Good Morning....
Today as I was going on my morning walk, it occurred to me how much I love seeing a well manicured lawn. I think it shows pride in a home. Anyone who knows my husband will tell you how particular he is about his lawn and I am always proud of how our home looks when he is all done. I always offer to help him but he just smiles and says "No thank you!" His outside lawn time is probably his favorite thing to do. I don't dare spoil it.
Whether you are a home owner or a renter, I think it is important to take pride in the home you live in. Whether it is a small apartment or a very large home or anything in between, I think how you take care of your home says a lot about who you are, what you are going through, and of course how busy you are. Do you live in a messy, filthy or cluttered environment? Are you a perfectionist that must have their home spotless and in order? Or are you one that tries real hard to keep a nice home for you or your family and sometimes your life is just too hectic to keep up with everything?
My personal opinion is that I think there should be a nice balance to it. I never think it is OK to live in filth, but a mess here and there, I can deal with for a short time. My biggest issue is having piles of papers. I have a hard time throwing things away, including junk mail. I am by no means a hoarder. I finally can throw already read magazines away. I have watched the hoarder shows and it makes me very sad that there are people out there living like that. It is especially sad when children are involved. Children as well as adults should not live in an environment that is so cluttered and unhealthy.
I was searching for properties about a month ago for an investor I have that lives in another country. He uses my judgment to find properties that are right for him so I visit the properties ahead of time. I went to this one condo in his favorite community to buy, and the tenant was a young gal who had a small child. That small 1 bedroom condo was one of the most unorganized, filthy, cluttered places I have ever been in. On top of that, she had a dog and the dog hair and the smell of the dog, was overwhelming and she smoked to top it off. She has a choice to live how she wants but to expose a child and an animal to that, was beyond what I could understand. It was hard to be able to judge whether or not the place would be a good fit because you could see beyond the garbage. It made me sad when I walked out, for her, her child and her dog.
I am very compassionate for those who are going through a foreclosure or having to do a short sale. I am certain that was not part of the plan when the house was purchased. Homeownership is a dream to many. However, I get very frustrated when people just let their house go to waste instead of doing the right thing and keeping it in the best order they can till they move out. Remember, your children see you as an example of how they should live their lives. It is one thing to see you going through a tough time financially, it is another when they witness bad behavior.
We are all on our individual journey through this life. If you find that you are living in an unfit environment, change it. If you find that you are such a perfectionist that you are spending more time cleaning, then you are on yourself or your family and friends change it. Try your best to find a good middle ground. It is all about living each moment, enjoying the people in your life, being healthy and happy.
Wishing everyone a joyful and fun weekend ahead!
With Honesty, Integrity and a Smile - Diane
PS..Please visit my website - www.dianesfloridahomes.com or email me at: diane@dianesfloridahomes.com if I can help with any of your real estate needs. Or feel free to recommend me to your friends and family.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Phone apps - Today's topic is food! One of my favorite topics!
It is a beautiful day in sunny Orlando, Florida.
It is always exciting for me to talk about food. My husband would tell you that when he coaxes me out of the house to go for a bike ride (and his bike rides are not leisurely) he always has to dangle a carrot in my face to get me to go on his adventures. That carrot is usually something like "If we ride at least 10 miles, we will stop afterwards for lunch out." That usually does it for me.
Anyway, my topic today is about anything related to food and phone apps. I have an I-Phone as I previously mentioned so I will caveat this with the fact that the apps I mention, may not be available on other types of phones. I am going to name the free ones only today as I am not one to easily pay for an app, unless you count the time my daughter Jenna talked me into Hipstamatic.
Finding a restaurant
When I got my first I-Phone, the first app I was told to get was "Around Me." It has been handy for finding almost anything. I did find it a little frustrating this summer when I went to Indiana to visit my sister and we were in the middle of nowhere (sorry Karen) and it occasionally had nothing for me. Or if it did, it took me in directions I did not want to go. I ended up using Siri but that story is for another day. Overall, it works pretty good on finding what is available close by.
If you are looking for some fun, try Urbanspoon. It offers GPS technology to find what is closest to you and if you cannot decide what restaurant to go to (this is often my situation) you can shake your I-phone and it will make a decision for you. Keep in mind, you don't really have to choose to go there...:) It also has various filters to narrow down details such as pricing, neighborhood, etc.
Foodspotting is an app that not only helps you find a restaurant, but it also rates dishes and where to find "good" food. I have not tried this one yet but according to the review, it was voted Time's 50 best I-Phone apps of 2012.
Grub Hub Food Delivery is good app to use if you are looking for a restaurant nearby that delivers. You can view menus, reviews and restaurant information. It is available in over 300 cities according to their review.
Another great option on apps is if you are looking for a specific and favorite place. The following have apps that will tell you where the closest one is to your current location. Some common ones are: Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Domino's Pizza, Chili's, Pizza Hut, T.G.I. Fridays, Moe's, and so many more options.
All this talk about food, is making me hungry. Wishing everyone a very happy day!
As always, with Honesty, Integrity and Smile!
Diane
www.dianesfloridahomes.com
diane@dianesfloridahomes.com
407-353-8794
It is always exciting for me to talk about food. My husband would tell you that when he coaxes me out of the house to go for a bike ride (and his bike rides are not leisurely) he always has to dangle a carrot in my face to get me to go on his adventures. That carrot is usually something like "If we ride at least 10 miles, we will stop afterwards for lunch out." That usually does it for me.
Anyway, my topic today is about anything related to food and phone apps. I have an I-Phone as I previously mentioned so I will caveat this with the fact that the apps I mention, may not be available on other types of phones. I am going to name the free ones only today as I am not one to easily pay for an app, unless you count the time my daughter Jenna talked me into Hipstamatic.
Finding a restaurant
When I got my first I-Phone, the first app I was told to get was "Around Me." It has been handy for finding almost anything. I did find it a little frustrating this summer when I went to Indiana to visit my sister and we were in the middle of nowhere (sorry Karen) and it occasionally had nothing for me. Or if it did, it took me in directions I did not want to go. I ended up using Siri but that story is for another day. Overall, it works pretty good on finding what is available close by.
If you are looking for some fun, try Urbanspoon. It offers GPS technology to find what is closest to you and if you cannot decide what restaurant to go to (this is often my situation) you can shake your I-phone and it will make a decision for you. Keep in mind, you don't really have to choose to go there...:) It also has various filters to narrow down details such as pricing, neighborhood, etc.
Foodspotting is an app that not only helps you find a restaurant, but it also rates dishes and where to find "good" food. I have not tried this one yet but according to the review, it was voted Time's 50 best I-Phone apps of 2012.
Grub Hub Food Delivery is good app to use if you are looking for a restaurant nearby that delivers. You can view menus, reviews and restaurant information. It is available in over 300 cities according to their review.
Another great option on apps is if you are looking for a specific and favorite place. The following have apps that will tell you where the closest one is to your current location. Some common ones are: Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Domino's Pizza, Chili's, Pizza Hut, T.G.I. Fridays, Moe's, and so many more options.
All this talk about food, is making me hungry. Wishing everyone a very happy day!
As always, with Honesty, Integrity and Smile!
Diane
www.dianesfloridahomes.com
diane@dianesfloridahomes.com
407-353-8794
Monday, September 17, 2012
There are some fun apps for your phone out there that I am sure some of you are aware of. If not, check out some that you may find beneficial. You will want to be sure that they are compatible with the type of phone you own. Some are free and some have a charge associated with them. I have an I-phone so I am mostly familiar with those apps.
Real Estate:
If you are looking to buy a home, the Realtor.com by Move, Inc. app will help you find listings based on your location and much more. According to them, it updates listing information more often than any other real estate app. You can create your own search areas, use Area Scout to see average values. You can even save your searches.
Zillow also has an app for your phone that will give you information on the property such as homes for rent and for sale. It has GPS technology and also offers a mortgage calculator. You can check out what Open Houses are going in a neighborhood as long as they are listed that way.
Homes.com is another good app that makes it so much easier to find the home of your dreams. You can locate homes for rent or for sale and this also uses GPS technology. It even has the ability to instantly check credit scores and complete and online loan application prequalification. However, I would suggest utilizing a lender that you or your real estate consultant recommends because you are speaking with someone who can guide you in sometimes complicated process.
If you are looking for apartment rentals, check out Rent.com's app. You can zoom in on floor plans and images, call or email apartments and rental properties, and so much more. Check out the many features when you go to the app store.
Trulia also has an app named Trulia Rentals, where you can find apartments or homes for rent. With this app, you can save a search and get alerted of new rental homes according to their site.
This is all for today! Check back again for more suggestions or feel free to comment and add your own that you enjoy, or provide feedback on the above listed apps.
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Diane
www.dianesfloridahomes.com
diane@dianesfloridahomes.com
Serving Orlando, Florida and Gainesville, Florida - Real Estate
Real Estate:
If you are looking to buy a home, the Realtor.com by Move, Inc. app will help you find listings based on your location and much more. According to them, it updates listing information more often than any other real estate app. You can create your own search areas, use Area Scout to see average values. You can even save your searches.
Zillow also has an app for your phone that will give you information on the property such as homes for rent and for sale. It has GPS technology and also offers a mortgage calculator. You can check out what Open Houses are going in a neighborhood as long as they are listed that way.
Homes.com is another good app that makes it so much easier to find the home of your dreams. You can locate homes for rent or for sale and this also uses GPS technology. It even has the ability to instantly check credit scores and complete and online loan application prequalification. However, I would suggest utilizing a lender that you or your real estate consultant recommends because you are speaking with someone who can guide you in sometimes complicated process.
If you are looking for apartment rentals, check out Rent.com's app. You can zoom in on floor plans and images, call or email apartments and rental properties, and so much more. Check out the many features when you go to the app store.
Trulia also has an app named Trulia Rentals, where you can find apartments or homes for rent. With this app, you can save a search and get alerted of new rental homes according to their site.
This is all for today! Check back again for more suggestions or feel free to comment and add your own that you enjoy, or provide feedback on the above listed apps.
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Diane
www.dianesfloridahomes.com
diane@dianesfloridahomes.com
Serving Orlando, Florida and Gainesville, Florida - Real Estate
Friday, September 14, 2012
Good Morning to all!
It has been a long time (over 3 years) since I have blogged. I have very busy in both my business and my personal life and this aspect got put aside. So here I go again and I hope that whatever the message I write, it teaches or inspires at least one person.
I would really like to write about a variety of things that would be important in the real estate field. However, I would like to also add other topics that might be of interest that may not apply to real estate. I have always believed in inspiring others both personally and professionally.
Years ago, when I worked in a corporate environment, I had a divided team that I needed to be cohesive to bring joy to their lives as well as get results. I started sending daily inspirational emails and at first I thought that they would think I was being corny. Instead what I found is that they would let me know it was helping them in their personal lives and they felt inspired to make much needed changes.
I hope I can do that for whoever might be reading this blog..:)
We all go through rough times and sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know there are those struggling with foreclosure or having to short sale their homes. This is painful not only for you but your family as well. But know that things always seem to work out for the best.
Instead of trying to figure out what lies ahead, connect the dots backwards and see the times in your life that things or people were placed in your life at just the right time.
Enjoy every moment in your life.
Wishing you a wonderful day and remember, you can always count on me for Honesty, Integrity and Smile!
Diane
It has been a long time (over 3 years) since I have blogged. I have very busy in both my business and my personal life and this aspect got put aside. So here I go again and I hope that whatever the message I write, it teaches or inspires at least one person.
I would really like to write about a variety of things that would be important in the real estate field. However, I would like to also add other topics that might be of interest that may not apply to real estate. I have always believed in inspiring others both personally and professionally.
Years ago, when I worked in a corporate environment, I had a divided team that I needed to be cohesive to bring joy to their lives as well as get results. I started sending daily inspirational emails and at first I thought that they would think I was being corny. Instead what I found is that they would let me know it was helping them in their personal lives and they felt inspired to make much needed changes.
I hope I can do that for whoever might be reading this blog..:)
We all go through rough times and sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know there are those struggling with foreclosure or having to short sale their homes. This is painful not only for you but your family as well. But know that things always seem to work out for the best.
Instead of trying to figure out what lies ahead, connect the dots backwards and see the times in your life that things or people were placed in your life at just the right time.
Enjoy every moment in your life.
Wishing you a wonderful day and remember, you can always count on me for Honesty, Integrity and Smile!
Diane
Monday, February 9, 2009
Credit Advice for Home Buyers - 3
Lenders are really tightening up their criteria so be aware that they are scrutinizing more detail of your credit report, than in prior years. I am finding that even being past due a few times on certain items will disqualify home buyers that in the past, lenders and/or underwriters would potentially overlook.
The first thing to remember is that anytime you miss a payment, whether it is a credit card, a mortgage payment, car loan, etc., it will show up for at least 7 years in your report. Even a small minimum credit card payment of 10.00, if missed, will be considered deragatory. So if at all possible, always pay at least your minimum to avoid this negative hit on your report.
Here is an example of what your report may look like in regard to payment history:
12/08 - 111111111111
What this would mean is that the last time it was reported, was in December 2008. All "1's" is a good sign that you have paid your bills on time. However, let's say you missed a payment in November 2008 and it was considered 30 days past due, this is how it would appear:
12/08 - 121111111111
The numbering system starts with the last reporting month and works backward. The first number would be Dec. 08, the second would be Nov. 08, the third Oct. 08 and so on.
1 = current - paid on time
2 = 30 - 59 days past due
3 = 60 - 89 days past due
4 = 90 - 119 days past due
5 = 120 - 149 days past due
6 = 150 - 179 days past due
9 = creditor charged off account.
Typically, when the account has been charged off by a creditor, they will forward the account to a collection agency. However, all creditors have their own policies so be sure to check with your individual creditor to understand what has happened to your account debt.
Right now, lenders are putting much emphasis on late mortgage payments and car loans. If at all possible, always pay these on time, or at least prior to the late date of the creditor. In some instances, you can give an explanation to an underwriter on why an account is in collection or past due, and they may make an exception. But I am finding they are not being too flexible when it comes to a late on a mortgage or car loan.
This is all I have time for today, but I promise I will be back sooner than last time. If you have any questions, please feel free to write me at diane@dianesfloridahomes.com.
Have a wonderful day!
Diane
www.dianesfloridahomes.com
The first thing to remember is that anytime you miss a payment, whether it is a credit card, a mortgage payment, car loan, etc., it will show up for at least 7 years in your report. Even a small minimum credit card payment of 10.00, if missed, will be considered deragatory. So if at all possible, always pay at least your minimum to avoid this negative hit on your report.
Here is an example of what your report may look like in regard to payment history:
12/08 - 111111111111
What this would mean is that the last time it was reported, was in December 2008. All "1's" is a good sign that you have paid your bills on time. However, let's say you missed a payment in November 2008 and it was considered 30 days past due, this is how it would appear:
12/08 - 121111111111
The numbering system starts with the last reporting month and works backward. The first number would be Dec. 08, the second would be Nov. 08, the third Oct. 08 and so on.
1 = current - paid on time
2 = 30 - 59 days past due
3 = 60 - 89 days past due
4 = 90 - 119 days past due
5 = 120 - 149 days past due
6 = 150 - 179 days past due
9 = creditor charged off account.
Typically, when the account has been charged off by a creditor, they will forward the account to a collection agency. However, all creditors have their own policies so be sure to check with your individual creditor to understand what has happened to your account debt.
Right now, lenders are putting much emphasis on late mortgage payments and car loans. If at all possible, always pay these on time, or at least prior to the late date of the creditor. In some instances, you can give an explanation to an underwriter on why an account is in collection or past due, and they may make an exception. But I am finding they are not being too flexible when it comes to a late on a mortgage or car loan.
This is all I have time for today, but I promise I will be back sooner than last time. If you have any questions, please feel free to write me at diane@dianesfloridahomes.com.
Have a wonderful day!
Diane
www.dianesfloridahomes.com
Friday, January 16, 2009
Credit Advice for Home Buyers - 2
When you apply for a new loan, a job, insurance, etc., you may be subject to a credit check. What is on your report and your credit score may determine if you can buy a home, your interest rate on a loan, or insurance rates, and could possibly impact getting a job. So knowing and understanding what is on your credit report is important as well as your credit score.
FICO scores, which is the credit model most consumers seem to recognize, range from 300 - 850. A lender I spoke with yesterday told me that with his company, at this time, they will no longer be able to qualify someone to purchase home unless they have a minimum of 580 for a score. Even then, it may be tough.
There are three main bureaus that most creditors utilize to gain a credit report and credit score. If you need more specific information about a bureau or their report, please refer to their websites.
http://www.equifax.com/
http://www.transunion.com/
http://www.experian.com/
Understanding what is on a credit report:
Typically, your personal information is first. It will show basic information such as: name, address, previous addresses, employment history, etc. Be observant of this section as information here could help you determine if you have been a victim of identity fraud. Check for anything unusual such as an address listed where you have never lived. If you find any errors, contact the bureau.
Derogatory information usually comes next - Collection agency placements, Public records (such as bankruptcy, tax liens, judgements), and late payments on mortgage, car, etc.
Collection agency placements:
Accounts are usually placed with an agency when they have been charged off of a creditor's books. There are some companies that use collection agencies for pre-placement prior to write off, so be sure you understand what you are dealing with when you try to resolve.
If one of your accounts was placed with a collection agency and you have paid the bill, make sure it shows paid on the report. If it does not, then contact the agency and supply them with proof of payment. Once you have resolved the issue, it might be helpful to ask for a letter from them to show paid in full, in case this is needed in the interim until it gets corrected with the credit bureau. The collection agency contact information should be on your report along with the account number.
If you have not paid the bill, and it is owed, it is in your best interest to get the account paid or resolved, if you want to improve your score. Most collection agencies will negotiate a settlement for less that the full amount but understand that if you agree to that, it will show up as settled in full and not paid in full. If you can get them to agree to showing paid in full on your report, that is your best bet. Most agencies will also allow a payment arrangement so at least make a phone call to see what you can work out.
If one of your creditors placed an account with an agency in error, I would suggest calling the creditor first to get them to help you resolve the problem. They can have the item removed from the agency which will be eliminated from your credit report. If that does not resolve it, then contact the agency to let them know. They will in turn contact the creditor to try and bring resolution.
Public records:
This section will include any Bankruptcies, Tax Liens, Judgments, etc. that have been filed against you. Negative payment history can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years. However, Public records can stay on for up to 10 years.
If you have filed bankruptcy, many creditors will not even consider a loan until X number of years have passed. Each creditor will have their own criteria so check with each one to understand their policies regarding this. Some may allow a loan (car, home, etc) but will charge a much higher interest rate.
Tax liens must be cleared up before a home loan will be given so it is very important to always get these paid as soon as possible. Contact the IRS to see about making payment arrangements. Or check out their website to get more information - http://www.irs.gov/
Some companies submit their charge off accounts to collection agencies. Others take it a step further and file suit against you. If they take you to court, and get a personal judgment against you, this will show up on your credit report. Always try to resolve your payment issues prior to this step because a judgment is a more serious offense when it comes to impacting your credit score.
Of course, if anything is listed on the credit report that is incorrect, file a dispute with the bureau. You can do this in writing or online. Please check their individual websites for further information.
Please Note: The information I am providing is solely based on many years in the credit industry as well as much research. However, I want to be clear that I am not an attorney, so please consult your attorney for any legal advice.
Next blog will be about the impact on getting a home loan based on current negative payment history.
Have a wonderful day! Till the next time...
Diane
P.S. If you have any questions in the mean time, please feel free to email me at: diane@dianesfloridahomes.com and I will do my best to respond as soon as possible.
Visit my website: www.dianesfloridahomes.com
.
FICO scores, which is the credit model most consumers seem to recognize, range from 300 - 850. A lender I spoke with yesterday told me that with his company, at this time, they will no longer be able to qualify someone to purchase home unless they have a minimum of 580 for a score. Even then, it may be tough.
There are three main bureaus that most creditors utilize to gain a credit report and credit score. If you need more specific information about a bureau or their report, please refer to their websites.
http://www.equifax.com/
http://www.transunion.com/
http://www.experian.com/
Understanding what is on a credit report:
Typically, your personal information is first. It will show basic information such as: name, address, previous addresses, employment history, etc. Be observant of this section as information here could help you determine if you have been a victim of identity fraud. Check for anything unusual such as an address listed where you have never lived. If you find any errors, contact the bureau.
Derogatory information usually comes next - Collection agency placements, Public records (such as bankruptcy, tax liens, judgements), and late payments on mortgage, car, etc.
Collection agency placements:
Accounts are usually placed with an agency when they have been charged off of a creditor's books. There are some companies that use collection agencies for pre-placement prior to write off, so be sure you understand what you are dealing with when you try to resolve.
If one of your accounts was placed with a collection agency and you have paid the bill, make sure it shows paid on the report. If it does not, then contact the agency and supply them with proof of payment. Once you have resolved the issue, it might be helpful to ask for a letter from them to show paid in full, in case this is needed in the interim until it gets corrected with the credit bureau. The collection agency contact information should be on your report along with the account number.
If you have not paid the bill, and it is owed, it is in your best interest to get the account paid or resolved, if you want to improve your score. Most collection agencies will negotiate a settlement for less that the full amount but understand that if you agree to that, it will show up as settled in full and not paid in full. If you can get them to agree to showing paid in full on your report, that is your best bet. Most agencies will also allow a payment arrangement so at least make a phone call to see what you can work out.
If one of your creditors placed an account with an agency in error, I would suggest calling the creditor first to get them to help you resolve the problem. They can have the item removed from the agency which will be eliminated from your credit report. If that does not resolve it, then contact the agency to let them know. They will in turn contact the creditor to try and bring resolution.
Public records:
This section will include any Bankruptcies, Tax Liens, Judgments, etc. that have been filed against you. Negative payment history can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years. However, Public records can stay on for up to 10 years.
If you have filed bankruptcy, many creditors will not even consider a loan until X number of years have passed. Each creditor will have their own criteria so check with each one to understand their policies regarding this. Some may allow a loan (car, home, etc) but will charge a much higher interest rate.
Tax liens must be cleared up before a home loan will be given so it is very important to always get these paid as soon as possible. Contact the IRS to see about making payment arrangements. Or check out their website to get more information - http://www.irs.gov/
Some companies submit their charge off accounts to collection agencies. Others take it a step further and file suit against you. If they take you to court, and get a personal judgment against you, this will show up on your credit report. Always try to resolve your payment issues prior to this step because a judgment is a more serious offense when it comes to impacting your credit score.
Of course, if anything is listed on the credit report that is incorrect, file a dispute with the bureau. You can do this in writing or online. Please check their individual websites for further information.
Please Note: The information I am providing is solely based on many years in the credit industry as well as much research. However, I want to be clear that I am not an attorney, so please consult your attorney for any legal advice.
Next blog will be about the impact on getting a home loan based on current negative payment history.
Have a wonderful day! Till the next time...
Diane
P.S. If you have any questions in the mean time, please feel free to email me at: diane@dianesfloridahomes.com and I will do my best to respond as soon as possible.
Visit my website: www.dianesfloridahomes.com
.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Credit Advice for Home Buyers - 1
Welcome to Diane's Florida Homes!
I am in the Real Estate Business in Orlando, Florida. I work with Buyers and Sellers, most often in residential - single family and townhome/condo purchases. I have a very extensive background in the Credit Industry (my previous career in the Corporate world) and thought maybe I could be of some help to those wanting to understand a little more about credit. The criteria for qualifying to purchase a home has changed. There are stricter guidelines now due to the large number of foreclosures, and many other factors, and understanding how your credit report and score factor in to the process, is very important.
It is such a great time to be a buyer, especially a first time home buyer, because you can buy a nice property at a great value, and still purchase with little or no down. However, the reason I decided to start this blogging adventure is, some of my potential clients are running into issues because of the newer lending practices. FHA loans were always the way to go if you had some credit issues. It still is, but there are things you should know, before you start applying for a loan. 620 seems to be the magic number as a minimum credit score to get a loan. There are exceptions to this and you will need a mortgage lender or broker to determine what these exceptions are.
If you are one of those who are starting to think about being a first time home buyer, my first recommendation is to start by pulling your credit report to see what you are up against. If you don't already know this, you can pull a free report from http://www.annualcreditreport.com/. If you want to know what your credit score is, you can purchase this as an additional option. But remember, if you only want your credit report, it is FREE! You are allowed 1 free report from each of the three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union, once a year.
Start by choosing a bureau and pull the report. When you are reviewing it, first check to be sure your information is accurate. Then start looking at each item listed and be sure it is an account you opened. If there is anything on there that is not yours, you can dispute it online. I would start with just one bureau so it is not overwhelming.
This is all I have time for today. Till the next time...
Diane
diane@dianesfloridahomes.com
http://www.dianesfloridahomes.com/
I am in the Real Estate Business in Orlando, Florida. I work with Buyers and Sellers, most often in residential - single family and townhome/condo purchases. I have a very extensive background in the Credit Industry (my previous career in the Corporate world) and thought maybe I could be of some help to those wanting to understand a little more about credit. The criteria for qualifying to purchase a home has changed. There are stricter guidelines now due to the large number of foreclosures, and many other factors, and understanding how your credit report and score factor in to the process, is very important.
It is such a great time to be a buyer, especially a first time home buyer, because you can buy a nice property at a great value, and still purchase with little or no down. However, the reason I decided to start this blogging adventure is, some of my potential clients are running into issues because of the newer lending practices. FHA loans were always the way to go if you had some credit issues. It still is, but there are things you should know, before you start applying for a loan. 620 seems to be the magic number as a minimum credit score to get a loan. There are exceptions to this and you will need a mortgage lender or broker to determine what these exceptions are.
If you are one of those who are starting to think about being a first time home buyer, my first recommendation is to start by pulling your credit report to see what you are up against. If you don't already know this, you can pull a free report from http://www.annualcreditreport.com/. If you want to know what your credit score is, you can purchase this as an additional option. But remember, if you only want your credit report, it is FREE! You are allowed 1 free report from each of the three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union, once a year.
Start by choosing a bureau and pull the report. When you are reviewing it, first check to be sure your information is accurate. Then start looking at each item listed and be sure it is an account you opened. If there is anything on there that is not yours, you can dispute it online. I would start with just one bureau so it is not overwhelming.
This is all I have time for today. Till the next time...
Diane
diane@dianesfloridahomes.com
http://www.dianesfloridahomes.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)