Recent Articles
Appraisal Contingency vs Financing Contingency: Florida Contract Basics (2026)
In 2026, Florida buyers protect themselves with contract contingencies that define when they can cancel and get their deposit back. The financing contingency protects you if your loan is not approved by a specific deadline. The appraisal contingency protects you if the home appraises low. They are related, but they are not the same and missing either deadline can put your earnest money at risk.
Inspection Negotiations in 2026: What Florida Buyers Can Reasonably Ask For
In 2026, the strongest Florida inspection negotiations are focused, safety-first, and evidence-based. Ask for repairs (or credits) on major systems and safety issues, not cosmetics. Use your inspection period to confirm condition, clarify insurance risks, and decide whether the home still makes sense.
The "Do Not Do This" List After Mortgage Pre-Approval in Florida (2026)
In Florida, many deals don't fall apart because the buyer "didn't qualify." They fall apart because something changes after pre-approval—often discovered during final underwriting and pre-funding verifications. New debt, new credit, undocumented deposits, or job changes can trigger delays or denials. Keep your profile stable until you close.
What Mortgage Underwriters Actually Look For in 2026 (And How to Prep Your File Early)
Underwriters don't "judge" your file. They verify that your income, assets, credit, and the property meet guidelines. In 2026, the fastest approvals happen when your documents match your story, your bank statements are clean, and Florida items like insurance and HOA/condo docs are handled early.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Explained With Real Florida Examples (2026)
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) measures how much of your gross monthly income goes toward debt payments, including your future housing payment. In 2026, Florida buyers must factor in insurance, taxes, and HOA fees because these costs directly impact how much home you can qualify for.
BIG NEWS: Mortgage Rates Are at Their Lowest Level in Years—What That Means for You
Find out what this rate drop means to you for buying a new home.
How to Read a Loan Estimate (LE) Like a Pro: A Florida Buyer's 2026 Walkthrough
A Loan Estimate (LE) is the 3-page snapshot of your mortgage terms and expected closing costs. In 2026, the smartest Florida buyers compare LEs by focusing on cash to close, section A+B fees, and insurance + escrow numbers (which can swing a South Florida payment fast).
Earnest Money in Florida (2026): How Much Is Typical, Deadlines That Matter, and When You Can Lose It
In 2026, earnest money in Florida typically ranges from 1% to 3% of the purchase price (sometimes higher in competitive markets). You risk losing it when you miss a contract deadline or cancel outside your contingency protections. The best way to protect your deposit is to understand your inspection, appraisal, and financing deadlines and work closely with your lender and agent before signing.
The 2026 Pre-Approval Checklist: Documents Florida Buyers Should Gather Before Shopping
In 2026, the fastest Florida pre-approvals happen when your income, assets, and debts are fully documented upfront. Gathering pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, ID, and gift fund documentation before touring homes reduces underwriting delays and strengthens your offer in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach.