buying a house: Top 3 mistakes homebuyers make when buying a home - 08/12/23 05:53 AM
When buying a home, there are several common mistakes that homebuyers can make. Here are the top three: Not doing enough research: One of the most significant mistakes homebuyers make is not conducting sufficient research about the property, neighborhood, and real estate market. Failing to gather enough information about the property's history, potential issues, and local amenities can lead to regrets later on. It's crucial to thoroughly research the neighborhood's safety, schools, proximity to essential services, and potential future developments that could impact property values.
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Overextending financially: Another common mistake is overestimating one's budget and buying a home beyond what they … (6 comments)

buying a house: Buying a House Tips: The Elusive 3% Loan Rate and What to Expect - 07/20/23 06:14 AM

Are you waiting for the 3% mortgage loan rate to return? Discover why economists believe it may never happen and get practical tips for buying a house in the current rate atmosphere.
If you've been holding off on buying a house due to the current interest rates, you might need to rethink your timeline. The highly desirable 3% loan rate that we witnessed in 2021, as reported by Freddie Mac, may not be making a comeback. Here's why.
The unprecedented circumstances that led to historically low rates, such as the global pandemic in 2020, are not likely to repeat anytime soon. Economists unanimously … (2 comments)

buying a house: Florida Real Estate Market. Is it still worth it to buy a home? - 10/10/22 06:50 AM

Real Estate Market Why owning a home pays off in the long run
One of the biggest questions I’m getting right now is: should I still buy a home today? Here’s what I can tell you. While the headlines are focused on the market cooling in recent months, they don’t paint the full picture of why homeownership is worth it. While those short-term changes matter, homeowners win in the long run, and I can prove it. We know that home values typically rise with time. And we’ve certainly seen that over the past few years. But here’s what I want you to … (4 comments)

buying a house: 3 Reasons To Buy A Home Today - 09/30/22 09:40 AM

3 Reasons to buy a home today
 
Does all the news about a potential recession, changing mortgage rates, and rising inflation have you questioning whether or not you still wanna buy a home right now? If so, hear this. Today’s housing market isn’t a challenge, it’s an opportunity. Here are three reasons you should still consider buying a home today.
Reason #1, the intensity of bidding wars is easing. Month-over-month data shows the number of offers on recently sold homes is declining. That’s good news for you, if you’ve been outbid previously or you’re just tired of dealing with the frenzy.
Reason #2, fewer … (2 comments)

buying a house: Housing Affordability 3 TIPS to make home buying more affordable - 09/24/22 05:55 AM

There’s no denying it’s gotten more expensive to buy a home this year as mortgage rates have climbed. But, if you still wanna make your home buying dreams come true, I've got three tips to help all my buyers out there today
Number 1 - expand your search radius and criteria. If you’re having a hard time finding a home in your budget, it can help to look in more affordable areas. It’s also worthwhile to reprioritize your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Number Two , explore financing options. Work with a trusted lender to go over the various loan types to find … (3 comments)

buying a house: Should I buy a house or rent - 08/09/22 06:03 AM

Should you rent or should you buy a home? With inflation rising, you may be wondering if you should put your plans to buy on pause. Here’s some information that may help you make your decision This graph shows the median asking rent since nineteen eighty-eight. What stands out to me is how steadily it’s been rising each year. If you’re still renting, ask yourself: how many times has your rent gone up? Probably every time you started or renewed a lease. And as inflation raises prices all around you, that can be a harder pill to swallow these days. But … (5 comments)

buying a house: Don't let inflation stop you from buying a house - 06/29/22 10:06 AM

 
 
 
I know I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know but Inflation has hit a forty-year high. 

Would you like to know WHY RISING INFLATION SHOULDN’T STOP YOU FROM BUYING A HOME THIS YEAR 
If you're thinking about buying a home, 
All the  news about high prices and inflation may make you wonder if you should wait.  Here's what you need to remember. 
In times like these, you wanna be invested in an asset that outperforms inflation. That’s where homeownership comes in. 
This graph shows the average inflation by decade compared to home price growth going all the way back to the seventies. The … (6 comments)

buying a house: 10 Benefits of Using a VA Loan to buy a home - 06/03/22 08:48 AM
VA Home Loan Top 10 Benefits
VA home loans are backed by the US department of Veterans affairs and designed to make homeownership more affordable for veterans and active duty service members.
 
Here are 10 benefits of VA loans
 
No downpayment No loan limits No mortgage insurance required No income restrictions Easier qualification and relaxed credit standards Lower monthly payments VA loans are guaranteed by the government No prepayment penalty Lower closing costs VA loans are assumable Mike & Cindy Jones Jacksonville Real Estate Agents
904 874-0422
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Florida Network Realty
(3 comments)

buying a house: The 4 worst things about buying a house - 04/27/22 06:03 AM

The 4 Worst parts about buying a house
 
One of the biggest things you may do in your life is buy a house. Many people have spent much of their lives dreaming about becoming a home owner. While there are many benefits to purchasing a home it doesn’t mean it’s not a tough process. In our current market particularly, buying a house can be a frustrating maybe even demoralizing process. However, knowing how to prepare your self for the challenge and possible let downs will help you make a smarter buying decision overall.
 
Here are 4 of the worst things about buying a … (1 comments)

buying a house: Home buying tips & advice How to win bidding wars against cash buyers - 06/04/21 05:58 AM
Everyone is paying cash for houses, right? If you need a mortgage shouldn’t you just stop looking? I thought I'd share some home buying tips & advice and how to win bidding wars against cash buyers
 
 
I have some buyers I’m working with moving here from another state. They are members of some housing related Facebook groups and recently called me in a panic, even to a point they were thinking about putting off their move entirely. They said someone posted in one of the groups that they had put in several offers on homes but got beat out by all cash … (1 comments)

buying a house: Buying a house? Don't make this mistake! Home buying tips 2021 - 03/02/21 11:03 AM

There are many things that need to be done when buying a house and when going through the closing process. One of them is to obtain a homeowners insurance policy, especially if you're getting a mortgage. Many buyers make the mistake of sending their entire inspection report to the prospective insurance company. Big mistake. The home inspection report is a detailed and thorough report that list everything currently wrong or could go wrong with the house whether it be minor in nature or major. It even lists items that the homebuyer should look out for or budget for as far as … (0 comments)

buying a house: Title insurance when buying a home. Is it really worth it? - 08/20/20 12:22 PM

 
 
Title insurance when buying a house is a very important part of a real estate transaction. Owner's title insurance provides protection to the homeowner if someone sues and says they have a claim against the home from before the homeowner purchased it. ... Most lenders require you to purchase a lender's title insurance policy, which protects the amount they lend. It's likely you will never need to use your owners title insurance policy. But as with most insurance policies it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
 
Search all houses for sale … (1 comments)

buying a house: Will making extra principle payments on my mortgage lower my payment - 08/09/20 01:27 PM

I was asked by a new homeowner if they made extra principle payments on their mortgage if it would lower thier monthly mortgage payment.
 
Mike & Cindy Jones, Realtos
MikeAndCindyJones.com
904 874-0422
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty
 
 
(1 comments)

buying a house: Searching for homes online 4 red flags to watch for... - 05/12/20 11:48 AM

Did you know that 98% of homebuyers begin their home search online? That number has certainly increased since the Covid 19 crisis but if you are looking at homes for sale online here are 4 red flags to look for.
 
If there are more photos of the exterior than there are of the interior it could be a sign that the inside is in really bad condition. Closed curtains in the photos may be intentional to hide a bad view. Bathroom photos focused more on the vanity or toilet could signal it's a really small bathroom The word "cozy" used in … (0 comments)

buying a house: How much does it cost to buy a house - 12/11/19 02:27 PM
When buying a house with cash the closing fees or costs associated with it are minimal. However, if you will be getting a mortgage to buy your dream home there are costs involved that many first time home buyers fail to budget for when saving to buy a house.
 
Typical closing costs can range between 2% and 5% of the purchase price depending on your lender and terms. I always tell people to shot for 3%. Anything higher than that should raise questions. If you cannot get satisfactiry answers...find another lender.
 
Search all houses for sale in North East Florida
 
Mike & Cindy Jones, … (0 comments)

buying a house: Zero Down VA Houses for sale in Jacksonville Florida - 12/17/13 06:42 AM
Search all houses for sale in Jacksonville
VA buyers get in with Zero Down!
Zero down houses for sale in Jacksonville Florida! This all brick home located in Fox Hill Farms in Jacksonville is conveniently located near Cecil Commerce Center and Naval Air Station Jacksonville AKA NAS Jacksonville with easy access to Interstate 10 and Jacksonville International Airport. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar, food prep island and separate dining room with custom wood flooring, a large inside laundry room, two car garage and a large back yard with brick pavers and storage … (0 comments)

 
Mike & Cindy Jones, Real Estate - (904) 874-0422 - Jacksonville, Fl (Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage)

Mike & Cindy Jones

Real Estate - (904) 874-0422 - Jacksonville, Fl

Jacksonville, FL

More about me…

Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage

Office: (904) 874-0422

Selling your Jacksonville or Orange Park home, vacant land investment property in todays highly competitive real estate market. Pricing and marketing are the name of the game today. Buyers, get information on how to take advantage of one of the best buyers markets ever



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