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If you’re shopping for a home loan, you know that your credit score helps to determine what kind of loan you qualify for and at what rate. The better your score, the more favorable your terms will be. But do you know everything that goes into calculating your score? Here are some of the things that could negatively impact your rating. Avoid them while shopping for a loan and closing on house, unless you want to sabotage your credit.

Applying for new credit

While you might be tempted to open a new line of credit while house shopping, don’t. We know you’re going to need the extra cash to buy things for the new place, but applying for new credit can bring your score down. If you really need that extra buying power, wait until after you close.

Closing accounts

In addition to not opening new credit accounts, you should not close any old ones, either. Closing accounts can hurt your score in two ways. First, it will change your debt utilization ratio. The ratio is determined by how much debt you have divided by your total credit limit. Second, it also reduces the length of your credit history, which is also used to calculate your score. The longer your credit history is, the better.

Co-signing a loan

Just like you shouldn’t apply for new credit, you also shouldn’t co-sign on a loan while you’re trying to buy a house. Co-signing for a loan will be treated basically as though you have applied yourself, which will ding your score. So don’t co-sign on a family member’s car loan, for example, until after you’ve secured your mortgage.

Late payments

This one is probably obvious, but do not miss or make any late payments while shopping for a home loan. Even one missed payment can affect your score. Plan ahead and make sure you have all your payments covered for the coming months.

Maxing out your limit

Remember the debt utilization ratio we told you about earlier? That number is also affected should you max out your credit limit. If you are using more than 50 percent of your available credit, it starts to show in your score. Try to keep your debt utilization ratio under 30 percent if at all possible.

Missing errors on your credit report

Most importantly, do not fail to check your credit report before applying for a home loan. Ideally, you should do this at least three months before you begin shopping around. Millions of credit reports contain errors, and the only way to know if yours is one of them is to check your report. It would be heartbreaking to not qualify because of an error – especially if you’ve followed all the suggestions outlined above. You can order a report for free annually from AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see errors, contact the credit bureaus. It can take time to have the errors removed from your report. You’ll want to make certain it is error-free before you start applying for those loans.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Buying a house – especially for the first time – can be a huge undertaking. It’s a complex process, making it easy for mistakes to happen along the way. If you’re buying a home, here are some common pitfalls you should avoid.

Not getting pre-approved for a home loan

Even if you know that you have the financial wherewithal to afford a mortgage, you shouldn’t skip getting pre-approved for a home loan. Having a mortgage pre-approval letter signals to a seller that you are serious about your offer. Not having a pre-approval can mean the difference between your offer being accepted and the seller choosing a competing offer instead.

Not shopping around for a loan

While you’re in the process of getting pre-approved, you should also be shopping around for a lender. Fees and rates can differ widely from one lender to another. Some may offer better services or products. You should plan on looking into all your options, including national banks, regional banks, your credit union, and online lenders.

Not checking your credit report

You may think you have excellent credit, but that doesn’t mean your credit report reflects it. It is estimated that around 42 million consumers have errors on their credit reports. Are you one of them? The only way to find out is to order a copy of your report. You should check your report at least three months before house shopping, to allow enough time to fix errors if you find them.

Taking on new debt

Your credit report is used to determine what kind of loan you qualify for. If you make any large purchases with credit, such as a car, before your loan closes, your loan could be denied. Even slight changes in your credit ratios could cause an underwriter to deny your loan. Save those big purchases for after closing.

Not interviewing agents

Working with an agent is always a great idea, particularly if you’re buying a home for the first time. But remember that not all agents are the same. Just like any relationship, there are good matches and bad ones. Get recommendations from friends and family, research agents online, and conduct a few interviews. You’ll be working with your agent for several months. It’s helpful to partner with someone that you feel comfortable with.

Getting too emotional

A home will probably be the most expensive purchase you ever make. It’s easy to get emotionally attached, knowing your home is going to be the center of your life, possibly for years to come. But given that there are so many variables in the home-buying process, it’s best to maintain some emotional distance. Sometimes the home you really love will be sold to someone else. Treat it like a business transaction and be ready to move on.

Not working within your budget

Lastly, be sure to look for homes that are well within your budget. Keep in mind additional costs like taxes, insurance, utilities and fees. Don’t assume you’ll be making more money in the future. There’s nothing more stressful than worrying you won’t be able to pay your mortgage from month to month. Choose a home that fits comfortably within your means.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Buyer’s remorse is a fairly common occurrence, happening when someone makes a large purchase, such as a home, and feels regret afterwards. But have you heard of seller’s remorse? It’s also normal for those selling a home to feel regret or anxiety stemming from their impending home sale. If you’re starting to feel seller’s remorse, here’s what you can do to deal with it.

Prepare emotionally before the sale

Seller’s remorse often happens when a seller feels an emotional attachment to a home. It’s understandable, given that your home is where your life happens and you likely have many memories of happy times in that place. If you want to avoid seller’s remorse, start emotionally preparing for the sale now. Make a list of why this home isn’t perfect for you at this time, and why you need to move on. Allow yourself some time to grieve for what you’re leaving behind. That’s a totally normal response. If you have the luxury of time before your sale, start the process of letting go early on.

Know your reasons for selling

You’re more likely to experience seller’s remorse if you don’t have solid reasons for moving. This could include feeling like you should sell now because the market is hot, or thinking you should downsize because friends your age are doing it. If you don’t have a compelling reason to sell, you might get cold feet when it comes time to sign on the dotted line. On the other hand, if you’re selling because you need more space, you’re relocating for a new job or your circumstances are changing due to a divorce, you’re far less likely to experience remorse. Even if you do feel pangs of regret, your reasons for moving will allow you to proceed more confidently with the sale.

Focus on your future

It’s tough to say goodbye, especially if you really loved the time you spent in your home. If you’re feeling blue, remind yourself of what lies ahead. Focus on the positive aspects of your future. Start researching your new neighborhood and make plans for your new living space. Find reasons to get excited about the next chapter of your life. Remind yourself that your feelings are going to be strong during the selling process, but will settle down once the sale is complete and you’ve moved on. And remember that your feelings are completely natural.

Work with an agent you trust

One of the best ways to help alleviate seller’s remorse is to work with a real estate professional that you trust. Your agent is your partner and your advocate and can help you navigate the complexities of the selling process. Unlike you, they will be able to maintain an emotional detachment and treat the sale like a business transaction. Working with someone you trust means you have someone who will help you make tough decisions, and who will also be compassionate about your feelings, having worked with many sellers in the past who have gone through the same things.

Remember, seller’s remorse is a common reaction to the home-selling process. By doing your emotional homework and focusing on the future, you can get through this trying time and leave your old home behind without any lasting regrets.

Compliments of Virtual Results

It’s almost time for sweaters, fall foliage and pumpkin spice lattes. And if you’re like some homeowners, it may also be time to sell your home. While fall may not be the most popular time to list your home for sale, it can have its benefits. Follow these tips to make your home for sale stand out this season.

Know your buyers

When selling in the fall, it’s important to understand who the most likely buyers are going to be. This allows you to target your efforts for the appropriate audience. Most families with schoolchildren probably made moves during the summer so that their kids would be settled in time for the school year. In the fall, you’re more likely to encounter empty-nesters and millennials. Be sure to highlight amenities that would appeal to people in these age groups. This could include the ability to walk to nearby restaurants or any smart-home upgrades you may have made. In addition, think about staging an extra bedroom as a home office or gym.

Amp up your curb appeal

Fall is an easy time to add some curb appeal to your home. Be sure to clean up all the yard debris and dead leaves and clean sidewalks and driveways. Display some potted mums and pumpkins on the front porch.

Take photos now

A late fall or winter landscape can look pretty bleak. A gray sky, brown grass and bare trees don’t show your home off at its best. If you’re able, take marketing photos of your home now while the weather is nice and trees still have their leaves.

Create a cozy atmosphere

Fall brings with it cooler temperatures, so it’s important to make potential buyers feel comfortable and warm. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and in working order. If possible, have a fire going during showings. While you don’t want to go overboard with seasonal decorations, a tasteful fall centerpiece or door wreath can add considerable charm. Nothing beats the scents of fall, so don’t be afraid to bake a pie or light a scented candle.

Check the furnace

Before you turn on the heat for the first time, check the hvac system. Change the furnace filter and vacuum vents. An inspection is going to include your furnace, so it’s better to discover problems now so that you can schedule a furnace repair with a heating services company as early as possible.

Turn on the lights

Fall also means shorter and darker days. In order to make your home appear as bright and spacious as possible, open all the curtains and blinds during showings. Turn on all the lights, adding more as needed. Also be sure to turn on closet and appliance lights. If the walk up to the front door is dark, install some outdoor lighting along the path.

Be flexible

Lastly, understand that fall schedules can be more hectic. Weather can easily derail plans. Be flexible with showings and your closing date whenever possible.

While autumn can be a slower time in the real estate market, it doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home quickly and for a great price. Follow the advice above and you can maximize what the season has to offer.

contacting the moving services redmond and moving during the school year is not an ideal situation. But sometimes it cannot be avoided – for instance, if you’ve had a job change. While relocating during the school year can be disruptive, there are steps you can take to smooth the process. In fact, most kids who move while school is in session end up adjusting just fine in the long run.

If you’re expecting a mid-year move, here’s what you should do to prepare.

Keep the kids in the know

As difficult as it will be to break the news of the move to the kids, the sooner you do it, the better. By telling them in advance, you give them time to mentally prepare and to say goodbye to their friends. Allow your kids to openly share their feelings so that they can process them.

Coordinate with your current school

Before the move, take time to coordinate with your child’s school. Meet with the administrators or guidance counselor to obtain transcripts. Talk with your child’s teachers about what they’re currently covering in class. This will better prepare you for what they’ll need to know going into a new environment.

Choose a new school

As soon as your move is confirmed, you should begin to look at schools in the new area. This can help narrow down in what neighborhoods you’d like to search for a home. Research schools online and if possible, schedule an in-person visit. Talk with a guidance counselor about where your child currently is in school and how you can all work together to make the transition smooth. Find out how your child may need to catch up in the curriculum so you can do that before arriving.

Get your child involved

Once you’ve determined where you’ll be moving, introduce the kids to the new community. Research what kinds of activities are available for them, from sports to dance classes. Let them decide some of the things they’d like to try when they arrive. This will give them something to look forward to.

Schedule an orientation

If possible, schedule some time for the kids to visit their new school before they begin classes. By meeting their teachers and getting familiar with the building, they’ll have less anxiety on that first day.

Monitor those first few weeks

Even if it seems like your kids are adjusting just fine to their new routine, keep a close eye on them. Volunteer at school functions and get to know some of the other parents. Ask about what they’re learning in school, what they like and even what they don’t like about their new school. Encourage them to make new friends.

Stay in touch

Moving can be tough on kids, so encourage them to stay in touch with their old friends. It can be comforting to them to be able to communicate with friends who know them, and help alleviate the anxiety of forming new friendships. It can even help boost their confidence so they’re more willing to be social in their new environment.

The bottom line is – moving can be hard on kids no matter what time of year it happens. But by knowing what to expect, you can make a mid-year move easier and less stressful for everyone.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you considering investing in real estate that you will use as a rental property? Or perhaps you’re getting ready to move and want to hold on to your current home so you’ll have rental income. Whatever the case, becoming a landlord can be a huge learning curve. Before you commit to owning a rental property, here’s what you should know.

Know the law

Before becoming a landlord, you should familiarize yourself with both state and federal housing laws. Understand that each state will have certain regulations about security deposits, how much notice needs to be given to tenants to vacate, and what kind of access you’ll have to the property. As a landlord, you cannot discriminate against potential tenants based on certain criteria, such as age, marital status or religion.

Have a plan for maintenance and repairs

Owning a home means planning for repairs and maintenance such as plumbing and roof repair. If you live close by, you may be able to handle repairs yourself. If you’re living farther away from your rental property, consider hiring a property manager to handle repair requests like roofing maintenance, plumbing repairs, etc. Know how you’ll address repairs when you’re out of town, and set specific hours when your tenants can contact you. You should also set aside ten percent of your rental income to cover repairs and maintenance costs. Regular testing for legionella can also help prevent potential and sometimes fatal outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease. Visit premiumlegionellaservices.co.uk to schedule a legionella risk assessment today.

Screen potential tenants

When searching for new tenants, you should have a process in place for screening applicants. It’s worth your time to do a background check, a credit check and to follow up on references they provide. If possible, conduct an interview to make sure you feel comfortable with them.

Prepared a customized lease

You can begin with a template for your lease, but take the time to customize it for your particular situation. Be specific about what is or is not allowed, such as the number of pets or use of the garage. Have a lawyer review your lease to make sure that it is in line with all current lease laws for your state.

Perform inspections

Before renting out the property, do a thorough inspection of the home. Document the condition and take pictures and/or videos. Have new tenants sign off on the home’s move-in condition. When the tenant is preparing to vacate, do another inspection and document any changes in the condition of the home. Be sure your lease clearly states what types of repairs whether it be roof repair, appliance maintenance, or anything in between, that the tenant is responsible for upon moving out.

Price correctly

Keep current with the housing market in your rental’s neighborhood. When it’s time to find a new tenant, research rental costs in your area for comparable properties and set your price accordingly.

Make it easy to pay rent

As a landlord, you want your tenants to pay their rent in full and on time every month. Make it as easy as possible for them to do this by setting up electronic payments. Establish a clear late policy and stay strict about enforcing late fees. Having the extra costs associated with late payments will make your tenants more likely to pay on time. If they don’t, the extra income helps to alleviate some of the stress you may feel.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Social media has become an indispensable tool for keeping in touch with old friends, staying current with the news and enjoying the latest viral cat video. But did you ever consider using social media to learn about a neighborhood? It may be the easiest way to see if there is proper Community Organization Awareness for everybody’s safety.

Through social media, you’ll be able to see and watch viral photos and videos just like this Jimmy John Shark video here. If you’re getting ready to relocate and want to do a little reconnaissance before your arrival, here’s how you can use social media to help.

Facebook

Facebook makes it easy to find out all kinds of information about your new neighborhood. Simply type the name of the city or neighborhood into the search bar, and narrow the results by clicking “places” at the top. This will show you all the great restaurants, shops and other attractions that are popular in your new community. Facebook also has a feature called places where you can easily discover great places in every city.

Instagram

If you want to get a picture of how your new city or neighborhood looks, then Instagram is where you want to search. Type in the name of the city and click on “Places” in the top bar and the app will show public posts that have been geo-tagged with that location. You can also search for popular local spots to get a feel for the culture of the neighborhood.

Twitter

There are a couple of different ways you can use Twitter to find out more about a neighborhood. First, do a simple search for the name of the city or community. You can also search using popular hashtags for your city, which will show you all the posts tagged with that hashtag. If you want to take it a step further, you can use Twitter’s Advanced Search, which allows you to search for posts that come from a given location. It’s a great way to find out about what’s trending in your new neighborhood. You may even discover some local blogs that are full of useful information.

Pinterest

Pinterest may be your go-to social media platform for recipes and decorating ideas, but you can also find out about a neighborhood using the app. By searching for your neighborhood or city, you’ll find all the pins related to it. It’s a great way to become familiar with local attractions, top destinations in the area, favorite restaurants and even local architecture. You can even start your own board on Pinterest to collect and save information about a neighborhood.

Yelp

Finally, another great way to learn about a neighborhood is by searching for it on Yelp. Here you’ll find not only reviews of local restaurants and bars, but also information about parks, public spaces and much more. Discover all the can’t-miss places and see real pictures and reviews taken by locals. That way, on moving day you’ll know just who to call to deliver a hot, delicious pizza to your new place.

You probably already spend a little time each day on social media catching up with friends, family and the news. Why not spend some of that time researching your new home? By the time you arrive on moving day, you’ll feel like you’re already familiar with your surroundings and settling in will be that much easier.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Buying a home can be stressful! From collecting all your financial documents to making it through the inspection process, so much can happen to cause anxiety before closing day. It’s enough to make even the most relaxed person feel tense. If you’re starting to feel the crunch, here are some great strategies for coping with stress when you’re buying a home.

Choose the right agent for you

One of the best ways to help alleviate home buying stress is to work with an agent with whom you feel comfortable. Get references from family and friends, research agents online and schedule a few interviews. Get to know a little bit about each agent and how they work. The home buying process can take anywhere from 30-60 days, which doesn’t even include the time spent looking at houses. During that time, you’ll be communicating with your agent often. Working with someone who is compatible with you will go a long way towards making the process easier and less stressful. You can relax knowing you’re in good hands. You may also seek home buyer document preparation services to handle the necessary paperwork.

Buy within your means

Yes, that house with the large pool, home theater and wine cellar is amazing. And you might be able to afford it if you work hard and cut back on other expenses. But is it really worth it? Taking on a mortgage that you can’t comfortably afford adds a terrific amount of stress to your life. When choosing a home, choose one whose price fits well within your means. You’ll be more relaxed during the buying process and will be able to sleep at night once you close.

Keep things in perspective

There are plenty of things to trigger your deepest worries during the home buying process. Will the seller accept my offer? Will I get into a bidding war? Will the inspection turn up unknown issues? Will the home appraise for less than the asking price? Will everything go according to plan on closing day? These are all valid concerns, but you can’t let them get the best of you. Remember that this period of transition will not last forever, and that before you know it you will be closing on a house, even if it doesn’t end up being the one you thought you would buy in the beginning. Most things in life end up working out as they should, and stressing about an outcome will only sap your energy and make you feel unwell.

Take breaks when you need to

While buying a home is time-consuming, it doesn’t have to take over your whole life. Take breaks from the process when you need to. Go to the movies. Spend time with friends and family. Treat yourself to a spa day. Take the dog for a walk. Read a good book while drinking Shot of Joy. Give yourself permission to unplug periodically. It will do wonders for your health and well being to take care of yourself while going through what is inarguably a challenging and life-changing process.

If you want to be as relaxed as possible while buying a home, work with a trusted partner and take time for yourself when you need it. Before you know it, you’ll be handed the keys to your new house!

Compliments of Virtual Results

The first place most potential home buyers will look at your home for sale is online. This means it’s crucial that your listing photos showcase your home in the best possible light. Zenith Clipping is a clipping path service company in Bangladesh. We offer the best quality clipping paths. We are a well-reputed top-ranked image editing company serving since 2010. Here are our best tips for how to make your home look great in photos.

Ask who will be taking the photos

Depending on how much your home is selling for, your agent may hire a professional photographer or they may choose to take the photos themselves. When interviewing agents, check out the photos for their listings to determine the quality. Ask who will be taking the photos and what type of equipment they will be using.

Get your home ready

You want to make sure your home is staged to sell. Clean the windows, polish the floor and shine appliances. You want these surfaces to gleam. Clear away all clutter, especially on kitchen and bathroom counters. Remove all personal items. Neatly make all the beds, fluff pillows and smooth bedcovers. Add some finishing touches like a vase of flowers or a beautiful plant.

On the outside, clean up dead leaves, remove clutter like children’s toys and set out some colorful potted flowers. Keep your car parked in front of the house until it’s time to take pictures so you don’t end up having to shoot around a neighbor’s car.

Flood your home with light

On picture day, you want your home to look as bright and spacious as possible. Open all the curtains and shades. Turn on all the lights.  Avoid taking photos on overcast days or at night. Try not to rely on camera flashes, which flatten photos and cause unappealing shadows.

Focus on the positives

By now, you know your home’s selling points. Maybe you have a lovely wood-burning fireplace, or an exceptional view from the master bedroom. Be sure to take plenty of photos of all your home’s best features, and make sure they are all in working order on photo day.

Choose the best angles

Keep in mind how you frame each photo to ensure you are showing as much of the room as possible. It’s best to photograph rooms from a corner or a doorway. When photographing the outside, get some shots from an angle so that you can illustrate your property’s depth. Avoid getting obstructions in the photos, like telephone poles and electrical wires.

Take lots of photos

There’s nothing more dispiriting than reviewing your photos after your shoot, only to discover you didn’t get all the good shots you hoped for. Digital photography makes taking lots of pictures easy, so don’t be afraid to go overboard. Give yourself plenty of photos to choose from.

Edit the finished photos

Once you’ve decided on the photos you are going to use, they can be lightly edited to enhance them for lighting quality and color and to crop them to best show them off. Most computers have built-in photo-editing programs. You can also find some great free photo-editing sites online.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When describing your home to someone, what words do you use? Do you call it luxurious? Spacious? Beautiful? According to a recent report from CoreLogic, the words you choose to describe your home can have a tremendous effect on its sale. Not only can they influence how quickly your home sells, but also how much money it ultimately sells for. We’ve compiled a list of keywords you should consider using if they accurately describe your home for sale – and those you should actively avoid.

10 best keywords for your listing

Have a discussion with your agent and brainstorm about the best features of your home. Use the following words to help describe those assets:

1. Beautiful – What is beautiful to one person may not be to the next, but if you know you have an outstanding view or a gorgeous garden, don’t be afraid to use this word.
2. Luxurious – Lower-priced homes that use the word luxurious often sell for more than expected. Use this word if you have any amenities that could be considered high-end.
3. Turn-key – Is your home move-in ready? Then you should definitely say so, as that can be a huge selling feature for many potential buyers.
4. Landscaped – Have you put time and energy into your home’s exterior? Be sure to highlight this in your listing.
5. Remodeled – Have you recently remodeled or renovated your home? Let buyers know about those updates.
6. Upgraded – If you’ve upgraded or updated any features in your home, you should spell out what they are in the listing.
7. Stainless – Stainless steel appliances are quite popular with home buyers, so it’s best to clearly state if your home comes with these features.
8. Granite – Much like stainless steel appliances, a Granite Countertops Installation is an attractive feature that should be mentioned in your description. Wood countertops also offer ease of installation over stone, which only increases their financial sustainability, shop now on Forever Joint Tops.
9. Spotless – You may think every home is thoroughly cleaned before being sold, but that isn’t always the case. If you’ve gone the extra mile to banish built-up dirt and grim, be sure to describe your home as spotless.
10. Spacious – If you know your home has plenty of room to suit just about anyone’s needs, you should definitely describe it as being spacious.

Don’t use these words

There are words that can help your home sell quickly and for a great price, and those that will definitely work against you. If you’re writing up a description of your home for sale, you should avoid using any of these words:

1. Value – Describing a home as being a “good value” can often net you a lower selling price.
2. Must sell – Communicating your need to sell quickly is an invitation for low-ball offers.
3. Motivated seller – Much like “must sell,” describing a seller as motivated reads like desperation, which often results in offers that are lower than market value.
4. Small – Unless you’re selling a tiny home, avoid describing it as small. Choose a word with more positive connotations, such as “cozy.”
5. Outdated – If your home is vintage, that’s one thing. Many buyers appreciate vintage details in a home. Outdated sounds negative and something to be avoided.

Compliments of Virtual Results