Madison Ortiz NMLS 2152696

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

07/20/2024

🏡Are you planning to buy a home? Don’t forget about closing costs! 💰 It is essential to include them into your budget. Contact The Mortgage Firm to get started with the home buying process today!


Madison Ortiz NMLS 2152696 | The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 | Equal Housing Lender

05/27/2024

On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the brave heroes who gave everything for our freedom.

Madison Ortiz NMLS 2152696 | The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 | Equal Housing Lender

05/22/2024

Save the Date:

Florida’s Amazing First Time Homebuyer Program - Hometown Heroes is back!

Funds will go quickly - now is the time to be out shopping with your pre-approval if you want to take advantage of this program!

Link: https://themortgagefirm.com/madisonortiz

Madison Ortiz NMLS 2152696 | The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 | Equal Housing Lender

05/18/2024

Passwords 😂

02/08/2024

City of Fort Pierce Announces Upcoming Housing Assistance Programs

The Grants Administration Division of the City of Fort Pierce is excited to announce the launch of three housing assistance programs aimed at supporting residents in achieving homeownership and maintaining stable housing situations. These programs, funded through a combination of federal and state grants, are designed to address the diverse housing needs within the Fort Pierce community.

Home Purchase Assistance Program - The Home Purchase Assistance Program will start accepting applications on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 8:00 AM. This program, funded in part by federal award number SLFRP5533 granted to the City of Fort Pierce by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, aims to help income-eligible individuals and families purchase homes within Fort Pierce city limits. With allocations of $515,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and $205,000 from the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP), the program seeks to provide financial assistance. Applications will be processed on a first-submitted, first-qualified, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. Interested applicants can find more information and required documents on the City of Fort Pierce website.

Residential Rehabilitation Program – Also, on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 8:00 AM, the Residential Rehabilitation Program will open for applications. This program is supported by $800,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and $350,000 from the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP). Designed to aid income-eligible households in Fort Pierce, the program provides funds for rehabilitating existing residences. Like the Home Purchase Assistance Program, applications will be processed on a first-submitted, first-qualified, first-served basis until all funds are allocated.

Rapid Rehousing Program - In addition, the Rapid Rehousing Program, focused on rental assistance, will accept applications starting Monday, February 12, 2024, at 8:00 AM, closing on March 12, 2024. This initiative, funded by $200,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and $50,000 from the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP), is exclusively available to Fort Pierce residents referred for assistance by social service agencies. The program aims to provide swift support to individuals and families facing housing instability.

Orientation Requirement - Applicants for the Rehabilitation Program and Home Purchase Assistance Program are required to attend a Mandatory Orientation session before submitting their applications. Failure to provide proof of orientation attendance will result in an application non-review. Interested parties can register for the orientation sessions via the City of Fort Pierce website.

These housing assistance programs emphasize the City of Fort Pierce's commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable community by providing essential support to residents in need. For more information on eligibility criteria and application procedures, please visit the city’s website at https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/503/Open-Grant-Opportunities or contact the Grants Administration Division at 772-467-3161 or [email protected].

01/22/2024

If one of the goals on your list is selling your house and making a move this year, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement about what’s ahead and feeling a little sentimental about your current home. Keep these three best practices in mind when you’re ready to sell.

1. Price Your Home Right

If you price your house too high, you run the risk of deterring buyers. And if you go too low, you’re leaving money on the table. An experienced real estate agent can help determine what your ideal asking price should be, so your house moves quickly and for top dollar.

2. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Today, homeowners are staying in their houses longer than they used to. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), since 1985, the average time a homeowner has owned their home has increased from 6 to 10 years.

This is much more than what used to be the norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more...

If one of the goals on your list is selling your house and making a move this year, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement about what’s ahead and feeling a little sentimental about your current home.

01/19/2024

Buying a home is a big deal and can feel especially complicated if you don't know the terms used during the process. If you want to become a homeowner this year, it's a good idea to learn these key housing terms and understand how they relate to the current housing market. That will help you feel confident when you buy a home. Let’s connect so you can get expert help with any questions you have.

Buying a home is a big deal and can feel especially complicated if you don't know the terms used during the process.

01/18/2024

Are you putting off your plans to sell because you’re worried you won’t be able to find a home you like when you move? If so, it may be time to consider a newly built home and the benefits that come with one. Here’s why.

Near-Record Percentage of New Home Inventory

The percentage of the total homes available to buy that are newly built is well over two times higher than the norm. And even more new homes are on the way.

Recent data from the Census shows there’s been an uptick in both housing starts (where builders break ground on more new homes) and housing completions (homes where construction just wrapped).

And while some people may worry builders are building too many homes, that isn’t a concern – if anything, the recent increase is really good news.

How This Helps You

Since the supply of existing homes for sale is still low right now, the increase of new-home construction can be a game changer because it gives you more options for your...

Are you putting off your plans to sell because you’re worried you won’t be able to find a home you like when you move?

01/17/2024

If you’ve been holding off on selling your house to make a move because you felt mortgage rates were too high, their recent downward trend is exciting news for you. Mortgage rates have descended since last October when they hit 7.79%. In fact, they’ve been below 7% for over a month now.

And while they’re not going back to the 3% we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, they are expected to continue to go down from where they are now in the near future.

You May Not Feel as Locked-In to Your Current Mortgage Rate

With mortgage rates already significantly lower than they were just a few months ago, you may feel less locked-in to the current mortgage rate you have on your house. With rates dropping, the difference between your current mortgage rate and the new rate you’d be taking on isn’t as big as it was. That makes moving more affordable than it was just a few months ago. As Lance Lambert, Founder of ResiClub, explains: “We might be at peak “lock-in...

If you’ve been holding off on selling your house to make a move because you felt mortgage rates were too high, their recent downward trend is exciting news for you.

01/16/2024

If you’re worried about what’s next for home prices, know the HPES shows experts are projecting they’ll continue to rise at least through 2028. Based on that forecast, if you bought a $400,000 house this year, experts say it could gain over $72,000 in equity over the next five years. If you're worried about falling home prices, don't be. Many experts forecast they'll keep rising for years to come. If you have questions, let’s connect.

If you’re worried about what’s next for home prices, know the HPES shows experts are projecting they’ll continue to rise at least through 2028.

01/15/2024

Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Let’s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue to value homeownership.

The Financial Benefits of Owning a Home

One possible reason homeownership is viewed so highly is because owning a home is a significant wealth-building tool. Over time, owning a home not only helps boost your own net worth, but it also sets future generations up for success as you pass that wealth down.

It can also provide meaningful financial stability compared to renting. When you buy with a fixed-rate mortgage, you can lock in your monthly housing payments for the length of your home loan.

The Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership

But, owning a home offers more than just financial benefits—it benefits you socially and emotionally too. Your home provides feelings of achievement, responsibility, and more.

What Does That Mean for You?

If your idea of the...

Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream.