When higher is lower... A word about credit scores.

Did you happen to see the year-end graph converning Charlottesville-area home prices? (CAAR 2010 Year-end Real Estate Market Report)

Well, It's time.  If a new home has been in your thoughts, now is the time to do something about it.  If you've been waiting for the market to bottom-out, it's here.  This isn't Realtor-Speak, this is my telling anyone who will listen... If you are in the market for a home in the Charlottesville area, and you want to get the best deal possible, you don't want to wait until next year.

The very first action on any buyer's list of to-do's is : Pull your credit report and get a pre-approval letter from your lender of choice.  (I work with some great lenders, and your pre-approval letter does not have to cost you money.)  When the lender pulls your credit report, he’ll get your credit score, and this number is going to determine what interest rate you will enjoy for the next thirty years.

When Higher is Lower

Most lenders quote rates based on the best credit score.  Buyers need to know their credit score before writing a contract to buy a home so they'll have a realistic idea of what their payment will be.   If a buyer has a lower than "A" credit score, the rate goes up in increments that could dramatically affect the payments.

There is an inverse relationship between the credit score and the interest rate charged.  The higher the score, the lower the rate will be.  Let's say a lender quotes their best rate for a credit score of 760-850.  However, this lender's minimum acceptable score of 620-639 would have to pay 1.5% higher interest.  That is nearly a difference of  $200 a month!.  It is critical to know your credit score before you make a decision to buy a home.

Your first logical step is to get pre-approved with a mortgage lender, prior to looking at homes.  This gives you the confidence of knowing how much mortgage is available and if you can expect the best interest rate which will lower your payment.  Other benefits include bargaining power, quicker closing and the chance to discover any issues on your credit report that need to be corrected before going on contract.

This article, "When Higher is Lower" is based on an article of the same name, which was © 2010 Pat Zaby, Dallas, TX in November 2010. | This article cannot be reprinted or republished without written permission.  Virginia Gardner, www.CharlottesvilleHOME.com, www.EarlysvilleHOMES.com, and www.CharlottesvilleTALK.com have permission to reprint this article.

 

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Dreaming of Charlottesville? Virginia Gardner provides local real estate counsel to Charlottesville-area Buyers and Sellers.  She writes this blog "Charlottesville Talk" to describe the quality of life available here in the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, the villages of Earlysville, Ivy, Crozet and Keswick, and Greene and Fluvanna counties, all beautifully located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.   For superior real estate services, call or text 434-981-0871 or email Virginia@CharlottesvilleHOME.com, www.CharlottesvileHOME.com.

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Virginia Gardner, CRS
Virginia@CharlottesvilleHOME.com
CharlottesvilleHOME.com
EarlysvilleHomes.com

(434) 981-0871

 

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We keep the latest data at our website, CharottesvilleHOME.com,
or click the following link to download the
2010 YEAR END Market Report

      

I am a licensed Realtor in the State of Virginia who specializes in Charlottesville, Virginia - area homes.  I work a lot in the City of Charlottesvile, and I focus on Albemarle County real estate.  I am considered the specialist for Earlysville area real estate by many.  I also keep on top of the market in the Greene County and Fluvanna County communities.
  If you are looking for an outstanding agent, please email me or  call/text me, 434-981-0871.

I look forward to assisting you with all your real estate needs.