Category: Services

Which of These 6 Loan Types Is for You?

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  1. Fixed-rate loan: the interest rate doesn’t change throughout the life of the loan, typically 15-30 years. This means the monthly loan payment shouldn’t change, making it a relatively low-risk loan. Requires a down payment.
  2. Adjustable-rate mortgage: loan begins with a lower rate for a fixed period of time (5-10 years); after this period, the interest rate will adjust approximately once a year in relation to current interest rates. Monthly payments can fluctuate, so this loan is best for those who plan to move and sell their home before their fixed-period is up.
  3. FHA loan: a Federal Housing Administration loan is a government-backed loan that allows homeowners to make a down payment of as little as 3.5% versus the standard 20%. There are several requirements such as limited loan amounts and minimal payment flexibility. They are fixed-rate mortgages of 15 or 30 year terms. Mortgage insurance is required. 
  4. VA loan: a Veterans Affairs loan is for veterans who have served 90 consecutive days during wartime, 180 days during peacetime, or six years in the reserves. They are government-backed and require no down payment or mortgage insurance.
  5. USDA loan: the USDA Rural Development loan is government-sponsored and requires no down payment with discounted mortgage rates. This loan is designed for rural areas struggling financially. However, an individual’s debt cannot exceed their income by more than 41% as mortgage insurance is required.
  6. Bridge loan: also referred to as a gap loan or “repeat financing;” the current and new mortgage payments are bundled into one. An excellent option for those purchasing a home before selling their previous residence; once the home is sold, the mortgage can be paid off and refinanced. 

     

Blueberry Muffins Day & Local Spotlight

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Today is National Blueberry Muffin Day! The benefits of blueberries are numerous, including being rich in antioxidants, aiding in weight loss and healthy digestion, boosting mental health, protecting against heart disease, managing blood sugar levels, improving skin clarity, and improving the strength of bones. 

Fun fact: the term ‘muffin’ was first printed in English in 1703 and was also known as a ‘teacake.’ Combined with the beginning of blueberry cultivation in New Jersey in the early 20th century, blueberry muffins were a long time in the making.

Want to enjoy the fluffy, flavor-bursting creation that is a blueberry muffin? Consider skipping Walmart and head to one of the Panhandle’s local blueberry farms: Blue Acres Berries!

Blue Acres Berries is a pick-it-yourself blueberry farm located in Sneads, and is currently reaching the end of its season. A gallon bucket costs only $10 to fill! Don’t want to pick the berries yourself? No problem, they offer to pick the gallon for you at $20 a bucket. Visit their Facebook site HERE for hours and more.

Drive-Through Movies

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Today is National Drive-Through Movie Day! Looking to celebrate? Visit Timewarp Theaters in Pensacola. They offer private events, summer specials, and deals on concessions. Tune in to the movie audio on a local radio station, sit back, and enjoy! For available movies, tickets, and more, visit their Facebook or their ticket website. 

June COVID Vaccination Sites

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Are you looking to get vaccinated in order to protect yourself, your family, and your community? There is a COVID-19 vaccination bus traveling to public areas in the Panhandle area; view the image to the right for times, dates, and locations. You can also call for an appointment at the Calhoun (850-674-5645) or Liberty (850-643-2415) Health Department.

Martin’s Harvest Update

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The Marianna-based sustainable farm Martin’s Harvest is now doing deliveries, and will expand home deliveries to the Tallahassee area starting May 26th! Martin’s Harvest offers organic and sustainable goods such as hydroponic lettuce, micro-greens, produce, and more.
   If you are getting delivery, Martin’s Harvest works with other local businesses to deliver the following goods: Silver Oaks farm fresh eggs, Green Gate Olive Grove products & kombucha, and Smiley B Farms LLC goods. 
   Delivery is free to the workplace while home delivery is $10; both are available in the following areas: Dothan, Panama City, Marianna, Cottondale, Bonifay, and Chipley. Order online or learn more HERE. 

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

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Did you know that every single year, over 6.5 million companion animals end up in animal shelters in the U.S.? Sadly, over 1.5 million are euthanized and only 3.2 million are adopted. National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day was created in order to bring awareness to these tragic numbers. It is the result of the annual Adopt A Dog Month that the American Humane Society founded in 1981. Observed annually on April 30th, this national observance helps bring attention to the needless suffering of animals in shelters and encourages people to make to adopt not shop.

Below are the links to some local Panhandle animal shelters and their online listings of adoptable pets!

Timber Block Grant

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Have you heard the good news? The State of Florida Timber Block Grant’s registration deadline has been extended to April 30th! The Florida Timber Recovery Block Grant Program (“TRBG”) is available to timber producers who suffered timber damage as a result of Hurricane Michael; compensation for the crop loss is provided to producers that meet the eligibility requirements. The program is managed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the US Department of Agriculture. If eligible, you may receive up to $608 per acre for pine and up to $714 per acre for hardwood. Repayment is not required. 

Register HERE. 

Kayak Local Econfina Creek

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The weather is beginning to get warmer here in the Florida Panhandle as the spring equinox draws closer. Looking for something to get you out in the wonderful world of nature or something to occupy the kids on the weekend? Consider visiting the local Econfina Creek and its beautiful canoe trail in Youngstown, FL for a leisurely trip down the calm trail. The local Econfina Creek Canoe Livery LLC is currently offering shuttle services by reservation only seven days a week. They offer one or two-person kayaks as well as a pick-up from the end of the trail to take you back to your vehicle. They suggest bringing lunch and/or snorkeling gear to make the most of the trip, turning the 3hr paddle trail into a lovely, relaxing day-trip along the cool waters. 

Visit their official website HERE for more information or to make a reservation today. 

Vegetable Gardening 101 in Tallahassee

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Today was the first Organic Vegetable Gardening 101 course held at Native Nurseries in Tallahassee. New to vegetable gardening? New to Tallahassee? Looking for a refresher course? This workshop is for you! Joe Walthall goes over the basics of organic vegetable gardening – preparing a bed, soil building, what to plant, when to plant, and more. This is an outdoor workshop that features a demonstration in Native Nurseries’ vegetable garden. Missed today’s event? Never fear – this special workshop will occur again on March 6th at 10 a.m. EST. 

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required by phone. There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 15 people. Masks are required. When parking, please use the driveway next door to the nursery with ‘Workshop Parking’ sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Hydrographic Designs Available Locally

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Sample of their work.

Looking to spice up your favorite water bottle? Have a motorbike you’d like to personalize? Check out Skinny Dipped Hydrographics! Hydrographics, otherwise known as water transfer printing, takes everyday ordinary items and make them stand out. Skinny Dipped has thousands of films to choose from. A venture started in April 2020, it is owned and operated by Robbie Clausen. 

Visit their official Facebook page HERE!