Social Links Widget

Click here to edit the Social Media Links settings. This text will not be visible on the front end.

Home Tips The Lowdown On Home Inspections The Lowdown on Home Inspections: What Palatka Buyers and Sellers Need to Know ________________________ Howdy! Richard here, your friendly Palatka neighborhood real estate agent, ready to dish out some wisdom about one of the most important steps in buying or selling a home: the home inspection. If you’re scratching your head wondering what it’s all […]
Palatka & Putnam County Insights A Musician’s Guide To Palatka  Palatka’s a small town with a big heart, nestled along the St. Johns River, and while it might not be a bustling metropolis like Nashville or Austin, it’s got its own unique vibe going on. Let’s dive in! ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Palatka’s music scene is kind of like that cozy local spot you stumble into—unpretentious, community-driven, and […]
Palatka & Putnam County Insights Finding The Essentials In Palatka Groceries Palatka’s grocery lineup keeps you fed and happy. Publix (171 Town Drive, 7 AM to 10 PM) reigns supreme—locals adore it for its killer deli (subs and fried chicken), top-shelf meats, and a bakery that’s pure bliss (key lime pie, fresh rolls). Fresh produce, organic goodies, and a solid beer and wine selection round […]
Navigating The Financing Waters Understanding Reverse Mortgages, Part 1 What’s a Reverse Mortgage, Anyway? Picture this: you’re 62 or older, sitting on a goldmine of home equity, but your wallet’s feeling a bit light. A reverse mortgage is like a financial magic trick that lets you tap into that home equity without selling your house or making monthly payments. Instead of you paying the […]
Working With A Realtor How A Real Estate Agent Helps With Your Home Financing Process A real estate agent can be a valuable ally in your home financing process. While their primary role is to assist you in finding and purchasing a property, they also offer support and guidance that can make securing financing smoother and less overwhelming. Below are the key ways a real estate agent can help you […]
Navigating The Financing Waters A Breakdown Of “Closing Costs” Part 2 7. Attorney Fees (if applicable) What it is: In some states (like New York or Massachusetts), a real estate attorney is required to oversee closing. Cost: $500–$1,500, though it can climb higher for complicated deals. Details: The attorney might review contracts, handle title issues, or attend closing. Even in states where it’s optional, some buyers […]
Navigating The Financing Waters A Breakdown Of “Closing Costs” Part 1 This is the first of two posts diving into closing costs, which are a critical piece of the home-buying puzzle. These are the fees and expenses you pay at the closing table to finalize the purchase, separate from your down payment and mortgage principal. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase […]
Navigating The Financing Waters The Importance Of Getting Pre Approved In the previous post, we discussed the differences between being pre approved and being pre qualified. I want to use this follow up post the emphasize the importance of being pre approved.  Think of it this way; pre approval is definite in nature. A definite amount, a definite time frame. It lets you go forward […]
Don't Miss Our Next Post
Subscribe Now
Navigating The Financing Waters Pre Approval Vs Pre Qualification All home buyers need to set a budget; you need to know what you can spend, what price range to look in and so on. Two tools that most buyers use are the pre approval letter, or the pre qualified letter. A very important concept to understand are the differences these. Although they sound similar; […]
Palatka & Putnam County Insights Palatka Watering Holes, Something For Everyone If you need to quench your thirst, have a little fun, maybe grab a bite to eat and listen some tunes; here are some of the crowd favorite places for locals. Let’s dig a little deeper into these Palatka watering holes with some extra flavor—think of it like adding a splash of hot sauce to […]
Palatka & Putnam County Insights The Blue Crab Festival Today’s post is about he upcoming Palatka Blue Crab Festival—it’s one of those events that just screams good times, good food, and a whole lot of fun. Picture this: a warm Memorial Day weekend, the St. Johns River shimmering in the background, and the smell of fresh blue crabs wafting through the air. Sounds like […]
Home Tips A Four Point Inspection vs. A “Regular” Home Inspection Richard Schwartz here again from Coldwell Banker Ben Bates in Palatka, Florida; the center of fabulous Putnam County. I often get asked about a four point inspection and how it differs from a “regular” home inspection; so here’s a quick rundown on the two. What’s a Four-Point Inspection, Anyway? Picture a four-point inspection as a […]
Palatka & Putnam County Insights Palatka, The Center of A Wheel        One of the reasons I love calling Palatka my new home is that while maintaining the wonderful charm and values of a small town, it is by no means, isolated.  Damn near anything you could look for, want to do, want to see and experience, or need to get is within a […]
Navigating The Financing Waters Credit Score Impact Pt.3 This is the last installment in my quick reference guide to credit scores and their importance in home financing. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Long-Term Credit Score Effects Applying for a Mortgage: Multiple hard inquiries within 14–45 days (rate shopping) count as one, dropping your score by 5–10 points temporarily. After Approval: Timely mortgage payments boost your score over […]
Navigating The Financing Waters Credit Score Impact Pt.2 Here’s part 2 of my three part reference guide to credit scores in home financing. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Impact on Interest Rates: General Rule: Higher scores = lower rates; lower scores = higher rates. Example (Conventional 30-Year Fixed, March 2025 Rates): 760+: 6.0% APR 700–759: 6.2% APR 620–699: 6.8% APR Below 620: Often ineligible or 7%+ with […]
Navigating The Financing Waters Credit Score Impact Pt. 1 This is the first in a three part series diving deeper into the credit score importance in home financing. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How Credit Scores Are Evaluated:   Range: Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850 (FICO or VantageScore models). Key Factors: Payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), […]
Navigating The Financing Waters Understanding Credit Score Basics One of the key elements in financing a new home purchase is your credit store. Below are some of the basic elements that make up this very vital component of the financing process. Understanding Credit Score Impact A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that reflects your creditworthiness—essentially, how […]
Navigating The Financing Waters Everything You Need To Know About Mortgage Loans Part 3 Here’s a brief explanation of four variations of mortgage loans; they are worth exploring. The Ballon Mortgage is often used in seller financing options. Any of the four may suit your needs. Jumbo Loans Definition: Mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) (e.g., $766,550 in most U.S. […]
Navigating The Financing Waters Everything You Need To Know About Mortgage Loans Part 2   The following are the 3 mortgage loan programs  tied to the Federal Government, as opposed to conventional loans that originate from the private sector.   1. FHA Loans (Federal Housing Administration) Definition: Government-backed loans insured by the FHA, designed to help low- to moderate-income borrowers. Key Features: Low down payment requirement (as little as […]
Navigating The Financing Waters Everything You Need To Know About Mortgage Loans Part 1 Welcome back to my Blog. I’m Richard Schwartz, an agent at Coldwell Banker Ben Bates in beautiful Palatka, Florida; in the heart of Putnam County. As a prospective home buyer, one of the hardest obstacles to overcome is the navigating and understanding of the various methods of financing your dream purchase. In this series of […]

Coldwell Banker - Ben Bates, Inc., Realtors

© 2025 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC

Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy

Accessibility Statement | Fair Housing Notice

© Coldwell Banker 2023 – 2025. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.