Categories
Buying Mortgage information

Credit Do's and Don'ts if You Are Thinking of Buying a Home?

Fannie Mae is requiring more stringent reviews of loans from lenders so if you are going to be in the market for a home in the near future keep the following in mind:

  • don’t incur any new debt, especially between the time you apply for the loan and the closing on your property;
  • don’t apply for credit cards or anything that would require a credit check, as they are going to be looking at all credit inquiries, especially those prior to closing;
  • do have plenty of documentation on the source of any large deposits as these are going to scrutinized a lot more closely.  If you are getting a gift from a relative for the down payment, make sure you have a gift letter.  If you are selling stocks or bonds have a copy of the transaction from your financial institution.

Categories
Buying Mortgage information

Credit Do’s and Don’ts if You Are Thinking of Buying a Home?

Fannie Mae is requiring more stringent reviews of loans from lenders so if you are going to be in the market for a home in the near future keep the following in mind:

  • don’t incur any new debt, especially between the time you apply for the loan and the closing on your property;
  • don’t apply for credit cards or anything that would require a credit check, as they are going to be looking at all credit inquiries, especially those prior to closing;
  • do have plenty of documentation on the source of any large deposits as these are going to scrutinized a lot more closely.  If you are getting a gift from a relative for the down payment, make sure you have a gift letter.  If you are selling stocks or bonds have a copy of the transaction from your financial institution.

Categories
Buying Luxury Real Estate Selling

Luxury Homes Sales – EWM is #1

Categories
Buying

Pinecrest Open House 6-27-2010

Categories
Buying Luxury Real Estate Market Summary

Miami Open House Weekend 6-27-2010

Categories
Buying

Wealthy Still Moving to Florida

Forbes’ article Where America’s Money is Moving states that 8 of the top 20 counties where the wealthiest residents are moving are in Florida. In addition to the weather, beaches, lifestyle, drastically reduced real estate, the fact that Florida does not have income taxes continues to make the state one of the top destinations for high income earners.

The number one destination was Collier County. Though most of the people moving there were from other parts of Florida, many also came from northern cities.

Categories
Buying Mortgage information

Mortgage Applications Decline to Lowest Level Since April, 1997

Despite the decrease in interest rates since April 30 of this year, mortgage applications for home purchase are down to the lowest rates since April 11, 1997.  The decrease is largely due to the expiration of the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.

Categories
Buying

Miami Dade Real Estate

Categories
Aventura Buying Renting in Miami Restaurants Things To Do

10 Things I Love About Aventura

  1. Laurenzo’s Italian Center – Whether you are a gourmet cook and want amazing Italian ingredients or want something already prepared, you will enjoying cruising up and down the isles of this well-known local gourmet supermarket.
  2. Founders Park – Located on a 12-acres site, this park has something for everyone.  Tennis, ball fields, exercise trails, picnic shelters and a splash park for the kids (residents get into splash park free with id, non-residents pay $10).
  3. Size/Value of condos.  If you are renting or selling, you can usually find a larger condo in Aventura than you could in Brickell or Miami Beach, and usually for less.  Search for yourself.
  4. Location:  Close to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami,(and their respective airports and ports) and just a jump to the beach
  5. Boating
  6. Don Soffer exercise trail- this 3 mile loop is perfect for running, walking the pets, or taking an evening stroll
  7. The Farimont Turnberry Golf and Country Club – in addition to having a world class spa and golf course, the restaurants are also amazing.
  8. William’s Island – this enclave of homes, condos, and town homes, all surrounded by water, includes its own private club and is a relaxing jewel of a community, close to everything in Aventura, including a Fresh Market.
  9. Proximity to Gulfstream Park – What a great way to spend the day.  If watching the horse races isn’t your thing, at least stop by and watch the beautiful animals parade around the courtyard prior to each race, then take off and go eat, shop or dance, at one of the many venues.
  10. Mo’s Bagel and Diner – My Dad is a New Yorker who hasn’t lived there since he was born, but it’s in his blood, and Mo’s makes him feel like he is back there.

If I were a shopper, I would add the Aventura Mall.  I personally can’t stand shopping, but this mall is amazing.  It is large, clean and has such a variety of stores.  If you can’t find what you are looking for here, you probably don’t need it.

Categories
Buying

National Flood Insurance Program Set to Expire — Again

Congress didn’t get around to approving an extension go the National Flood Insurance Program so it will expire for the third time this year.  Talk about frustrating!  If you have a closing in an area that requires flood insurance before Congress gets around to extending the program, have the seller transfer their existing policy to you.  To find out how, visit the FEMA guidelines.