Another weekend is just around the corner ... do you have plans?
Silly question, I know. But even if you already have a boatload of activities on your calendar, carve out enough time to add one more important activity.
Check your credit and credit scores!
It only takes a couple of minutes to request your free Credit Report on annualcreditreport.com. You fill out a simple form and "viola"! It's really pretty easy peasy.
While this one simple act is accomplished quickly and easily, it's well worth doing as it reaps you long-term benefits. So … (28 comments)
Thinking About Buying Your First Home? How to Prepare
Buying a home ...
While the end result ... a home of your own ... is an exciting thing to ponder, it also can be a bit nerve-wracking, can't it?
All sorts of questions race through your mind once you decide to buy ... What do I need to do? What do I need to know? Who are the people that can help me? What kind of credit should I have? Or money saved? How do I get started? When will I know I'm prepared? More Don't panic!
It's important to remember, there is absolutely no … (17 comments)
Are you familiar with the saying, "What you don't know can't hurt you?"
According to the "Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs", it's derived from the saying ... "So long as I know it not, it hurteth mee not" ... first seen in literature around 1576 and continuously thereafter. So the saying and it's message has definitely been around awhile.
But what does this old saying mean?
Historically it's meant that someone can't be made frustrated or unhappy by something they don't know. It relieves people of worry and perhaps, even to a smaller extent, some responsibility. But as a Mortgage Originator, … (31 comments)
Listen, I'm not trying to be evasive or cute with my answer here.
By nature ... and because I'm a Mortgage Originator ... I'm typically a huge proponent of saving money. As a rule, I firmly believe that budgeting resources and saving money should be a major focus and goal. So saying, "it depends", cuts a bit across the grain for me.
But as the old saying goes, "there is an exception to every rule" ... The "exception" in this case, revolves around the myth supporting the absolute need for a 20% down payment when buying … (27 comments)
“Plan for what it is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.” - Sun Tzu Who doesn't like looking at beautiful homes? Who can resist the temptation of imagining themselves living in those homes? I certainly don't know anyone ... While it's great fun to view and dream about home after beautiful home, it's no secret. Today's hopeful Buyers face some challenges when it comes to buy. Low home inventories have proven to be an issue in many housing markets. Credit, … (7 comments)
60% of adults don't budget/keep close track of their spending 41% of young adults, ages 18 to 21, fail to pay their bills on time every month 69% of parents admit to feeling less prepared to give their teens guidance on investing than they do about sex I can tell you as a Mortgage Lender, that I'm not surprised by the numbers reported above. I see/talk to … (42 comments)
Oh, the weather outside is frightful But the fire is so delightful And since we've no place to go Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow It doesn't show signs of stopping And I brought some corn for popping The lights are turned way down low Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow Here in Chicagoland, and many other locations across the U.S., these lyrics are very … (24 comments)
My Dad was raised during the Great Depression. An excellent mathematician, he became an Accountant for a living. Both because of his experiences while growing-up and I believe because of his own nature, he was a frugal man. Now that's not to say that Dad wouldn't buy anything. There's a difference between frugal and cheap. When something had value or he thought it would grow in value, he'd buy or invest. When the time came that I expressed an interest in … (10 comments)
preparing to buy a home: Being Completely Unprepared Won't Cut It In this Market
- 10/31/12 03:14 AM
I thought this post of Nathan Tutus', Tutas Towne Realty, Inc., Poinciana, FL, just went so perfectly hand-in-hand with my own latest post. (Listen ... Educate ... and Ask Questions the entire way. It's for your own good!) Both posts speak of the absolutely critical need for new Home Buyers/Borrowers to be educated, prepared for, and thoroughly engaged in their Home Buying transaction and Mortgage Process. The success of their transaction and Mortgage Closing depends on it. I hope those considering a home purchase and financing will take the time to read Nathan Tutus' eloquently written post ... … (2 comments)
preparing to buy a home: Answer This Home Buying Question. Are YOUR Personal Ducks in a Row?
- 09/29/11 09:28 AM
Is it time for you to buy a home? That's a pretty personal question for first-time homebuyers. Just last week, I met with a new buyer for her loan application. She reminded me that she'd been in the market for a home for 2 (yes, that's two!) years! Upon hearing this, I asked her ... "Why now? What changed for you? What made you think your ducks were all in a row?" Her reply was, "I'm in a good place at my job now. I have my down payment saved-up. You … (16 comments)
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