I recently caught up with Troy Silhan, Production Manager and resident mortgage expert for Bank of England. He works with many local homeowners and was happy to provide major tips on what NOT to do before and during the loan process. The obvious list of problems to avoid includes pay your bills on time, save for a down payment, and so on. Here are some tips you might not have thought of:
1. DON’T change your name.
Regardless of the occasion (marriage or divorce), make sure not to change your surname when applying for a mortgage. As Troy says, “If you applied for a mortgage as Ms. Jones, then became Mrs. Smith, there is additional paperwork and things to do to make sure you are, in fact, one in the same person.” Your loan officer can let you know when you’re cleared to make the change!
Northern St. Johns County has become one of the area’s most desired locations for homebuyers. It’s no wonder! Residents enjoy quick access to Jacksonville and an A-rated school district—all set against a pastoral backdrop of live oaks and palm trees (not to mention great golf).
In recent years, the area has experienced significant residential and commercial growth. The U.S. Census Bureau places St. Johns County as the 11th fastest-growing county in the U.S. (based on 2013/2014 estimates).
Almost 10 years ago, the U.S. housing market turned downward and many Americans lost their homes to foreclosure. As a result, these families moved to rental homes, apartments and condos, waiting for the right time to buy again.
Now that the market has recovered, “boomerang buyers” as they’re called, are returning to the market ready to jump back in. However, many others still don’t know if they’re financially ready.
Bank of England Production Manager Troy Silhan recently explained how boomerang buyers can know when they’re ready, as well as what they can expect in this new market.
It’s almost time to throw on your “Kiss me I’m Irish” t-shirt and find your nearest watering hole to enjoy a green pint! St. Patrick’s Day is this Thursday and what better way to celebrate than with some festive treats even the most inexperienced cook could whip up in the kitchen. I think we can all agree when I say thank God for Pinterest!
To start, I found some great green treats to share with co-workers in the office or to make with your kiddos. Check out the easy six-step, 10-minute recipe for St Patrick’s Day Muddy Buddies (a fun Irish twist on trail mix). And, while you are whipping up the Muddy Buddies, enjoy some Shamrock Punch! The only ingredients needed are a carton of Lime Sherbert and a 2 liter of Gingerale. Another great holiday snack to try is Lucky Leprechaun Treats. Lucky Leprechaun Treats are green rice crispy treats with lucky charms mixed in! Delicious!
Since 1981, hungry folks throughout Northeast Florida and beyond have gathered in the Oldest City for one of the South’s best seafood celebrations. And this year’s 35th Annual St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival is sure to surpass expectations.
Mark your calendar for this weekend, March 4-6, when Francis Field (25 W. Castillo Drive) will be filled with live music, more than 100 arts & crafts exhibitors and plenty of kids’ activities like rides and magic shows (and even a pirate village!)
Now that residential construction has gained momentum all around the greater World Golf Village area, businesses large and small are making their homes here as well. From banks and healthcare specialists to new eateries and shops, residents are enjoying more amenities than ever before – all just down the road.
Saint Johns Place, located just on the east side of I95, has added two new tenants. Village Dentist recently moved to its new location with the same great dentists, including Drs. Nick Tawil, Brian Young, Gaby Bahri, Nadeem Ahmed and Ross Fishman. The center also welcomes Baptist Primary Care, including Drs. Traci Bragg, Iulia Platte and Juan Fuentes.
World Golf Village offers a welcoming environment where residents can put up their feet and relax. Nevertheless, it is a magnet for adventurous people to love to travel and explore. A great example of this type of resident is Michael and Yvonne Tyson. The Tysons recently purchased a home in Turnberry, one of World Golf Village’s most sought after communities for buyers.
Between settling into her new home and chipping away at the couple’s vacation bucket list, Yvonne recently took a few minutes to answer some questions for us.
Our corner of St. Johns County is home to a strong local gaming community with many enthusiasts. And now, gamers have a home where they can relax, connect and game together. Introducing Big Daddy Games, World Golf Village’s new gaming store and meeting place for gamers.
Co-owners and cousins Matt Steinhour and Dave Raderstorf opened the store on December 26 of last year. Customers have already come to enjoy the comfortable, like-home appeal of Big Daddy Games where they can connect, not through a screen, but face-to-face with other gamers.
TrailMark is a 2,278-home planned single-family community located in the peaceful backwoods of a quiet stretch of Pacetti Road in World Golf Village. The community is a beautiful display of nature with many preserved oak hammocks and gorgeous lake views. Home builders in TrailMark include D.R. Horton and Landon Homes both offering one and two story home designs available from the $200,000s.
Here are 8 things you should know about life in TrailMark:
The Holiday of Love is right around the corner and you probably aren’t any closer to figuring out the perfect way to “woo” your significant other. It’s tough coming up with new ideas every year. Mashable says the seven most popular Valentine’s Day gifts in the US are greeting cards, candy, flowers, an evening out, jewelry, clothing and gift cards. I guarantee you she doesn’t want a box of chocolates or a teddy bear that says “I love you” and he doesn’t want a tie. Let’s think outside of the box!
Groupon: Honestly Groupon has some GREAT deals/packages going on for Valentine’s Day. Search Valentine’s Day Jacksonville or St. Augustine and you will come across spa packages, Cigar Samplers, more than 50% off diamond stud earrings, discounted getaways, nights out and more! You can even have delicious Omaha steaks delivered to cook her/him a romantic meal.
I recently caught up with Troy Silhan, Production Manager and resident mortgage expert for Bank of England. He works with many local homeowners and was happy to provide major tips on what NOT to do before and during the loan process. The obvious list of problems to avoid includes pay your bills on time, save for a down payment, and so on. Here are some tips you might not have thought of:
Northern St. Johns County has become one of the area’s most desired locations for 
Almost 10 years ago, the U.S. housing market turned downward and many Americans lost their homes to foreclosure. As a result, these families moved to rental homes, apartments and condos, waiting for the right time to buy again.
It’s almost time to throw on your “Kiss me I’m Irish” t-shirt and find your nearest watering hole to enjoy a green pint! St. Patrick’s Day is this Thursday and what better way to celebrate than with some festive treats even the most inexperienced cook could whip up in the kitchen. I think we can all agree when I say thank God for Pinterest!
Since 1981, hungry folks throughout Northeast Florida and beyond have gathered in the Oldest City for one of the South’s best seafood celebrations. And this year’s 35th Annual 
Now that residential construction has gained momentum all around the greater World Golf Village area, businesses large and small are making their homes here as well. From banks and healthcare specialists to new eateries and shops, residents are enjoying more amenities than ever before – all just down the road.
World Golf Village offers a welcoming environment where residents can put up their feet and relax. Nevertheless, it is a magnet for adventurous people to love to travel and explore. A great example of this type of resident is Michael and Yvonne Tyson. The Tysons recently purchased a home in 
Our corner of St. Johns County is home to a strong local gaming community with many enthusiasts. And now, gamers have a home where they can relax, connect and game together. Introducing 
The Holiday of Love is right around the corner and you probably aren’t any closer to figuring out the perfect way to “woo” your significant other. It’s tough coming up with new ideas every year. Mashable says the seven most popular Valentine’s Day gifts in the US are greeting cards, candy, flowers, an evening out, jewelry, clothing and gift cards. I guarantee you she doesn’t want a box of chocolates or a teddy bear that says “I love you” and he doesn’t want a tie. Let’s think outside of the box!
facebook
twitter
youtube
WGV blog