Buying

What’s the Truth about Credit Scores

There are a lot of misconceptions about credit scores. Do you know the 5 things that matter?

Payment history (35%) – This is your track record of paying back what you borrowed. Accounts in collection, late payments, and bankruptcy are bad; paying on time for a long period is good

Amounts owed (30%) – This is based on the total amounts you owe, and the ratio of what you’re allowed to borrow to what you currently owe, called your “utilization ratio.” Maxing out your credit hurts it; keeping a lot of unused credit available helps it.

Length of credit history (15%) – This considers the length of time each credit account has been open, and when each account was last updated with payment or usage info. Credit accounts with “gray hair” are a plus.

New credit (10%) – This includes recent inquiries and requests for credit. Regularly applying for new credit cards or other loans will cost you.

Types of credit used (10%) – There are all kinds of credit out there, from revolving (credit cards) to installment (car and home loans.)

Want to know a bit more…Check out this great article I came across – Click Here

With over thousands of transactions, we have learned a thing or two, and we work harder to make sure that those lessons learned work to your benefit. So, give me a call at 317-625-0655 when the time is right.

6 Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Put Off

When homeowners are thinking of selling their home, I provide a free Room By Room Analysis with “No Strings Attached”. What this means is that I walk the property (inside and out) and give my two cents on repairs/improvements that could be done to yield a quick home sale as well as sell for the most $$$.

Whether you are ready to sell or not, below are some home repairs that should be done sooner than later. If not handled timely, it can cost you more time/dollars in the long run.

Caulking

It doesn’t cost much, but it does an important job –  keeping water (as well as air) from being in / coming in places that it shouldn’t be

Roof Repairs

A leaky roof can lead to big problems — structural damage, mold, loss of personal property

Pest Problems

Rodents 🐿️  🐜  🦇 that crawl and fly — if they’ve taken up residence in your home, they can cause havoc at inspection time

A Plumbing Leak 💧  

Any type of leak can do significant damage to your home. Your significant other may want new kitchen cabinets, though imagine the cost of having to replace the flooring as well as the basement ceiling. YIKES!

Peeling Paint

Fresh paint definitely makes your house looks pretty, but it also keeps your home dry and rot-free. If it’s starting to peel, it’s time to inspect

Drainage Problems

Clogged gutters, downspouts that don’t direct away from the house, improper grading – all put your home’s foundation at risk and invite water indoors. Check them out next time it rains

Until next time, make it a good one!

Best Trends of 2019 for Updating Your Home

If you are thinking of selling soon or just want to update your home, we have been seeing these trends all year long. And of course, it’s no surprise if you are a regular viewer of HGTV. (Hello – Who isn’t??) Sellers who want a quick sale for the highest dollar are furiously updating their homes in hopes of finding that buyer.  These small updates can help set your home apart from the competition.

Smart Home Systems 

It’s for convenience and security.  You can install these yourself or you can have a system customized to your house. If you are selling and want to keep costs down, think automated thermostats and front door doorbell cameras.

Outdoor Living Rooms

Buyers are looking for outdoor spaces that are indeed an extension of the house. Think backyard living room. Staging it as a comfy gathering space with accent lighting can help them visualize.

Farmhouse Modern Look

This may not be your style though it’s easy to recreate this sought-out look with a few natural elements. You don’t have to spend a lot though it’s the look that most buyers are relating to when walking through a house.

Bold Accents

Again this may not be your style though it creates the WOW factor. No more all white on white kitchens. Buyers want color! Maybe a brick wall??

If this overwhelms you, please take a deep breath. Give me a call at 317-625-0655 or shoot me a text. I can give you an unbiased view on your home and let you know what is a “must” or “nice to do” when selling your home.

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