Maria Ange | Tips from the Coast! Blog

Thursday, September 12, 2024   /   by Maria Ange

House Hunting

House hunting can be an exhilarating yet challenging process! To ensure you make the right decision and find your dream home, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts of the process.
The Dos:
Do Prioritize Your Must-Haves: Identify your non-negotiable features and amenities, such as the number of bedrooms, location, proximity to work, schools, and public transportation. This will help you narrow down your search effectively.
Do Set a Realistic Budget: Establish a clear budget that takes into account not only the purchase price but also potential maintenance costs, property taxes, and homeowners’ association fees. Stick to this budget to avoid financial strain.
Do Research the Neighborhood: Investigate the neighborhood’s safety, amenities, local services, and future development plans. Visit the area during different times of the day to get a complete sense of its atmosphere.
Do Work with a Real Estate Agent: Enlist the help of a p! ...

  home ownership, guide

Tuesday, September 10, 2024   /   by Maria Ange

Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Congratulations on embarking on the exciting journey of becoming a first-time homebuyer! Here are the top 10 tips to help you make informed decisions and navigate the homebuying process successfully:
First things to do is determine your budget! Before you start looking at homes, assess your financial situation and set a realistic budget. Consider all costs, including the down payment, closing costs, monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.
The second thing I recommend is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Obtaining a pre-approval from a lender will give you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and help you focus on homes within your budget.
Next, you should make a list of priorities and things that are important to you. Know what features and amenities you want in your new home. Determine your must-haves, preferences, and deal-breakers to streamline the search process.
Next step is to work with a reliable real estate agent (aka me??). A knowledgeabl. ...

  home ownership, guide

Monday, September 9, 2024   /   by Maria Ange

What is PMI?

PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance. It is an insurance policy that lenders often require borrowers to obtain when they have a conventional mortgage loan with a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price.
The primary purpose of PMI is to protect the lender in case the borrower defaults on their mortgage payments. If the borrower stops making payments and goes into foreclosure, PMI helps reimburse the lender for the remaining loan balance after the sale of the property. It provides an additional layer of security for the lender since a smaller down payment represents a higher risk for potential losses.
PMI is typically an additional monthly cost that the borrower must pay on top of their mortgage payment. The exact amount of PMI depends on factors such as the loan amount, loan-to-value ratio (LTV), and the borrower’s credit score. The cost of PMI can vary, but it is usually a percentage of the loan amount and ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the tota ...

  home ownership, value

Monday, September 9, 2024   /   by Maria Ange

What is PMI?

PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance. It is an insurance policy that lenders often require borrowers to obtain when they have a conventional mortgage loan with a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price.
The primary purpose of PMI is to protect the lender in case the borrower defaults on their mortgage payments. If the borrower stops making payments and goes into foreclosure, PMI helps reimburse the lender for the remaining loan balance after the sale of the property. It provides an additional layer of security for the lender since a smaller down payment represents a higher risk for potential losses.
PMI is typically an additional monthly cost that the borrower must pay on top of their mortgage payment. The exact amount of PMI depends on factors such as the loan amount, loan-to-value ratio (LTV), and the borrower’s credit score. The cost of PMI can vary, but it is usually a percentage of the loan amount and ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the tota ...

  home ownership, value

Wednesday, September 4, 2024   /   by Maria Ange

How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home?

The time it takes to close on a home can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the home purchase and the parties involved. On average, it typically takes around 30 to 45 days to close on a home after the purchase agreement is signed. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual timeline can be shorter or longer depending on various factors, such as:

Mortgage Financing: If you’re obtaining a mortgage to purchase the home, the timeline can be influenced by factors such as the lender’s efficiency, the complexity of the loan application, and any potential delays in obtaining the necessary documentation or appraisal.
Home Inspection and Appraisal: The time it takes to schedule and complete a home inspection and appraisal can impact the closing timeline. If any issues or discrepancies are found during these processes, it may require additional negotiations or repairs, which can extend the cl. ...

  home ownership

Keller Williams
Heather Smith
1001 Military Cutoff Rd
Wilmington, NC 28405

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