by Jeff Pittman | Aug 11, 2014 | Buyers
Potential home buyers will find that their credit score starts to get a lot of attention as they start looking to buy a home. Lenders use this number as a way to figure out what loans and interest rates home buyers will qualify for. While the best way to have good credit is to maintain it from the beginning of your credit history, that is not always possible. Mistakes, unexpected financial burdens, and other surprises can bring your credit score down. Luckily there are ways to improve your score if it is less than satisfactory. Because credit scores are based on credit history, dramatically improving your credit takes time. That said, there are ways to see immediate results. If your credit score is low and your want to improve it both sooner and later, follow these 9 tips to improve your credit score. 1. Improve your credit utilization ratio. Credit utilization ratio is the percentage you are using of your available credit and has a major impact on your credit score. When you using a high percentage of your available credit you become a high risk for lenders. Improve your credit score by either paying off the card with the highest credit utilization ratio or by calling your credit card company and asking for an increase in your credit limit. If you have two cards, one with a limit of $4,000 and balance of $1,200 and the second with a limit of $1,200 and a balance of $800, it will improve your credit most to pay the second card or to have the limit increased. This will show up...
by Jeff Pittman | Aug 8, 2014 | Weekly Quote
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
by Jeff Pittman | Aug 4, 2014 | Buyers, Homeowners, Sellers
The moving process can quickly become messy and exhausting-especially if you are moving a lot of people and a lot of stuff. If you are preparing for a big move, there are several things you can do to lower stress levels and help the process go smoothly and quickly. Read on to get a few ideas for moving lifesavers that will keep you from tearing your hair out on moving day. For more moving tips, check out this list of 10 tips for moving with Pets. Create the Ultimate Checklist Before dragging out the boxes, stay organized by compiling a list of all things that need to be packed. It can be sorted based on things that can go immediately or things that should remain at the current home until moving day, such as certain foods and toiletries. You can organize the itemized list by room, so that you can tackle one room at a time when it moving day comes. When creating a “to-do” list for the move, try to strategize so that the list can be your guide for the order that you’d like to tackle each task. Too Equipped to Quit This might seem like a no brainer, but if you don’t have the proper supplies and equipment before the move, it will make everything infinitely more difficult. Even something simple like running out of tape will get you off schedule when you have to run to the store for more. Moving supplies include boxes, markers, labels, packing tape, bubble wrap or old newspaper. Make sure you have a dolly for moving heavier items and covers for furniture you...
by Jeff Pittman | Aug 4, 2014 | Weekly Quote
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills
by Jeff Pittman | Jul 29, 2014 | Buyers
Pets are a part of the family and so it’s important to take our furry friends into consideration when it’s time to move. Here is a list of the top 10 tips for moving with pets to help keep you organized and make sure nothing is forgotten in the process. Follow along for a seamless home transition for you AND your pet. 1. Prepare your pet for the big move. Your pet is going to be overwhelmed by moving – leaving behind their territory for a place that new and unfamiliar. Not to mention their surroundings are going to be in flux and changing as you start packing up and boxing all of your belongings. Take it slow and introduce the change slowly to your pets by doing your packing in increments. Also, keep your pets in the room you plan to pack last. That way they feel safe and aren’t in your way while you’re running busy getting everything together and moved out. 2. Take a visit to the vet. There are a lot of logistical things to get in order when it comes to moving your pet and you’ve got to make a trip to the vet to get a lot of it done. Because you’re moving, you’ll need to find a new vet and the best way to find one is to ask your current doctor for a referral. For the office change you will need to get a copy of your pet’s vaccination records and more. You’ll also want to stock up on all prescriptions so you’re set for the move. It might be a while until...
