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Searching for the Ideal home or interested in a refinance? Use these mortgage loan resources to guide you through the process.
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Get Rid of Your Mortgage Insurance
Lack of inventory and a spike in purchases has caused a rise in home values. This means that you may have enough equity in your home to eliminate costly mortgage insurance premiums by refinancing.
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 do to keep your blood pumping, reduce pain, and improve posture.
Taking the First Step into Home Ownership
Taking the step into homeownership is one of the most important financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime. There are many factors to consider when embarking on this venture.
The Ultimate Tips to Overcome Objections
We are going to talk about how to make you a stronger salesperson by working on overcoming objections.
6 Ways To Stop Paying Rent and Own Your Own Home
6 ways to stop paying rent and own your own home and what you need to make buying your first home easier!
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?”
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.
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.
3 questions to ask your mortgage lender
Buying a home is a big investment as well as a complex and time-consuming transaction.
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 it through challenging times:
When is it smart to pay off your mortgage early?
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 more appealing?
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 more appealing?
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 modification or avoiding foreclosure.
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, despite its beauty and comfortability in the winter, has a way of testing its residents’ resolve.
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 that the average person touches their phone 2,617 times a day! So for the sake of your health, it’s important to clean your phone frequently.
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 others recognize the importance of homeownership and its impact upon the lives of American families, local neighborhoods, and the national economy.
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 that stress, it can be a challenging balance to maintain. Especially when it comes to productivity, stress can be a major obstacle.
Choosing the right Realtor and Lender
Trying to sell a home while looking to buy at the same time can be stressful. Avoid that stress by choosing the right realtor and lender.
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 an actual break here is valuable. If you truly want to maximize this time while still giving your brain a chance to disconnect from work, podcasts are a great option.
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 to start is to evaluate the habits you currently have in place. Take time to reflect, because often, some of our habits are created unintentionally.
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 the productivity skills in place to meet a growing to-do list head on, without working themselves to exhaustion.
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 fear for their personal safety or safety of their personal information.
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?
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 number of “allowances” that you claimed.
FHA Condos Are Back
FHA condo rules will give affordability a boost! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released new guidance on FHA-insured condominium financing. The new rules should benefit new homebuyers by allowing more buyers to obtain low down-payment mortgages on affordable housing options.
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 key paperwork and a sizable down payment, it can also be a stressful experience, especially for first-time homebuyers.
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 earnings by attracting guests to well-designed, well-maintained homes in desirable locales.
Should You Consider Buying an Airbnb Florida Investment Property?
If you’ve been reading about US housing market predictions for 2019, you are already aware of the fact that Airbnb rentals are expected to remain a defining factor in many markets across the nation.
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 tips consumers should keep in mind during the mortgage process to reduce their risk of wire fraud.
Are Closing Costs Tax Deductible Under the New Tax Law?
Here’s the scoop on what’s tax deductible when buying a house.
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.
What to Expect During a Home Inspection
From finding an inspector to dealing with surprises — this is your guide to getting a house checked out.
What You Should Really Know About Browsing for Homes Online
You’re probably not going to find that “perfect home” while browsing listings on your smartphone. Instead, consider the online shopping experience to be an amuse bouche to the home-buying entree — a good way for you to get a taste of the different types of homes that are available and a general idea of what else is out there.
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 with risks. So I wanted to share with you some of the things that I have learned when it comes to knowing our local real estate market and the real estate agents who specialize in working with real estate investors.
What Happens When Your Appraisal Comes in High…or Too Low
When buyers and sellers come to an agreement on the price of a home, it’s the end result of the lowest the seller is willing to accept and the highest the buyer is willing to pay. During negotiations the offer and counteroffer can go back and forth until an agreed upon price is reached…or not. That’s the true market value at work.
Home Buying Process
The home buying experience is a learning process. As you move through it you’ll have a number of options to weigh. But, before beginning the search for that dream home, there are a couple of things you can do to prepare.
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. Here are six costs homeowners tend to overlook and how to pay for them
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 with for the foreseeable future.
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 search term today. In fact, you’ll see ads all over the internet promising them, so now seems like a good time to review all the federal grants available that first-time home buyers can tap into.
10 Important Tips for First time Homebuyers
Getting ready to buy your very first home? Maybe just thinking about it and you’re doing a little due diligence? Every home owner today was at some point a first time buyer. With just a few clicks on your keyboard you can get a wealth of information about most any aspect of home buying and financing.
Purchase the home of your dreams!
HomeReady® was designed by Fannie Mae to make purchasing a home more affordable for borrowers. Creditworthy, low-to-moderate income buyers may be able to purchase a home with low down payment options as low as 3%.
Want to Retire in the Home of your Dreams?
Want to retire in the home of your dreams? A Reverse Mortgage (HECM) may be the right program for you!
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 as pay for closing costs associated with getting a mortgage.
The FHA 203(k) Loan Program Explained
A FHA 203(b) refers to yet another and is the most common FHA program in today’s market. A standard FHA loan to buy and finance a primary residence is an FHA (b) loan but no one really refers to it that way, it’s just an FHA mortgage.
Florida ranks in Top 10 of Kiplinger’s 2018 “Where To Retire” list
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 can be an equally pressing matter.
Questions About 3% Down?
Are you unsure if you are eligible for a Fannie Mae 3% down payment mortgage? If so, review these questions and answers provided about 3% down.
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 cost of living?
10 Problems to Avoid When Buying or Selling a Home
At Ideal Lending Solutions, we know that preparation, along with a little bit of education, can go a long way in helping prospective buyers and sellers avoid costly mistakes and ensure a positive and affordable outcome.
Finding the Right House
Let’s start with finding the right house. Before you begin your search for a home, it’s important to identify the type and style you’d like. Build your checklist by asking yourself some key questions.
Top Mistakes of 1st Time HomeBuyers
Avoid making these top mistakes as a 1st time homebuyers.
Stop Paying Your Landlord’s Mortgage
Committing ANY of these acts can dramatically alter your Credit Score or Debt to Income Ratios and can even block your chance of closing on your home purchase.
Tips to keep your Loan on Track
To ensure that your loan processes quickly it’s important not to do anything that significantly changes your overall financial picture.
2017 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.
What Happens After The Closing
What Happens After The Closing – This guide includes 10 tips you need to know about after you close on your new home!
Owning a Home Can Save You Money At Tax Time
Owning a Home Can Save You Money At Tax Time – This guide includes 10 tax benefits you need to know about!
2018 Loan Limit Increase
FHFA Announces 2018 Loan Limit Increase – New conforming loan limits may make your South Florida homeownership dreams come true!
Steps To Home Ownership
Select a qualified, experienced mortgage lender that you feel comfortable with and get the answers to these questions. Your loan officer will help you find and select the best loan program for your means, help you get pre-approved and guide you to closing.
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 has been considered an extremely profitable investment.
Asking Yourself The Right Questions When Buying A Home
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.
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.
Down Payment Assistance
If you’re a low or middle-income homebuyer 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 there are three options possibly available, providing up to 3.5% of the sale price or appraised value (whichever is less).
Need To Know: Getting Your Loan Approved
As West Palm Beach Mortgage professionals, we 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 finally found it. You want to purchase it but need to get approved for a mortgage. Now what?
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 only South Florida but also across the entire nation.
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 sure to avoid any surprises that might affect your chances of being approved for a mortgage loan.
Three Reasons You Should Consider a Mortgage Broker
Navigating the mortgage process is complex and you probably have many questions if this is your first time. Here are my top three reasons you should consider 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 work?
Local hero nominated for Christmas Miracle
Wellington’s own everyday hero Frank G. was nominated by Kathleen Williams of Ideal Lending Solutions to be a recipient of Homes for Heroes 12 Days of Christmas Miracles.
FHFA Increases 2017 Baseline Conforming Loan Limits
It’s no secret that home prices have been on the rise. Current median home price have actually exceeded 2007, pre-recession values by 1.7% while properties in high-cost areas of the country exceed the baseline loan limit by 115%.
3 Scary Money Myths That Make No Cents!
For most of us, buying a home is the single biggest financial transaction we will make. It’s exciting and fulfilling, but it can also be overwhelming, even downright frightening.
13 Mistakes Home Buyers Make and How To Avoid Them
For most of us, buying a home is the single biggest financial transaction we will make. It’s exciting and fulfilling, but it can also be overwhelming, even downright frightening.
10 Bold Predictions for the Mortgage Industry
If the past 40 years has revealed anything about the mortgage industry, it’s that change is constant, and inevitable. From the future of Fannie and Freddie to the role technology will play in underwriting, here’s a look at 10 bold predictions that will shake up the mortgage industry.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
Preparing Your Home for a Property Appraisal
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 make take only an hour or two, the appraiser must go back to the office, do the research and write a 10- to 12-page report.
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.
