Building equity in your property is a great way to increase your wealth and financial stability. Here are some strategies to help you build equity:


Make a larger down payment: When purchasing, making a larger down payment can instantly increase your equity. It reduces the amount you need to borrow and helps you start with a greater ownership stake.


Accelerate your mortgage payments: Paying more than the required monthly mortgage payment can significantly reduce your principal balance and, consequently, build equity faster. Consider making extra payments or switching to biweekly payments, which results in an extra month's payment each year.


Refinance to a shorter loan term: If you can afford higher monthly payments, refinancing your mortgage to a shorter term, such as 15 years instead of 30 years, can help you build equity at a faster rate. It may also result in a lower interest rate, saving you money in the long run.


Make improvements: Increasing the value of your p. ...

It’s the perfect blend of lively beach towns, unspoiled beaches, great seafood, warm and brilliant Gulf waters, and dazzling white sand. Welcome to the Emerald Coast (also known less poetically as the Florida Panhandle). 

The Emerald Coast, in our completely biased opinion, is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach you’ll find anywhere, and we invite you to see it for yourself. We are quite certain that once you’ve visited the beaches here, you’ll be a loyal devotee for life.

Are you looking for the perfect vacation home? Marie Babin, an experienced Emerald Coast Real Estate Agent, can help you fulfill that wish and help you find the perfect condo, whether you’re seeking an investment property or your new home away from home.

Purchasing a condo has unique considerations that set it apart from a single-family dwelling. Condos share common areas, come with amenities on site, and require owners to contribute to improvement p ...

Scent has a powerful impact on our emotions—and it can make or break how potential buyers react to your home.

That’s why it’s essential to make sure your home smells its best before an open house or showing. Here’s how:

Give it a good scrub. Wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Use neutral-scented products whenever possible.


Take out the trash. Empty all trash cans, even well-sealed ones, to keep any smells from escaping. Plus, no one wants to see your garbage!


Clean the carpets. Eliminate built-up dirt and pet dander by having your carpets professionally cleaned. They’ll look better, too.

BONUS:
Whip up a treat! Baking cookies is a classic real estate agent’s trick to make a home smell warm, cozy, and inviting.

Want more pro tips like these? Get in touch for a copy of our complete “Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale.”  ...

8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate
 
Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. And even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting where rates are headed next.1
 
This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, you can work toward qualifying for the best mortgage rates available today – and open up the possibility of refinancing at a lower rate in the future.
 
How does a lower mortgage rate save you money? According to Trading Economics, the average new mortgage size in the United States is currently around $410,000.2 Let’s compare a 5.0% versus a 6.0% fixed-interest rate on that amount over a 30-year term.
 




Mortgage Rate
(30-year fixed)


Monthly Payment on $410,000 Loan
(excludes taxes, insurance, etc.)


Difference in Monthly Payment


Total Interest Over 30 Yea; ...

No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard time saying goodbye to a treasured family residence. Others want to skip ahead to the fun of decorating and settling into a new place. Almost all sellers want to make the most money possible.
Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable when you have a skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side.
For example, here are seven common mistakes that many home sellers make. These can cause anxiety, cost you time, and shrink your financial proceeds. Fortunately, we can help you avert these missteps and set you up for a successful and low-stress selling experience.  
MISTAKE #1: Setting an Unrealistic Price
Many sellers believe that pricing their homes high and waiting for th ...