January 2017

How will I know what I can afford?

There is a very simple and important answer to this question: get pre-approved. It is pertinent that all potential homebuyers get a pre-approval from a qualified lender before even beginning their home search. Your pre-approval will let you know your maximum purchase price and if there are any issues with your credit or otherwise that may stop you from being qualified for a mortgage. You really don’t want to find the home of your dreams and then be turned down by lenders.

Should I sell my current home before buying another?

The answer to this is yes and also no. There are definite pros and cons to either approach. On the one hand, if you sell your home first, you are able to buy a new home without the

Jacksonville is such an amazing place to live, with great restaurants, attractions and of course amazing real estate. But, is it a good place to grab a coffee? Of course it is! Here are the five best spots to go for a coffee in Jax.

Southern Roots Filling Station

So much more than just coffee, this renowned coffee shop is a place that appreciates their community and thinks of their customers as more than just a payment. Driven by ethical practices, sustainability and of course quality, their coffee, tea and the food items on their menu are amazing. With daily specials, some of their favorites are The Turtle (pumpkin seed pesto and local arugula in a cilantro oil as a sandwich or salad) or Southern Toast (butter, sugar and cinnamon on bread).

You’ve got the furniture taken care of your parents are taking the kids, but one thing you shouldn’t forget when moving is the pets. They need special attention because moving day could be just as stressful for them as it will be for you. Here are 6 great tips that will help your fur baby have an uneventful move.

Keep it normal

Do not forget about your pet’s routine just because you are moving. If they have a one-hour walk every morning at 8, make sure they get it. If you have to employ or get a volunteer to walk them, then do it. Similarly, keep mealtimes and playtime at the same time and in the same spot in your new home. If everything seems as normal as it can be, your pet will deal with the move better.

Keep it quiet

With

If you just bought your first home, congratulations! Being a first-time homebuyer is a great step in investing for your future. But, while you’ve scraped your every last cent into your down payment and closing costs, there is one last cost you needn’t forget: moving expenses. Moving costs can be as inexpensive or costly as you make them. If you want budget and save on your move, these 5 tips should help you.

1)      DIY

This tip is pretty simple and makes incredible sense. If you want to save money while moving, do it yourself. Send a group text, tweet or other message out to all of your friends asking for help on the day of your move with the promise that you’ll be forever indebted to them when they need help moving anything. If that doesn’t