Have a Pops picnic, attend a dog show or get creative with the kids this weekend - April 29-May 1

SunFest is not the only fun to be had this weekend. There’s plenty to do if you want to stay closer to home.

Source: Have a Pops picnic, attend a dog show or get creative with the kids this weekend | April 29-May 1

What Realtors Should Know When Selling Homes with Reverse Mortgages

When it comes to selling a home secured by a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, open lines of communication between reverse mortgage servicers and Realtors are key to a successful transaction, according to several HECM and real estate industry professionals.

Source: What Realtors Should Know When Selling Homes with Reverse Mortgages

Real Estate Market Update - March 2016

Last week, the Mortgage Bankers Association announced that mortgage applications have increased nationwide. They said mortgage rates are down and job markets are strong. Today, March county reports from Florida Realtors® confirmed that closed home sales involving some type of financing has increased 27 percent compared to last year. Our median home price may be $179,000, but buyers are determined – they are utilizing low mortgage rates to increase their affordability in St. Lucie County.

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Top 5 social media phishing scams to avoid.

Online criminals are using big social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to blend in and target more victims at one time.

Scammers have been worming their way into giant social media networks to trick people into giving over their personal and financial information.

Source: Top 5 social media phishing scams to avoid – Apr. 22, 2016

How borrowers can help make the mortgage application process go smoother

Answering the underwriter’s request for information immediately will keep your form from going to the bottom of the pile.

Once upon a time, the mortgage industry operated much like the Bailey Building and Loan from the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The people giving you a mortgage were people you actually knew. Underwriting was personal.

Source: How borrowers can help make the mortgage application process go smoother

Your weekend picks celebrate Earth Day, sky events - April 22-24

From championship bull riding to a moon lit paddle, find the best things to do this weekend right here.

Source: Your weekend picks celebrate Earth Day, sky events | April 22-24

What Are Comparable Sales?

Explanation of comparable sales. Tips for how to find comps and why you need to know the comparable sales before buying a home. How to use comparable sales for selling a home.

Source: What Are Comparable Sales?

Updating a Home With a Fannie Mae HomeStyle® Renovation Mortgage.

Do you have clients who want to renovate their current home or purchase a fixer upper, but their scenario just doesn’t fit guidelines of the rehabilitation loan programs you’ve researched?

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What Happens When a Homeowner Dies Before the Mortgage Is Paid?

While nobody wants to think about dying, borrowers should take advance steps to assure an outstanding mortgage doesn’t become a burden for heirs.

Source: What Happens When a Homeowner Dies Before the Mortgage Is Paid?

How Long are Property Appraisals Valid?

While you may never see an expiration date on a property appraisal, many lenders will not accept an appraisal that is more than 120 days old.

Source: How Long are Property Appraisals Valid?

Appraisal vs Home Inspection, what is the difference?

Home appraisals tell you how much a home is worth, and a home inspection tells you why you might not want to buy it, regardless of price. Both processes have the capacity to derail home purchases. Low appraisals sometimes sink loan approvals and disastrous home inspection reports might cause buyers to rethink purchase offers.

Source: Appraisal vs Home Inspection

3 Interactive Listings That Will Wow Prospects

The tools real estate professionals are using to create more dynamic online listings are revolutionizing the home-search experience. Check out these real-life examples to see how they work.

Source: 3 Interactive Listings That Will Wow Prospects

How Much House Can I Afford, Comfortably?

Finding out how much house you can qualify for is the first step. It could be even more important to determine your mortgage payment comfort level.

Source: How Much House Can I Afford, Comfortably? | Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports

Your weekend picks, best bets for fun - April 8-10

This weekend’s forecast looks superb. Take a break from spring cleaning at some of these fun events. Be safe and have fun.

Source: Your weekend picks, best bets for fun | April 8-10

The ABC"s of buying a home.

The spring real estate market is about to hit its seasonal high. If you will be buying a home this spring, it’s helpful to identify a few real estate basics that every buyer should know.

Source: The ABCs of buying a home – Treasure Coast Newspapers

Don’t overlook these 10 tax savings

Charity trip mileage, refinancing loan points are among firm’s tips.

Source: Don’t overlook these 10 tax savings

9 Neighborhood Features That Hamper Values.

What nearby neighborhood features could drag down a home’s value – and by how much? Realtor.com® decided to investigate.

Source: 9 Neighborhood Features That Hamper Values | Realtor Magazine

Calendars for city events and public meetings, Community Center, and Civic Center.

Calendars for city events and public meetings, Community Center, and Civic Center

Source: Calendars | Port St. Lucie, Florida | Official Website

Treasure Coast Events: Lip synch battles, car show, barbecue cook-off among best things to do this weekend.

We’ve made planning your weekend a little easier. There’s an eclectic mix of fun on the schedule this April Fools’ Day weekend. Keep the pranks harmless but have fun. Be safe out there.

Source: Lip synch battles, car show, barbecue cook-off among best things to do this weekend | April 1-3