Who Loves to Save Money?!?! How to Remove PMI Payments!

Who else LOVES to SAVE MONEY? You’ll love this real estate hack if you don’t already know.

No matter when you bought your house, if you did so with less than 20% down, your mortgage lender tacked on the extra cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI) as a standard precaution. ​​​​​​​​Removing PMI payments can be a significant way to save money in the long run. PMI is usually required when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than 20% on their home purchase. Once the homeowner reaches 20% equity in their home through mortgage payments or home value appreciation, they can request the cancellation of PMI.

By eliminating PMI, homeowners can potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually. This extra money can be put towards paying off the mortgage faster, saving for future goals, or investing in other financial endeavors. It’s essential to stay updated on the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage to determine when you’re eligible to remove PMI and start enjoying the financial benefits of doing so.

PMI, Remove pmi, mortgage

In addition, PMI typically only protects the lender in the event of a default. According to NerdWallet, PMI rates usually range from .58% to 1.86% of the original loan amount. So, for example, a $400,000 loan with 7.5% down would mean your PMI payment would be $305/month (with a 700-credit score).

Let’s Talk PMI

✔️ Confident that your house is worth more today than when you purchased it? ​​​​​​​​

✔️ Can I cancel PMI if my home value increases? ​​​​​​​​

✔️ When does PMI go away?​​​​​​​​

📝 Whether your individual mortgage qualifies for PMI removal will depend on factors like the current value of your home, the loan type, how much you still owe on the loan, and your payment history.​​​​​​​​ With the example above, it would take 8.66 years for the lender to remove this $300 monthly payment. So, you would be paying over $31,000! However, do not stress because there are ways to remove this sooner.  

How Can We Remove the PMI?

💰 In all honesty, the hot real estate market of 2021-2022 meant many homeowners saw their equity rise. Even though a market shift is underway as of late due to higher interest rates, many homeowners with mortgages will most likely be sitting on significant equity due to still-high home values. In Q2 2022, a report from CoreLogic shows that homeowners with mortgages saw an equity increase of nearly 27.8% year-over-year. CoreLogic forecasts an average rise in home prices of 4.3% between June 2022 and June 2023.​​​​​​​​

💼 As a result of this trend, NOW would be a good time for many borrowers to see if they qualify for private mortgage insurance cancellation. A higher equity stake in your home can lower the perceived risk of your mortgage and, in some cases, speed up the path to PMI removal.​​​​​​​​ See! We told you not to stress!

In addition, because PMI can add tens of thousands of dollars in housing costs over the life of a loan, it’s essential to consider taking steps to remove PMI as soon as you’re eligible.​​​​​​​​

Long story short… 😉… reach out to me anytime for a CMA! Our team would love to have coffee (or a margarita) with you to discuss it further.  Pointe South is always looking for ways to save our customers money!

At Pointe South Rentals and Real Estate, our mission is to be the ultimate resource for all your real estate needs. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent a property in the beautiful Pensacola area, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and helping you navigate the real estate market with ease. With our team of experienced professionals, extensive knowledge of the local market, and a commitment to client satisfaction, we strive to exceed your expectations.

We understand that buying or renting a property is a significant decision, and we are here to guide you every step of the way, offering personalized attention and expert advice. Trust Pointe South Rentals and Real Estate to be your trusted partner in achieving your real estate goals.

Here is to saving money in 2023!!!

susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com ~ 850.492.1148

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Real Estate Market Highlights

News Alert for Buyers and Sellers along the Gulf Coast!

RESIDENTIAL MARKET HIGHLIGHTS – JULY 2019

According to the Pensacola Associations of Realtors, Inc.

  • JULY Average Sold Price $256,604 with 2330 Homes on the Market
  • JULY Homes on the Market 2330
  • JULY Homes SOLD in the month 958
  • JULY Combined Days on Market Averaged 55 – which is 13 days less then this time last year
  • JULY Sales were up 10% compared to July 2018

With such good news, you may be considering your options.  Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, the real estate market is continuing to run hot.  The market is considered to be solid.

Pointe South has shared some best buys on the beach for your review.

Please know we are always ready to serve you, your family and friends, answer any questions or run a free market report for your home or condo.

Coming or Going – It’s Time to Plan for Coastal Fun

Whether you are selling a property or buying/investing in the Gulf Coast area, your 2 most valuable assets are FAMILY and HOME and we serve them both.

The Pointe South Team helps buyers and sellers every day and we are always available to assist you, but first before we hit the road looking and planning, we need to plan some time to enjoy the plethora of local events along the Gulf Coast.

NW Florida and Coastal Alabama is Chuck full of event line-ups! The area brings people together to enjoy being together. We welcome you and know it’s time to plan some fun with live music, festivals, sports – celebrations that all folks enjoy make this area even more special from Destin, Pensacola Beach, to Perdido Key and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. These areas have beach front properties that are affordable and exclusive to the Million Dollar Penthouses, Executive Homes, Pool Homes, Condos, Town Homes or Single Family Homes to raise the family, Farm Life, Beach Life, quaint downtown Life; we call it HOME LIFE.

From live music and night life events in Pensacola Beach, major head line music tours singing loud and proud in Pensacola Arena or The Wharf Amphitheatre in Orange Beach, sports fun with the Blue Wahoos Baseball team, organized races and family races, paddle boarding and bike fun. If that isn’t your thing, how about all the exquisite food and drink flavors from Greek, Smokin BBQ in the Square, Emerald Coast Beer and Seafood Festivals your belly is full with home town hospitality and good eats.

For the Art enthusiast, the Gulf Coast has tremendously talented artists on display at local markets, shows, and even exceptional performing arts shows at the theatre, designers, and Broadway events, comedy fun, and local rising artists playing at Vinyl downtown venue and fun street bands. Having fun here is easy. No Exceptions! Ladies nights, Street Parades, Good Eats, Sports, Fishing, did I mention Sugar Sand Beaches and U.S. Navy Blue Angels Air Shows and that is just a few of the tops.

It’s always fun to visit, even better to play, stay and invest. Pointe South draws upon decades of real estate expertise in the area, in the events, in it all and we offer an asset-based approach to your NW Florida or Coastal Alabama real estate options – licensed in Florida and Alabama because we know your most 2 valuable assets are YOUR FAMILY and YOUR HOME – We Serve them both.
Destination – HOME!

Building on your Reputation

When it comes to helping homes buyers, your name matters. That is why we stake our reputation on helping you enhance yours.  All our customers, whether buying or selling, are provided a clear journey and an inspired path where your dreams come true!  That is how reputation is built at Pointe South Real Estate Sales.  One Exceptional Experience at a time.

Pointe South is a full-service real estate brokerage firm serving the Gulf Coast of Florida and southern Alabama; which covers Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and team coverage to Destin and Fairhope.

Pointe South Agents offer relocation counsel, personal attention and market expertise to all of our customers, family and friends. Our team specializes in the marketing of premiere residence in condominiums and single family homes in Florida and Alabama including new construction.

We want to be the first to WELCOME YOU and assist you with your real estate needs. We understand! We live here with the sugar white sands, temperatures averaging 60 degrees, even in the winter – many want to invest, retire, or relocate permanently. Your Pointe South Team has you covered. Our goal is to add value to every customers transaction by helping each and every customer to get the information they need to make the best decision for your situation. We are Pointe South and our Mission is: To Be the Most Caring Company along the Gulf Coast.

We have a close team that works together in every aspect of your need and we want you to experience the Pointe South difference!

Thanks & Giving !

Thanksgiving, like many of the holidays around this time of the year, is time to reflect and remain thankful for what you have. We take the time to appreciate the friends and family that we are surrounded by, as they are the most important to us all. These days of thanks we reflect on the challenges and focus our attention on what really matters. Share your joy and peace.

In the midst of celebrating Thanksgiving, real estate agents, entrepreneurs, business owners and co-workers alike need to build and establish our relationships in one another and give thanks to all of our clients and customers. With out them we would not be successful. Pointe South Real Estate Sales extends this thankful greeting to all of our customers. We appreciate you, your friends and family that you entrust and refer us too.

We are thinking of you all and our entire team. Building our rapport is imperative. This simple gesture is not enough to share the impact that you have on our lives and we hope we reciprocate to you as well. The Pointe South Real Estate Team works extremely hard to provide the absolute best service to all of our customers and we are grateful to you. We aim high for our clients, customers and prospects. We strive to be your choice when in need of any real estate needs. The entire season is ripe with opportunity to take advantage to share and care. With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years before us, we focus on the positive atmosphere of life and business generating professionalism, knowledge, experience, market awareness and building on our desire to provide you with the exceptional service you deserve.

OUR MISSION: To exceed our Customers’ and Owners’ expectations by providing the highest quality experience and service along the Gulf Coast.

OUR VISION: to be the most caring company along the Gulf Coast.
These are our CORE Values. The team is strongly committed to helping you achieve your dreams of playing, staying and investing along the Gulf Coast.

Many THANKS to you all !

Discover Pensacola with Pointe South Real Estate Sales

DISCOVER PENSACOLA with POINTE SOUTH REAL ESTATE SALES

Under the direction of Broker/Owner, Susan Carleton, Pointe South Real Estate Sales has been selling real estate along the Gulf Coast for more than 20 years. Susan continues to lead by example with sales over $22 M SOLD last year http://www.susancarleton.com and sharing her experience and expertise with her team.

Pointe South has grown into an industry leader, offering a variety of properties to satisfy every taste, budget and dream of playing, staying and living along the Gulf Coast. Pointe South Residential Leasing  maintains more than 600 long term rentals in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fairhope. With continual growth along the coast from Florida to Alabama, being licensed in both states is standard for her team. “We want to provide the very best service to our clients and showing and sharing with them the possibilities in Alabama is an absolute must!” said Susan. “Our team is committed to helping find the perfect piece of coastal living in a condo, investment or family home.” Pointe South does this by being in the business and team effort from Broker to Agent, Client to Lender as well as additional vendors is imperative. The success of the team requires cooperation, listening to all parties, understanding the needs, wants and desires, managing all the parts and scheduling the appropriate appointments in a timely fashion. This synergy and an “ALL IN” mindset is paramount on the Pointe South Estate Sales Team.

Pointe South roots are infused with our southern hospitality that grows outstanding service. Being a native of Pensacola as Susan calls Pensacola home, the team calls it paradise! The Pointe South Team are experts in the real estate field, experts in the area, the market, the developments, events and activities and associations. This confidence is evident when you speak to any of the Pointe South agents. They want you to enjoy the process of buying or selling real estate and want you to discover the Pointe South experience just as these clients have shared.

Customer “A” Sold a Single Family home in 2018 in Pensacola, FL. said, It was an Absolute pleasure to work with the team. Great contact throughout process. I lived in a different state as my house being sold, and not once did I worry about anything. Would absolutely recommend again and again!!”

Customer “B” Bought a Condo home in 2018 in Pensacola, FL. said,  “There were numerous hurdles to overcome and Susan stayed on top of everything. We needed to extend the closing on two separate occasions and Susan stayed on top of everything keeping us fully informed. The team was responsive to every call and email, communication was simply superb! I cannot thank enough as she helped us get into the retirement home of our dreams.”

Customer “C” Bought a Condo home in 2018 in Orange Beach, AL. said, “True professional throughout the purchasing process. We have multiple transactions through Pointe South and always have 5 star customer service.”

Working with EXPERTS is important!  TRUSTING your EXPERT with one of your biggest financial investments is even more important!

When you are interested in buying, selling or investing, Susan and the Pointe South Real Estate Sales Team is ready to assist. Learn more, contact us today!

Easy Home Improvements that boost home values

It is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the SPRING buying season, for that reason many homeowners will be making that decision now and wanting to bump their value with some easy home improvements. But, where do you begin, and what improvements really boost the return on your investment into your pocket? Well, here you go.

One easy way to boost the value of homes by 12% or more according to FloridaRealtor.org is to invest in a few pre-listing repairs. For example, based on a median home price of $205,000. the potential gain is $24,500. Now, that seems worth your time and attention.

Not that we are all listening, let’s see what all this entails in order to gain the most return on investment that you desire.
Some of the fixes that are ranked as most important are also encouraged by our expert Pointe South Real Estate Sales Agents. Our agents share their expert advice and this is why we schedule listing appointments at your home. Our Agents will advise you with specific details to help your selling process in order to expedite the sale of a property.

#1 DECLUTTER will be at the top of the list. The cost is 0 if you do it and have the entire family chip in. This activity alone will produce a 3-5% return and it is a must-do! When potential buyers preview your home that you are SELLING, they truly want to be able to see themselves living there. You have to allow them to visualize themselves there. You can help achieve that by storing some of the family pics and personal items that you cherish in Tupperware. This also helps you start the process of moving. Two birds with one stone as they say!

#2 KITCHEN is King! The kitchen was rated as the most important to have in top shape before selling. Focus on the minor repairs that center on the function of the kitchen should be first. Fix leaky faucets, loose light fixtures, and countertop cleanliness. Not only washing up, but putting away the large kitchen

appliances that hide all the counter space. Put those away or store those in a Tupperware in the garage. Then, enhancements are next. Painting walls, updating cabinet hardware adding new curtains or light fixtures and an organized pantry show care and all the space that is available.

#3 BATHROOM freshness is next! This 2-3% return is simple and an easy improvement with fresh caulking of the shower and tub and floor seams. Updating fixtures and fresh paint will brighten the space. Updating the mirror and lighting can also give a bigger return.

#4 PAINT makes a big impact as the buyer thinks of it as one less step that they would have to do and it shows good overall maintenance of the home. Interior painting is an important part of bringing about a sale of the home. But, as the seller, you likely don’t need to paint the entire home – a refresh of the main rooms curbs big costs in painting the entire interior. Three prime rooms are the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. Be sure to select neutral tones. Paint with whites or off-whites, grays or beiges as studies show that this helps the buyer focus on the home’s features. Bright colors tend to distract buyers and prompt in immediate cost to them to update.

#5 Lastly, CURB APPEAL and the WELCOMING feeling. With a 2-5% return, concentrate on basic maintenance with lawn care, trimming of shrubs, and adding fresh mulch. A good way to see the home with different eyes is to go stand across the street and look at the home from your neighbor’s perspective. This always shows you things that you may not have seen before and see if the change is cost-effective for you. Additionally, a good pressure washing will instantly brighten your home and increase the “welcome home” feeling. A new mat at the front door with a fresh flower invites your new guests or buyers and this has a lasting effect on them as they are more than likely looking at several homes in one day. Be the stand out – in a good way! This helps you go from FOR SALE to UNDER CONTRACT to CLOSED! If you are thinking of selling, Pointe South Real Estate Sales would love to help you get it done.

CALL | TEXT | EMAIL to find out what your home is worth today! 850.492.1148 FORSALEONTHEGULFCOAST.COM    susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com.

Upcoming Events on the Gulf Coast !

What’s Happening on the Gulf Coast!
Celebrate the unique combination of food, history, art, music and beaches that can all be found in and around our city. From the smaller arts and crafts festivals to the larger music festival, these outdoor parties are fun for the whole family! Don’t just take our word for it! Come see Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Destin, Orange Beach, or Gulf Shores. Find your perfect place on the Gulf Coast whether you are coming to play, stay or invest, Pointe South Rentals & Real Estate can help to make your experience memorable!

Our Calendar of Events has some of the fun for the Fall Season!

October
Blue Angels practice : Pensacola
Flora Bama Oktoberfest :
Humane Society’s Barktoberfest : Pensacola
13-15 Annual Shrimp Festival : Gulf Shores
13-15 58th Greek Festival : Pensacola
14-Bridge to Bridge Run 5K : Pensacola
17 UWF Symphonic Band Concert Band : Pensacola
18 Fishing Rodeo : Destin
28 Spooky Movie on the Lawn at The Wharf : Orange Beach
22 Art & Wine Festival : Pensacola Beach
24 Bands on the Beach : consecutive Tuesdays : Pensacola Beach
20 Gallery Night Downtown : Pensacola
28 Boo at the Zoo : Gulf Breeze
28 Halloween at Naval Museum: Pensacola
28 Wahooloween : Blue Wahoo Stadium: Pensacola

November
Ice Flyers Hockey is back.
38th Annual Toys for Tots Run :
02 Foo Foo Festival : Pensacola
03 Umbrella Sky Project : downtown Pensacola
03 Annual Oyster Cook Off at The Hangout : Gulf Shores
04 Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival : Harbor Walk Village : Destin
08 Magic Men Live at Saenger Theatre : downtown Pensacola
09 Elf – the musical at Saenger Theatre : downtown Pensacola
17 Ice Skating at The Wharf : Orange Beach
10 An Evening with Guitarist, Gene Bertoncini: Pensacola
10 Emerald Coast Theatre Co.-Disney Aristocrats Kids show : Destin
10-11 Blue Angel Homecoming Air Show : Pensacola
11 Repti Day – Reptile and Exotic Animals Expr : Navarre
12 Annual Marathon : Pensacola
16 Palafox Market, recurring weekly : downtown Pensacola
18-19 UTR Tennis Tournament : Orange Beach
24 Magic Christmas Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home opens for the month : AL
24 Elf Parade : downtown Pensacola
27-28 Annual Tree Lighting : Orange Beach

December
02 Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks : Pensacola Beach
03 Visit with Santa at the Harbor Walk : Destin
08 Christmas on the Coast : Pensacola Children’s Chorus : downtown Pensacola
09 Christmas Parade : Destin
01-17 Horse and Carriage Riders at The Wharf : Orange Beach
09 Flora Bama Santa Drop
15 Nutcracker at the Saenger Theatre : Pensacola
31 Pelican Drop Celebration – downtown Pensacola

With so much to do around town, whether you are looking to stay for a day or make the move of a lifetime, Pointe South is dedicated to helping you find the perfect place. Stop by one of our office today.  Pointe South Rentals and Real Estate.

The Land of the Free

Pointe South salutes and honors those that lost their lives on 9.11 – 16 years ago. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave!  Our hearts were unimaginably broken which forced us to be in great unity from that moment we will all never forget.  In that same spirit of unity, we remember those that we lost, pray for their families, support the ones who constantly run into harms way to seek and to save those in need of help. On that day, more than 3000 lives were lost – and so many more affected in ways only they can express.  We also remember those in Houston, affected by Hurricane Harvey and the people in the path of Hurricane Irma. May we always remember what brings us together – our relationships, our family, our love for one another and our love for our country! Our endurance and power will strengthen us, even if it takes some time at first – we will never forget.  But, our strength together is all we need.  We need each other! The tribute light that beams through the NY sky on 9.11 beams through each and every day from our hearts.  We know their names, we know their children, we remember that day, just as we recall where we were on that September morning.  We also remember how the storms approach that attempt to destroy and are destructive to our surroundings. But, we endure together. We all know the time continues to tick, so love one another deeply. Laugh often. Work hard and enjoy the simple things in life.  Sing loudly. Smile – you are loved.  Take time to listen. Be there when asked and stay their when your not asked.  Be one another’s best advocate and encourage those in your circle.  Get the flowers.  Smell the roses. Eat the cake. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Do your very best and don’t wait-do it! Find your place at the beach and dip your toes in the sand.

Pensacola Beach hosts record crowd for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Air Show

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels drew a record crowd to the sugar-white sand and turquoise water of the Gulf Coast earlier in July. The “Blues” annual Homecoming Air Show in Pensacola Beach which has a reputation as a tourist destination is rivaled only by its military heritage. The Blue Angels are hometown heroes to the locals and this amazing elite, high-flying team with their aerial maneuvers and laser point precision is a spectacular show for all ages. Naval Air Station Pensacola is located just west of the city’s downtown and has trained generations of airmen and the home base for the Blue Angels. Pensacola is a city with such deep military roots, few things arouse more pride than the sight of the Blues soaring high above the Gulf Coast.

With record crowds, Pointe South Rentals and Real Estate has the most productive agents and team to host guests to the area. With multiple offices from Orange Beach, Alabama to Perdido Key, Florida and the Blue Angels back yard of Pensacola Beach, Florida; Pointe South Rentals and Real Estate is a leading full-service Real Estate Brokerage/Residential Leasing  and property management Company. Stay with us in a beautiful home, cottage, condo or a resort; we have something for every taste and budget. If you are looking to make the move of a lifetime, Pointe South Real Estate Sales is the brokerage for you. Contact Susan Carleton, Broker/Owner today for more information about available properties, the areas we represent and how we can help you find your perfect place at the beach! 850.492.1148