Owning a property can be your first step towards financial independence, offering countless opportunities and rewards. But without the right professional support, it may not be as effortless or satisfying as it should be. There can be legal hindrances, time restraints and financing discrepancies. At Protégé Real Estate Investments, Inc. we understand these challenges and our experienced professionals are committed to finding solutions that meet your needs. Our first time ownership programs, In-house financing options and relocation assistance programs are just a few of our exceptional services that set us apart from the rest.

5 Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes
1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.
2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.
3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the home buying process.
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7 Reasons to Own Your Home
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
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10 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership
1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.
2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.
3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.
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Amendment 10
Understanding Amendment 10 will help you avoid being surprised by higher real estate taxes. Amendment 10 was born in 1992 when voters amended the Florida Constitution so that the Assessed Value of properties with Homestead Exemption (HEX) are capped at 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. The key to understanding Amendment 10 is the chain of events triggered by the title change of a home with HEX – such as when a home sells. First, the cap is removed from the Assessed Value. As a result, the Assessed Value (see 5 below) may increase. If the Assessed Value rises, then so does the Taxable Value (see 6 below). And when the Taxable Value increases, the taxes of your home may jump.
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Common Closing Costs Buyers Should Look For
You’ll likely be responsible for a variety of fees and expenses that you and the seller will have to pay at the time of closing. Your lender must provide a good-faith estimate of all settlement costs. The title company or a Professional affiliate conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for:
• Down payment
• Loan origination
• Points, or loan discount fees, which you pay to receive a lower interest rate...
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Housing is and always will be a Lucrative Investment
Housing is a key driver of the economy and continues to be a solid investment for the majority of American households. Housing provides steady returns largely unaffected by volatile movements in the stock market. Housing wealth has a more immediate impact on consumer spending than stock wealth and has sustained the U.S. economy since the beginning of this decade. Homeownership is the traditional starting point for American families to accumulate wealth, according studies by the National Association of Realtors®, America’s leading advocate for homeownership.
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