Michael Leachman, Broker Tú Familia Real Estate

09/29/2026

How much does your credit score really matter when buying a home?

It can affect:
• mortgage qualification
• available loan options
• your interest rate
• your overall borrowing cost

But your credit score is only one part of the mortgage decision.

Episode 11 of Homeownership Made Simple explains what buyers should know before applying.

Read Episode 11:

Learn how credit scores can affect mortgage qualification, interest rates and loan options, plus what home buyers should do before applying.

09/16/2026

Thinking about buying a home? Don't make the house search your first step.

A mortgage preapproval can help establish your price range, uncover financing issues early and give sellers more confidence when you're ready to make an offer.

Episode 10 of Homeownership Made Simple explains what preapproval does, what it doesn't do and why it's worth getting before you start seriously touring homes.

Read Episode 10:

Learn why mortgage preapproval should come before house hunting, what lenders review, how it helps your offer and what buyers should know before starting a home search.

09/14/2026

✨ New Listing in Jacksonville! This private 1-bedroom, 1-bath ADU at 2056 NAVAHO AVE, Jacksonville offers a comfortable, practical layout for easy everyday living. 🏡

With 399 sq ft, a private bedroom, full bath, comfortable living area, and a spacious yard with convenient parking and extra outdoor space, this separate residence balances privacy and functionality. 🚗🌿

Offered at $1,000. Schedule a showing to see this cozy space in person! 🔑

https://michaelleachman.tufamilia.realestate/d8r5n7ps

09/14/2026

🎉 New listing in Jacksonville! Explore this practical rental at 2052 NAVAHO AVE # , Jacksonville, with a comfortable, functional layout for everyday living. 🏡

This 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers 700 sq ft, a generous parking area with room for multiple vehicles, and a location just off Wilson Boulevard. Built in 1954, it provides convenient access to major roadways, shopping, dining, and everyday necessities. 🚗

Offered at $1,200. Schedule a showing to see it in person! ✨

https://michaelleachman.tufamilia.realestate/d8r5n56q

09/08/2026

How much money do you actually need at closing?

Your down payment is only part of the answer.

Episode 9 of Homeownership Made Simple explains:

• common closing costs
• the difference between closing costs and cash to close
• seller and lender credits
• the Loan Estimate
• the Closing Disclosure
• an important wire-fraud warning

Knowing these numbers early can prevent a stressful surprise later.

Read Episode 9:

Learn what closing costs include, how cash to close works, when you receive your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, and how buyers can prepare.

09/02/2026

Atlantic Beach has always had its own personality.

It’s coastal, walkable in places, close to local restaurants and shops, and very different from some of Jacksonville’s newer suburban communities.

We’ve added a new Atlantic Beach community guide to the Tu Familia website with original local photography and information for anyone who wants to get a better feel for the area.

If you’re curious about Atlantic Beach—or know someone thinking about moving closer to the coast—take a look:

Atlantic Beach Guide:

Explore Atlantic Beach, FL with local insights on neighborhoods, coastal lifestyle, parks, dining, nearby destinations and current homes for sale.

09/02/2026

You may not need 20% down to buy a home.

Depending on your financing, qualified buyers may have conventional, FHA, VA or USDA options requiring considerably less upfront.

But there's another important distinction:

Down payment ≠ total cash needed to close.

Episode 8 of Homeownership Made Simple explains the difference, some of the most common down-payment myths and why talking with a lender early can change your home-buying timeline.

Read the guide:

https://tufamilia.realestate/blog/how-much-down-payment-do-you-need

08/25/2026

Why are buyers taking a closer look at Seven Pines?

It combines newer homes, lakes, trails, resident amenities and a Southeast Jacksonville location near St. Johns Town Center, UNF, Mayo Clinic and the Beaches. The community is also still evolving, with additional retail, dining and services planned nearby.

We put together a detailed Seven Pines Community Guide with original local photography, amenities, nearby destinations and current homes for sale.

Explore Seven Pines:
https://tufamilia.realestate/seven-pines-jacksonville-florida

And if you want to see a move-in-ready option already available in the community, 12229 Gathering Pines Road is currently featured in the guide.

08/25/2026

Looking for a low-cash way to buy a home? Don't overlook USDA financing.

Eligible buyers can potentially receive 100% financing on qualifying properties, but both income and property-location requirements apply.

Episode 7 explains how USDA home loans work and where buyers should start.

Learn how USDA home loans work, including 100% financing, property and income eligibility, guarantee fees and what Northeast Florida buyers should know.

08/25/2026

eTown is more than a collection of newer homes. Its amenities, preserved green space, growing retail access and Southeast Jacksonville location are all part of the decision buyers make when considering the community.

Our eTown guide brings those pieces together with original local photography and video, community information and current homes for sale.

Explore eTown:
https://tufamilia.realestate/living-in-etown-jacksonville-florida