Michael Leachman, Broker Tú Familia Real Estate

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

08/19/2026

Thinking about using a VA loan to buy in Northeast Florida?

There are some significant advantages—but also a few things buyers should understand before starting the home search.

Episode 6 of Homeownership Made Simple covers down payments, PMI, the VA funding fee, closing costs, the VA appraisal and more.

Read the guide:

Learn how VA home loans work, including down payments, PMI, funding fees, appraisals, closing costs and what Northeast Florida buyers should know.

08/19/2026

Thinking about living closer to Jacksonville’s urban core but want a neighborhood with established character?

Avondale combines historic housing, mature landscaping, neighborhood parks, local dining and convenient access to Riverside and Downtown Jacksonville.

Explore our new Avondale Community Guide and see whether it belongs on your Jacksonville neighborhood shortlist.

Explore living in Avondale, Jacksonville, FL, including historic homes, parks, dining, The Shoppes of Avondale, neighborhood amenities and homes for sale.

08/15/2026

Check out this beautifully renovated home listed by Derek Mock, Tu Familia Real Estate!

08/15/2026

Could Riverside be the Jacksonville neighborhood that fits the way you want to live?

Our new Riverside guide explores its historic homes, Five Points, riverfront parks, cultural attractions, local dining and proximity to Downtown—all illustrated with original local photography.

Take the tour, explore current listings and see what makes different parts of Riverside distinctive:

Explore living in Riverside, Jacksonville, including historic homes, parks, Five Points, dining, attractions, conveniences, and Riverside homes for sale.