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Chris Rodriguez

Loan Originator |NMLS 2524719

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Meet Chris!

I am originally from El Salvador and I am a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served for 21 years as an Intelligence Officer and Combat Videographer. I specialize in VA Loans and I empower my fellow veterans to use this exclusive tool to achieve home ownership and financial freedom. I know that securing a mortgage is an important decision and I am here to deliver powerful results and to help you reach your next financial goal. Whether you need help buying your next family home, condo, townhome, or investment property, I'm the one to call! P.S.: Hablo Español!

Serving Homebuyers In:

  • Florida

Mortgage Calculators

Monthly Payment

Affordability

Refinance

VA Entitlement & Payments

Your Mortgage Questions, Answered!

Your Comprehensive Guide to Home Inspections

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you can make. Once a homebuyer finds the home they want to submit an offer on, one of the most common questions is whether or not they should get an inspection. Getting an inspection on the home you want to buy has plenty of benefits. Some loan types require them and some don’t. We put together a comprehensive guide to help you make a confident decision regarding your potential inspection when you’re preparing to submit an offer on a home. What is a Home Inspection and How is it Different Than an Appraisal? A home inspection is an objective assessment of a property's overall condition, performed by a licensed professional. During the inspection, key components of the home—including the roof, foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC—are thoroughly reviewed to ensure they are functioning properly and free of major issues. The primary goal of this process is to identify potential problems that could require repairs or impact the home's value. Unlike an appraisal, which focuses on determining a property's market value, a home inspection emphasizes safety and structural integrity. This distinction is crucial because it gives buyers a clear understanding of the true condition of the home they’re committing to before finalizing their purchase. While they might seem similar, an inspection is much different than an appraisal. First and foremost, professional appraisals are required for every mortgage type, including refinances. An appraisal evaluates the home's condition, features, location, and recent sales of comparable properties in the area. The primary purpose of an appraisal is to ensure that the lender is not lending more money than the home is worth, which protects the lender’s investment. While an appraisal determines the market value of a property, a home inspection assesses the home's physical condition. Appraisers perform a broad overview to establish value, checking factors like square footage, amenities, and general upkeep. Inspectors, on the other hand, dive deeper into the safety and functionality of the home's systems and structure, identifying any existing or potential issues. What Loan Types Require an Inspection? It’s important to note that most lenders do not directly require a home inspection for certain loan types. However, there are specific loan programs with unique conditions that encourage or necessitate this step. For example, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans require an appraisal with specific property standards. While technically not an inspection, this appraisal includes a health and safety review that flags potential issues. If the home does not meet these standards, repairs must be made for the loan to be approved. VA (Veterans Affairs) loans also require an appraisal that assesses the home for Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) to ensure it is safe, sound, and sanitary. Like FHA loans, while this appraisal is not a full home inspection, it may prompt buyers to pursue one to identify any underlying issues the VA appraiser did not cover. Conventional loans don’t mandate an inspection, but many lenders and experts recommend one on top of the required appraisal. While the inspection itself might not be a formal requirement to secure your mortgage, it's important to understand the standards that different loan types must follow to keep you in the loop and help you make informed decisions. What Are the Benefits of Getting an Inspection? Opting for a home inspection offers numerous advantages that make it well worth the investment. Overall, it helps buyers avoid surprises and expensive repairs. Discovering issues like faulty wiring, plumbing leaks, or foundation cracks before purchasing gives buyers the power to negotiate with the seller for repairs or price adjustments. This often leads to a better final deal and lowers financial risk post-closing. A home inspection also serves as an educational experience for buyers. During the process, inspectors can point out maintenance needs, provide advice on how to handle certain issues and share information that will help buyers maintain their homes more effectively. This proactive learning helps homeowners feel prepared and confident in their ability to manage their property. Another significant benefit is peace of mind. Even when no major problems are found, an inspection reassures buyers that the home they are investing in is safe and solid. For first-time homebuyers, this assurance can be particularly valuable, allowing them to proceed with fewer doubts. Inspections aren’t mandatory for every home purchase and in some cases, the lack of an inspection can strengthen your offer in a competitive market. However, most real estate professionals recommend that buyers include a home inspection contingency in their offer. This provision allows buyers to renegotiate or withdraw if major issues arise, protecting them from unforeseen, costly repairs and enhancing confidence in their purchase decision. By uncovering hidden issues early, buyers can negotiate repairs, adjust their offer, or walk away if necessary. This transparency helps prevent unexpected expenses after closing and provides peace of mind to new homeowners. While home inspections are an additional step and cost in the homebuying process, their value far exceeds the price. By uncovering hidden issues early, buyers can negotiate repairs, adjust their offer, or walk away if necessary. If you want to learn more about home inspections in the mortgage process or want to connect with a Loan Originator to guide you toward homeownership, follow this link and fill out the form to get started.

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How a Cash-Out Refinance Can Help Fund Your Holiday Spending

The holiday season is coming up, and for many, this time of year can put families through financial strain. Between gifts, travel, and festive gatherings, the expenses can quickly add up, leaving some feeling stretched thin. For homeowners, a cash-out refinance can be an effective way to access the equity in their homes, providing extra funds to cover holiday costs without relying on high-interest credit cards or personal loans. By using the equity they've built, homeowners can enjoy a more relaxed and financially stable holiday season. What is a Cash-Out Refinance and How Does One Work? A cash-out refinance allows homeowners to replace their current mortgage with a new loan that provides extra funds by tapping into the equity homeowners have built in their property. Essentially, homeowners can "cash out" a portion of their equity to use however they like—whether it’s to pay off high-interest debt, fund renovations, or, in this case, cover holiday expenses. This process works by allowing homeowners to borrow against their home equity, which is the difference between the home’s appraised market value and the remaining mortgage balance. By taking out a larger loan, the borrower receives the excess in cash after paying off the original mortgage. For a clearer picture of how this can work, use UMortgage’s Refinance Calculator to see what a cash-out refi might look like for you. For a more in-depth quote, fill out this form to connect with a UMortgage Loan Originator or reach out to your existing UMortgage partner. Home equity is a valuable asset that accumulates over time as mortgage payments are made and property values appreciate. With a cash-out refinance, homeowners can leverage this value without selling their property, providing access to funds when needed most. The Benefits of a Refi for Debt Consolidation & Holiday Spending While credit cards might seem like a tempting way to cover holiday expenses, the high interest rates can quickly make seasonal spending hard to manage. According to the Federal Reserve, the average credit card interest rate is currently around 22.76%, which can lead to a cycle of unmanageable debt. “There’s a lot of high interest out there, and people are carrying more debt than they’ve ever carried,” says Jimmy Hobson, UMortgage’s National Sales Leader. “A cash-out refinance not only helps you avoid this kind of debt but also gives you a way to tap into your home’s equity that you’ve already built through monthly mortgage payments.” With a cash-out refi, instead of taking on even more debt, you’re using the money you’ve already invested instead of relying on high-interest credit cards or personal loans. After you’ve closed your refinance, you'll get some breathing room before your first mortgage payment, typically due on the first of the month following a full 30 days after closing. So, if you close on November 14th, you won’t make your first mortgage payment until January 1st. This means you could benefit from having a month without a mortgage payment, freeing up extra funds that can be helpful for holiday spending or unexpected expenses. How to Know You’re Eligible for a Cash-Out Refinance Before you start planning your refinance, it’s important first to assess your eligibility and whether it makes sense for your current financial picture. Here are some things to consider: Assess Your Home Equity You should start by calculating your home equity to determine if you qualify for a refi. Your equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. You’ll need an appraisal to determine your home’s market value. A UMortgage Loan Originator will be able to connect you with a reliable appraiser in your area to help you determine the equity owned on your home. Reviewing Your Long-Term Goals There are many benefits to a refinance, but ultimately, you should only do it if it fits your long-term goals. Would it be more beneficial to use your home’s equity to invest, make home improvements, or save for the future? Taking out funds now can impact your mortgage balance and monthly payments, so consider how this aligns with your plans and whether it will keep you on track for achieving financial stability or growth. Get Connected with a UMortgage Loan Originator A UMortgage Loan Originator is your key to personalized mortgage advisory that puts your long-term financial health first. Once you get connected with your LO, they’ll walk you through every step, from eligibility to planning and ultimately unlocking your home’s potential to give you a smart, effective option for covering seasonal expenses. Follow this link and fill out the form to get connected with a UMortgage LO in your area. A cash-out refinance allows you to rely on the investment you've already made in your home, helping to cover seasonal expenses while keeping your financial health in check. Whether for gifts, travel, or end-of-year projects, using your home’s value wisely can make all the difference in enjoying a stress-free holiday season. Follow the link above to see if this option will work for you this holiday season!

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Housing Market Update | Week of November 11th

Last week answered a lot of questions that we had about the economy but posed a handful of new questions about the economic impact that Trump’s second term will have on housing affordability. The Federal Reserve also cut the federal funds rate by 0.25%, though their roadmap for future cuts is uncertain. We should get some clarity as Fed presidents speak with the media throughout the week. Overall, the market should be more stable moving forward. Last Week's Mortgage Rate Recap Rates Rose Slightly It was a busy week last week for the housing market with the direct impact of the election and the November Fed meeting. Rates rose on Wednesday as investors pulled their funds from the bond market and reinvested in stocks, causing bond yields to increase and mortgage rates to follow. With the uncertainty of the election behind us, we could see the bond market stabilize and hopefully see mortgage rates start to trickle lower. This Week's Mortgage Rate Forecast Rates Should Be Steady Looking ahead to this week, we should see more rate stability. Multiple Fed presidents are scheduled to offer some insights into their monetary policy moving forward. We also have an upcoming retail sales report that will provide more data into the trajectory of inflation and could potentially impact the bond market. Overall, we should anticipate a few weeks of market stability as we digest fresh data. We’re quickly approaching the end of the year, and the sooner we start preparing, the better equipped we’ll be to capitalize on what’s sure to be a busy year for the housing market. Next Tuesday, November 19th, we’re hosting an exclusive webinar—Planning for Success in 2025—to help us set goals and develop new winning habits to achieve those goals next year. Register here to learn more and save your spot!

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