Is Your Home Redy to Show?

So you put your house on the market, you're ready to get that thing sold!  You just sit back and wait for the hoardes of buyers to come through and one will buy, just like that?  No.

A good test is to get a friend to come over, one who doesn't come over often, and give you their opinion.  Would they buy your home?  Doesn't it look appealing?  Clean?  Inviting?  And then ACT on their advice.

 One of the most common complaints is that homes have too much clutter.  Most buyers don't have the ability to see past the "stuff" and just look at the house.  So, you, the home owner must present your home in the best possible light.  You need to get rid of the "stuff".  Less is more. 

The best way to get rid of the clutter is to throw out, give away, or sell what you don't need.  If that is not possible, get a temporary storage unit and put as much as you can in there, just keeping minimal furniture and personal items in the house.  What personal items you do keep in the house (i.e. jewelry, toiletries, figurines) should be kept in cabinets, drawers, closets, etc. 

And most importantly, keep your home clean.

Credit Score Myth Busters!

There are many misconceptions about what effects a credit score. Here are a few myths about what effects your credit score:


1. Bouncing a check. A returned check for insufficient funds in your checking account will not reduce your credit score. Information from your bank accounts is not reported to any of the credit bureaus, thus it has no effect on your credit score.

2. Checking your credit report. Checking your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com once a year from each of the three credit bureaus will not only not effect your credit score, but it is a wise idea. This credit check will not be a ding on your credit and it will help you keep an eye on what is on your report and what shape your credit is in. Do not buy into any of the scams that make you sign up for a service and spend money. AnnualCreditReport.com is all you need to know.

3. You need to get rid of all of your debt. Wrong! You need to show that you have some ongoing, current credit. It is wise to have at least one credit card and use it once a month and pay it off or make on time payments each month, to show that you have active credit.

4. Pay off your mortgage. Again… wrong. It’s good to have a mortgage; it shows you have assets and equity. It provides a lot of leverage in the credit world.

There are many more myths and tips. It is wise to speak with a credit specialist such as a banker or mortgage broker if you have concerns or questions on your credit. Your best offense is to find out your credit score and consult a financial expert with questions.

Digital Devices May Cause Eye Strain

Eye pain, fatigue and headaches are common indicators that your digital devices may be causing you discomfort. These devices include computer monitors, TVs, Smart Phones, video games, anything with a lighted screen.

According to recent research with VSP Vision Care eye doctors, 33 percent reported that nearly one third or more of their patients suffer from symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome or digital device-related vision problems. The most common symptoms of patients suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome include eye strain, dry or irritated eyes, fatigue and headaches. Yet, two in three eye doctors report 20 percent or fewer of their patients even know what Computer Vision Syndrome is, showing a low level of understanding of the condition.

It is important for everyone who uses these devices often to get an annual eye exam and discuss their digital usage with their eye doctor. VSP Vision Care recommends the following tips to help lessen the symptoms of computer-related eye strain:

1. Blink often. This will help keep your eyes moist and prevent dry eye.

2. The 20/20/20 Rule: When spending long periods in front of a digital device, every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away to allow your eyes to rest.

3. Ensure Proper Lighting: Poor lighting often causes eye strain. To help ease the strain on your eyes, keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum and position your desk lamp to shine on your desk, and not at you. Position your computer screen in a way that reduces reflections and glare from windows or overhead lights.

Pay attention to how you are feeling when you are using these devices, and take these steps to ease eye discomfort. A little prevention goes a long way.

Tips for Your Final Walk-Through

As part of a real estate deal, a final walk-through is always offered. Do not pass it up! Within a week before you close take the time to visit the home you are buying again. Take the time to inspect the items that you may have negotiated to be repaired or changed. Make sure nothing has changed significantly since you were last in the home. It’s helpful to bring your purchase contract with you to check off the items that were supposed to have been taken care of.


Also make sure any items that were promised in the contract are still in the home, such as appliances, window screens, storm doors, remotes, ceiling fans, window treatments, landscaping and fixtures. Make sure that the major systems are properly working such as heating, cooling, plumbing, and hot water heater. Be on the lookout for any damage that wasn’t there before that could have been created in the move, such as holes in the wall or scratches on the floor, and outside damage as well. You are also entitled to a “broom swept” home; you don’t have to accept it’s condition if it is filthy.

You have the right to buy the home in the condition you thought it was in the last time you saw it. Exercise your right to inspect the home and make sure everything is in order, because after the sale has closed, it is not the seller’s responsibility anymore, and nothing can be done about it. Make sure you get what you paid for!

Know Your Budget Before You Buy

There are many things you need to consider before buying a house, however there is one that should take precedence… your budget.


Most people don’t take a good hard look at their budget and crunch numbers before buying a home. It really is the smartest thing you can do to prepare for acquiring a new home. First, add up all of your income, if you are a couple, add together all sources of income, AFTER taxes. Then add up all of your monthly expenses, this includes everything from utility bills, to credit cards, car loans, food, entertainment, dry cleaning, hair cuts, etc. You must take everything into account to see how much you can comfortably spend on a mortgage payment each month.

However, you must also leave enough room in your budget for the expenses of being a homeowner – repairs, appliances, decorating, etc. This will give you a nice buffer when you come across unexpected expenses and it will help you in deciding on whether you can afford the repairs on the “fixer-upper” you thought would be a great deal or go with the one in better shape.

Thoroughly planning a budget will ensure a much more enjoyable homeownership experience.