Fireworks, fun and cookouts are in your weekend forecast.

Treasure Coast news and information in Indian River County, Martin County and St. Lucie County, Florida

Source: Fireworks, fun and cookouts are in your weekend forecast | Videos

First-home buyers" guide to getting a Mortgage.

With house price rises tapering off in many parts of the country and the number of houses being sold dropping by up to 30 per cent, the conditions are better for would-be homeowners than they have been in years.

Source: First-home buyers’ guide to getting a mortgage | Stuff.co.nz

Survey: Mortgage Applicants Prefer Loan Officers to Online Forms

While the majority of prospective homebuyers do their mortgage research online, they prefer to handle their applications in the presence of a loan officer.

Source: Survey: Mortgage Applicants Prefer Loan Officers to Online Forms

How to Eliminate Stress at Home

Experiencing stress at home? Here are tips and ideas on how to eliminate stress and create a peaceful home environment that helps you chill out.

Source: Stress at Home | How to Eliminate Stress | How to Create a Peaceful Home

Baseball, pub crawl, live music among best things to do this weekend | June 23-25

There’s something for everyone this weekend. Let’s hope the rain stays away so you can get out and enjoy some of these events.

Source: Baseball, pub crawl, live music among best things to do this weekend | June 23-25

RE Market Update May 2017

We’ve taken monthly and annual housing market statistics straight from Florida Realtors® and created easy-to-interpret, one-page summaries for your customers in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties.

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The 10 Most Expensive Homes for Sale in the U.S. Right Now | realtor.com®

Let’s ogle big, beautiful, and budget-busting homes! Curious about the country’s priciest pads, we count down the 10 most expensive listings on the market.

Source: The 10 Most Expensive Homes for Sale in the U.S. Right Now | realtor.com®

How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage?

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017

Home shoppers may need to plan for more time than they realize when they’re starting the process of obtaining a mortgage.

“Today’s mortgage process is very involved, particularly with regard to the documentation required, third-party verifications, and the independent appraisal process,” says Whitney Fite, president of Angel Oak Home Loans in Atlanta. “All of these moving parts can cause a delay in processing if an issue arises.”

The entire process encompasses getting preapproved, a home appraisal, and getting the actual loan. Typically, the process takes about 30 days, on average, Fite says.

However, in busier times of year, consumers should expect a longer wait. For example, a duration of 45 to 60 days, depending on the lender, may be more of the norm, according to a recent article at realtor.com®.

Consumers may be best off making sure they get an early start to the mortgage process from the moment they even start thinking they may want to purchase a property. Many sellers require buyers now get preapproved for a mortgage before they’ll even accept an offer.

For a preapproval, lenders will check the consumer’s credit rating, debt-to-income ratio, and other financial information. That alone may take a week or even longer, depending on the borrower’s circumstances.

But buyers shouldn’t confuse a preapproval for having an actual mortgage loan. Borrowers still have to apply for the actual loan and also get through the appraisal process. Also, in the underwriting process, lenders will review all of their financial information and ensure the home buyer has not made any false or misleading claims on their application.

Fite says the most common reason for a mortgage-related delay is the borrower not turning in documents in a timely manner.

“The best advice I can give someone buying a home is to prepare to respond very quickly for any and all documentation requests,” Fite says.

Source: How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage? | Realtor Magazine

Thinking of buying a house? Here"s where to start.

The road to home ownership can be long and daunting. But here’s your navigation guide.

Source: Thinking of buying a house? Here’s where to start – Jun. 12, 2017

Ideal events for Father"s Day weekend June 16-18

Treasure Coast news and information in Indian River County, Martin County and St. Lucie County, Florida.

Source: Ideal events for Father’s Day weekend June 16-18

Common Cost-Cutting Measures to Avoid.

Saving money may always seem like a good idea, but sometimes penny-pinching can be a costly mistake. There are many good frugal living tips and making modest lifestyle changes can save you money, but if you’re considering saving with one of the three methods below, take a little time to look at the big picture first.

 

Buying something because it’s on sale. Timing purchases to coincide with sales and using coupons are practical ways to save money, but buying an item just because it’s on sale may not be a good idea. Rather than fixating on the large sale sign, consider whether or not you need something before buying it. Even an inexpensive purchase is a waste of money if you won’t actually use the product.

Skipping health checkups. Missing regular dentist visits because of the bill or unpleasant experience may be a mistake. You can get a filling for small cavities, but left untreated you may need a costlier crown, root canal or tooth extraction. If you think something may be wrong with your general health, avoiding the doctor because of the cost of a checkup could be a costly mistake. A report commissioned by Cancer Research UK found that for some cancers, early diagnosis can significantly increase life expectancy and decrease treatment costs by as much as 75 percent. If the cost of seeing a doctor is prohibitive, you can look for a low-cost community health center that offers services on a sliding scale based on your income.

Missing recommended car maintenance. Just as preventive visits to the doctor can help keep your long-term healthcare costs down, regular car maintenance may save you money. Check your owner’s manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends that you change the filters, belts, oil and other liquids. An oil change may cost $25 to $50, but going too long without an oil change can decrease your engine’s life or lead to engine failure. To save money, look for coupons or learn how to change your vehicle’s oil at home rather than avoiding the small upfront cost of an oil change. You may also be able to save money on vehicle maintenance by learning how to change your air filter, fix a chipped windshield or change brake pads.

There are many great ways to save money, but sometimes it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture. When considering ways to reduce expenses or increase savings, look for long-term wins. Think about whether or not you need something before buying it, regardless of its price, and weigh the benefit of making it harder to spend your savings. When it comes to your health and your possessions, remember that maintenance often costs less than repairs.

Source: Common Cost-Cutting Measures to Avoid | Discover Bank

6 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill This Summer

Energy bills can skyrocket during the summer. On average, it costs around $280 per year to run air-conditioning at home. Divided over the hottest months of the year—June, July, and August—that’s about $93.33 per month just for air-conditioning, according to Carbonrally.com. Don’t let your increased energy bill keep you from taking that much-needed summer vacation. Here are some easy ways to cut your energy bill this summer so you can stay cool and still have money left over.

1. Clean the filter in the air conditioner

When the filter is clogged, it has an effect on how efficiently your air conditioner runs, not to mention on the quality of air you’re breathing. It’s not just a beginning-of-the-summer task. Keeping the filter clean on a regular basis is important. A little vacuuming and sanitizing can go a long way.

2. Install window film

If you’re not someone who wants to shut the blinds and close the curtains during the summer, installing insulating window films can allow you to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and view while still conserving energy. The films lessen heat gain, which, in turn, will help make your home feel cooler so you won’t have to run the air conditioner as much. No need to call in a professional. Plenty of stores sell kits so you can easily do it yourself.

3. Install a programmable thermostat

You can set the air conditioner for one temperature when you’re home and another for when you’re out of the house. This can save you quite a bit of money, not to mention you won’t have to fuss with it by manually changing it all the time.

4. Use a draft blocker

Depending on the type of exterior doors you have, not using a draft blocker could be the equivalent of leaving your air conditioner running while your windows are open a crack. It’s basically like tossing dollar bills out your window. Draft blockers aren’t expensive at all, and you can even save yourself money and make them yourself.

5. Run a fan

Fans, ceiling or otherwise, are cheaper to run than an air conditioner. If you’re going to be sitting in one room, such as in the living room watching TV, consider turning off the AC and running the fan instead. You’ll still be able to stay cool, just for a lower price.

6. Open a window

Opening a window at night will give your AC a breather and you can take advantage of the cooler air. If it’s still too warm for you, think about installing a window-mounted fan. It allows you to either bring the night air in or push hot air out, depending on your preference. The fans are easy to take in and out as needed.

Some of the above might seem like a lot of work, but you’ll be happy you made the extra effort once your energy bill comes and it’s lower than you thought possible.

Source: 6 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill This Summer | This Old House

5 Surprising Things That Affect the Value of Your Home

The value of your home is affected in many different ways. Here are some surprising things that affect the value of your home that you may not know about.

Source: 5 Surprising Things That Affect the Value of Your Home | Real Estate Blog

Crosstown Extension Update

Road Closures / Traffic Updates

Beginning June 5 to August 5 during the St. Lucie County School summer break, a portion of Floresta Drive will be fully closed between Atlantus Avenue and Chaloupe Avenue. Motorists are urged to follow the signed detour routes at Thornhill Drive, Sandia Drive and Evergreen Terrace during this closure. Floresta Drive will remain open to local traffic and to accommodate businesses in the Floresta Center, Floresta Elementary School, Port St. Lucie Christian Church, Aycock Funeral Home, Growing and Learning Academy, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church and the local residents.

Source: Construction

It might be raining, but we have 5 things to keep you entertained this weekend

Treasure Coast information and guides to entertainment in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County, Florida

Source: It might be raining, but we have 5 things to keep you entertained this weekend

In the mortgage world, “2” is the magic number.

When you’re ready to buy a home, you will find a common theme throughout the mortgage process.

Source: In the mortgage world, “2” is the magic number | Home & Living | pilotonline.com

How to Shop for a Mortgage: 6 Steps

Shopping for a mortgage can be hard work, but it can also be rewarding. Learn how to get the best mortgage rate with help from TrueIdentity.

Source: How to Shop for a Mortgage: 6 Steps | TrueIdentity

First time home buyer? Here"s what you need to know

House hunting isn’t going to be easy for many home buyers this summer. But that doesn’t mean potential buyers should abandon their dreams of home ownership.

Source: First time home buyer? Here’s what you need to know – Jun. 1, 2017

10 Mortgage Rules You Should Know by Heart

Here are 10 essential pieces of information for anyone who plans to get a mortgage.

Source: 10 Mortgage Rules You Should Know by Heart — The Motley Fool

Great Event Today!

We are always proud to sponsor and attend our local association events, this time the St. Lucie County Trade Expo.

June Calendars | Port St. Lucie, Florida

Calendars for government meetings, events & programs, and rentals

The City of Port St. Lucie maintains three calendars on this website:

The Government Meetings (below left) lists all government meetings, public and non-public.

The Parks & Recreation Calendar (below middle) lists all classes, events and programs by the Parks & Recreation Department.

The Civic Center Calendar (below right) lists all rental and hospitality events at the Civic Center.

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