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Yes, there are several assistance programs available for homeowners affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida. Click here to learn more about the FHA 203(h) Disaster Relief Loan and schedule a no-risk consultation.

Here are some general options:

1. FEMA Disaster Assistance:
Homeowners can apply for disaster assistance through FEMA. This includes help with temporary housing, money to repair damages not covered by homeowners’ insurance, and funds for immediate needs that do not have to be paid back.

2. State and Federal Aid Programs:
There are multiple state and federal aid programs offering financial assistance for recovery, with some programs providing up to $500,000.

3. Serious Needs Assistance:
Eligible households affected by multiple hurricanes may receive assistance for each disaster, including an upfront Serious Needs Assistance payment to support basic needs like food, water, and medicine.

To apply for FEMA assistance, you can visit [DisasterAssistance.gov], use the FEMA mobile app, or call FEMA's helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362.

4. Realtors Relief Foundation and Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund:
These programs offer financial assistance for homeowners affected by the hurricanes. The Realtors Relief Foundation provides grants for mortgage payments or rental costs due to displacement, with up to $1,000 per household.

Your credit score plays an important role in determining not only the interest rate (and your monthly payment) but also the program that you qualify for, which impacts your total monthly payment.
The three most important criteria that lenders consider in determining your mortgage are:

1. Income
2. Credit
3. Assets

Your credit score is equally as important as income and assets in qualifying you. You should always be aware of what is being reported on your credit report and by whom. Late payments, collections and charge offs will be very detrimental to your credit and can delay your ability to qualify for a home. Eventually, you can take action to repair your credit but how you go about it should be after you consult with a mortgage professional that can guide you properly.

There are many “credit repair” companies that will take your money and give you incorrect advice that does not help with your home buying plans. Always seek the help of a trusted mortgage professional first.

It is always wise to create a budget so that you can set aside some funds for your home purchase. However, there is a lot of misinformation about how much is needed to purchase a home. 
There are many options for a down payment. These days we have programs that allow for no down payment with down payment assistance loans. FHA has a minimum of 3.5% down, Conventional Loans come with as little as 1% down and 3% down and of course, VA loans have no down payment requirement for veterans.

The only way to know which program is RIGHT for you is to talk with a PROFESSIONAL that can advise you properly. Mortgage Financing is much more complex than the push of a button on your phone. As a Certified Mortgage Advisor, I can determine the best program to make your dreams of buying a home into a reality. 

It is very important to understand how rates work. If you are shopping for rates and a lender gives you a quote by phone, chances are you will not see that rate again. Just a quote is not valid at all!
The only time a rate quote is valid with your lender is when:

1.    They have your full application.
2.    They have your signed contract.
3.    You have in writing that your rate is LOCKED.

At that point your rate is valid for the time frame stated in the paperwork. Rates are “Locked in” for specific periods of time, depending on the closing date on the contract.
If you are “Shopping” prior to having a signed contract for purchase, you are simply wasting your time and may also be misguided.
“Shopping for rates” is not the best criteria for choosing a lender. Many other important aspects must be considered: trust, integrity, timely closing and knowing your local market are important to consider as well for a smooth home purchase experience. 

Getting pre-approved is the #1 most important thing you should do before you even look at the first house. It is important for you to know if you qualify and how much home you can afford. Having the information you need will allow you to look in the right price range of homes and save you a lot of time and disappointment. To get absolutely correct information you must work with a mortgage professional that will fully analyze your income and credit to guarantee your success in finding the right home for you. Do not settle for a phone conversation and a credit pull with a lender. It is important to talk to a lender that will take the time to do a complete analysis of your income, assets and credit. Talk to Tina first!

Most mortgage payments are due on the 1st of the month and late after the 15th. You have a grace period of 15 days before you are considered late. If your payment arrives after the 15th, you will be assessed a late payment fee. However, if you are more than 30 days late your credit will take a beating, and that could potentially cost you more on other types of credit. You must prioritize your mortgage payment every month and make sure it is paid on time. It is the most important payment that will impact your credit report!

There are two important steps to take in determining your monthly payment. The first step is always to speak with a mortgage professional to determine how much you can qualify for. Correct information will only come from a complete pre-approval process and not from any calculators on the internet. Once you know what you qualify for, then you must take a look at your budget to determine for yourself the monthly payment you can handle comfortably. Talk to Tina for your free assessment.