All Forum Posts by: Shawnette Pankey

Just make sure you're aware of the restrictions and requirements they have, if this is a rental property.

 I use OwnUp (broker) and the bank I went with this time was Union Home Mortgage. The process was a total cluster****, but it finally went through. I blame the issues on poor communication (Union Home, not OwnUp. My guy at OwnUp is awesome.)

https://www.va.gov/housing-***...

I paid cash and refinanced withno issues. You can't "season" a mortgage that doesn't exist, so there shouldn't be an issue. 

I used Navy Federal. Quick and easy.

I use my regular agent for my rentals. Any agent can quote you rates, but you can get additional discounts if you get a 4 point and wind mitigation inspection. The  company I use charges $115 total for both. Message me if you'd like the contact info.

My place in St. Pete was covered by American Integrity when I rehabbed it earlier this year. Your insurance broker should be able to find an insurer that meets your needs. If they can't, you should probably find a new broker because these types of policies are not unusual.

There aren't laws against it but the HOA may have restrictions in their by-laws. I've seen some that say you have to live there there for a year before you can rent your place. Check the by-laws.

You may want to look at the short term rental regulations before you buy. Different areas have different rules, with some being fairly lax to just outright ridiculous because they don't want them.

Now, to answer your original question, no, it doesn't have to be walking distance to the beach, but that's always a nice thing to have. Close proximity to shops and restaurants is great, as well.

Are you calculating based on purchase price? Or assessed value? Property taxes are calculated using the county's assessed value, not the purchase price. Most county property appraisers have an online tool to calculate what your property taxes will be.