Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Tucson Real Estate and Homes - April 2010
Re/Max All Executives
Over 600 Homes Sold
Gregory Maul, ABR, CRS, GRI
Senior Associate Broker
Sweep up the dust and make your home sparkle!
Dear Friend,
It's that time of year again: Spring. Which means warm weather, green gardens and summer vacations are right around the corner. It's also the time of year that homeowners - new and old - brush off their brooms, dig out their dusters and begin barreling through the clutter that piled up during the winter months. While some people find it fun to organize the mounds of chaos, the rest of us need a little help putting the "merry" in our maids. Here are several tips to make the most of this year's spring cleaning.
Slow and steady wins the race
The chaos of clutter in your home can make anyone feel frazzled. Keep your nerves in check. Schedule your de-clutter days in advance. Go out and buy any and all necessary cleaning items beforehand so that everything's readily available. (The last thing you want is to be in the grocery store - yellow gloves and all - looking for toilet bowl cleaner) Then map out your plan of attack. Start with the hard stuff first while your energy is high then little by little inch away at each room.
To keep or not to keep?
That certainly is the question. To make it easier, find (or buy) three boxes. Label the boxes "Put Away", "Give Away/Sell", and "Storage". Then grab your trash can. Now you're ready. As you peruse through each pile of paper or stacks of stuff, ask yourself which box the item belongs to.
Hint: if you don't throw anything away, you may need to reevaluate how you're organizing your clutter.
All hands on deck.
Now that you've removed all unnecessary clutter from your home and have packed away any "Put Away" or "Storage" items you're ready to yank on your yellow gloves. It's easy to remember to clean the obvious places - here are some not so obvious places that may also need some TLC:
Having a clutter-free home isn't easy - but it is achievable. Make your spring cleaning a family affair. Assign chores and reward yourselves with a fun night out. And if all this sounds like too much work - hire someone to do it for you. I know of several services that come highly recommended. Click to find local resources online or give me a call - I'd be happy to give you their information!
Learn More!
Cleaning out those closets and dusting off your valuables may inspire you to make a move. If you're looking to buy or sell your home in the near future, give me a call. I'll walk you through every step of the home buying process so you have the most positive experience possible.
Get started today! Call (520) 471-8088.
You can also learn more about my 2010 outlook for the Tucson Real Estate market, by watching my Industry Review on CityZing.biz - Where people talk about local businesses.
Sincerely,
Gregg Maul
(520) 471-8088
Gregg@TucsonRealEstate-golf.com
Oh by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I will be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
http://www.funintucson.com
http://www.tucsonrealestate-golf.com
Re/Max All Executives
Over 600 Homes Sold
Gregory Maul, ABR, CRS, GRI
Senior Associate Broker
Sweep up the dust and make your home sparkle!
Dear Friend,
It's that time of year again: Spring. Which means warm weather, green gardens and summer vacations are right around the corner. It's also the time of year that homeowners - new and old - brush off their brooms, dig out their dusters and begin barreling through the clutter that piled up during the winter months. While some people find it fun to organize the mounds of chaos, the rest of us need a little help putting the "merry" in our maids. Here are several tips to make the most of this year's spring cleaning.
Slow and steady wins the race
The chaos of clutter in your home can make anyone feel frazzled. Keep your nerves in check. Schedule your de-clutter days in advance. Go out and buy any and all necessary cleaning items beforehand so that everything's readily available. (The last thing you want is to be in the grocery store - yellow gloves and all - looking for toilet bowl cleaner) Then map out your plan of attack. Start with the hard stuff first while your energy is high then little by little inch away at each room.
To keep or not to keep?
That certainly is the question. To make it easier, find (or buy) three boxes. Label the boxes "Put Away", "Give Away/Sell", and "Storage". Then grab your trash can. Now you're ready. As you peruse through each pile of paper or stacks of stuff, ask yourself which box the item belongs to.
Hint: if you don't throw anything away, you may need to reevaluate how you're organizing your clutter.
All hands on deck.
Now that you've removed all unnecessary clutter from your home and have packed away any "Put Away" or "Storage" items you're ready to yank on your yellow gloves. It's easy to remember to clean the obvious places - here are some not so obvious places that may also need some TLC:
- Windows and Skylights
- Baseboards and Walls
- Tile as well as Closets
- Cabinets and Computer Areas.
Having a clutter-free home isn't easy - but it is achievable. Make your spring cleaning a family affair. Assign chores and reward yourselves with a fun night out. And if all this sounds like too much work - hire someone to do it for you. I know of several services that come highly recommended. Click to find local resources online or give me a call - I'd be happy to give you their information!
Learn More!
Cleaning out those closets and dusting off your valuables may inspire you to make a move. If you're looking to buy or sell your home in the near future, give me a call. I'll walk you through every step of the home buying process so you have the most positive experience possible.
Get started today! Call (520) 471-8088.
You can also learn more about my 2010 outlook for the Tucson Real Estate market, by watching my Industry Review on CityZing.biz - Where people talk about local businesses.
Sincerely,
Gregg Maul
(520) 471-8088
Gregg@TucsonRealEstate-golf.com
Oh by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I will be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
http://www.funintucson.com
http://www.tucsonrealestate-golf.com
Re/Max All Executives
Labels: buy a home, cityzing.biz, first-time home buyers, GoTucsonHomes.com, Re/Max All Executives, sell a home, tucson real estate, tucson realtor
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tucson Real Estate and Homes - March 2010
Realty Executives, Southern Arizona
Over 600 Homes Sold
Gregory Maul, ABR, CRS, GRI
Senior Associate Broker
7 Mistakes Buyers Make & How to Avoid Them
Dear Friend,
The rules of real estate have changed over the past five years. On the one hand, affordability is hovering at all-time high levels, interest rates remain low and there are a large number of homes to choose from. The bad news? Lending practices are tighter and creative financing is, well, a little less creative due to strict regulations. Still, buyer power for those looking to purchase a home is incredible, and there are some great opportunities in this market. If you're looking to get into a home soon, be sure you know the mistakes buyers make and how to avoid them. Here are the top seven.
1. Holding onto your home.
Before you begin the home search process, sell the one you're in. Chances are its going to take longer than you expect to find a buyer because of stricter lending practices and current market conditions. The last thing you want is the added financial responsibility of carrying a second mortgage while you try to sell your home.
2. Not addressing your credit score.
Stand around the real estate water cooler and you'll hear one thing: Credit markets and lending practices are tighter than ever. This means you must have an excellent credit score to secure financing at a low interest rate. You're allowed to pull your credit score at no cost to you. Request yours, and then take the necessary steps to fix any lingering issues that could affect your ability to secure financing.
3. Skipping the pre-qualification and pre-approval processes.
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is not knowing how much they can afford. By getting pre-qualified AND pre-approved you walk into the home search process knowing the exact amount of money you can spend. This narrows your search, lessening the time it takes to find a home that fits your individual needs. That also gives you more time to spend in the homes that could potentially be yours down the road. Pre-approval also gives you big buying power during the negotiations process since sellers can't reject your offer based on unavailable financing. The bottom line: Once you have your credit in check talk to your trusted lender to get pre-qualified AND pre-approved.
4. Not knowing when to stay and when to walk away.
It's worth repeating: buyers have more power than ever during the negotiating process. Don't be afraid to make a low offer on the home. But don't make the mistake of walking away because of a few thousand dollars. Think about it this way: a few thousand dollars could translate to less than $ 100 a month on your mortgage.
5. Not knowing the total costs involved.
Some buyers, especially first-timers, aren't entirely aware of the costs associated with buying a home. These include: closing costs, title insurance and lawyer fees as well as ongoing costs such as property taxes, homeowners association dues, utilities, and yard maintenance. When you first begin shopping for a home, always ask your real estate agent and mortgage representative to provide you with an average amount of additional closing costs so that you can work them into your budget.
6. Signing contacts with contingencies.
This is a critical mistake that could end up costing you big bucks. For example, avoid signing any contracts that allow the seller to stay in the home for an extended period of time. Why? Depending on how long they stay, you run the risk of losing your interest rate. Or worse, the deal falls through the cracks and you're back at square one: more listings. Bottom line: have your real estate agent review the contract and explain any and all contingencies so that you understand what you're getting into.
7. Not purchasing a home protection plan.
You never know what problems will arise once you purchase the home. Not protecting is a mistake and extremely costly when the problems are big. Be sure to purchase a home protection plan. This is essentially a mini insurance policy that usually lasts one year from the date of sale. It typically covers basic repairs you may encounter and can be purchased for a nominal fee. Talk to your agent to help you find the protection plan you need.
Learn More
The best way to avoid any and all of these big buyer mistakes, is working with a professional real estate agent. If you're looking to buy in the near future, give me a call. I'll walk you through every step of the home buying process so you have the most positive buying experience possible.
Get started today! Call (520) 471-8088.
You can also learn more about my 2010 outlook for the Tucson Real Estate market, by watching my Industry Review on CityZing.biz - Where people talk about local businesses.
Sincerely,
Gregg Maul
(520) 471-8088
Gregg@TucsonRealEstate-golf.com
Oh by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I will be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
http://www.funintucson.com
http://www.tucsonrealestate-golf.com
Realty Executives
Over 600 Homes Sold
Gregory Maul, ABR, CRS, GRI
Senior Associate Broker
7 Mistakes Buyers Make & How to Avoid Them
Dear Friend,
The rules of real estate have changed over the past five years. On the one hand, affordability is hovering at all-time high levels, interest rates remain low and there are a large number of homes to choose from. The bad news? Lending practices are tighter and creative financing is, well, a little less creative due to strict regulations. Still, buyer power for those looking to purchase a home is incredible, and there are some great opportunities in this market. If you're looking to get into a home soon, be sure you know the mistakes buyers make and how to avoid them. Here are the top seven.
1. Holding onto your home.
Before you begin the home search process, sell the one you're in. Chances are its going to take longer than you expect to find a buyer because of stricter lending practices and current market conditions. The last thing you want is the added financial responsibility of carrying a second mortgage while you try to sell your home.
2. Not addressing your credit score.
Stand around the real estate water cooler and you'll hear one thing: Credit markets and lending practices are tighter than ever. This means you must have an excellent credit score to secure financing at a low interest rate. You're allowed to pull your credit score at no cost to you. Request yours, and then take the necessary steps to fix any lingering issues that could affect your ability to secure financing.
3. Skipping the pre-qualification and pre-approval processes.
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is not knowing how much they can afford. By getting pre-qualified AND pre-approved you walk into the home search process knowing the exact amount of money you can spend. This narrows your search, lessening the time it takes to find a home that fits your individual needs. That also gives you more time to spend in the homes that could potentially be yours down the road. Pre-approval also gives you big buying power during the negotiations process since sellers can't reject your offer based on unavailable financing. The bottom line: Once you have your credit in check talk to your trusted lender to get pre-qualified AND pre-approved.
4. Not knowing when to stay and when to walk away.
It's worth repeating: buyers have more power than ever during the negotiating process. Don't be afraid to make a low offer on the home. But don't make the mistake of walking away because of a few thousand dollars. Think about it this way: a few thousand dollars could translate to less than $ 100 a month on your mortgage.
5. Not knowing the total costs involved.
Some buyers, especially first-timers, aren't entirely aware of the costs associated with buying a home. These include: closing costs, title insurance and lawyer fees as well as ongoing costs such as property taxes, homeowners association dues, utilities, and yard maintenance. When you first begin shopping for a home, always ask your real estate agent and mortgage representative to provide you with an average amount of additional closing costs so that you can work them into your budget.
6. Signing contacts with contingencies.
This is a critical mistake that could end up costing you big bucks. For example, avoid signing any contracts that allow the seller to stay in the home for an extended period of time. Why? Depending on how long they stay, you run the risk of losing your interest rate. Or worse, the deal falls through the cracks and you're back at square one: more listings. Bottom line: have your real estate agent review the contract and explain any and all contingencies so that you understand what you're getting into.
7. Not purchasing a home protection plan.
You never know what problems will arise once you purchase the home. Not protecting is a mistake and extremely costly when the problems are big. Be sure to purchase a home protection plan. This is essentially a mini insurance policy that usually lasts one year from the date of sale. It typically covers basic repairs you may encounter and can be purchased for a nominal fee. Talk to your agent to help you find the protection plan you need.
Learn More
The best way to avoid any and all of these big buyer mistakes, is working with a professional real estate agent. If you're looking to buy in the near future, give me a call. I'll walk you through every step of the home buying process so you have the most positive buying experience possible.
Get started today! Call (520) 471-8088.
You can also learn more about my 2010 outlook for the Tucson Real Estate market, by watching my Industry Review on CityZing.biz - Where people talk about local businesses.
Sincerely,
Gregg Maul
(520) 471-8088
Gregg@TucsonRealEstate-golf.com
Oh by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I will be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
http://www.funintucson.com
http://www.tucsonrealestate-golf.com
Realty Executives
Labels: buy a home, credit repair, first-time home buyers, sell a home, tucson real estate, tucson realtor
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Tucson Real Estate and Homes - February 2010
Realty Executives, Southern Arizona
Over 600 Homes Sold
Gregory Maul, ABR, CRS, GRI
Senior Associate Broker
Fool proofing the sale of your home
Dear Friend,
The scenario is all-too-real for many home sellers today. They put their home on the market. They're positive about the prospect of selling and settle on a price that meets their financial needs.
Six months later, however, they're left wondering, "Why hasn't my home sold?" If you're about to embark on the home-selling journey or you're in it for the long haul -- take note of these selling pitfalls and ways you can avoid them.
.Buyer's Remorse
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions one can make, which is why some people have trouble committing to a home they may love. In fact, some will look for reasons to pull out of the buying process.
Savvy sellers and their agents remind the buyer why they were attracted to the home in the first place. This might include pointing out the homes comparable value, the homes' features that match the buyer's needs or any additional features that help the home stand out.
.Low appraisals
Today, appraisers and banks they represent are much more conservative when establishing fair market value. This may cause appraisers to issue a low appraisal of the home in question.
Sellers can combat the low appraisal, however, by doing several things. First, defend the price of the home by providing a list of the homes that were used to establish the home's comparable value. Also, be sure to meet the appraiser at the home to point out any amenities or structural details that might not be obvious to the appraiser.
.Conditions and Contingencies
Before the successful close of a transaction and during the escrow process, buyers and sellers must resolve certain conditions and contingencies. According to Trulia.com, a common condition of sale is the acceptance of an inspection report or the review of a preliminary title report. These issues can be problematic during escrow because they may be poorly written or do not include specific deadlines.
One of the easiest ways to keep the sale from falling through the cracks is to ensure both parties area aware of the deadline and the conditions surround the contingencies.
.Inspection Report
Buyers don't like surprises, and one of the fastest ways to send a buyer running is if the inspection report reveals big problems after they make an offer on a home or if the report shows the house is in unfavorable condition.
To avoid these problems, many sellers will hold a preliminary inspection prior to marketing their home. This way, they can address any unresolved problems that might arise in the home before buyers begin looking. Just be sure to disclose the preliminary report to any potential buyer and specifically any issues that were not fixed.
.Communication
Set aside the inspection reports, contingencies, appraisals or skittish buyers and one of the biggest deal breakers is communication, or the lack of it. Parties on the same page have a better chance of making it through escrow easily and without any hiccups. Keep communication flowing by establishing a schedule. Make Tuesday the official conference call between all parties involved and always watch dates and deadlines so that you can extend any that may not be met on time. Source: www.trulia.com
.Extensions and Expansions
On November 9, 2009 President Obama approved the extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit that was slated to expire on November 30, 2009. As part of the $24 billion economic stimulus bill the program will now also offer a credit to homeowners who have lived in their current homes for at least five years and are seeking to relocate. The new expansion also called to attention several special rules that apply to members of the military, the foreign service and the intelligence community.
These incentives couldn't come at a better time. If you're in the market for a home, and think you are among those who could benefit, be sure you understand the details of this great opportunity.
Learn More
First step is contacting a reputable agent you can help you "foolproof the sale of your home". With just one phone call, you can begin to combat yourself with knowledge about the local housing market. Call me today to get started! (520) 471-8088.
You can also learn more about my 2010 outlook for the Tucson Real Estate market, by watching my Industry Review on CityZing.biz - Where people talk about local businesses.
Sincerely,
Gregg Maul
(520) 471-8088
Gregg@TucsonRealEstate-golf.com
Oh by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I will be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
http://www.funintucson.com
http://www.tucsonrealestate-golf.com
Realty Executives
Over 600 Homes Sold
Gregory Maul, ABR, CRS, GRI
Senior Associate Broker
Fool proofing the sale of your home
Dear Friend,
The scenario is all-too-real for many home sellers today. They put their home on the market. They're positive about the prospect of selling and settle on a price that meets their financial needs.
Six months later, however, they're left wondering, "Why hasn't my home sold?" If you're about to embark on the home-selling journey or you're in it for the long haul -- take note of these selling pitfalls and ways you can avoid them.
.Buyer's RemorsePurchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions one can make, which is why some people have trouble committing to a home they may love. In fact, some will look for reasons to pull out of the buying process.
Savvy sellers and their agents remind the buyer why they were attracted to the home in the first place. This might include pointing out the homes comparable value, the homes' features that match the buyer's needs or any additional features that help the home stand out.
.Low appraisalsToday, appraisers and banks they represent are much more conservative when establishing fair market value. This may cause appraisers to issue a low appraisal of the home in question.
Sellers can combat the low appraisal, however, by doing several things. First, defend the price of the home by providing a list of the homes that were used to establish the home's comparable value. Also, be sure to meet the appraiser at the home to point out any amenities or structural details that might not be obvious to the appraiser.
.Conditions and ContingenciesBefore the successful close of a transaction and during the escrow process, buyers and sellers must resolve certain conditions and contingencies. According to Trulia.com, a common condition of sale is the acceptance of an inspection report or the review of a preliminary title report. These issues can be problematic during escrow because they may be poorly written or do not include specific deadlines.
One of the easiest ways to keep the sale from falling through the cracks is to ensure both parties area aware of the deadline and the conditions surround the contingencies.
.Inspection ReportBuyers don't like surprises, and one of the fastest ways to send a buyer running is if the inspection report reveals big problems after they make an offer on a home or if the report shows the house is in unfavorable condition.
To avoid these problems, many sellers will hold a preliminary inspection prior to marketing their home. This way, they can address any unresolved problems that might arise in the home before buyers begin looking. Just be sure to disclose the preliminary report to any potential buyer and specifically any issues that were not fixed.
.CommunicationSet aside the inspection reports, contingencies, appraisals or skittish buyers and one of the biggest deal breakers is communication, or the lack of it. Parties on the same page have a better chance of making it through escrow easily and without any hiccups. Keep communication flowing by establishing a schedule. Make Tuesday the official conference call between all parties involved and always watch dates and deadlines so that you can extend any that may not be met on time. Source: www.trulia.com
.Extensions and ExpansionsOn November 9, 2009 President Obama approved the extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit that was slated to expire on November 30, 2009. As part of the $24 billion economic stimulus bill the program will now also offer a credit to homeowners who have lived in their current homes for at least five years and are seeking to relocate. The new expansion also called to attention several special rules that apply to members of the military, the foreign service and the intelligence community.
These incentives couldn't come at a better time. If you're in the market for a home, and think you are among those who could benefit, be sure you understand the details of this great opportunity.
Learn More
First step is contacting a reputable agent you can help you "foolproof the sale of your home". With just one phone call, you can begin to combat yourself with knowledge about the local housing market. Call me today to get started! (520) 471-8088.
You can also learn more about my 2010 outlook for the Tucson Real Estate market, by watching my Industry Review on CityZing.biz - Where people talk about local businesses.
Sincerely,
Gregg Maul
(520) 471-8088
Gregg@TucsonRealEstate-golf.com
Oh by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I will be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
http://www.funintucson.com
http://www.tucsonrealestate-golf.com
Realty Executives
Labels: buy a home, cityzing.biz, first-time home buyers, sell a home, tucson real estate, tucson realtor
Friday, January 15, 2010
Tucson Real Estate and Homes - January 2010
Realty Executives, Southern Arizona
Over 600 Homes Sold
Gregory Maul, ABR, CRS, GRI
Senior Associate Broker
Make a resolution to redeem your home-buying potential
Dear Friend,
If you're looking to buy a house within the next 12 months, why not make your resolution one that will improve your financial situation and position you as an ideal home buyer? That's right - we're talking about your credit score.
The lending world has changed considerably since the boom days and so has the credit score required to qualify for a loan, not to mention a low interest rate. "About two years ago, you could have had a score of about 620 or so to get a lender's best rate on something. Now, lenders are really looking at a rate of 760 at the least," said Kelli Grant with SmartMoney.com. First-time home buyers fare much better, needing a credit score of at least 660 unless they try for an FHA loan. The truth is, to be a "good" buyer in the eyes of lenders you need to keep a close watch on the state of your credit score. Here are several tips to maintain and improve upon your current number.
Get Copies of your credit report -- then make sure the information is correct.
Go to www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the only authorized online source for a free credit report. Under federal law, you can get a free report from each of the three national credit reporting companies every 12 months.
Pay your bills on time.
One of the most important and easiest things you can do to improve your credit score is pay your bills by the due date. You can set up automatic payments from your bank account to help you pay on time, but be sure you have enough month in your account to avoid overdraft fees.
Understand how your credit score is determined.
How many and what types of credit accounts do you have?
Many credit-scoring models consider the number and type of credit accounts you have. A mix of installment loans and credit cards may improve your score. However, too many finance company accounts or credit cards might hurt your score. To learn more about credit scoring, see the Federal Trade Commission's website, Facts for Consumers.
Beware of credit-repair scams.
Sometimes doing it yourself is the best way to repair your credit. The Federal Trade Commission's, "Credit Repair: How to Help Yourself" explains how you can improve your creditworthiness and lists legitimate resources for low-cost or no-cost help.
Your credit score is just one piece of the home buying process. Start your search by utilizing the experience and knowledge of a qualified Real Estate Professional. Call me today to get started towards making your home-buying resolution come true.
Sincerely,
Gregg Maul
(520) 471-8088
Gregg@TucsonRealEstate-golf.com
Oh by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I will be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
http://www.funintucson.com
http://www.tucsonrealestate-golf.com
Realty Executives
Over 600 Homes Sold
Gregory Maul, ABR, CRS, GRI
Senior Associate Broker
Make a resolution to redeem your home-buying potential
Dear Friend,
If you're looking to buy a house within the next 12 months, why not make your resolution one that will improve your financial situation and position you as an ideal home buyer? That's right - we're talking about your credit score.
The lending world has changed considerably since the boom days and so has the credit score required to qualify for a loan, not to mention a low interest rate. "About two years ago, you could have had a score of about 620 or so to get a lender's best rate on something. Now, lenders are really looking at a rate of 760 at the least," said Kelli Grant with SmartMoney.com. First-time home buyers fare much better, needing a credit score of at least 660 unless they try for an FHA loan. The truth is, to be a "good" buyer in the eyes of lenders you need to keep a close watch on the state of your credit score. Here are several tips to maintain and improve upon your current number.
Get Copies of your credit report -- then make sure the information is correct.
Go to www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the only authorized online source for a free credit report. Under federal law, you can get a free report from each of the three national credit reporting companies every 12 months.
Pay your bills on time.
One of the most important and easiest things you can do to improve your credit score is pay your bills by the due date. You can set up automatic payments from your bank account to help you pay on time, but be sure you have enough month in your account to avoid overdraft fees.
Understand how your credit score is determined.
- Do you pay your bills on time? The answer to this question is very important. If you have paid your bills late, have had an account referred to a collection agency, or have ever declared bankruptcy, this history will show up in your credit report.
- What is your outstanding debt? Many scoring models compare the amount of debt you have and your credit limits. If the amount you own is close to your credit limit, it is likely to have a negative effect on your score.
- How long is your credit history? A short credit history may have a negative effect on your score, but a short history can be offset by other factors, such as timely payments and low balances.
- Have you applied for new credit recently? If you have applied for too many new accounts recently that may negatively affect your score. However, if you request a copy of your own credit report, or if creditors are monitoring your account or looking at credit reports to make pre-screened credit offers, these inquiries about your credit history are not counted as applications for credit.
How many and what types of credit accounts do you have?
Many credit-scoring models consider the number and type of credit accounts you have. A mix of installment loans and credit cards may improve your score. However, too many finance company accounts or credit cards might hurt your score. To learn more about credit scoring, see the Federal Trade Commission's website, Facts for Consumers.
Beware of credit-repair scams.
Sometimes doing it yourself is the best way to repair your credit. The Federal Trade Commission's, "Credit Repair: How to Help Yourself" explains how you can improve your creditworthiness and lists legitimate resources for low-cost or no-cost help.
Your credit score is just one piece of the home buying process. Start your search by utilizing the experience and knowledge of a qualified Real Estate Professional. Call me today to get started towards making your home-buying resolution come true.
Sincerely,
Gregg Maul
(520) 471-8088
Gregg@TucsonRealEstate-golf.com
Oh by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I will be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
http://www.funintucson.com
http://www.tucsonrealestate-golf.com
Realty Executives
Labels: buy a home, credit repair, first-time home buyers, sell a home, tucson real estate, tucson realtor
