How to Prepare Yourself and Your Home for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is a reality for those who live in Florida. From June to November, residents and visitors alike must be aware of the potential for hurricanes and the damage they can cause. While it is impossible to predict when and where a hurricane will strike, there are steps you can take to prepare for the worst-case scenario. In this blog post, we will discuss how to prepare for hurricane season in Florida.
At the end of this blog post, we included a link to download our printable full hurricane preparation checklist!
1. Create a Hurricane Kit
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for hurricane season is to create a hurricane kit. This kit should include essentials like non-perishable food, water, medications, first aid supplies, and a battery-powered radio. You should also include important documents like insurance policies, identification, and birth certificates. Having a kit ready before the storm hits can make all the difference in the world.
2. Plan for Evacuation
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding or is in the direct path of a hurricane, it may be necessary to evacuate. It is important to have a plan in place for evacuation before the storm hits. This includes knowing the evacuation routes in your area, identifying a safe place to go, and having transportation available if needed.
3. Secure Your Home
Securing your home before a hurricane can help to minimize damage. This includes trimming trees and shrubs, securing loose outdoor items like patio furniture, and boarding up windows. You should also make sure that your roof is in good condition and that your gutters are clear of debris.
4. Stay Informed
It is important to stay informed during a hurricane. This means monitoring weather reports and updates from local officials. You should also have a way to receive emergency alerts, such as a NOAA weather radio or a smartphone app.
5. Have a Communication Plan
During a hurricane, it may be difficult to communicate with loved ones. That's why it's important to have a communication plan in place. This can include having a designated family member or friend to check in with, establishing a meeting place, and having a backup method of communication like a two-way radio.
6. Be Prepared for Power Outages
Power outages are common during hurricanes, so it's important to be prepared. This includes having flashlights, batteries, and a backup generator if possible. You should also turn off and unplug electronics to avoid damage from power surges when power is restored.
In conclusion, being prepared for hurricane season in Florida is essential. By creating a hurricane kit, planning for evacuation, securing your home, staying informed, having a communication plan, and being prepared for power outages, you can increase your chances of staying safe during a hurricane. Remember, it's always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when it comes to hurricanes.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FULL PRINTABLE HURRICANE PREPARATION CHECKLIST:
HURRICANE PREPARATION CHECKLIST
At Contemporary Mortgage, we understand the importance of being prepared for unexpected events like hurricanes. That's why we offer a wide range of mortgage options to help you and your family purchase or refinance your home. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you with all your home financing needs, including preparing for hurricane season. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in securing your dream home and preparing for the unexpected.
407-834-3377
info@contemporarymortgage.com
How the Federal Reserve Affects Mortgage Interest Rates
As a prospective or current homeowner, you may have heard about the Federal Reserve's recent rate increases and wondered how they could affect your mortgage interest rates. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between the Federal Reserve and mortgage interest rates, and explain what it means for home buyers like you.
Why it Matters
When it comes to buying a home, one of the most important factors to consider is the interest rate on your mortgage. This rate will determine your monthly payment and how much interest you'll pay over the life of the loan. But did you know that the Federal Reserve can play a significant role in determining mortgage rates? Here's how it works:
What is the Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve, often referred to as the "Fed," is the central bank of the United States. Its primary goal is to promote a stable economy by managing monetary policy. One way it does this is by setting the federal funds rate, which is the interest rate that banks charge each other for overnight loans.
When the Fed raises the federal funds rate, it becomes more expensive for banks to borrow money. As a result, banks are likely to raise the interest rates they charge on loans, including mortgages. This can make it more difficult for potential homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage or afford a home.
Conversely, when the Fed lowers the federal funds rate, banks can borrow money more cheaply. This can lead to lower interest rates on loans, including mortgages. When mortgage rates are lower, it can be easier for potential homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage and afford a home.
How it Impacts Mortgage Rates
It's important to note that the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates. Rather, it influences them through its monetary policy decisions. Mortgage rates are also affected by other factors, such as inflation, economic growth, and global events.
If you're in the market for a home, it's important to keep an eye on the Federal Reserve's actions and how they may impact mortgage rates. You may want to consider working with a mortgage broker like us, who can help you navigate the complex world of interest rates and find the best mortgage for your unique situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Federal Reserve has a significant impact on mortgage rates through its monetary policy decisions. As a potential homebuyer, it's important to stay informed about these decisions and work with a trusted professional like us to find the best mortgage for your needs.
Final Note
While there has been much talk about the recent federal interest rate increases, it is crucial to consider the current state of mortgage interest rates in comparison to the past four decades. To illustrate this, the following image displays a historical chart outlining the fluctuations in mortgage interest rates over the last 40 years.
We hope this blog helps you to better understand how the federal reserve rates impact the mortgage interest rates.
Contact us today 407-834-3377
The following is an excerpt from an article posted on March 21, 2022, by the Fannie Mae Enterprise Innovation Team. CLICK HERE to view the complete article from FannieMae.com.
"Increasingly, the business world is considering adopting blockchain and many of its underlying, novel technologies. Some market observers touted it as a "Great Disruptor"1 – akin to the emergence of the internet – but that's been said about a number of emerging technologies before, including blockchain in 2017. What, if anything, has changed about this particular technology, and what makes today's blockchain discussion different, particularly among stakeholders in the housing finance industry?
To help answer these questions, it's worth looking more closely at blockchain's current usage in the financial services space and its perception among housing industry stakeholders. To better understand the latter, Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research Group asked senior mortgage executives for their opinions on blockchain technology, including whether they plan to adopt it and its potential impact on the housing industry.
How is blockchain being used today?
Led by consumers' use of cryptocurrencies, blockchain has become fairly mainstream. Networks like Visa and Mastercard have introduced crypto-related capabilities to their product offerings. And consumer-facing brands like Starbucks, Best Buy, GolfNow, and Choice Hotels have entered partnerships to provide consumers with the ability to pay with cryptocurrency."
What are mortgage lenders saying?
"Using our Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey® (MLSS), we surveyed mortgage lenders on a variety of topics related to blockchain, including its adoption, application, and potential future usage. These are some of the highlights of the report:
*Finish reading the complete article from FannieMae.com, HERE.*
Appraisal Waiver FAQs
When purchasing a home, did you know you might be able to waive the appraisal and the fee?
You could be eligible for an appraisal waiver, allowing you to:
- Save hundreds of dollars on the appraisal fee
- Close faster, usually in 20 days or less
- Eliminate the worry of a low appraisal value?
Call us today. 407-834-3377
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