Paul & Diane's Blog

Hickory Hill Neighborhood Fall Trees

2008-11-11T16:14:33Z

All pictures below are the exclusive property of Diane Boykin.

Yesterday I was out walking our Jack Russell, Sadie, and just had to take pictures of a few of the beautiful trees in my neighborhood, Hickory Hill, in Oconee County. I'm not sure if this fall is especially colorful or we just forget how awesome fall can be right here. It isn't even necessary to go to the mountains to enjoy the leaves this year. I thought I'd share some of the trees with you.

Maple on Ramblewood Place

Bradford Pear

Maple in woods

Huge Golden Hickory Tree

When we walked by my neighbor, Mary's house, she had the same idea that I did and was out taking pictures of the trees, too.

I will have to slip in a tree that we saw last weekend over in Scottsboro, AL. The large maple has to be one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen!

New Irish Pub in Athens

2008-11-01T18:12:03Z

Last night we went downtown in Athens with Paul's sons and their wives to celebrate Bo's birthday. We ate dinner at the Last Resort and then headed on down to Tyler's bar that he opened with a couple of his friends, Lansdowne Road Irish Pub. It has a rugby theme ( the owners played on the UGA rugby team and currently coach at Oconee County). Patrons and staff were dressed out for Halloween and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

(photos property of Diane Boykin)

The staff was dressed up for Halloween

Lansdowne Road is located at the corner of College and Washington in downtown Athens. It features the largest outdoor area in Athens. They also serve some great food! Be sure and go by!

Halloween Haybales

2008-11-01T17:45:17Z

Riding by the University of GA farms this week I was amused by the AG students decorated haybales and I thought you might like to enjoy them as well.

(photos property of Diane Boykin)

My guess is that the Poultry Science Club decorated this haybale

This must have been decorated by the Block and Bridle Club

Decorated by the UGA 4-H Club

Watkinsville Fall Festival 2008 Pictures

2008-10-24T14:49:12Z

What a great day we had at the Watkinsville Fall Festival on Saturday!! There were tons of kids having fun and lots of food consumed. It looked like many people were purchasing crafts, too.

All pictures below are the property of Diane Boykin

Fun things for kids

Bungee Jumping

Pony Rides

Children loved the corn boxes provided by the Agribusiness Committee of the Chamber.

There was a quilt booth

There were baby chicks

Russ Page cooked beef brisket for the Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen's Association

Jennifer Bond promoted recylcing for Curbside Services

The Farmer's Market was doing a brisk business.

David Weeks & family buy some kettle corn.

The Oconee Co. Animal Shelter had cute, playful dogs for adoption.

Many artists were represented at the festival.

Many people rode the train around Watkinsville.

There were beautiful handmade purses.

If you didn't have a funnel cake you really missed out!

The $10,000 raffle to benefit the Oconee Educational Foundation was won by Marks Towles and the $500 ticket was won by David Francis.

If you didn't make the Fall Festival this year, plan on going next year on the 3rd Saturday of October.

See you there!

New Restaurant Opening in Watkinsville

2008-10-15T12:23:23Z

Today I went to the opening of a new restaurant in downtown Watkinsville, Miss Gail's Southern Cooking and was I ever impressed! This is a meat and 3 cafeteria style place and the food was outstanding.

I sampled just about everything - Wednesday's menu includes beef tips, chicken & dumplings with sides of rice, cabbage, butter peas, fried okra, carrots and squash. With that you have a choice of corn bread or a roll and tea. Every day items are potato salad, delicious deviled eggs, salad and banana pudding. The additional desserts for today were strawberry cake and apple cobbler.

Everything was prepared fresh, the portions were generous and I've never had as good fried okra in a restaurant.

The building is totally remodeled and re-landscaped. There is a covered porch for outdoor dining on nice days. The food was served up with a smile and you just feel welcome.

Gail and Marie were serving

There was a lot of good home cooking!

The covered porch is nice for outdoor dining.

Gail's is also open for breakfast Monday through Friday and features biscuits or sandwiches with choice of tenderloin, ham, chicken, sausage, bacon, smoke link or steak. Eggs or cheese can be added. Other items available are grits, gravy, fruit and oatmeal.

Gail's menu varies each day as follows:

Monday - Hamburger Steak or Fried Chicken

Sides: Mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, baby limas and corn

Desserts: Peach Cobbler and Chocolate Cake

Tuesday - Meatloaf or baked chicken

Sides: Pinto beans, sweet potato souffle, macaroni & cheese, squash, collards, beets

Desserts: Blackberry cobbler and pound cake

Thursday - Pork Chops or fried chicken

Sides: broccoli casserole, hash brown casserole, succotash, blackeyed peas, rice, green beans

Desserts: Sweet potato pie and red velvet cake

Friday - Salmon patties or bar-b-cue chicken

Sides: corn on the cob, fried okra, mashed potatoes, speckled limas, turnip greens, baked sweet potatoes, squash casserole

Desserts: Cherry cobbler, pecan pie and lemon cake

So come on down to Gail's on Barnett Shoals Rd. in Watkinsville any weekday and check it out!

You'll enjoy good home cookin served up with a smile!

Watkinsville Fall Festival

2008-10-14T12:50:58Z

If you're not involved with UGA Homecoming or tailgating prior to the Vanderbuilt game, come on down to the 35th Watkinsville Fall Festival at Rocket Field.

If you're a runner, you can enter the Scarecrow 5K at 8:00 am at the Watkinsville First United Methodist Church on New High Shoals Rd. and US 441.

After that, the festival kicks off at 9:00 with the Oconee County High School Marching Band performance at the stage. Then enjoy browsing the nearly 200 arts and crafts booths that sell mostly handcrafted items.

There are a number of food booths that sell everything from bar-b-cue to funnel cakes (I always have to have a funnel cake), hot dogs, burgers, kettle corn and lots more.

The Oconee Farmers Market will be set on the front lawn of the Eagle Tavern so you can stock up on locally grown vegetables. While you're at the Eagle Tavern, be sure an take a tour as it will be open. It's only $2 for adults and $1 for kids.

Speaking of kids, there's lots for them too! Bring them by the Agribusiness exhibit where there will be a small petting zoo, exhibits and a corn box to play in. Also there will be a moonwalk, spider jump, rock climbing wall, pony rides, inflatable slide and obstacle course, plus a train.

The Oconee Co. Animal Control will have irresistible pets to adopt and rabies vaccination & microchipping vouchers.

All day there will be musical entertainment of all kinds at the stage. Following the OCHS band will be the Charlie Garrett Band, The Wildcats, Oconee School of Rock Varsity Band, Southern Pride Band playing until 3:00.

If you purchased a raffle ticket, you can keep tabs on the drawing next to the stage and then find out who won the $10,000. The raffle benefits the Oconee County Educational Foundation. I heard a rumor that there are a few tickets still available (only 250 are sold).

There will be other booths with information and activities all day, so come on and check it out.

Parking is available all over town, some free and some for a small fee.

For more information, call the Oconee Co. Chamber of Commerce at 706-769-7947.

See you there!

There is Still Mortgage Money Out There for Buyers

2008-10-14T12:27:44Z

As our Wells Fargo affiliate, Cindy Carmean, reminded us this morning at our team meeting, there is still plenty of mortgage available for qualified buyers (those who have decent credit and a little money). What we need to do is educate our buyers (and sellers) that they need to be patient and forthcoming with the documentation that the lenders are requiring in a timely manner. Even after the loan is "approved" the underwriters may have a number of conditions and a list of more documents necessary. The bottom line is that the lenders have money to lend, the buyers want it but they have to give a lot more information in order to get it.

Last Call for Ashford Manor's Concerts on the Lawn

2008-10-07T13:38:23Z

Monday, October 20th is the final concert of the year for the Ashford Manor Concert on the Lawn Series and you won't want to miss the Brothers of Unity. Brothers is a group of local musicians who have played with other bands. The members include Doug White, Larry Freeman, Bill Pappas, Danny Anthony, Kenny Brawner, Randy Peterman and Roy Stephens. Their Motown sound will include hits from the '60's and '70's.

Opening for the Brothers of Unity will be the varsity band of the Oconee School of Rock from the Full Moon Studio in Watkinsville. We can't wait to hear what they can do.

So everybody come on down to the Manor, bring your chairs, blankets, picnic supper and beverages of choice, listen and dance the night away! Tickets are $12 for adults, $5.00 for children under 12 and kids under 6 are free. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and music will be from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For more information, call Ashford Manor at 706-769-5427, e-mail ashfordmanor@charter.net or go to www.ambedandbreakfast.com.

See you there!

Jim Shearon

2008-10-06T08:24:48Z

When we returned from a week's vacation I picked up the newspaper and was saddned to read Jim Shearon had died suddenly. Jim, his brother David, friend Mario and mother Louise came here in 1997 and purchased the Ashford home, turning it into Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast. They have opened the property to the public for concerts on the lawn, fund raisers such as Grace's Birthday Party and Wine Festival and many other events.

I remember when they first came they hosted an ice cream social to welcome the community to Ashford Manor. Over the years they became an important part of the community and instrumental in promoting Watkinsville.

Previously, Jim had been a costume designer working with Broadway, the Met and designed for Prince, among others. After moving to Watkinsville, he helped transform Ashford Manor with his beautiful, creative designs inside and out. The acres of gardens are truly magical! Paul's daughter, Laurel, had her wedding reception there, and the Shearons were very pleasant to work with in all of the planning.

Jim also created the interior designs on several Watkinsville restaurants and shops.

After Jim's dog, Grace, died several years ago, he held an annual event, Grace's Birthday Party for dogs and owners to enjoy and to raise funds for the treatment of dogs belonging to the elderly and low income owners at the UGA Vet School.

Jim added so much to Watkinsville and to all of our lives who live here, and we will miss him.

Colleges in Athens GA

2008-09-25T07:58:17Z

Everyone thinks of Athens GA as the home of the University of Georgia. Of course, it is (home of about 33,000 bulldawgs this fall) but most people aren't aware of the other educational opportunities that we have in Athens. The students at the Oconee campus of Gainesville College and Piedmont College, not to mention Athens Technical College are from the local area, but Athens is a draw for a number of students from throughout Georgia. Many of them begin their college careers at Gainesville and then transfer to the University.

Gainesville College had to cap their enrollment as they are limited by space in Watkinsville in spite of the current construction project. They have grown from 218 students in 2000 to about 2100 this year.

Piedmont College, whose main campus is in Demorest, GA, grew from 422 in 2000 to about 700 at the Athens campus this year. Piedmont purchased the old Prince Avenue Baptist School campus last year in order to have more space.

We also have a brance of the Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing here in Athens which has an enrollment of about 160 students this year.

New Dickey's Barbecue in the Athens, GA area

2008-09-22T10:39:45Z

On Sunday, September 21, we attended a "soft opening" for some friends, Glenn & Debra Townsend's new Dickey's Barbecue restaurant. Wow, were we impressed!! This is some of the best 'cue you'll ever eat! We tried the pulled pork, brisket and sampled one of the ribs. Smoked brisket is unusual around here and it was ever so tender. Along with this they have a choice of sides and a roll. Paul & I tried the smoked beans and slaw (I loved the slaw and I'm really picky about slaw) and the beans were delicious. One thing that impressed Paul was that they had all the extra sauce that you wanted kept hot.

For dessert, we tried the free soft serve ice cream.

Dickey's offers Sandwiches, Barbecue Brisket, Polish Sausage, Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Smoked Turkey and Chicken Breast.

Sides are Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Caesar Salad, Barbecue Beans, Mac & Cheese, Baked Potato CAsserole, Baked Potato and Waffle Fries.

There are several other items available, including Pecan Pie for dessert!

You can also purchase by the pound, have your food delivered or pick up meals. Please call for details!

Dickey's started in 1941 in Dallas TX as a family business starated by Travis Dickey, Sr. Above is his philosophy of barbecue. Long story very short, it became so popular that it eventually became franchised and now there are hundreds of restaurants all over the country. I read an article recently on best airport food, and Dickey's was mentioned as the best food in the Dallas Airport.

Dickey's has a friendly staff to wait on you. The way it works is that you place your order at the counter, then a friendly person will bring it to you in less than 10 minutes at your table.

Our friends Glenn & Debra Townsend are both local Athenians and have lived in Oconee County for many years. Glenn is recently retired from the Oconee County school system where he was an assistant principal at OCHS. They are really excited about their new venture, and from what we experienced yesterday, it will be a huge success. They will be officially open to the public on Tuesday, September 23, 2008. You gotta try it! If you do, you'll be a regular!

Dickey's is located in the Publix shopping center at Butler's crossroads in Oconee County.

The address is:

2131 Hog Mountain Rd.

Watkinsville, GA and their phone number is 706-705-1326.

Oconee Co. Residential Market Comparison 2007/2008

2008-09-11T10:13:04Z

(Photo courtesy of Kyra Edrington)

This morning I pulled up the market reports for Oconee County from the Athens MLS, comparing sales for January 1 through September 10, 2007 and the same period for 2008 and thought I'd share it with you.

South Oconee

Units Sold 2007 42

Units Sold 2008 40

Sales Volume 2007 $14,197,150

Sales Volume 2008 $12,143,302

Difference of -14.47%

Watkinsville Area

Units Sold 2007 222

Units Sold 2008 147

Sales Volume 2007 $74,861,236

Sales Volume 2008 $50,120,061

Difference of -33.05%

West Oconee

Units Sold 2007 118

Units Sold 2008 94

Sales Volume 2007 $32,714,496

Sales Volume 2008 $24,857,879

Difference of -20,02%

Total Oconee County

2007 Units 382

2008 Units 281

2007 Sales Volume $121,772,882

2008 Sales Volume $87,121,242

Difference of -28.46%

An Update on the Hummingbirds

2008-09-08T12:16:25Z

Several weeks ago I posted about our hummingbirds. Since then, we've had swarms of them like bees!

In the last two weeks they have eaten nearly 10 pounds of sugar made into nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). They're going through over a quart of nectar each day. We've had a lot of fun watching them but are beginning to feel a bit like slaves to the little critters!

First Friday on Main in Watkinsville

2008-09-08T11:51:29Z

On Friday I took our visitine out-of-town friend to the First Friday on Main in Watkinsville to see what was going on. Although there weren't as many people downtown as I have seen in the past, probably due to the fact that there were several high school football games Friday night.

However, there were a lot of events for children, including 2 trains, arts and craft activities, a rock climbing wall, moonwalk and other activities.

Additionally, there was a booth promoting Grace's Birthday Party coming up at Ashford Manor on September 21 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. For more information about Gracie's party, go to WWW.gracesbirthday.com.

It was a bit disappointing that only a few of the shops were open this month. Maybe next time.

Anyway, we had a good time on a pleasant Friday evening.

Classic Center Season, Athens, GA

2008-08-24T15:58:24Z

Here in Athens GA we are fortunate to have the Classic Center where we have a number of concerts and plays throughout the year. We don't have to go to New York or even Atlanta to enjoy the finest entertainment.

The upcoming 2008/09 Classic Center Theatre Season Callendar of Events is as follows:

Comedy Series:

Craig Ferguson on September 19, Pablo Francisco on October 16, and Paula Poundstone on March 26.

Classic Rock & Motown:

World Classic Rockers on October 4, The Four Tops & Marvelettes on November 22 and the Fab Four Ultimate Beatles Show on February 21.

Broadway Series: "Pajama Game" on November 13, "Ain't Misbehavin'" on January 15 and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" on February 7 and "The Wizzard of Oz" on April 22.

Children aren't left out, and the The Children's Series includes "The Ant and the Elephant" on October 21,"James and the Giant Peach" on December 4 and "Magic Treehouse" on March 25.

In addition, the Athens Symphony Winter Concert is scheduled for December 13 & 14 and their Spring Concert on April 4. (We attended the Winter Concert last year and felt that it was the highlight of our holiday season)!

One of the treats of the year will be the Oconee Youth Playhouse production of "High School Musical" on January 24.

There is a lot more coming up so for more information or to order tickets, go www.ClassicCenter.com or call 706-357-4444 or 800-864-4160

Athens/Clarke Co, GA Real Estate Market Update

2008-08-23T12:03:44Z

This morning I did a market update in Athens (Clarke Co.) GA from our Athens Area MLS statistics that I thought you might find interesting.

Currently on the market are:

881 Residential listings with an average price of $221,890 with average days on market of 182

123 Townhomes with average list of $179,751 and average DOM of 327

340 Condominiums with averate list of $172,500 (median $149,900) average DOM 268

Sold since January 1, 2008:

599 Residential with average sold price of $192,932 and average DOM of 154. Sold price 96.42% of list.

31 Townhomes with average sold price of $141,256 and average DOM of 260. Sold price 98.32% of list.

159 Condominiums with average sold price 146,252 and average DOM of 228. Sold price 96.1% of list.

Of course, the ratio of sold to list price is based on the FINAL list price, not the origional list price. Many of these homes had been substantially reduced.

So what's going on in your local real estate market?

A day on the trail

2008-08-22T15:27:05Z

One morning this week I sneeked off to ride horses with a couple of friends at Watson Mill State Park in Oglethorpe Co. (near Athens, GA). And Yes, we did drive the truck and trailer through the bridge.

What was really impressive was how low the river was at that point from our continuing 3 year drought.

Usually, there are beautiful shoals where people like to play on the rocks, etc. The river was reduced to a small trickle and the usual riverbed looked like a beach.

Shoals

Dry Riverbed

Since I no longer have horses, I'm happy to ride a Spotted Saddlehorse named Jake that belongs to my friend, Linda. The trails at Watson Mill are wooded and fairly cool on a hot summer day. We saw deer at least 4 different times and they did not seem at all afraid of us. Once while we were stopped, one kept looking at us as if to say "what are y'all doin'?" (these are southern deer, after all). Later, we saw twin fawns, one browsing and one hunkered down nearby.

"Jake" I think that he is very handsome!

This is my friend, Linda, riding "JoJo". Notice the new mounting block.

Trail riding with Susan and Linda at Watson Mill State Park

Curious Deer

Someone once said "the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man" or something like that.

Riding in the woods is always good for the soul.

Diane riding "Jake" at Watson Mill State Park

Georgia has a number of beautiful state parks, many of which have trails for riding horses. Several are within an hour's drive of Athens, GA. These include A. H. Stephens and Hard Labor Creek. Sandy Creek is another fun place to ride and is a Clarke Co. park. For more information about the parks go to http://gastateparks.org and www.sandycreekpark.com.

I can't wait until the next time we can sneek off for a few hours of riding!

Some helpful websites

2008-08-18T10:34:55Z

Just thought I'd pass on a couple of helpful websites.

You can stop most of your junk mail by going to www.ProQuo.com and register. We've gotten ours slowed down quite a bit.

Also, you can get a free credit report from the only government mandated site for free. The web address for this site is www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

Hummingbirds

2008-08-14T16:31:58Z

It seems that we've had more hummingbirds here in Oconee Co., GA this year than ever before! No one seems to know why some years are better than others, but these little birds are eating us out of house and home! They are eating over a quart of food each day!!

We've found that the Perky Pet feeders with the LARGE flowers and perches are the hummingbirds' favorite feeders. Our birds seem to be lazy and like sitting down to eat. They remain at the feeder longer (unless being chased away).

Paul's Giant Tomatoes

2008-08-14T16:16:36Z

Here in Oconee County, GA, Paul has been growing some heirloom tomatoes by the name of "Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifters" for several years now, and these are the biggest he has ever grown! One is 1 3/4 lbs and the other is about 1 1/2 lbs! There's quite a story about the name - it seems that Charlie owned a radiator shop in NC back around 1929 and developed these tomatoes. People drove for 100 miles to buy the plants at $1.00 each, whence he was able to pay off his mortgage. We thought you might like to see these!

Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

2008-08-05T18:17:15Z

We have available a summary of the first time homeowner benefits included in the 2008 Housing and Econmic Recovery Act. Please e-mail diane@BoykinTeam.com and we'll be happy to send you the details.

Changes to the 2008 Georgia Association of Realtors Contracts

2008-08-04T16:23:33Z

This year in addition to the "due diligence" option where a buyer can have a certain number of days to do any inspection they want and still opt not to purchase the home, we have dropped the "financing contingency". This means that the buyer must have their financing in place by the end of the "due diligence" period. If they do not have a "decline letter" from their lender, the purchase converts to a "cash transaction". Of course, there are other ways to approach the financing that will protect the buyer, so contact us for more information. Because of these changes, it is very important that buyers work with a lender, preferably local, that understands these changes and who will make sure that buyers are protected.

4BR/3BA in Walton Co.

2008-08-04T09:19:48Z

We have a great new listing in Walton Co. mid-way between Social Circle, Monroe, Conyers, Madison and Athens & Watkinsville!

It is only 1 year old and has a finished bonus room, 3 car garage and completely fenced backyard. It is priced to sell at only $234,900!!

You can see photos and visual tour at www.BoykinTeam.com

Call or e-mail for more info! 706-296-7507 or diane@BoykinTeam.com.

Gifts for Down Payment

2008-08-04T09:00:31Z

Financing Solutions with David Reed

Getting a cash gift? Lucky you!

Visit Reed's Website

Author of:

An Agent's Guide to Financing Solutions

Mortgages 101

Mortgage Confidential

Getting a gift in the form of cold, hard cash to buy real estate is a wonderful thing. Gift funds are a common way parents help their kids buy a home, but there are certain requirements to follow to ensure the gift transfer goes smoothly.

What exactly is a cash gift? Technically, it is a transfer of funds from one party to another without any expectation of being paid back. This non-repayment factor is a key element because lenders can't accurately calculate debt ratios if the gift is in fact a loan. How do lenders determine this? The "givers" are required to sign an affidavit stating that the funds being given are a gift with no repayment expectations.

Who can give a gift? Gifts can come from family members (parents, siblings or grandparents), non-profit agencies, local or state agencies, churches, domestic partners and trade unions.

The party that furnishes the gift must show an "ability to give", which means they have the money available in an account they own. This is documented by providing account statements showing the funds are available. Finally, it must also be documented that the gift funds were transferred from one party to the next and the lucky recipients (and future home buyers) must provide a bank statement showing the gift was received.

While the need for documentation might sound heavy-handed, the truth is lenders need to take every precaution to make sure that the "gift" isn't a "loan." So if you know what the lender expects ahead of time, the gift transfer can be seamless. Just remember, financial gifts over a certain limit may have income tax implications, so be sure and consult with an accountant or tax specialist before getting the mortgage process underway.

One final note to consider. Conventional loans differ from FHA programs in their requirements for reporting gifts to be used toward the purchase of a home. Buyers using conventional financing need to prove that they have at least 5 percent of their own funds in the purchase transaction. However, that requirement is waived if the gift represents more than 20 percent of the purchase price. The FHA loan, on the other hand, merely requires the buyers have at least $500 of their own money at closing, regardless of the amount of the gift.

Written by David Reed, Texas-based mortgage banker with more than 20 years experience

and author of Mortgages 101 and Mortgage Confidential.

Have a question? Contact David Reed

Credit issues

2008-07-28T09:05:28Z

If you're interested in purchasing a home, it's a great idea to begin working with a good lender. Your local Realtor(r) can help you find one if you don't know any. If you do find that you have some credit issues, your lender can help you deal with these and get you in a position where you will be able to purchase a home. It could take some time, but they can point you in the right direction.

Diane & Paul

Financing Solutions with David Reed

Credit issues? Your lender can help.

Visit Reed's Website

Author of:

An Agent's Guide to Financing Solutions

Mortgages 101

Mortgage Confidential

We frequently hear we're supposed to regularly check our credit reports. And staying on top of this is especially important when starting to shop for a new home. There are three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These bureaus store consumer credit histories by the millions, and hundreds of thousands of businesses tap these bureaus for their data about you. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen. Especially if you're not the only "Bob Johnson" or "Susan Smith" who lives in St. Louis.

Let's say you receive a copy of your credit report and find a mistake-what do you do? What if there's an old collection account showing as unpaid when you have the paid receipt and a letter stating that the account has been settled?

Your credit report will show which of the three credit bureaus are reporting the error, and you'll get a toll-free number to call. But if you have ever called one of these numbers, you know to expect anything but friendly service. You know the drill, "Press 1 for English, Press 2 if you are a consumer, Press 3 if you'd like to enroll in our..." and so on. It's likely you'll either leave a voicemail or listen to some sales pitch for a credit protection service. But all you want is to get your credit fixed so you can clean up your report.

You'll be asked to fax your documentation, fill out some forms and then wait for the bureau to fix the report and update your file. This can take time, sometimes weeks. Luckily, there is an easier way: let your loan officer handle it for you.

That's right. You can give that very same documentation to your loan officer and they can have the offending item removed from your credit report in minutes. How can they do it so quickly?

Mortgage lenders use credit reporting agencies. Often. And those same agencies hire customer service representatives to make sales calls to all those mortgage companies. One of their services allows the lender to provide the corrected documentation showing the collection account as having been paid to the credit agency, who will then update the credit report almost immediately. What once showed up as an "unpaid" collection account now rightly shows as "paid." It's that easy.

It's important to regularly check your credit, and if you do find yourself in a situation where your credit report has an error on it, don't go to the bureaus directly. Instead, take advantage of the relationship your lender has with the credit agencies. Your mortgage specialist can fix things much quicker than you can.

Written by David Reed, author of Mortgage 101 and Mortgage Confidential.