Get to Know Your Agent: More Than Just a Friendly Face

Military Mortgage Options: What Every Service Member Should Know When iFor active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible military families, buying a home comes with unique benefits—especially when it comes to financing. I understand the challenges and sacrifices of military life, and I am here to help you navigate the home-buying process with confidence. Whether you’re PCS-ing across the country or settling down after retirement, here’s a guide to the top military mortgage options available to you. 1. VA Home Loans: The Cornerstone of Military Mortgages The VA loan —backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—is one of the most powerful mortgage options available to military buyers. Here’s why it stands out: No down payment required (in most cases) No private mortgage insurance (PMI) Competitive interest rates Lenient credit requirements Limited closing costs Who’s Eligible? VA loans are available to: Active-duty service members (after 90 days of continuous service) Veterans with qualifying service National Guard and Reserve members (with sufficient service) Certain surviving spouses You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply, but a VA-savvy lender can usually help you obtain it quickly. 2. VA Jumbo Loans for High-Cost Areas If you’re buying in a high-cost area or seeking a more expensive home, a VA Jumbo Loan might be the right fit. These allow eligible buyers to finance homes above the standard VA loan limit without a large down payment. The process is similar to a standard VA loan, though some lenders may require a higher credit score or additional documentation. 3. Military Housing Assistance Programs There are also various nonprofit and government-backed programs designed to assist military homebuyers: State-specific veteran housing benefits (some states offer additional tax exemptions or down payment assistance) Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) – helps cover closing costs for eligible buyers Homes for Heroes – provides savings and rebates for military personnel buying or selling a home Check with me to see which programs may be available in your area. 4. Tips for a Smooth Military Home Purchase Work with a professional – Agents, like myself, understand PCS timelines and VA loan intricacies. Get pre-approved early – This helps you move quickly in a competitive market. I can help with this by connecting you with a few of our preferred lenders. Understand your entitlements – Some buyers can reuse their VA loan benefit or have multiple VA loans under certain conditions. Be ready for PCS flexibility – Look into options that allow you to rent or refinance if you’re reassigned.  Buying a home as a service member or veteran doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you have the right agent on your side. I proudly support my military customers and work with trusted lenders to ensure a smooth, affordable path to homeownership. Ready to explore your military mortgage options? Contact me today to connect with a VA loan expert and start your home search with confidence. Lee Botelho, REALTOR® LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor

Get to Know Your Agent: Lisa Bain Hi there! I’m so glad you stopped by. Whether you're here looking to buy your dream home, sell your current one, or just browsing, I thought I’d take a moment to introduce myself—not just as your real estate agent, but as a real person who has recently taken a major leap of faith and reinvented her life. A Sagittarian Soul on a Journey Born in December under the ever-adventurous Sagittarius sign, I’ve always had a fire for creativity, connection, and chasing new experiences. After more than 35 years as a graphic designer, I took a bold step in 2024: I earned my real estate license, said goodbye to my 9-5 life, and dove headfirst into a brand-new chapter. From City Lights to Country Nights After living in the city for 17 years, I made another major move—literally! I sold my longtime home, packed up, and relocated to Macclenny, where I now live with my wonderful boyfriend. Let’s just say this city girl is learning the ropes of country living... and loving it more than I expected. Planting Roots—Literally Six years ago, I found peace and passion in gardening. Getting my hands in the dirt has become a powerful way to connect with nature and ground myself through all of life’s changes. From flowers to vegetables, there’s just something magical about watching something grow because you cared for it. Family First, Always I’m a proud mom of two amazing daughters—Julia (26), a stay-at-home mom, and Olivia (19), a thriving student at the University of Florida. And if that weren’t enough to fill my heart, I’m also “Grandma” to Kensley (6) and Dominick (1)—both born on December 12th (how’s that for a cosmic coincidence?!). Flipping the Script… and Some Homes! Along with diving into real estate, I’ve also embarked on a new business adventure: house flipping! My boyfriend and I bought our first investment property in December, and we’ve been all in—hammer, paintbrush, and vision board in hand. But for us, this is more than just business. It’s a creative outlet, a passion project, and a way to breathe new life into homes that have seen better days. That’s why we launched Second Chances of N. FL LLC. Our mission is rooted in transformation—giving not only homes a second chance, but also the families connected to them. We aim to help one family move on to their next chapter while preparing the space with care and intention for the next family to create beautiful memories. Unlike flippers who just cover up the flaws, we believe in fixing things the right way—addressing root problems and making thoughtful improvements that will last. Every nail, every coat of paint, every design decision is made with love and longevity in mind. At the heart of it all is my love for “second chances”—and that love is poured into every home we touch, so the next family can feel it the moment they walk through the door. Reinvention is the New Routine 2024 has been the year of reinvention—and honestly, I’ve never felt more aligned with who I am becoming. Real estate isn’t just a career change for me—it’s a calling. Helping people find their home, invest in their future, or move forward is something I’m deeply passionate about. So whether you’re looking for a savvy agent, a little inspiration, or just someone who knows what it means to start over—you’re in the right place. I’d love to connect, share a coffee (or garden tips!), and help you plant the seeds for your next chapter. Thanks for getting to know me — I can’t wait to get to know you. Lisa Bain, REALTOR® LisaBainRealtor@gmail.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LisaBainRealtor

Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Home? A Realtor’s Perspective on Buying vs. Waiting