Real Estate

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.

Three Must-Dos to Make your Home Winter Ready!

If we like it or not, Winter is coming! And it looks like we may have snow as early as Thursday. I am hoping the weatherman is dead wrong! If you have not gotten through our Fall Inspection Checklist from last month, below are three must-dos to make your home winter ready!

  1. Prep the Plumbing

Drain the water from your outdoor faucets and garden hoses and arrange to have any in-ground sprinkler pipes blown out. Roll up the garden hoses and store them inside. Identify any “problem” pipes that are prone to freezing in the house and consider using heat tape to keep them warm during freezing weather. If the worst happens, ensure everyone in the family knows how to turn off the water at the source. This will minimize leaking when and if a pipe bursts.

  1. Heat Things Up

Everyone enjoys cozy evenings by a crackling fire?  Ensure your fireplace is ready to provide warm nights all winter. Be sure to have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before the first frost. Also, have a professional perform a routine check of the heating systems before cold weather arrives. This should include vacuuming the vents and other heating components. If your furnace has a filter, check to see if it needs replacing. For more energy savings, consider installing a setback thermostat that keeps the home cooler when you are asleep or away.

  1. Seal the Leaks

Keep drafts to a minimum this winter. If you have them, install storm windows and doors — and don’t overlook the basement. Add or replace worn weather stripping around the doors and windows and caulk any gaps. If doorstops are worn, replace them. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall, be sure to use caulking and weather-stripping around all entry points. These steps will block any potential entry points for cold air. That’s an idea you can warm up to.

For the Full Article, Click Here

Until next time, make it a great day!

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!