How to Build Home Equity

One of the biggest benefits of buying a home is building home equity. Home equity is the market value of a homeowner’s interest in their real property, or in layman’s words, the difference between a property’s market value and the outstanding balance of all liens on the property. When you buy a home, you increase […]

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt – Why You Need It

The truth of the matter is: you can’t buy the things you need in life without some debt. You can’t buy a house, a car, or any other major investments, without a history of credit – good or bad. It’s important you recognize the debt that can help you and make you a stronger candidate […]

Pros & Cons of Buying Older Homes

Last week, I shared the pros & cons of buying new homes, and while that argument has its own downfalls and merits, what about buying home used? A far more common option, but have you stopped to truly consider the benefits & consequences of buying a used home, especially in South Florida – home to […]

Pros & Cons of Buying Homes New

As a long-time South Florida resident, I’ve seen many homes be built and torn down, all within the span of years. In the same manner, I’ve seen many clients who want to look into buying a home new, and others, who’ve only considered buying used. And the truth is, there is no right or wrong […]

Why You Should Be Buying in a School Zone

Let’s cut straight to the point on this one: buying a home close to a good school makes your home more valuable. Plain and simple. RealtyTrac completed a regional survey in 2015, which concluded that homes that resided close to a high-ranking school, from primary to secondary schools, have an increased 32% value to their […]

To Sell or Not to Sell Your Home

There comes a time in everyone’s life, where the home you bought with your first salaried job, or the vacation home passed down to you over the years, no longer works for you. Maybe your family is growing, or a new work opportunity on a new coast, either way, you face the decision of selling […]

How Much is Your Home Really Worth?

If you’re considering selling your home, you’re probably wondering how much your home is worth, or better yet, you’re wondering if you can sell it for more than what it’s worth and make a profit? Let me just say it now: don’t. Your home’s value might’ve changed since you bought it and selling it may […]

How to Move Out of Your Parent’s House

How to Move Out of Your Parent’s House: Establish Your Credit History While at Home – Try to establish secure lines of credit. This would include a credit card, student loans, leases, etc. A minimum of three lines shows you’re a reliable payer and can handle a financial responsibility. Save for a Down Payment – […]

The Rise of Mortgage Fraud

As our economy grows more and more digitized, it’s become far too easy to fall victim to mortgaging schemes, for both the borrower and the lender. Here, at Choice Mortgage Group, we’ve seen our far share of illegitimate schemes and at the end of the everyday, we like to make sure that we not only […]

Four Unspoken Rules of Buying a Home

A combination of warmer weather and the promise of rising interest rates will be enough to convince many potential home buyers that this spring is the time to look. If you’re one of those potential buyers, here are four unspoken rules of home buying you should know before starting your search. 1. Get pre-approved. If […]

What’s the difference between HARP and 2.0?

My Home Didn’t Appraise For Its Purchase Price. What Are My Options?

When you are in the process of buying, selling or refinancing your home, obtaining a home appraisal is usually a required step.  When an appraiser comes to your home, he or she will determine its “fair market value” by considering a variety of factors, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the age of […]