Understanding the Home Purchase Contract There are two main versions of the Florida Residential Sale Contract. They are titled, “Florida Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase” and “Florida Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase AS-IS”. Both are periodically reviewed, updated, and approved by Florida REALTORS® and the Florida BAR. Choosing which contract to use and […]
Sometimes buyers are suprised that they don’t immediately get keys at closing for their new home. Buyers and sellers can be surprised by some of the issues that can come up in the last few days before closing. Sudden difficulties when you feel like you’re right at the finish line can make what was otherwise […]
Benefits of Getting a Survey with Your Home Purchase We often get asked by home buyers in the Orlando, FL area if they need to pay for a survey and why it is necessary. The short answer is, Yes. It’s our opinion that you should pay to have a survey done before purchasing your home. […]
Are you looking for a new home? Trying to find the best one can feel like a massive burden. Get an idea of what to look for before you begin the house hunting journey, and you’ll improve your chances of finding the perfect home sooner rather than later! Recognize your lifestyle goals and needs – […]
A home is often the largest purchase most people will ever make. The period between signing the contract and closing on the house is nerve-wracking for homebuyers. From securing a mortgage to hiring a mover, so much happens in a relatively short amount of time. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, it […]
What TRID and the Simplified Mortgage Disclosures Mean for Consumers: The mortgage process is detailed and complex. Many of the forms from application through closing overlap and create confusion. Consumers often worry that their mortgage contains risky features or that their costs will increase suddenly at closing. The new Truth in Lending/RESPA Integrated Disclosures or […]
We occasionally receive calls from buyers who want to work directly with our listing agent. Our listing specialist and the listing side of our team work only for the sellers. It’s part of our value proposition to homeowners who hire us to sell their home for them. We do not represent buyers and negotiate against […]
Many investors and even some families looking to buy a home in foreclosure. The information about properties being in foreclosure are public court records. Foreclosures on Zillow are properties that are in one of the foreclosure process stages and are shown as “Pre-Foreclosure”, “Foreclosure”, and “Foreclosure / Auction”, for example. These are the steps of […]
Buying land in Florida? Check whether the lot contains wetlands before you design your dream home. 🏞️ Florida protects these ecosystems, and building on them requires the proper permits. Violating those rules can cost you time, money, and serious headaches. Understanding the Basics Wetlands are areas where the soil stays wet for extended periods, creating a […]
Hi, I’m Rachel Gregory, a REALTOR with Jean Scott Homes at Keller Williams Advantage Realty. In this guide, I’ll address common questions from first-time home buyers regarding Homeowners Associations (HOAs), mortgages, and the overall homebuying process. Should I Live in a Community with an HOA or Not? Choosing between a home in an HOA or […]
When it comes to purchasing a home, your mortgage credit score plays a crucial role in determining your affordability. Understanding how your credit score impacts your mortgage options can help you make informed decisions and potentially save you thousands of dollars. 1. Determining Eligibility for Loan Programs The required credit score for mortgage loans varies between […]
When deciding between buying a home and renting, potential homebuyers often find themselves grappling with critical questions. Understanding the nuances of each option can significantly impact your financial future and lifestyle choices. Here, we explore three prevalent questions that arise in the context of home buying versus renting. Question #1: Understanding Price Breakdowns in Home […]
The Importance of a Home Warranty When Purchasing a Resale Home When purchasing a resale home, one crucial step is deciding whether to get a home warranty. At Jean Scott Homes, our Realtors are experts in guiding you through this decision, ensuring you make the best choice for your family. What is a Home Warranty? […]
Mortgage loan pre-approval is essential for homebuyers purchasing a home with financing. That tells the owner of the home that you are making an offer on that you have the financial ability to purchase the home. There are a number of other good reasons that a mortgage loan pre-approval is essential for homebuyers. Let’s take […]
We get several requests per month from home buyers on how they can buy a home listed as a foreclosure on Zillow. Well, usually they can’t because the home is not for sale. Here’s an example: Another point of confusion can be the price that Zillow shows. In this case, it’s merely their Zestimate, which […]
Starting the Homebuying Journey My name is Hayley, and I recently became a first time homebuyer with my partner! During the spring lockdown for COVID-19, we began discussing our lease ending in September and what we should do next. That’s when we thought, “what if we bought a house?” We hated our current rental situation, […]
As the real estate market shifts, strategies in writing offers that are a win to the buyer shift. As 2025 begins, we are moving more towards a buyer’s market. Even so, we are still in a relatively strong sellers market with inventory in the 3 – 4 month range. Orlando’s Sellers’ Market The ability to […]
When purchasing a home, there are countless reasons to hire a buyer’s agent. A well-trained and experienced real estate agent, like the ones at Jean Scott Homes, can save homebuyers time, money, and headaches. Benefits of Hiring a Buyer’s Agent 1. Time Savings A buyer’s agent saves time by doing all the legwork on your […]
The Affordability Index Measures Overall Home Prices What is the Affordability Index? When it comes to understanding the residential real estate market in Orlando, Florida, one crucial number stands out: the affordability index. This index is a key indicator of how accessible the housing market is for the average buyer. It considers the median income […]
Understanding the Contract-to-Close Journey Once we have a property under contract, my work begins in earnest. The entire journey involves numerous steps, and I rely on a comprehensive 62-step checklist to guide us through the basics. It’s important to note that the process can vary significantly depending on whether we’re representing the buyer or the […]
