My Motto

To Live, Laugh and Learn, and in no specific order



Monday, January 31, 2011

It's No Longer About Keeping up with the Jones'

If we have learned anything as we go thru these tough times, it's that its time that we stop trying to keep up with the Jones'.  It's time that the younger generation stops thinking that they deserve the best, and that thru time and hard work they can earn that right to have the things they want.  I can't even imagine 34 years ago when I got married of buying that brand new house, plus the new car and all of the other things that go along with it.  I remember garage sales and hand me down furniture and I still had a nice place to call home even thou it wasn't new.  I remember how good it made me feel when I actually bought my first brand new couch, and believe me I'm sure I appreciated it way more than those that think they deserved from the beginning.  Our very first home was special to me and I believe thats because it was filled with love and not payment books. 
If you are needing to change your financial behavior check out this article.....

Simple Tips to Change Your Financial Behavior

Thursday, January 27, 2011

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy A Home

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Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Finance tips to Improve your Credit Score

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Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Monday, January 24, 2011

Tax Time Tips

5 Tips to Put More Money in Your Pocket

As we are coming to the end of January,  all W-2's for the 2010 tax year should he in your hand, along with any 1099's for any freeland or contract work done over $600 thats not declared by a W-2.  If you have not received your W-2 or 1099 if applicable by the first week of February, please contact your employeer.  By law, both of these forms must be mailed to the recipients by January 31st. 

This link offers some great tips to make sure you are getting the most money in your pocket.  Check it out..
Tax Time: 5 Tips to Put More Money in Your Pocket

Sunday, January 23, 2011

January 2011 Housing Trends




Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.


The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more.



Please click here to view the JANUARY - 2011 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.






JANUARY - 2011 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter

Friday, January 14, 2011

SHORT SALE the alternative to Foreclosure

Theres no doubt that times are tough, and as a Realtor I see it everyday from Home Owners that can longer pay their mortgages to those that want to buy a home but can't because of their credit. 

There is another option for those home owners that can longer pay their mortgage besides going into  foreclosure and that is a SHORT SALE.  Very popluar avenue right now that doesn't hurt your credit as bad as the foreclosure.   Give me a call and I will help to see if this is an option for you. 
  • Foreclosure Alternative: The Short Sale

    A short sale is far from hassle-free, but it’s a better alternative than foreclosure. And now you’ve got a little help from your friends in D.C. Here are the facts about short sales and how to get started. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Monday, January 10, 2011

Make 2011 the year to get your Credit in Shape

Do You Need Help with your Credit Fitness?


By Chris Kaucnik



RISMEDIA, January 6, 2011—Many home buyers now and into the foreseeable future will face tight lending standards and will need to improve their credit score to get prequalified or preapproved for mortgages. Be aware of the following steps your prospects can take for some speedy credit repair to gain lender approval and the best possible rates, especially if they are months away from a purchase:

Credit Card Wisdom

-Paying revolving credit cards down is generally more beneficial than, for example, paying down student loans, mortgage or auto loans.

-Always leave a 30% or higher gap between what you owe on the card and the card’s limit. Lenders look for this minimum gap.

-Use cards with care even if you pay off balances each month because depending upon statement dates, the lender may see big balances.

-Pay down the cards closest to their limits first for speedier credit repair. The lending bank will then see the “gap” it wants to see.

-Do not ask a creditor to lower credit limits. Generally, carrying smaller balances on several cards is better than one large balance on one card.

-Check your credit card limits to make sure the report is correct. Limits may not be reported on all cards.

-Never make a late payment on credit cards or any loan.

Protesting Items

-Protest any unjust negatives, such as late payments, collections that are not yours, and any items not reported as “paid as agreed,” if you paid on time and in full.

-Protest items listed as unpaid that were included in a bankruptcy, and items older than seven years (10 for bankruptcy).

-Focus first on the larger, newer negatives listed on the report.

It is important not to worry about smaller items like incorrect address information or an old employer listed as current. This is, of course, unless there is the possibility of identity theft or the file is mixed with someone else’s.

This is certainly not an all-inclusive list of the steps that can be taken to improve a credit score, but it is a great start for clients needing to focus on their scores before attempting to get preapproved and purchase a home through you.

Chris Kaucnik is marketing director for Home Warranty of America, Inc.