Start the New Year Right: Make Homeownership Your Resolution!
As the New Year begins, many of us are setting goals to improve our lives. Whether it’s getting in shape, saving money, or pursuing new opportunities, one resolution often stands out: achieving the dream of homeownership. At First Team Lending, we’re here to help you turn that dream into a reality.
Why Homeownership Should Be on Your 2024 Resolution List
Owning a home is more than just having a place to call your own. It’s an investment in your future. Here’s why buying a home this year can be a game-changer:
Build Wealth: Every mortgage payment brings you closer to owning an asset that grows in value over time.
Stability: Say goodbye to rising rents and hello to the security of a fixed-rate mortgage.
Personalization: Make your house truly yours with customizations and upgrades.
Community: Being a homeowner connects you with your neighborhood in meaningful ways.
How First Team Lending Helps You Achieve Homeownership
We understand that buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we’re committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s how we can help:
First-Time Homebuyer Incentives: We offer special programs to make buying your first home more affordable. From grants to low down payments, we’ve got you covered.
Fast Closings: We know timing is critical in the housing market. Our efficient process ensures you can close quickly and secure your dream home.
Flexible Hours: We’re here for you, even on weekends and late nights, to fit your busy schedule.
Personalized Service: Our team works closely with you to find the best mortgage options tailored to your needs.
Expert Guidance: We’ll guide you every step of the way, from pre-approval to closing, ensuring you feel confident in your decisions.
Tips to Start Your Homebuying Journey
Ready to make 2024 the year you become a homeowner? Here’s how to get started:
Set Your Budget: Determine what you can afford by evaluating your income, expenses, and savings.
Check Your Credit: A good credit score can help you qualify for better rates. Don’t worry if it needs improvement; we can guide you on how to boost it.
Get Pre-Approved: A pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re serious and helps you understand your price range.
Work with a Trusted Team: Partnering with a reliable lender, like First Team Lending, ensures you’re supported throughout the process.
Start the Search: With your finances in order, it’s time to find the perfect home for you and your family.
Make 2024 Your Year
Don’t let another year go by dreaming about owning a home. With First Team Lending by your side, you can take that first step toward homeownership. Whether you’re in Florida or Michigan, our team is ready to help you achieve your goals and turn your New Year’s resolution into reality.
Contact us today to start your journey. Let’s make 2024 the year you move into your dream home!
Builder Incentives
Unlock Better Homebuying Opportunities with Our Builder/Seller Buydown Program
In today's challenging housing market, builders and sellers face mounting pressure to close deals and keep homes moving. At First Team Lending, we understand the obstacles you face, and we’re here to help. Our Builder/Seller Buydown Program is designed to empower you with a powerful incentive for buyers: the ability to reduce their interest rate by a full 2 percent!
This innovative program isn’t just a game-changer for homebuyers; it’s a strategic tool for builders and sellers looking to stand out in a competitive market. Here’s how it works and why it’s the perfect solution for moving inventory and making homeownership more affordable.
What Is a 2-1 Buydown Program?
A 2-1 buydown program allows the seller or builder to provide financial concessions that are applied to the buyer’s mortgage payments, reducing their interest rate by 2% in the first year and 1% in the second year. By the third year, the buyer transitions to the standard fixed rate of the loan.
For example:
Year 1: If the fixed rate is 6%, the buyer pays only 4%.
Year 2: The buyer’s rate adjusts to 5%.
Year 3: The loan resumes the full fixed rate of 6%.
This structure offers significant savings upfront, making homeownership more attainable for buyers who may otherwise be hesitant due to rising rates or affordability concerns.
Why Builders and Sellers Love This Program
Increased Buyer Affordability: By lowering monthly payments in the critical first two years, buyers gain financial breathing room, making it easier to commit to purchasing a new home.
Faster Sales: Homes with interest rate incentives are more attractive to potential buyers, helping you move properties off the market more quickly.
Competitive Edge: Stand out from other builders or sellers by offering a benefit that directly addresses buyers’ concerns about high rates.
Exclusive Perks for Builders
In addition to the Builder/Seller Buydown Program, First Team Lending offers low-cost refinance options for your clients. Once their new home is complete, we can help them transition from a construction loan to a permanent mortgage with ease. Our refinance solutions are designed to save your buyers money while providing you with a seamless handoff.
By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to a team that’s dedicated to supporting your success every step of the way.
Why Partner with First Team Lending?
Personalized Service: We’re available when you need us, including weekends and late nights.
Fast Closings: Our streamlined process ensures that buyers are in their new homes without delays.
First-Time Buyer Incentives: Make homeownership dreams come true for a broader audience.
Expert Guidance: We specialize in providing tailored mortgage solutions, so your buyers feel confident every step of the way.
Let’s Close More Deals Together
If you’re a builder or seller looking to increase sales and provide exceptional value to your clients, it’s time to explore the benefits of our Builder/Seller Buydown Program. Contact First Team Lending today to learn how we can help you navigate today’s market challenges and drive success for your business.
Together, we can build more opportunities for buyers, sellers, and builders alike. Reach out to us now and let’s get started!
Unlock the Door to Your New Home with Our End-of-Year Closing Guarantees
The home-buying process is one of the most exciting journeys you'll ever take—but we know it can sometimes feel stressful, especially when it comes to meeting closing deadlines. At First Team Lending, we’re making it easier and faster than ever to step into your dream home with confidence.
Through the end of the year, we’re proud to offer two incredible guarantees that put your needs front and center:
$2,500 Guarantee for Buyers
We’re so confident in our ability to get you to the finish line that we’ll guarantee $2,500 to you if we don’t close your loan on time.*
$2,000 Guarantee for Sellers
Selling a home? We’re just as committed to meeting your timeline. If we don’t close the buyer’s loan on time, we’ll provide you with $2,000 to make up for the inconvenience.*
Fast-Track Closings in as Little as 15 Days
Time is precious, especially when you're buying or selling a home. That’s why we’ve streamlined our process to close loans in as little as 15 days. Whether you're looking to move in quickly or ensure a smooth sale, our team is here to make it happen.
Why Choose First Team Lending?
Experience You Can Trust: Our team of experts works tirelessly to simplify the mortgage process.
Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what to expect.
Proven Results: With thousands of happy homeowners served, our track record speaks for itself.
Don’t Miss Out—Act Now!
This special guarantee is only available through the end of the year. If you’re ready to buy or sell, let us help you close with confidence and speed.
Contact us today to learn more about our $2,500 and $2,000 guarantees, and let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality!
*Terms and conditions apply. Guarantees apply to qualifying loans and depend on meeting all required deadlines. Contact our team for full details.
Tampa Expansion!
Exciting News: We’re Expanding to Tampa!
Over the past year, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in Tampa’s dynamic and thriving community. From fostering meaningful relationships to conducting in-depth market research, it’s clear that Tampa is the perfect place to take the next step in our journey. Today, we’re thrilled to share some exciting news: we’ve officially received approval to open our second branch in Tampa! 🎉
This expansion is more than just a new location—it’s a chance to better serve our partners, clients, and team members both present and future. Tampa’s energy, opportunities, and growth potential align perfectly with our vision to provide exceptional service and build lasting connections.
Leading the charge in Tampa will be Nico, who has been an integral part of our growth and success while Vittorio continues to run the show in Michigan. Nico’s leadership and dedication will ensure that our Tampa office embodies the same values and standards you’ve come to expect from us. While Nico will oversee the Tampa branch, rest assured that he will remain accessible to all our Michigan partners, clients, and team members. Vittorio will also be available for all things Florida. Our commitment to you doesn’t change with geography—it only gets stronger.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to deepen our roots in Tampa while continuing to grow alongside all of you. This expansion represents a new chapter, filled with endless possibilities and the promise of even greater achievements.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Here’s to growing together, no matter where the road takes us!
If you’re interested in joining our team or learning more about how we can support your goals, visit our contact page today. We’d love to connect with you and explore how we can grow together!
Stay tuned for updates as we settle into our new home in Tampa. 🌴
Warmly,
First Team Lending Tampa
NMLS 2672843
Understanding Property Tax Changes After Buying a Home
When you buy a home, your property taxes might not remain the same as the previous owner’s. Here’s what you need to know about how and when your property taxes may change:
Why Do Property Taxes Change?
Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your home and your local tax rate. After a home is sold, many municipalities reassess the property’s value. If the purchase price is higher than the last assessed value, your taxes are likely to increase.
When Will the Change Happen?
Immediately After Closing: Some counties reassess properties right after the sale. You might see the change reflected in your tax bill during the first full tax year after your purchase.
Annual Reassessments: In areas with regular annual assessments, the increase may align with your area’s normal assessment schedule.
Delayed Reassessments: In some states, tax adjustments may not occur until the next official county reassessment cycle, which could take several years.
What Can You Do?
Budget for Increases: When planning your home purchase, account for potential tax hikes.
Research Local Policies: Check with your county’s tax office to understand the timing and process for reassessments.
Consider Exemptions: Some buyers qualify for tax breaks, like homestead exemptions, which can lower your property tax bill.
Understanding these potential changes helps you better prepare for the financial aspects of homeownership. Have questions about how taxes impact your mortgage? Feel free to reach out!