You’ve closed on your new home and moved in. That’s it? Not necessarily. Protecting your investment and building equity should be next on your agenda.

As tax filing deadlines get ever closer, the annual ritual of sorting through receipts and forms to uncover potential deductions can add an extra layer of stress to an already overwhelming season. But fear not, for amidst the sea of paperwork lies a treasure trove of often-overlooked deductions that could significantly reduce your tax bill. While the tried-and-true deductions like mortgage interest and charitable contributions are familiar to many, delving deeper into the tax code reveals a wealth of lesser-known opportunities to save.

With the excitement of a new home comes the need to protect it. That's where your homeowner's insurance comes in. Choosing the right policy and coverages can give you peace of mind knowing that when disaster hits, you will be prepared for it. So what types of coverages should you have on your policy to best protect your home?

Buying your first home can be an exciting experience. Yet, with that excitement can come a laundry list of items to address to ensure your purchase goes off without a hitch. Give yourself the best chance for success by following the tips for first-time homebuyers listed below.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Homeowners have been able to deduct interest paid on home equity loans and lines of credit for decades. Thanks to the new tax law, that deduction is now gone.

The pandemic is still causing chaos and pushing average spending higher.

This is the second year where the pandemic has severely disrupted schools. Back-to-school shopping this year is going to be difficult. Because cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 continue to increase, school districts may quickly change their plans, which means parents will face many challenges with their budgets. This year, families like yours will spend hundreds of dollars on school supplies, Parents still do not know if their children will be in hybrid learning, in-person learning, or virtual learning, and this is causing a problem for our budgets. Do you need to budget as much for clothes or uniforms if the school will continue to be virtual or part-time?

If you’re looking to fund a home improvement project, consider tapping into your home’s equity with a home equity line of credit, or a HELOC.

What is a HELOC?

A HELOC is a revolving credit line allowing homeowners to borrow money against the equity of their home. Borrowers can withdraw money as needed during a set amount of time known as the “draw period,” which generally lasts 10 years.

Significant historical events, from the Great Depression to WW2, changed our society in unimaginable ways. The Great Depression gave us some of the social programs Americans have come to expect, such as Social Security. WW2 ushered in a “golden age” for our nation, bringing us prosperity, advancements in technology, and a position as the world’s leader. Now, the pandemic is changing the ways we work, set priorities, and look at our lifestyles. One major area of where are perspectives are evolving is how to find the right work-life balance.

More employees are getting called back to the office. Maintain your budget and avoid debt by following these cost-saving measures on back-to-work expenses.

Living near the ocean, with its breathtaking views and temperate climate is ordinarily wonderful. However, there’s one big danger associated with coastal living: hurricanes.

You can’t stop hurricanes from coming, but you can take steps to minimize damage and prepare for the aftermath. Here are 6 ways to prepare for hurricane season:

Spring is here! Time to roll up your sleeves and whip your home into shape.
Use these cleaning hacks to help banish those dust bunnies without spending a fortune on cleaning solutions and organizers.

Schedule Smart

Create a physical list of every part of your home you plan on attacking. Next, divide the chores according to the amount of time you estimate it will take to clean them. Make smaller sub-lists of 3-hour jobs, 1-hour jobs and 15-minute jobs. Post your lists in a place you’ll often see. This way, when you have spare time, you can find the right big or small job to tackle at a glance.

You've got your eyes set on a beautiful house near to where you live now, and you know it will make a good family home. Your next order of business is to find a lender that specializes in home loans. Since this is your first time purchasing a house, we recommend you consider We Florida Financial for your home loan.

Home Refinancing: Increasing vs. Decreasing Your Mortgage Term

When it comes to home refinancing, homeowners generally have two options—changing the rate or the term of their mortgage (or both). One isn't necessarily better than the other, as the benefits and advantages will depend on the borrower's goal and current financial standing.

Yes, you can fit financial education into your day.

Have you seen the commercial where the couple runs out to sweep the gutters, wash the dog and do everything possible to avoid a financial discussion? Looks familiar? It does to me. I, like many other adults, am guilty as charged. It’s just not pleasant to look at a spreadsheet. Let’s face it. It’s not cool. It’s not sexy.

Home Financing Help: The Professional Difference

When it comes to home financing, industry professionals are in a better position to help first time home buyers make informed decisions about a mortgage, loan, and other matters. Turn to us for help with either of the following home financing concerns:

What does timing have to do with your home search? Should you hurry up and buy now, or wait? We Florida Financial’s First Time Home Buyer Program is perfect for people who are looking for affordable home financing, whether it’s now or later. 

Florida Home Loans for Every Kind of Budget

According to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors® in 2016, Florida’s housing market is growing at a moderate pace, thanks to a tight housing supply that's projected to boost demand even more.

First Time Home Buyer Mortgages: Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes of first time home buyers is underestimating the true cost of home ownership. Unfortunately, this mistake isn't exclusive to first time home buyers. Mortgages in general can be difficult to navigate without guidance, which is why We Florida Financial's mortgage loan officers are always ready to assist members to choose and understand their mortgage options.

We Florida Financial's First Time Home Buyer Program was designed to help first-time home buyers navigate the entire real estate financing process.