Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on May 6, 2025. Posted in Economy, Home Prices, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage.

With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make you feel a little worried about your finances.But here’s the thing you need to remember if you’re a homeowner. According to Investopedia:“Traditionally, stocks have been far more volatile than real estate. That’s not to say that real estate prices aren’t ever volatile—the years around the 2007 to 2008 financial...

The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on May 5, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage.

Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock.But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth.Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home?Unless your specific loan type or lender requires it, odds are you won’t have to put 20% down. There are loan options out there designed to help first-time buyers like you get in the door with a much smaller down payment.For example, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and USDA...

Camping in St. Augustine: The Best Spots for Nature and Fun

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on May 3, 2025. Posted in Camping, City Blog, Fall, Fall Activities, Family Friendly, Sports & Recreation, Spring Activities, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage, Summer, Things to Do, What to Do.

Image by Brahmsee from Pixabay From beachfront campsites where you can wake to ocean breezes, to shady forest hideaways alive with the sounds of birdsong, camping in St. Augustine lets you trade hotel walls for open skies and quiet trails. Whether you’re traveling in a fully equipped RV or setting up a tent on a patch of wild Florida land, this guide will walk you through some of the area’s best spots to unplug, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature—without straying too far from the heart of one of America’s most historic cities. Beachfront Bliss: Oceanfront Camping Options One of the...

Your Home Equity Could Make Moving Possible

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on May 2, 2025. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Infographics, Selling Tips, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage.

Some HighlightsThanks to recent home price appreciation, homeowners have near record amounts of equity – and you may too. On average, homeowners have $311K worth of equity.Once you sell, you can use it to fund your down payment on your next home or maybe even to buy a smaller house in cash. If you want to find out how much equity you have, connect with an agent. Because it may make a move a lot more feasible than you’d think.?

What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on May 1, 2025. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Home Prices, Mortgage Rates, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage.

Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power.Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market during each recession, going all the way back to the 1980s. The facts may surprise you.A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will FallMany people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw such a...

A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on April 30, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage.

For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move.What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?In a buyer’s market, there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers...

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on April 29, 2025. Posted in Economy, Foreclosures, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage.

When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to a wave of foreclosures. And recent data showing foreclosure filings have increased is only feeding into this fear. But don’t let that scare you.If you put the latest data into context, it’s clear there’s no reason to think this is a repeat of the last housing crash.This Isn’t Like 2008While it’s true that foreclosure filings ticked up in...

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on April 28, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage.

It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go? But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again.The Inventory Sweet SpotMore homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more...

You Finally Have More Options for Your Move

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on April 25, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Inventory, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage.

Some HighlightsIf you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. ?There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month.With more options come more possibilities. Connect with an agent if you want to see what’s available in your area.?

Discover Ecotourism in St. Augustine

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on April 25, 2025. Posted in Attractions & Sightseeing, City Blog, Fall Activities, Family Friendly, Spring Activities, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage, Summer, Things to Do, What to Do.

Ecotourism in St. Augustine offers something for every kind of traveler—whether you’re an avid birder, a casual paddler, or someone who simply enjoys a scenic walk through a quiet preserve. With its abundance of state parks, protected waterways, and local businesses dedicated to conservation, the region is a model for how tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand. From dolphin-safe boat tours and ethical wildlife encounters to zero-emission bike rentals, this city is full of opportunities to travel with purpose. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top eco-friendly experiences...

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