I am not a techie but I do know a good concept when I see one. And new concepts excite me. I am always on the lookout for the next great internet happening. Some are useful and some are, well just plain dumb. I always try to look at them as "How can I use this technology in my Real Estate business"?
On Twitter, if you like, you can send a "live" photo from your phone. Maybe some of you already know about this.
Even better on QIK you can send a live video from your phone!
Think of the possibilities of sending a live video of something happening and it gets around the world in an instant!
Social networking has reached a new level. I found this (QIK) by surfing through Ecademy, another networking site. I was speaking to someone from Brussels last night who was planning a Chocolate tasting event in Brussels! But that's a whole different post for another time.
To say your credit history & score is HUGE these days may be a borderline understatement. For purposes of my experience, I'll concentrate on how credit relates to getting a mortgage to buy a home or trying to refinance the one you currently own.
Talking about credit is about as much fun as chewing broken glass while watching Yanni's latest video on VH1, at least to most. Even for the most severe masochists or staunchest Yanni advocators, it's probably not a subject full of brim excitement.
So, I'll try to make this concise and simple. Educating yourself and working with professionals who can guide you along the way, to make sure your credit is worthy of a three course meal at the White House, is crucial. I'm not just talking about those whose credit is in the crapper. I'm also writing to folks whose credit may be moderate or maybe you've never made a late payment in your life but your score is low. The Credit Reporting Industry is wagging the dog, forget about whining... work and know the system.
Here are a few tips & quips:
* Get a copy of your Credit Report. It may not provide your actual credit score, but at least you can verify the accuracy of the information on your report. I've included information below that you can utilize to do this. Quick thing here, credit modules differ within industries. For example, the credit report a mortgage company pulls may differ from that of the institution giving you a car loan or credit card. Mortgage folks weigh heavy on student loans and car loans and even heavier on your Mortgage History, provided you have one.
* Communication is key with your credit. If you are experiencing rough financial times, call them before they WILL call you. Let your creditors know what is going on. It probably won't stop them from reporting you late to the credit agencies, but it probably will provide you one less of a headache. That's what life's all about... avoiding headaches:-)
* The only thing that may be just as bad or even worse than credit overload, is no credit at all. Establish yourself in the creditor's eyes. If you have no credit, get secured credit that reports to all three credit reporting agencies. This may mean making a deposit at your bank and taking out a loan against it or pre-paying on a credit card. If you are doing the latter, use that credit card and pay it off it off regularly.
...if you have a bankruptcy or foreclosure in your past, establishing 12-24 months worth of a good credit is absolutely crucial!
* Oh, those credit cards. I'll put it bluntly, the bigger the differential between what your current balance is and what your available balance is, the better for your Credit Score. Don't be afraid to call your credit card company and ask them to raise your available balance. Don't use it, just have it there to improve your credit standing and score.
...sidenote on credit cards. Don't be afraid to call your current credit holders and ask them to lower your interest rate. If the first person you talk to can't or won't, ask to speak with a manager. If unsuccessful in that endeavor, call back at a later date. Be persistent & professional in your efforts. Lowering your rate even the slightest bit can save you some serious money now and down the road.
* Pay your bills on time. Yeah, I know, this is a no-brainer to most. Yet, it doesn't report late to the credit bureaus until you fall 30 days late. Try to make sure you don't get 30 days late on anything. Sure, you may incur late fees if you are even a day behind on some credit, though Mortgage Companies typically give you a 15-day grace period before you incur any late fees. From my experience, make sure your mortgage/rent is paid on time first, then student & car loans, then credit cards. If you are a renter...
...pay your rent by check and keep copies of your canceled checks. Twelve months worth will do (pay month by month, pre-paid bulk payments won't do you any favors...create a consistent history). This establishes a housing history. While it doesn't do anything positive for your credit, it does wonders when you apply to buy a home.
* Settle delinquent accounts for pennies on the dollar. If you owe the International Bank of Jason Sardi a cool $5,000.00 and your account is charged off, you should call to arrange a settlement once it goes to collections. Often times, you can come to an agreement for a lump sum of $2,500.00 or less and you may even be able to work out a payment plan. Either case, make sure you pay that account satisfactory and get the paperwork of the agreement and the final pay-off to prove it. Paying off delinquent accounts will probably drop your score at first, but will do wonders for your score down the road (provided you keep paying everything else on time).
* Avoid 'Hard' Inquiries. Your current creditors may check your credit, but that is considered a 'Soft' inquiry and shouldn't affect your credit score. Yet, if you are applying for credit out the behind, those inquiries can adversely affect your score. It raises the red flag that you may be on your way to becoming credit dependent. Psychologically speaking, never give them that drift, make them know that their livelihood depends on you... not the other way around.
* Credit Restoration Companies may be able to help but avoid anything that says, "Consumer Credit Counseling." CCS is considered a form of bankruptcy in many lenders eyes and their ability to pay your debts at a 'consolidated interest rate & lower payment' is suspect and often times worsens the situation. On the other hand, I've only witnessed one Credit Restoration Company worth its weight in the seven years I've been traveling this gig. There may be and probably are more, but I've only witnessed one. If you want more info, contact me. Always remember though, you can do everything to make sure your credit is at it's best, yourself... it's a matter of being educated and persistence in your efforts. That takes time. Though time is a commodity not all of us have.
Below is info on the reporting agencies that you should contact to get started. Even if you have an above average credit score, you'll pay more than you should if your credit score is even 20 points lower than the next guy or gal. Save yourself money, put in the time and seek out the Mortgage Professionals to ensure that time is well spent. Your credit is crucial... our knowledge of the industry and mechanics involved... can save you money and fulfill your dreams of home-ownership. If you already are a homeowner, we can help you get on the path to make finances one less worry in this life.
Bear in mind, at this point, you're entitled to one free credit report a year. Or, and I'd personally recommend this, you can get the whole batch which is simply called the 'Annual Credit Report Request Form.' That's free as well! The following sites will lead you in the right direction:
Are you looking for a Multi family for an investment? This home is in a wonderfully quiet neighborhood, with highway access. There is a nice garage and a small fenced in rear yard. A front porch is an added bonus!
Particulars:
Bank owned foreclosure will be sold As Is
All offers must be submitted with Prequalification letter or Proof of funds
First floor consists of one bedroom, bath, double parlor, kitchen, rear deck and porch
Second floor consists of two beds, parlor, bath, kitchen
Small fenced in yard in rear
Two car detached garage (left side has been converted into a room)
Separated stalls in basement for separate tenants
First floor is gas, second is oil
Full basement
Total building sf is 1990
Yard sf is 4,000
Vinyl sided
A couple more photos:
This home needs only your personal touch! Offered at $259,000.
You will not find a home for much less in the Lakeshore Drive area. This is an older Beach cottage which needs your vision and decorative touch!
There is a view of the Lake from the front windows which could be improved by adding some larger windows, a deck on top. Be creative! A fairly good sized fenced in yard and a full basement make this home a good investment while prices are still low!
Particulars:
Bank owned, foreclosed and will be sold As Is
Prequalification letter or Proof of funds must be submitted with All offers
Assessed by City of Warwick as two beds, one bath, full basement
Fenced in yard with patio
View of lake
700sf
Yard is 4,103sf
Vinyl siding and newer roof
Stone fireplace
Gas, forced air heating system
Interior needs either updating or re-design to suit your needs
Incredibly priced at $69,900! Even in this market, finding a home in Warwick, Rhode Island which is also in a nice neighborhood, this is a great price!
Are you looking for a great deal on a foreclosure in Warwick, Rhode Island.
This home is in the Greenwood section of Warwick, just off Strawberry Field Road, near the airport. There is a fairly large fenced backyard with a shed and nice swingset. Easy to maintain home in a quiet neighborhood.
Particulars.
Bank owned, selling As Is.
Need to be prequalified or Proof of funds to submit an offer
Two beds, one bath, Living Room, breezeway, garage
Partially finished basement
1,088sf
Yard is 7000sf
large deck in rear
Needs some work. Kitchen cupboards need to be replaced. Some minor rot in front, near garage. Could use some updated windows.
Your vision and sweat equity can make this a wonderful home! Reasonably priced at $158,650.00.
Here is a list of items and important things you need to know before you get going.
Whether you are planning to work part time or full time, or whomever you decide to work for, you need to have an arsenal of tools in today's Real Estate World.
And of course, the highly rated Millionaire Real Estate Agent. (Whether or not you work for Keller Williams, this is still a great read. "It's not about the money, it's about being the best that you can be!"
As mentioned below by Stacie Colclasure, Jennifer Alans Selling with Soul, an excellent book!
Finally, any of these books or CD's on the Art of Negotiating. I still keep mine in my car to listen to and remind myself.
The above books will get you started on your road to knowledge in Real Estate. There are zillions of other books, but so as not to get information overload, just stick with a few.
Next, you will need most of the following:
Laptop (preferably with wireless capabilities)
Good cell phone (preferably with internet access)
Signs for listings and riders (with your cell phone number)
Be a member of all Real Estate Associations in your area
An office (or comfortable place where you can easily manage your business)
Good printer, scanner, fax and copy machine
Folders (for buyers, for sellers)
A good planning system. You can start with what works for you. (as you get rolling you may want to look into different software that you can use) Meanwhile, you are on a shoestring.
Business Cards (These are a must. I recommend Prints Made Easy, they are reasonable, fast and you can design your own if you like. You can also save your artwork for when you want postcards and letterhead, etc.
Calculator (and no need for a Real Estate Calculator, see Karen Rice's comment)
Filing cabinets
Password software
Blogging platform (we will discuss this in a later post)
SOI (Sphere of influence) Neatly typed somewhere...Outlook, Excel Database, anywhere you can easily access it to contact all your friends, family, clients, doctors, lawyers, paper person, landscaper, any one who you come in contact with.
Digital camera, flashlight and hammer (see Monika McGuillicuddy's comment)
50-foot tape measure (see Margaret Woda's comment) (although may be non essential)
Mace or pepper spray (see Donna Yates comment) Very essential!!!!
Lastly, but most importantly. You will need a minimum of six months income set aside if you are starting Full Time. (This will also be discussed in a future blog)
These are the basic startup essentials. Feel free to leave ideas and I will incorporate them into this post or a future post.
If you live in the Warwick Neck Area, you may have already heard of or been into the Lil Warwick Neck Store.
Located on Warwick Neck Avenue, just before the turn off to the boat yards, it has reopened in the past year as a neighborhood deli with cozy little tables and chairs to sit and eat.
You can pick up your staples, like milk, bread and water. (Every New Englanders snowstorm package). Or, you can grab a quick bite to eat.
They have homemade dinners and lunches, a small deli counter, soda, candy, etc.
This little store has the ambiance of an old country store. If you are a boater, the Lil Warwick Neck Store would be the perfect place to pick up your snacks, lunches and dinners. They have just about everything you will need for a day on the water!
The menu is usually different when I stop in, but I have seen some wonderful homemade pies.
If your looking for a cute place right in the neighborhood, this is the place to go!
Warwick Neck General is owned and operated as a mom and pop enterprise. Let's show our appreciation!
Let me preface this by telling you I am not a totally techie person.
I like things simple and easy to understand. I need the sounds on my phone to be loud enough to hear.
However, I also need total Internet Access at all times. No I am not addicted to the Internet. I am a businesswoman who believes in returning her phone calls and emails as soon as possible.
I also need access to the Internet for different programs I use daily to conduct my Real Estate business.
With this in mind, I started searching all the different Smartphones and pda's out there. For me, I wanted an all in one solution that would efficiently handle all my tasks.
I had narrowed it down to the Blackberry Curve and the TMobile Wing.
The main differences, for me, were:
The keyboard was way too tiny for my fingers.
The blackberry did not have the same operating system as the Wing which comes with Windows Mobile 6
The Internet access was different from the way I was accustomed.
I searched online and went to a TMobile superstore. It appeared that they seemed to "push" the Blackberry. I have read many rave reviews about the Blackberry but as stated above, I had my own personal reasons for choosing the Wing.
What are the specs?
quad-band GSM/EDGE support
802.11g Wi-Fi
2.8″ touch screen display
slide-out, 40-key QWERTY keyboard
Windows Mobile 6 Professional operating system
Internet Explorer,
Microsoft Office Mobile with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint,
and support for AOL, Yahoo, Windows Live and ICQ Instant messaging
Can connect to Internet email....my most important requirement!
Considered large, but great size for me!
And last but not least, the ability to write with a stylus little notes, like to do lists.
Voice recording does everything and also saves as a note. This is a great tool for someone with a poor memory!
I can now get my bpos while I am out on the road which will pay for this very quickly
Also, the total Internet access with TMobile is only $19.99!
I am very happy with my choice. I was originally looking at the IPhone cause it was pretty.
No, I am not typing this from my Wing, but I could, if I had the time. It does everything my laptop does and more!
Now I need to buy an sdmicro card for more memory
I absolutely love it and I am still figuring out the video and song download features!
As many of you know, Melissa Grant started the hidden gem series to challenge members to find people here in the Rain that may have gone unnoticed due to the sheer amount of new members joining daily. You can also join her group Blast from the past and read about the other Hidden Gems in the Rain. Please read Hidden Gems in the Rain because it also has the instructions for posting. They are retyped at the bottom of this post.
I tend to read a lot of new to Active Rain posts, but this is not where I chose to look because usually they are still leaning how to navigate the site. I had to delve a little deeper. What I did was go back about three to four months and check out the ones that had blogs. And read, and read and read.....
This was a lot more time consuming than I had imagined originally. I did notice the amount of people who simply sign up and do not even create a blog at all. Here is my choice. Someone who started in late 07 but did not post until January 08 and does not mention that she is new. Lets all welcome her to Active Rain! Barbara appears to already have the basics of a great blogger and I look forward to reading more.
My choices for finding hidden gems are Jo Anne Smith, who in case you have never read her articles is by far one of the top 10 writers here in Active Rain. I will be interested to see who she finds
And Secondly Jason CrouchJason has come a long way in Active Rain and is now a moderator for several groups, blogs consistently and well. I wonder whom he will choose?
Go find yourself a "Hidden Gem" in the Rain....a post or member that was not recognized that you feel should be
Write a post about why you chose your particular member and/or post include a link to their blog in your post and pick 2 other members to do the same as you...
Your headline should include " Hidden Gem in the Rain "
Send a quick email with a link to the post you have written to the members telling them what you have done and that it's their turn to do the same..and give back in the rain...as well as your "chosen" member to find another gem
As the post's start rolling in on "Hidden Gems" you may want to include a link in the comment section to other post's...this will also help some along.
;)
Links;)
Archives
Are you looking for a Multi family for an investment? This home is in a wonderfully quiet neighborhood, with highway access. There is a nice garage and a small fenced in rear yard. A front porch is an added bonus!
Are you looking for a great deal on a foreclosure in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Are you just starting out in Real Estate?
Posted by 
and the TMobile Wing.
As many of you know, 
who wrote a 
and her first post 
who in case you have never read her articles is by far one of the top 10 writers here in Active Rain. I will be interested to see who she finds 
Jason has come a long way in Active Rain and is now a moderator for several groups, blogs consistently and well. I wonder whom he will choose?
