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Mortgage education you can trust
Straightforward guides, strategies, and answers from Austin Edwards. No jargon. No sales pitches. Just the information you need to make confident mortgage decisions.
ARM vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgage in Florida: Is an Adjustable Rate Worth It in 2026?
With 30-year rates around 6.7% to 6.8%, Florida buyers are asking if an ARM is the smarter move. See current ARM rates, how much you could save, and the real risks before you choose.
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How to Raise Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home in Florida
A higher credit score can save Florida buyers thousands in interest. Learn the score you need in 2026, how much it affects your rate, and the practical steps to raise it before you apply.
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Lock or Float? A Florida Guide to Mortgage Rate Locks
The 30-year rate is hovering around 6.7%and every basis point moves your payment. Learn how mortgage rate locks work, when to lock versus float,and whether a float-down option is worth it before you close.
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Escrow Shortages and Mortgage Recasting in Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
Florida homeowners face rising escrow shortages from surging insurance costs and property tax reassessments. Learn how escrow analysis works, how to fix a shortage, and when mortgage recasting can lower your payment without refinancing.
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Florida Homeowners Insurance in 2026: What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know About Costs, Reforms, and Your Mortgage Budget
Florida homeowners insurance costs are finally dropping in 2026 after years of increases. Learn how insurance affects your mortgage budget, what reforms are helping, and how to factor insurance into your homebuying decision.
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Self-Employed Mortgage Guide for Florida: How to Get Approved in 2026
A complete guide for self-employed borrowers in Florida. Learn how lenders evaluate 1099 income, what documents you need, and which loan programs work best for freelancers and small business owners.
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Mortgage Rates in Florida: What Today's Rate Environment Means for Buyers in Late 2026
Florida mortgage rates in late 2026 are averaging 6.7% to 6.9%. Learn how current rates affect your buying power, when it makes sense to buy, and strategies to navigate today's market.
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Second Homes and Investment Properties in Florida: Financing Options for 2026
Learn how to finance a second home or investment property in Florida in 2026. Compare down payment requirements, rates, and loan options for vacation homes and rental properties.
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Condo Financing in Florida: What Buyers Need to Know in 2026
Florida condo financing changed in 2026. Learn about new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reserve rules, the SIRS mandate, and how to get approved for a condo loan in Florida.
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Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) in Florida: What Homebuyers Should Know and How to Remove It
Learn how PMI works for Florida homebuyers in 2026. What it costs, how to avoid it, and how to remove it once you have enough equity in your home.
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Seller Concessions in Florida: How Seller Credits Work When Buying a Home
Learn how seller concessions work in Florida real estate. Find out what closing costs sellers can pay, what the limits are, and how to negotiate seller credits when you buy a home.
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Florida Housing Market Outlook for Fall 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
A complete Florida housing market outlook for fall 2026. Get current data on home prices, inventory, mortgage rates, and what buyers and sellers can expect across the Keys, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward.
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First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Florida: What to Know in 2026
A complete first-time homebuyer guide for Florida in 2026. Learn about current market trends, down payment assistance, insurance costs, and how to get started with confidence.
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FHA vs. Conventional vs. VA Loans in Florida: How to Choose
Compare FHA, conventional, and VA loans for Florida homebuyers. Learn the credit score, down payment, and cost differences to find the right mortgage for your situation.
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When Does Refinancing Your Florida Home Make Sense? A Complete Guide for 2026
Thinking about refinancing your Florida mortgage in 2026? Learn which refinance options make sense at today's rates, what to watch for, and how to run the numbers.
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Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs: Your Complete Guide for 2026
Learn about Florida down payment assistance programs including FL Assist, FL HLP, and the Hometown Heroes program. See how much help is available and if you qualify.
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Should You Buy a Home Now or Wait?
Wondering if now is the right time to buy a home? Learn the key factors to consider, from mortgage rates and home prices to your personal finances.
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What You Should Do Before Looking at Homes
Learn the most important steps to take before you start touring homes, including budgeting, pre-approval, credit, savings, and choosing the right lender.
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Why Mortgage Rates Don't Follow the Fed
Learn why mortgage rates don't move in lockstep with the Federal Reserve and what actually influences home loan interest rates.
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Closing Costs Explained: Where Does All That Money Go?
Learn what closing costs are, what they cover, and how to prepare for them before buying a home.
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What Credit Score Do You Really Need to Buy a House?
Learn what credit score you really need to buy a home, how mortgage lenders evaluate credit, and practical ways to improve your chances of approval.
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The 10 Biggest Mortgage Mistakes That Cost Homebuyers Thousands
Learn the most common mortgage mistakes homebuyers make and how to avoid costly errors before, during, and after buying a home.
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How Much House Can You Really Afford?
Learn how to find your true homebuying budget. Understand DTI, monthly costs, down payment myths, and why the right payment is the one that lets you sleep well at night.
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Every borrower's situation is different. Austin takes the time to understand your goals and give you a clear picture of your options.