stop Paying Rent and Own Your Own Home
People fear what they don’t understand. A good example is the purchase of a home. The average consumer knows very little about the home buying process. Between finding the right house, making sure …
Down Payments: How Much Do You Really Need?
This is one of the very first questions most first time home buyers ask themselves, “How much do I need for a down payment?” Saving up for a down payment can be one …
Understanding the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
The Mortgage Credit Certificate Programs which are also known as MCC, allows homebuyers to claim a tax credit for a percentage of their paid mortgage interest each year. It is a dollar-for-dollar reduction …
5 tips for successful house shopping during a pandemic
Whether you’re house hunting during flu season or a pandemic, here are some strategies to help you find what you’re looking for while staying safe: Start with a video tour. Get an overall …
3 questions to ask your mortgage lender
Buying a home is a big investment as well as a complex and time-consuming transaction. Whether you’re brand new to homeownership or a seasoned purchaser, you need the support and advice of a …
How to prepare your finances for a natural disaster or pandemic.
The thing about crisis situations is that you never know when to expect them. The only way to cope is by being prepared. Here’s how to prepare your finances to help you make …
When is it smart to pay off your mortgage early?
Being mortgage-free sounds wonderful. But as with most financial choices, there are pros and cons. Before using an inheritance, a raise or savings to pay off your mortgage early, here are some things …
Making an Offer on a House? 11 Strategies to Win
So you’ve found your dream house and you’re ready to make an offer, but how do you make sure your offer stands out among all the others? How do you make your offer …
Protect Your Clients from the Latest Loan Modification Scams!
You are the trusted real estate advisor so it’s likely that past clients will contact you when they are struggling with their mortgage payment or have received information in the mail on loan …
How Do You Know If You Need a New Roof
Floridians are no strangers to extreme weather conditions. Whether it be the stifling heat and humidity during the summer months or the violent wind and rain delivered at hurricane season, the sunshine state, …
Is it necessary to clean your phone?
The short answer is YES! Think of your phone as your third hand. Just like your other hands, it can pick up bacteria, viruses and fungi from constant touching. A 2019 study found …
National Homeownership Month
The week of June 8, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says, marks the beginning of Homeownership Month 2020—a time of year when HUD, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and …
Work-from-Home Productivity
How Does Stress Impact Your Work-from-Home Productivity? With the current situation, it’s natural that our stress levels may be significantly higher than usual. With many professionals trying to work from home and manage …
Choosing the right Realtor and Lender
Why the Right Realtor Makes All the Difference When It Comes to Selling Your Home: The Realtor’s role is critical in the home selling process. The right realtor is an experienced salesperson and …
4 Great Podcasts for Your Work-From-Home Lunch Hour
With so many professionals working at home of late, it’s worth diving into the strategies and resources that can help them excel. Though it can be tempting to work through your lunch, taking …
The Habits That Help Loan Officers Excel
If you’re looking for ways to fuel improvement and accelerate success, habits are the perfect place to start. Sure, these actions may seem small, but their impact can be significant. The first place …
Are You Productive Enough?
Loan officers committed to growing their business need to make productivity a top priority. Otherwise, they risk collapsing under their success. As business grows, so do work demands. Loan officers need to have …
Safety Tips for Real Estate Agents
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Member Safety Survey, almost half of female Realtors and one in four male Realtors have experienced a situation in the past year that made them …
Do You Know How Mortgage Insurance Can Be Cancelled?
Did you know that when you have paid down your mortgage loan balance, or your property value has increased, you may be eligible to eliminate your monthly mortgage insurance? Step One: Know Your …
Tweak Your Withholding Taxes
Remember filling out a W-4 form when you were first hired? It’s the form that determines how much money your employer withholds from your paycheck to pay federal and state taxes—based upon the …
FHA Condos Are Back
FHA to make financing easier for condo owners New FHA condo rules will give affordability a boost! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released new guidance on FHA-insured condominium financing. …
Mortgage Closing Scams: Protect Yourself!
Closing on a new home can be one of your most memorable life moments. It’s the final and one of the most critical stages in the home-buying journey, but with the exchange of …
Turn Your Home into a Top-Notch Vacation Rental
What You Need to Know to Turn Your Home into a Top-Notch Vacation Rental Privately owned vacation rentals are a booming business as of late. Homeowners are learning how to make some solid …
Should You Consider Buying an Airbnb Florida Investment Property?
Have you thought about buying an Airbnb investment property but not sure where to start? I’m sure you have noticed Airbnb rental in the sunshine state is thriving. Airbnb announced that its Florida …
Consumer Awareness – Wire Fraud
At Ideal Lending Solutions, keeping our customer’s personal information private and secure is a top priority. We will remain vigilant against wire fraud through clear communication at all times. Here are a few …
Are Closing Costs Tax Deductible Under the New Tax Law?
Here’s the scoop on what’s tax deductible when buying a house. Are closing costs tax deductible? What about mortgage interest? Or property taxes? The answer is, maddeningly, “It depends.” Basically, you’ll want to itemize …
Are You Getting the Home Tax Deductions You’re Entitled To?
Owning a home can pay off at tax time. If you’re eligible, take advantage of these home ownership-related tax deductions and strategies to lower your tax bill: Mortgage Interest Deduction To claim the mortgage …
What to Expect During a Home Inspection
The first thing you need to know about home inspection: You’ll feel all the feels. There’s the excitement — the inspection could be the longest time you’re in the house, after the showing. …
What You Should Really Know About Browsing for Homes Online
Oh, let’s just admit it, shall we? Browsing for homes online is a window shopper’s Shangri-La. The elegantly decorated rooms, the sculpted gardens, the colorful front doors that just pop with those “come …
Tips for Investing in Rental Properties
Investing in real estate has great potential for passive income. It can also be part of your retirement planning by selling the home and getting a big chunk of equity. It also comes …
What Happens When Your Appraisal Comes in High…or Too Low
What does it mean when the appraisal doesn’t match your offer? When buyers and sellers come to an agreement on the price of a home, it’s the end result of the lowest the …
Home Buying Process
Whether you are an experienced homebuyer or buying your first home, the process can be overwhelming. We’ve highlighted 15 steps in the home buying process to prepare you for this exciting step in …
6 Costs Homeowners Overlook and How to Pay for Them
For many people, a house is the biggest investment they’ll ever make. And whether you’re a first-time homeowner or you’re buying your third property, you’re bound to end up covering some unexpected expenses. …
How to Ensure You’re Buying the Perfect Home
For most people, buying a home is the biggest investment they’ll make in their life. Not only is it a huge financial undertaking, but your final choice is a decision you’ll be living …
First-time Home Buyer Grants
Does the Federal Government Offer First-Time Home Buyer Grants? You know home prices have jumped and buying your first home can be a stretch. “First Time Home Buyer Federal Grants” is a common …
10 Important Tips for First time Homebuyers
Congratulations! Buying your first home is very exciting and a major milestone in your life. While it is a big investment, it is also your first step toward creating wealth and security for …
Purchase the home of your dreams!
Purchase the home of your dreams with a HomeReady® Mortgage Loan HomeReady® was designed by Fannie Mae to make purchasing a home more affordable for borrowers. Creditworthy, low-to-moderate income buyers may be able …
Want to Retire in the Home of your Dreams?
The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is commonly known as a “Reverse Mortgage.” HECM loans were created in the 1980’s as a government-insured loan to help homeowners 62 and older convert some of …
Approved Sources for Down Payment and Closing Cost Funds
Whether you’re a first time home buyer or getting ready to retire and buy your “forever” home, you’ll need to consider how much you’ll need to have for a down payment as well …
The FHA 203(k) Loan Program Explained
The FHA 203(k) loan has somewhat of a funny name. The (k) refers to a specific section with FHA’s lending guidelines. A FHA 203(b) refers to yet another and is the most common …
Florida ranks in Top 10 of Kiplinger’s 2018 “Where To Retire” list
NEW YORK – May 9, 2018 – In contemplating retirement, the big question tends to be when to retire? Or, perhaps, how much money do you need to retire? But where to retire …
Questions About 3% Down?
Who is eligible for a Fannie Mae 3% down payment mortgage? A 3% down payment mortgage is best suited for responsible homebuyers who may not have the financial resources to make a large …
Could you use a Reverse Mortgage in Retirement?
Throughout your working life, you’ve dreamed of retirement. But wait a minute! How’s your retirement income going to pay for property taxes, unexpected medical bills, rising energy and utility expenses, and the overall …
10 Problems to Avoid When Buying or Selling a Home
There is nothing worse than making an important decision without having all the information. A lack of preparation can result in mistakes that can cost you thousands of dollars. At Ideal Lending Solutions, …
Finding the Right House
Are you ready to make that leap from renting to owning a home of your own? Before you begin your search for a home, it’s important to identify the type and style you’d …
Top Mistakes of 1st Time HomeBuyers
MISTAKE 1: Start House Hunting Without A Pre-Approval Imagine finding and falling in love with a house you can’t afford. Starting your search without a pre-approval* can mean wasted time and disappointment. Save …
Stop Paying Your Landlord’s Mortgage
Invest In Yourself Are you tired of paying rent? Don’t miss out on fulfilling your dream of homeownership. Put your hard-earned money to work for you, not your landlord. At Ideal Lending Solutions, …
Tips to keep your Loan on Track
As your lender, Ideal Lending Solutions is required to provide updates on all critical financial documentation that is over 30 days old prior to your closing. So, whether you’re buying a home or …
House Hunting Tips
Internet Stay on top of newly listed houses on the MLS. You can access MLS listings via a Realtor, or search online via a home search website. This will help you schedule a …
Income Tax Deductions For Real Estate Agents
This is a list of possible income tax deductions available to real estate agents. Be sure to review with a tax professional to ensure that these deductions apply to your tax situation. Advertising Billboard, …
What Happens After The Closing
It is recommended you keep all records pertaining to your home together in a safe place, including all purchase documents, insurance, maintenance and improvements. Keys To Home You have been supplied with a …
Owning a Home Can Save You Money At Tax Time
10 Ways to Save From almost the very beginning, homeownership has been the financial foundation for the American dream. If you’re like most of us, purchasing a home is the largest investment you’ll …
Steps To Home Ownership
What can you afford, how much money do you need and when can you buy? Select a qualified, experienced mortgage lender that you feel comfortable with and get the answers to these questions. Your loan …
Renters Have Much to Gain by Pursuing Home Ownership
Buying a home vs. renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration, as most mortgage consultants will agree. But the rewards of home ownership are great. For many years, purchasing real estate …
Asking Yourself The Right Questions When Buying A Home
How much can I afford? Knowing just how much house you can afford will make your search much easier. This is probably the most important question for first time home buyers. But, don’t …
10 Problems to Avoid When Buying or Selling a Home
There is nothing worse than making an important decision without having all the information. A lack of preparation can result in mistakes that can cost you thousands of dollars. At Ideal Lending Solutions, …
Down Payment Assistance
If you’re a low or middle-income home buyer who qualifies for an FHA first mortgage but could use some down payment assistance, Ideal Lending Solutions may have the answer. In fact, based on your income …
Need To Know: Getting Your Loan Approved
Ideal Lending Solutions, NMLS# 1103074, West Palm Beach mortgage originators understand that finding the perfect home is something special. You’ve searched far and wide for the home that has everything you need and you …
West Palm Beach Market Update – February 2017
Are you looking to buy a home in South Florida? If so, join the line! In a recent article posted on the Sun Sentinel, the author noted that home prices continue to rise in not …
Prepare Financially for Buying a Home
Four things you can do to prepare financially for buying a home Let’s face it, you don’t buy a house every day. Even if this isn’t your first time, you want to be …
Three Reasons You Should Consider a Mortgage Broker
Three Reasons You Should Consider a West Palm Beach Mortgage Broker Generally, there are two ways to get a mortgage in Florida. You can use a traditional lender, like a bank or a mortgage broker. …
Three Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage
Working in the West Palm Beach mortgage industry for many years we have assisted and advised many clients looking to refinance their mortgage. All our clients had questions about refinancing. How does it …
Local hero nominated for Christmas Miracle
Wellington, FL – Wellington’s own everyday hero Frank G. was nominated by Kathleen Williams, NMLS# 1066793 of Ideal Lending Solutions to be a recipient of Homes for Heroes 12 Days of Christmas Miracles. A Little …
FHFA Increases 2017 Baseline Conforming Loan Limits
Increases in the Max Conforming Loan Limits May Give Your Clients Access to More Expensive Properties West Palm Beach, FL – It’s no secret that home prices have been on the rise. Current median …
3 Scary Money Myths That Make No Cents!
West Palm Beach, FL – Ever since we were children, we’ve heard and repeated familiar sayings about money. One favorite of parents everywhere is, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” But what if it turned out …
13 Mistakes Home Buyers Make and How To Avoid Them
Buying a home? Avoid These Common Home Buyer Mistakes! West Palm Beach, FL – For most of us, buying a home is the single biggest financial transaction we will make. It’s exciting and fulfilling, …
10 Bold Predictions for the Mortgage Industry
In an industry that is constantly changing, it can be hard to keep up with everything going on. Here are 10 bold mortgage predictions that will shake up the industry. West Palm Beach, …
Buying vs Renting a Home
How much could you be saving by buying a home? West Palm Beach, FL – How much could you be saving by buying a home? Let’s calculate it and find out! In this all …
Realtors: When Should You Walk Away from a Listing?
West Palm Beach, FL – Have you ever thought about walking away from a listing? While there are probably reasons too numerous to name, I wanted to share with you the top five that …
Your Taxpayer Rights
West Palm Beach, FL – There are 3 letters that strike fear into the hearts of Americans—I-R-S! And the very thought of being audited by them—usually turns into panic. What you might not know …
Ideal Lending Solutions Teams Up with Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County
West Palm Beach, FL – Ideal Lending Solutions, a division of American Financial Network, Inc., NMLS# 237341, will join members of Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County on the morning of Saturday, …
Increase the sale price of your home
West Palm Beach, FL – Getting a higher price when you sell your home doesn’t have to involve a bunch of expensive renovations. Here are some quick, low-cost improvements designed to turn the …
Rising Homeownership Rates
West Palm Beach, FL – The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) generates a yearly report, the State of Hispanic Homeownership Report, that examines the increasingly pivotal role that Hispanic consumers …
WOOP Your Goals Into Success
West Palm Beach, FL – Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, psychologist, researcher and author of the book “Rethinking Positive Thinking,” says we’ve been inundated with advice to think positively or visualize success. While visualizing the achievement …
7 Common Misconceptions about Credit Reports
There are a lot of misconceptions about what information (about you) becomes part of your credit report. West Palm Beach, FL – Some of it is “urban legend” — passed on from person …
Ways To Avoid Student Loan Debt
How to Avoid Massive Student Loan Debt Miami, FL – As you make plans for your children’s post-secondary education, keep in mind that the average student’s debt is currently almost $30,000, and it’ll …
8 Things Real Estate Agents can do to help with the Appraisal Process
Realtors have more control working with an appraiser—more than they think they do. West Palm Beach, FL – I recently read an article written by an appraiser who said, “Realtors have more control …
Planning For Prosperity In the New Year
Planning for prosperity: simple, bedrock rules on personal finance. West Palm Beach, FL – Smart money strategies aren’t more complicated than you think. They’re simpler! Here are some to consider: Ignore economic forecasts. They only …
Why Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
Don’t mistake a Mortgage Pre-Qualification for a Mortgage Pre-Approval West Palm Beach, FL – There’s a big difference between being Pre-Approved for a home mortgage and Pre-Qualified. Homebuyers who get pre-approved have submitted documentation and their …
Steps to Protect Your Credit During a Divorce
Ensure Your Credit Remains Intact Through a Divorce West Palm Beach, FL – When a marriage ends in divorce, the lives of those involved are changed forever. During this time of upheaval, one thing that …
Preparing Your Home for a Property Appraisal
West Palm Beach, FL – You’ve sold your home. Or, you are thinking of refinancing your current mortgage. One of the things that the lender will require is a property appraisal. While the actual appraisal inspection …
Get Started Today!
Buying a new home or refinancing your current loan? Use our quick and easy tools to find out how much home you qualify for or instantly download your custom home equity report.
