Posts from October 2011
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27
Protect Your Credit when Buying a Home
For any buyer in the market for a new home, it's a critical time period for your credit to be in great shape. While filling out applications, your personal data and credit score will be as important as ever. Protecting your credit now before you buy will help set you up to take advantage of the best mortgage rates possible so you can secure the home of your choice as soon as possible. Here are a few tips for protecting your credit: Apply with care: Be mindful when applying to multiple lenders. To some versions of the FICO software, all applications submitted within 30-45 days of each other only count as one hit on your credit report. However, this isn't always true. Many lenders may still use older versions of the software. Play it safe by submitting all applications in a 14-day period. This will ensure that your credit report doesn't show multiple hits, which will in turn better your overall score. Pack up to prepare: When selling a home, pack up so...
13
How to choose the best location when narrowing down your home search
There are several factors that may influence your decision on where to live. See below for some important considerations when selecting the best area for your home search.
1. Education - Homebuyers who have children will often look for a desirable school district. From private, charter, and magnet to public school, there are an array of options. Visit local area schools and check with your CENTURY 21 agent to verify where district boun...
13
Myth-busting the Home Buying Process
Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran who has been out of the game for awhile, buyers should always be aware of and note certain home buying myths that abound. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying new property, but by being educated and realistic, buyers can avoid a few common-yet-untrue beliefs as they venture toward closing a deal. The Myth of "The Perfect Home" Along with all that excitement comes the dreams of your ideal home. If the vision you've set for yourself is too close to perfection, you may not find what you're looking for. Every house is bound to have something wrong with it. If a home is nearly perfect, don't nitpick over smaller needs and priorities. Lock it down before it gets snagged. The Myth of "The Speaking House" It's human nature to get a certain "feel" to a house when first walking through it. As they always say, first impressions go a long way and the same rings true with real estate. Buyers, however, should try to fight i...
6
Are you Eligible for Home Improvement Funding?
If you are interested in remodeling or upgrading essential features on your home, be sure to check if your project is eligible for government funding before you jump in. According to Michael Litzner, Broker of Century 21 American Homes, there are several different home improvement programs funded by the federal government. "If you are making a basic livability repair or improvement to your home-say a necessary addition or a new roof-you may be able to apply for a Title 1 Home Improvement Loan," says Litzner. Private lenders often fund these loans, and HUD insures these loans for up to $25,000 for a singly-family home. However, if you need help refinancing major repairs or rehabilitations to your home, look into a Section 203(K) program. "This is HUD's primary rehabilitation program, and is especially useful for those purchasing 'as is' properties that need a lot of work," says Litzner. If you or someone in your family is a veteran, you may be able to apply for a loan from the Depart...