How To Build A Lender-Friendly Credit Report
The most important thing you can do when beginning to build up your good credit is to always pay your bills on time and to never, ever borrow more than you can afford to pay back. It sounds simple, but unfortunately, credit is enticing and it really quiet simple to get in over your head. And those no money down and pre-approved credit card offers can send us straight down the dark credit road! It’s essential when building a healthy credit report that you remember your long term goals, and resist that instant gratification.
Today, having good credit means more than ever. It has always had the ability to affect your ability to get a car, a house, rent an apartment, or be approved for personal loans or credit cards. However, now more employers are looking at credit reports as part of background checks, and insurance companies are considering them when deciding whether or not to extend coverage.
Having good credit means you have established credit, which stated simply means that you have borrowed money or used a credit card and then re-paid it in a timely manner and not extended your credit limits. Additionally, it means not overextending yourself and applying for credit that you won’t be able to pay back. One little tip; don’t “shop” for credit because every time you apply for a credit card it shows the action as an inquiry on your report. Too many of those make you look like a high risk to other lenders!
As a young adult, using a cellular phone and paying your bills on time is a good way to start building a good credit report. In addition, there are many special credit card offers for students and young adults specifically designed to get a credit history started, and using the card and paying it on time is one of the best ways to establish excellent credit. Paying more than the minimum payment, or even paying the full balance, is also a great idea.
An excellent way to further build strong credit is with a car loan. Most cars aren’t cheap, so by having a large balance and then paying it on time every month will do wonders for your credit. You’ll need to establish sufficient credit in order to be able to borrow money and finance the car, but making other payments on time – such as the ones mentioned above – and being sufficiently employed will allow you to do so.
Now that we have you buying things and spending money, it’s time to monitor your credit and make sure all is well. Request a copy of your credit report once a year, from each credit bureau. It’s important to know which of your accounts show up on which reports, and to make sure that they are all accurate. It’s fine to increase spending and credit as long you don’t overextend, and make sure to cancel any card you are not using immediately. If you find mistakes on your credit report, make sure to follow the bureau’s instructions to challenge it, in writing. If you follow these steps, you can get your credit rating up to an AAA status and keep it there.
==> The Rigor Group -Real Estate Lending Telecom
Monday, July 11, 2005
Friday, July 08, 2005
Home Buyers - Facts You Need To Know
If you are considering buying a home or have spent many years saving in preparation of buying a home, the questions and process involved in buying a home can be extremely stressful. As exciting as it is to begin looking for your new home, there are many unexpected costs and details to be considered before contacting a real estate agent. Home buyers should be aware of every aspect involved in purchasing a home before they take that big step towards home ownership.
You will want to get the most value possible for your money. You should be aware of every detail in regard to the home you wish to purchase. Home inspections can reveal many hidden flaws and problems that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Be aware of your right to a home inspection and contact a professional, licensed home inspector.
Compare the mortgage terms and interest rates offered by various mortgage lenders. Even a slight difference in your interest rate can add up to thousands of dollars over the length of your mortgage. A pre-approval from the lender of your choice will not only give you added confidence when shopping for a new home, but could give you added leverage when bargaining with the seller. A pre-approval will let you know the exact amount you are approved for and will save you time after your offer has been accepted by the seller.
Using a buyer agent is an excellent way to help protect your interests when shopping for a home. A buyer agent will be responsible for helping you get the best deal possible on your new home. While shopping for a home, be aware that certain features can adversely affect the resale value of the home. Detached garages and swimming pools can actually lessen the value of the property. Protect your investment by educating yourself on the home buying process and the way property is appraised.
You can make the home buying process fast and painless if you take some precautions along the way. Choose your lender carefully. Interest rates and closing costs vary from lender to lender and the difference could mean thousands of dollars over time. There are numerous flexible loan programs available. Finding the loan that will best suit your long term needs will be of great value to you when it is time to sell the home. Just a half point difference in your interest rate will translate into a lot of money over the years.
Keep in mind that there are additional costs involved in purchasing a home. Homeowners association fees, furniture, annual heating and cooling costs, and homeowners insurance need to be considered when planning to purchase a new home. Buying a new home does not have to be stressful and frustrating. Make sure you know the facts and your home buying experience will be quick and painless.
You will want to get the most value possible for your money. You should be aware of every detail in regard to the home you wish to purchase. Home inspections can reveal many hidden flaws and problems that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Be aware of your right to a home inspection and contact a professional, licensed home inspector.
Compare the mortgage terms and interest rates offered by various mortgage lenders. Even a slight difference in your interest rate can add up to thousands of dollars over the length of your mortgage. A pre-approval from the lender of your choice will not only give you added confidence when shopping for a new home, but could give you added leverage when bargaining with the seller. A pre-approval will let you know the exact amount you are approved for and will save you time after your offer has been accepted by the seller.
Using a buyer agent is an excellent way to help protect your interests when shopping for a home. A buyer agent will be responsible for helping you get the best deal possible on your new home. While shopping for a home, be aware that certain features can adversely affect the resale value of the home. Detached garages and swimming pools can actually lessen the value of the property. Protect your investment by educating yourself on the home buying process and the way property is appraised.
You can make the home buying process fast and painless if you take some precautions along the way. Choose your lender carefully. Interest rates and closing costs vary from lender to lender and the difference could mean thousands of dollars over time. There are numerous flexible loan programs available. Finding the loan that will best suit your long term needs will be of great value to you when it is time to sell the home. Just a half point difference in your interest rate will translate into a lot of money over the years.
Keep in mind that there are additional costs involved in purchasing a home. Homeowners association fees, furniture, annual heating and cooling costs, and homeowners insurance need to be considered when planning to purchase a new home. Buying a new home does not have to be stressful and frustrating. Make sure you know the facts and your home buying experience will be quick and painless.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)