tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81076572256122592732024-02-19T08:45:07.975-06:00City of fargo: Attention FSBO in Fargo ND.The City of Fargo is located in Cass County, North Dakota, along the Red River of the North which forms Find Real estate agent Fargo ND. Also find our Premier Lenders in Fargo ND. We'll handle all of your Printing needs, copies, binding, presentations, professional business stationery, business cards, letterhead, envelopes, website design and logo design.
A Brave New Marketing World? Even in Fargo ND...Welcome to Fargo MediaFind Fargo Real Estate or FM Realtorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414941094297964231noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-55167857585711139582019-03-14T05:59:00.001-05:002019-03-14T05:59:56.992-05:00A #SmallThanks from Modern Market Realtors to you - March 2019<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vFHawR-wXKI" width="480"></iframe>Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-70179186329935276882019-03-09T02:29:00.000-06:002019-03-09T02:29:27.353-06:00Voted Best Realtors in Fargo | Modern Market Realtors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYWVBoOipqjhtelACMmtJxkedevATVd6z49Cs2RNU2tfgW6etKpMacPsxIj1Mc0FacuiStXvHNzlXBV9l2udamoV804nslZgcnTJN_JJbBCPrwuEPLTv6iVZM3DZ8StKmipALV9IhBVHK/s1600/Best-Realtors-West+Fargo-ND.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="459" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYWVBoOipqjhtelACMmtJxkedevATVd6z49Cs2RNU2tfgW6etKpMacPsxIj1Mc0FacuiStXvHNzlXBV9l2udamoV804nslZgcnTJN_JJbBCPrwuEPLTv6iVZM3DZ8StKmipALV9IhBVHK/s320/Best-Realtors-West+Fargo-ND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Super Real Estate Agents 2019. Fargo Moorhead's best for facilitating the home buying process based on client satisfaction.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Modern Market Realtors</span><br />
FEATURED AGENTS | <a href="https://fmrealtor.com/profile-realtor/443" target="_blank">Shannon Barnum </a>and <a href="https://fmrealtor.com/profile-realtor/445" target="_blank">Jim Christl</a><br />
Our
vast experience (20+ years) sets us apart while our earned designations
show our commitment to continuing education and keeping up to date.
Averaging over 35 transactions annually, with a 95% referral rate from
past clients, We provide top notch service in every facet of the
business. By using the "Team" concept and strategies, I (and The Home
Team), offer both service and results that can't be beat in the Fargo
Moorhead area. Modern Market Realtors prides itself as a community
leader in the Fargo Real Estate Market.<br />
<br />
For information on the services provided by Modern Market Realtors go to <a href="https://fargohomesearch.com/p/18489/modern-market-realtors-best-realtors-in-fargo-nd" target="_blank">Modern Market Realtors</a><br />
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<br />
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Modern Market Realtors<span class="w8qArf"> </span><span class="LrzXr"> </span><br />
<span class="LrzXr">1306 24th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560</span></div>
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Phone: (701) 205-5517</div>
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FargoHomeSearch.com </div>
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Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0Fargo, ND, USA46.8771863 -96.78980339999998346.5297063 -97.435250399999987 47.224666299999996 -96.144356399999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-55171523969162044242019-02-27T16:16:00.001-06:002019-02-27T16:18:06.795-06:00Modern Market Realtors: Modern Market Realtors | Fargo Moorhead Real Estat...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2019/02/modern-market-realtors-fargo-moorhead.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: Modern Market Realtors | Fargo Moorhead Real Estat...</a>: Modern Market Realtors is a Fargo Moorhead Real Estate company. Serving the FM area for over 20 yrs. Our Services for Sellers: We specia...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-34706412058110567812019-01-25T00:08:00.001-06:002019-01-25T00:11:51.475-06:00Modern Market Realtors: Fargo Real Estate | Beware Home Buyers of the Adm...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQXVovqw6BCSt6h3CTzz1OHtn-PV93C-GtPx5VpHq5_hZx8qA08rV7mOXjMLoex9SVbh4B4I68IyCLL0JS7V6j1kQNQ-n4CrOdfq8JMBCUvDxBjpjzuagU9sIviCSKjyLviQaRNo_DiXs/s1600/No_hidden_fees.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQXVovqw6BCSt6h3CTzz1OHtn-PV93C-GtPx5VpHq5_hZx8qA08rV7mOXjMLoex9SVbh4B4I68IyCLL0JS7V6j1kQNQ-n4CrOdfq8JMBCUvDxBjpjzuagU9sIviCSKjyLviQaRNo_DiXs/s320/No_hidden_fees.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div>
<a href="https://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2019/01/fargo-real-estate-beware-home-buyers-of.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: Fargo Real Estate | Beware Home Buyers of the Adm...</a>: As a home buyer, you don't pay any Realtor fees, at Modern Market Realtors our professional services to you are 100% FREE! Not only...<br />
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<a href="https://fargohomesearch.com/p/17800/modern-market-realtors-our-pledge-no-extra-fees-or-administrative-fees" target="_blank">Read More Here </a>Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com01306 24th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560, USA46.8515903 -96.75840529999999346.8514208 -96.7587203 46.851759799999996 -96.758090299999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-27292214659583385062019-01-17T00:03:00.000-06:002019-01-17T00:03:06.088-06:00Fargo Real Estate | What are home interest rates looking like in 2019? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SOHGnEskBGqICF5e_9wKi20Dej1fCHznj6bFj8V9OHWrLo6Bti0sHEY0fhdq4PNKKwJ1Rwt_kY-ptIXg2mUXKcp-igaYPLrYwCJPhsiWqhCf6j7Uc0utkyqCCsATuDRJTuW0-VrYUc7R/s1600/Moorhead.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SOHGnEskBGqICF5e_9wKi20Dej1fCHznj6bFj8V9OHWrLo6Bti0sHEY0fhdq4PNKKwJ1Rwt_kY-ptIXg2mUXKcp-igaYPLrYwCJPhsiWqhCf6j7Uc0utkyqCCsATuDRJTuW0-VrYUc7R/s320/Moorhead.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
The outlook for real estate in the Fargo Moorhead area looks
strong even with all the head winds we have had in 2018. Our thoughts
at Modern Market Realtors are that rates will remain stable thru 2019,
in spite of the tariffs and the govt shut down. Chances look great for
business as ususal in the Fargo Moorhead area. But Don't take our
opinion here is what the big boys say.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/posts/eKhc1" target="_blank">Read More Here </a>Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com01306 24th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560, USA46.8515903 -96.75840529999999346.8514208 -96.7587203 46.851759799999996 -96.758090299999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-58422767033038722692018-12-14T18:55:00.001-06:002018-12-14T18:56:33.330-06:00Modern Market Realtors: Happy Holidays to Fargo Real Estate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg__9pA7F9qgI7Ns0I17Iq-o-MT3r4WAGE4Hsb3sm4kWNGHg8cLvw-DsrQVr1jRRqswpLZ-NvAtnw6aPn1__CjCKqlEOqPnNvUd-66I1nyTqCfum9z0BM-DdH9hm3II0JH4rnuV1d5DPm/s1600/Modern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="713" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg__9pA7F9qgI7Ns0I17Iq-o-MT3r4WAGE4Hsb3sm4kWNGHg8cLvw-DsrQVr1jRRqswpLZ-NvAtnw6aPn1__CjCKqlEOqPnNvUd-66I1nyTqCfum9z0BM-DdH9hm3II0JH4rnuV1d5DPm/s320/Modern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2018/12/happy-holidays-to-fargo-real-estate.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: Happy Holidays to Fargo Real Estate</a>: Everyone at Modern Market Realtors would like to wish a Happy Holidays to All our home buyers and home sellers in Fargo, Moorhead and West...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com01306 24th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560, USA46.8515903 -96.75840529999999346.8514208 -96.7587203 46.851759799999996 -96.758090299999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-20587389301369962222018-12-11T23:44:00.001-06:002018-12-11T23:44:31.123-06:00Modern Market Realtors: What are special assessments in Fargo Moorhead?<a href="https://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2018/12/what-are-special-assesments-in-fargo.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: What are special assessments in Fargo Moorhead?</a>: Here at Modern Market Realtors we get asked a lot, what the heck are specials on property and why does no other area of the country have t...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-76259993362369097662018-11-18T02:37:00.001-06:002018-11-18T02:37:32.295-06:00Modern Market Realtors: Fargo Moorhead just seems to avoid those crazy ups...<a href="https://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2018/11/fargo-moorhead-just-seems-to-avoid.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: Fargo Moorhead just seems to avoid those crazy ups...</a>: Fargo Moorhead Real Estate has always been an anomaly in the big picture of housing. The FM area which I have lived in for over 30 yrs, al...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-45947048671680209922018-11-18T02:36:00.001-06:002018-11-18T02:36:54.602-06:00Modern Market Realtors: Fargo Moorhead just seems to avoid those crazy ups...<a href="https://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2018/11/fargo-moorhead-just-seems-to-avoid.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: Fargo Moorhead just seems to avoid those crazy ups...</a>: Fargo Moorhead Real Estate has always been an anomaly in the big picture of housing. The FM area which I have lived in for over 30 yrs, al...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-13815086317049895832018-11-14T16:30:00.001-06:002018-11-14T16:30:39.259-06:00Video 366 Edgewater Dr West Fargo ND Reduced Price Modern Market Realtors<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NxMvWqJRvYE" width="480"></iframe>Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-27946114013600145372018-11-13T15:40:00.001-06:002018-11-13T15:40:55.338-06:00Fargo Moorhead Realtors: Modern Market Realtors: 366 Edgewater Dr, West Far...<a href="https://fargorealtors.blogspot.com/2018/11/modern-market-realtors-366-edgewater-dr.html?spref=bl">Fargo Moorhead Realtors: Modern Market Realtors: 366 Edgewater Dr, West Far...</a>: $400,000 NO SPECIALS!! Immaculate, beautiful home in desirable Charleswood Neighborhood! Welcoming porch entry. Vaulted ceilings &am...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-71607160169153745592018-11-13T14:03:00.001-06:002018-11-13T14:03:54.718-06:00Modern Market Realtors: FargoHomeSearch.com: Jake and Lori Scott Another H...<a href="https://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2018/11/fargohomesearchcom-jake-and-lori-scott.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: FargoHomeSearch.com: Jake and Lori Scott Another H...</a>: Jake and Lori another happy customer! Thanks guys, you were so much fun! hope you enjoy your new home and life. FargoHomeSearch.com T...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-27302708068561800762018-11-05T08:25:00.001-06:002018-11-05T08:25:58.540-06:003133 5 Street E, West Fargo ND <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSANB82M3QZ-hFSbYRjdOPYqeL6cyTVory2xm33a1MwH4SPP7CRnBrpmm7rJZkptPA9_y47yEMmbyqbdWd9858WXXQ-FjY9PyQLh60L7F8FP_6Z0B2ZwnHAAl1nSHM2fJN4HrqRsf-g51w/s1600/Modern-market-realtors2psd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSANB82M3QZ-hFSbYRjdOPYqeL6cyTVory2xm33a1MwH4SPP7CRnBrpmm7rJZkptPA9_y47yEMmbyqbdWd9858WXXQ-FjY9PyQLh60L7F8FP_6Z0B2ZwnHAAl1nSHM2fJN4HrqRsf-g51w/s320/Modern-market-realtors2psd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Check out This Property with Modern Market Realtors for Sale.<br />
<a href="https://search.fargohomesearch.com/idx/details/listing/a460/18-5727" target="_blank">3133 5 Street E, West Fargo ND </a><br />
Call Jim Christl 701-205-5517Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0West Fargo, ND, USA46.8769487 -96.89990569999997746.7032112 -97.222629199999972 47.0506862 -96.577182199999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-62678545749401447732018-10-26T16:08:00.001-05:002018-10-26T16:08:15.518-05:00Modern Market Realtors: For Sale: 3133 E 5 Street, West Fargo, ND 58078<a href="https://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2018/10/for-sale-3133-e-5-street-west-fargo-nd.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: For Sale: 3133 E 5 Street, West Fargo, ND 58078</a>: Gorgeous 3 Lvl with added touches, maint free fence, deck and shed, additional square footage added to accommodate 4 bedrooms, kitchen ha...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-47136627153855579882018-08-30T01:45:00.001-05:002018-08-30T01:45:11.707-05:00Modern Market Realtors: Why existing homes will becoming more and more att...<a href="http://modernmarketrealtors.blogspot.com/2018/08/why-existing-homes-will-becoming-more.html?spref=bl">Modern Market Realtors: Why existing homes will becoming more and more att...</a>: Existing Home Definition:Existing home sales is an economic indicator released by the National Association of Realtors. The data reflect th...Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-9683207408907003972018-06-11T02:14:00.002-05:002018-06-11T02:14:39.705-05:00Seller's Checklist<a href="http://fargocityguide.com/category/home-sellers/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6w0eXPd-dJTzzBpXgYLNwQTAZDPRewgWPgSuNhYZxwUl8KczTvq1vPMNPNb3ltSzRlTmE5n5uIvDyDoLclL6cVktnjes9regzx3yn5rpIc7RzfjMomH2ues37Z2XjKostSe01Cd6Jjtz/s320/home-sellers-checklist-fargo-nd-real-estate.JPG" width="200" /></a>• Hire a stager, inspector, photographer and other professionals as needed.<br />
• Pressure-wash sidewalks and decks.<br />
• Clean windows.<br />
• Clear gutters and downspouts.<br />
• Remove weeds; mulch; plant flowers.<br />
• Clear cobwebs, leaves from porches, patios.<br />
• Re-grout bathtubs and faucets.<br />
• Have air conditioning and furnace checked.<br />
• Paint trim, baseboards and nicks if needed.<br />
• Clear counters, tables, bookshelves.<br />
• Organize closets and storage areas.<br />
• Clean carpets.<br />
• Ask a friend to give an honest assessment of your home.<br />
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Source: Washington Post</div>
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For more information on selling your home click here: <a href="http://fargocityguide.com/category/home-sellers/" target="_blank">Selling My Home in the FM Area</a> </div>
Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0Fargo, ND, USA46.8771863 -96.78980339999998346.5297063 -97.435250399999987 47.224666299999996 -96.144356399999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-25512623541004692962018-06-11T02:10:00.001-05:002018-06-11T02:13:02.545-05:00How Much Money Do I Need to Save to Buy A Home?Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0Fargo, ND, USA46.8771863 -96.78980339999998346.5297063 -97.435250399999987 47.224666299999996 -96.144356399999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-38802113678100690422013-04-25T10:07:00.000-05:002013-04-25T10:07:23.765-05:00Find out the current value of your home HERE! - "Quick & Easy" <div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You will receive this information quickly, by email and without having to speak with an agent! </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Complete the required information on your home and you will receive a complimentary Computer Analysis indicating your home's approximate present value on the market today.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Simple...Automated...Dependable...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://shannonbarnum1.wix.com/fargo-homes#!sellers/c11ap" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SnqgM8UqzetyCBv79mZVCKWjVa3yu2QOblpjUQVTzkH58eAiqglsSYdNnCP5ub0_yPinNaZup5M6TfbXOKOKP9S9-KryNZkrsiOmDCxSqXmZNcaK-TBksCTaBiYvtTk8vk8rS5No2Jk7/s1600/homes-value-property-information-form.jpg" height="640" width="561" /></a></div>
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Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-75969419851505602932013-04-02T11:44:00.000-05:002013-04-02T11:44:00.928-05:00Fargo Home Buyer Alert: What is a credit score.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJStxNHGLYY5DWuuN-tuGSdyVQN06iGqHRpU5RdjmzdGjeWEaesJVNWNL7UiqVLTEM5yR-Q4K1jtxMgOOSavwnYmxz3nEAUNuJKEy3B5TKJIq6nrnUPgydX7LaDPWsKH8ZEEQ8FPFu2OU/s1600/first-time-home-buyers-credit-score-fargo-nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJStxNHGLYY5DWuuN-tuGSdyVQN06iGqHRpU5RdjmzdGjeWEaesJVNWNL7UiqVLTEM5yR-Q4K1jtxMgOOSavwnYmxz3nEAUNuJKEy3B5TKJIq6nrnUPgydX7LaDPWsKH8ZEEQ8FPFu2OU/s320/first-time-home-buyers-credit-score-fargo-nd.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our credit score can mean the difference between being denied or approved for credit, and a low or high interest rate. A good score can help you qualify for an apartment rental and even help you get utilities connected without a deposit.<br />
<h2>
<b>So what is it?</b></h2>
Your credit score is a three-digit number generated by a mathematical algorithm using information in your credit report. It's designed to predict risk, specifically, the likelihood that you will become seriously delinquent on your credit obligations in the 24 months after scoring.<br />
There are a multitude of credit-scoring models in existence, but there's one that dominates the market: the FICO credit score. According to myFICO.com, the consumer website for the FICO score developer, "90 percent of all financial institutions in the U.S. use FICO scores in their decision-making process."<br />
FICO scores range from 300 to 850, where a higher number indicates lower risk. What's a good score?<br />
A consumer has three FICO scores, one for each credit report provided by the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Unfortunately, consumers currently have access to only their Equifax and TransUnion FICO scores. Experian ended its agreement with myFICO.com in 2009.<br />
What goes into a credit score?<br />
Data from your credit report goes into five major categories that make up a FICO score. The scoring model weighs some factors more heavily, such as payment history and debt owed.<br />
<br />
Payment history: (35 percent) -- Your account payment information, including any delinquencies and public records.<br />
Amounts owed: (30 percent) -- How much you owe on your accounts. The amount of available credit you're using on revolving accounts is heavily weighted.<br />
<br />
Length of credit history: (15 percent) -- How long ago you opened accounts and time since account activity.<br />
Types of credit used: (10 percent) -- The mix of accounts you have, such as revolving and installment.<br />
New credit: (10 percent) -- Your pursuit of new credit, including credit inquiries and number of recently opened accounts.<br />
Personal or demographic information such as age, race, address, marital status, income and employment don't affect the score.<br />
<br />
<b>Different score impact for same missteps</b><br />
How much does a specific change affect a credit score? The answer is usually "it depends," and for good reason. Credit score developers don't reveal the exact point deductions. The weight of any given activity can also vary for different credit histories.<br />
<br />
Within a scoring model, there's more than one formula used to calculate a score, and each formula is designed for a category of consumers with similar credit profiles. The information in your credit report determines which formula is used. If you are new to credit, for instance, the scoring model will put you into a category for people with young credit histories, and use a scoring formula specific to that group. Such groups are called scorecards. Within that group, recent inquiries may cost more points than they would for a different group.<br />
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How to check your credit score</h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Federal law mandates the consumer's right to a <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-debt/how-to-get-your-free-credit-report.aspx" style="color: #1c4788; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">free credit report</a> annually from each credit reporting agency, but not to a <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/how-to-get-a-free-credit-score-1.aspx" style="color: #1c4788; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">free credit score</a>. Use our <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/credit-score-fico-calculator.aspx" style="color: #1c4788; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">FICO score estimator</a> to get your score range free of charge. To get your exact number, you have to purchase it from a score provider, such as myFICO.com or one of the reporting agencies.</span><br />
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Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-70885516508913323822013-03-30T08:16:00.000-05:002013-03-30T08:16:00.545-05:0020 Signs You Need a Financial Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZyF33RfgScW3V6YcTiXGlUp-FkCYYx1d4Hi91rS3d0UA85cuu1nE4pOjSD6U1oKVt8bcTFVEj-qSuR52yqjBMAvqVYRbpkkpQGVin775mJDhbri6kO5cjSkqgTrnh2FTXMl0FcBRgvMJ/s1600/20-signs-you-need-a-financial-makeover-fargo-nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZyF33RfgScW3V6YcTiXGlUp-FkCYYx1d4Hi91rS3d0UA85cuu1nE4pOjSD6U1oKVt8bcTFVEj-qSuR52yqjBMAvqVYRbpkkpQGVin775mJDhbri6kO5cjSkqgTrnh2FTXMl0FcBRgvMJ/s1600/20-signs-you-need-a-financial-makeover-fargo-nd.jpg" /></a></div>
1. You charge group dinners on your card and keep your friends’ cash to spend. I actually don’t mind doing this myself as it saves me a trip to the ATM if I need the cash, but if you’re just being stupid and thinking it’s “free money” to go and blow anytime then yeah – you need a financial makeover.<br />
<br />
2. You spend more than 40% of your total income on rent. The last time I calculated this we were spending 37% of our total (net) income on mortgages. And I’ll admit it’s not very savvy. But I’ll also point out that we got ourselves into this BEFORE Mr. J. Money came about ;) So I agree with this one here – ya gotta keep your rent/mortgages way below that 40% line.<br />
<br />
3. You’re constantly transferring your balance to get 0% interest on your credit card debt. Bad if you don’t know what you’re doing, but good if you’re Jonathan from My Money Blog (the expert in xfering $20,000+ and milking the extra hundreds of dollars in interest every year;)<br />
<br />
4. You pay off one credit card with another. Yes, BAD!!<br />
<br />
5. Less than 10% of your income goes to your retirement savings. (Or worse, zero percent!) I wouldn’t say you need a total makeover if you were saving 10% really, even though everyone would love to see you saving 15% or even 25%, but definitely saving 0% is a troubling sign.<br />
<br />
6. You have a credit card that doesn’t give you anything in return, like cash back or airline miles. Haha…well this isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it is a good idea to check and makes sure you’re getting *something* in return for doing nothing ;) You don’t have to do anything different than you’re doing now!<br />
<br />
7. You don’t know what IRA means outside of Ireland. (is that supposed to be a joke?)<br />
<br />
8. You pay the minimum balance on your credit card each month.Not the best habit to get into, that’s for sure. If at all possible you should be adding in at least $25-$50 more every month to help knock it away as fast as you can. I once paid $2,000 for a $1,200 computer back in the day because I kept just telling myself “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Make tomorrow, today!<br />
<br />
9. You don’t open your credit card statement because you can’t bear to see how high the balance is. Oh yeah, definitely not a good sign. You HAVE TO KNOW what you’re dealing with so that you can fix it and get right back on track! And this goes for savings and investments too. If you don’t KNOW what’s going on you’ll just keep sinking and sinking until it takes something tragic to snap you out of it.<br />
<br />
10. You don’t keep receipts because they remind you of what you’ve spent. Haha…that’s actually pretty clever ;) STUPID, but clever. Maybe these people should switch to debit cards instead? (I’m assuming they’re using credit cards which allow them to spend way more than they have due to credit limits and such. With debit cards though, you have a breaking point! Once you hit $0.00 you can’t pick up anything else.)<br />
<br />
11. You know your company has a 401k plan, but you have no idea what that is. My favorite tool ever! Just call up HR real quick (right now, actually, stop reading this!!) and ask how much your company matches. Then, tell your sweet old HR lady (or man) that you’d like to contribute that exact same # and make sure to fill out whatever forms you need to do ASAP. Even if you never look at it again, that one move you just made will hook you up years and years to come. So do it!<br />
<br />
12. You withdraw cash frequently from ATM’s that aren’t affiliated with your bank. I don’t know if this one applies as much as maybe it used to. Many banks now reimburse you for your fees so it doesn’t matter where you go (at least online banks do – like my fave USAA, baby!)<br />
<br />
13. The number of credit cards in your wallet is higher than the number of dates you’ve had this year. Hahahhahaa…..didn’t see that one coming :)<br />
<br />
14. You buy so much on eBay that they’ve awarded you VIP status. Wha wha wha….<br />
<br />
15. You want to start a savings account, but then sale season starts again! Is it me or are these going down hill?<br />
<br />
16. You don’t have an emergency fund to pay bills should you lose your job. Back in action! YES, emergency funds are KEY to any financial game plan. Whether it’s $100, or $1,000, be sure to be stashing some aside for when you least expect it!<br />
<br />
17. Your monthly extra cell phone minute charges are bigger than your monthly electric bill. (I had to go look up my own electric bill to see if this is a good gauge or not, and indeed I think it may. Although if we’re talking about overall cell phone bills and not just “minute charges” then the iPhone kills us!)<br />
<br />
18. You overdraw on your checking account more than once a year. Hmmm… once is kinda strict. I’d say not more than 3 times a year cuz sometimes weird things just happen. Although if you were really on top of it you’d sign up for overdraft protection (the kinds that don’t cost you any money!) so that you’d be safe just in case you got a little crazy here and there.<br />
<br />
19. You live paycheck to paycheck. This should be the #1 sign you need a makeover, hands down. Living paycheck to paycheck is a recipe for disaster, and I know 80% of you reading this right now are in this boat :( I was too!!! For 25 years of my life! If you haven’t been serious about making a change, please start today. There are plenty of ways you can get yourself in better position, you just have to get on it and really commit. Start tracking your money and finding where all your spending leaks are! Picking up a hustle on the side will help too.<br />
<br />
20. You spend more on new shoes annually than you save. Oh wow, that would not be good. I think I’ve spent around $200 so far on shoes this year – and 2 of those were on new cleats that needed replacing. I would punch myself in the face if I was saving less than that every year :(<br />
<br />
Were any of you surprised with your answers to some of these? Did it get you to double check and see if you’re truly on track or not? Again, some of these were pretty crazy and more entertaining than anything, but hopefully it moved a few marbles upstairs and will prompt you to start researching any areas that may need improvement. It’s always a work in progress :)
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/2010/08/20-signs-you-need-a-financial-makeover/" target="_blank">Source</a>Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-73110649360069861292013-03-29T00:20:00.000-05:002013-03-29T00:20:00.672-05:00Take Charge When Buying a Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpFsG6aT27PMTLXunBffmwR8WhtQaR7ok0ClXFgZ4qL1c_-_Wqs4sxrecJT6egkifPNgZCFaJBpx88AbOs0aOdf9HKWVU5jKZWt9wXX3jia9gqpDE3Ivl9BNXvkQ7_uSOh0IQAVUNYQcE/s1600/take-charge-when-buying-home-fargo-nd-homebuyers.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpFsG6aT27PMTLXunBffmwR8WhtQaR7ok0ClXFgZ4qL1c_-_Wqs4sxrecJT6egkifPNgZCFaJBpx88AbOs0aOdf9HKWVU5jKZWt9wXX3jia9gqpDE3Ivl9BNXvkQ7_uSOh0IQAVUNYQcE/s320/take-charge-when-buying-home-fargo-nd-homebuyers.jpg" /></a>If
you approach the home buying process intelligently and with confidence,
you are much more likely to emerge with a house you'll be proud to call
home.<br />
<br />
Approaching the task of buying your next home can be overwhelming. There's so much to consider.<br />
<br />
How
much house can I afford, and how can I find the best loan? Where will I
come up with a down payment, and how much will I need? Should I buy a
new or resale home, and which will go up in value? Should I use an agent
or look at homes on my own?<br />
<br />
And these questions are
just the beginning. Buying a home is one of the largest financial
transactions in your lifetime, yet we don't teach about it in school.
You're just supposed to pick it up along the way.<br />
<br />
Well,
as you start down this road, let me give you a little advice. Here are
the two most important things to remember no matter where you are on the
road to ownership:<br />
<br />
1. You can and should understand
everything that is happening in the home buying process. There is
nothing, and I mean nothing, that is so complex that it can't be easily
explained to anyone with average intelligence, and you've got more than
that. Just because we don't apply for a thirty year mortgage once a week
doesn't mean we have to take the first one that comes along. You'll
need to learn some new terms, apply some new concepts and take the time
to understand what you're getting into. If anything happens at any point
in the process that doesn't make sense to you, simply demand a full and
complete explanation. If it still doesn't make sense, seek help from
someone you trust like your CPA, your banker or maybe your friendly
online real estate columnist. <br />
<br />
2. In the world of real
estate sales, YOU are the most important person in the entire process.
It's easy to think that everyone else carries more weight than you. The
agent talks fast and has an answer for everything. The lender may
decline your loan application, and on and on. But the truth is that you,
the buyer, are the one person in this transaction that makes it all
happen. If you decide to not buy, the entire process comes to a grinding
halt. So flex your consumer muscle and take command of this process.
Surround yourself with a team of professionals that you have confidence
in and make them work for you.<br />
<br />
If you plan from the
beginning to approach the home buying process intelligently and with
confidence, you are much more likely to emerge at the end of the day
with a house you'll be proud to call home, and the knowledge that you
made the right decision.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.realtor.com/Basics/Buy/Looking/TakeCharge.asp?source=web" target="_blank">Source</a>: Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-89507671078524540522013-03-28T11:35:00.000-05:002013-03-28T11:35:00.436-05:00Home Prices Rise at Fastest Pace in Over Six Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RVvDexhUirN1nweKMk03Pqx6Ns6z-Dq16rNef5hUpRd2tq2Vx7riNDhGK6PR1HWE1eKzZ79sj_lMOt2t-J43Pqj11RmE_JA1BjgKj8VMv-ek5GzqUGTqN2-ZuHORgcdvntoJkguskwnr/s1600/home-prices-rise-fargo-nd-moorhead-mn-modern-market-realtors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RVvDexhUirN1nweKMk03Pqx6Ns6z-Dq16rNef5hUpRd2tq2Vx7riNDhGK6PR1HWE1eKzZ79sj_lMOt2t-J43Pqj11RmE_JA1BjgKj8VMv-ek5GzqUGTqN2-ZuHORgcdvntoJkguskwnr/s1600/home-prices-rise-fargo-nd-moorhead-mn-modern-market-realtors.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
Home-price appreciation is accelerating in much of the U.S., offering the latest confirmation that the housing market is turning after the most severe property downturn since the Great Depression.<br />
<br />
Prices rose by 8.1% in January from a year earlier, the largest such gain in 6½ years, according to figures from the S&P/Case-Shiller index of home prices in 20 major metropolitan cities released Tuesday. All 20 cities posted annual increases.
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Prices also defied their usual winter slowdown and rose 0.1% in January from December, a period when prices often fall because sales activity is slow. After adjusting for seasonal factors, prices gained 1% from December.<br />
<br />
Housing demand is revving up at a time when the number of homes for sale has fallen to the lowest level in decades. Low mortgage rates also are helping homeowners who can qualify for a mortgage take on more debt without a big increase in their monthly payment.<br />
<br />
Supply shortages have developed in a growing number of markets where many homeowners are either unwilling or unable to sell because they have experienced sharp price declines. And home builders, long sidelined by competition from bank-owned foreclosures, have added little new construction. Inventory also has been whittled down as investors convert homes into rental properties.
When the year began, many economists and analysts expected prices to rise at a slower pace than in 2012. But the conditions that produced last year's run-up—low inventories, a growing economy, strong investor demand and low mortgage rates—are "stronger than last year, and last year was strong," according to Mike Simonsen, chief executive of Altos Research, a real-estate analytics firm based in Mountain View, Calif.<br />
<br />
Economists at Morgan Stanley MS +0.07% now expect prices to gain 6%-8% this year, up from an earlier forecast of 4%-6%. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, raised his forecast to 7% from 4% because he expects inventory shortages will persist.
Mr. Simonsen said those predictions could be too low and is expecting a 10% gain. The market is "crazy hot right now," he said .<br />
<br />
Prices began rising a year ago amid strong investor appetite for foreclosed properties and other "distressed" sales. But in recent months, data have shown prices rising for homes that aren't distressed. "That suggests a more sustainable turn, and it suggests more momentum heading into 2013," said Michelle Meyer, an economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. She's now calling for 8% price gains this year, up from a prior estimate of 4.7%.<br />
<br />
Consumers' expectations of future home-price gains have also picked up. Some 48% of respondents to a Fannie Mae FNMA -14.19% survey last month said they expected prices would rise over the next 12 months, while only 10% expected prices to decline—the highest margin since the survey began three years ago.<br />
<br />
Another year of strong home prices could have powerful knock-on effects for housing markets digging out of a painful collapse. Another 10% gain in home prices would free around 4 million homeowners from being underwater on their mortgages, when they owe more than their homes are worth.<br />
<br />
Many of the markets with the biggest gains have been those that have had strong demand from investors. Phoenix has witnessed the largest home-price gains over the year, at 23.2%. There, around 26% of home sales in December were to investors that bought more than five homes, up from 16% a year earlier, according to a CoreLogic, CLGX +0.04% a real-estate data firm.
In Las Vegas, where prices rose 15.3% in January, multi-property investors accounted for 22% of sales, while Atlanta, where prices gained 13.4%, saw 24% of homes sell to multi-property investors in December.<br />
<br />
For now, economists see few signs of a bubble because credit standards remain conservative. Even in markets that have seen large gains, prices are still in line with their long-run relationship with rents and incomes. A bigger concern is that price gains and rising rents are outpacing income growth, leaving some families "squeezed on housing costs," says Mr. Yun, of the National Association of Realtors. "It's an unhealthy development for prices to rise this fast compared to people's income growth."<br />
<br />
Economists see two main risks to their forecasts: a big rise in mortgage rates, or slumps in job growth or consumer confidence.<br />
<br />
Source: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324789504578384212406731752.html" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal </a>Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-87751722489666672842013-03-26T12:16:00.000-05:002013-03-26T12:16:34.043-05:00Buying A Home Plan for Younger People – Make Sure to Plan Ahead<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf-YEfII43K5D2xeqzmQWPIrs7sRhCzwTnbz2C2MQ7fmwL6aBOJ8IzlCIUvUjMKyJZvYR3R4SeSbudxiE6daj-dgBQMr880t7HT0liSt2SBFyKWZgi_2IAqaO6k54M8AcoauzperorPVj/s1600/plan-ahead-when-buying-home-fargo-nd.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf-YEfII43K5D2xeqzmQWPIrs7sRhCzwTnbz2C2MQ7fmwL6aBOJ8IzlCIUvUjMKyJZvYR3R4SeSbudxiE6daj-dgBQMr880t7HT0liSt2SBFyKWZgi_2IAqaO6k54M8AcoauzperorPVj/s320/plan-ahead-when-buying-home-fargo-nd.jpg" /></a>Granted,
few young people spend much time day-dreaming about buying their first
home. They're naturally preoccupied with academics, athletics, parties,
dating and future career possibilities. Nonetheless, there are a number
of good reasons to start learning early in life about the costs of
buying a home and the responsibilities of homeownership. For example, a
college student's misuse or abuse of credit cards can preclude his or
her buying a home later on.<br />
<br />
Here are five recommendations for young people who want to position themselves for homeownership:<br />
<br />
1.
Establish good credit habits and a favorable credit history. Get a
credit card and use it responsibly. Apply for an automobile loan and
make your payments on time every month. If you're renting an apartment,
put your own name on the lease and the utility bills and make sure the
rent and the bills are paid every month. If you're already struggling
with credit card debt or have large student loans, take a free workshop
from the non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Call (800)
388-2227 for information.<br />
<br />
2. Start saving for a down
payment and closing costs. It's possible to purchase a first home in
many parts of the country without much in the way of savings. But in
high-cost housing areas, starting to save early can be enormously
beneficial because you'll get the advantage of compounding interest and
have a longer period of time to grow your investments. Open a savings
account or a stock brokerage investment account and make regular
deposits.<br />
<br />
3. Read some books. Your local library and
bookstore probably have at least a few shelves of books about financial
management and buying a home. Take notes. Make a financial plan for
yourself. <br />
<br />
4. Research where you'd like to live. Many
young people assume they'll continue living in their own home town when
they get older, but people are more mobile than ever and chances are
good you'll one day live in another city or even another state. Again,
the library, bookstore and Web can be excellent resources for
information about housing costs and homeownership opportunities around
the country.<br />
<br />
5. Tap your real estate agent relatives
for advice. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or older cousins in the
real estate business can give you good information about the cost of
housing in the area where you want to live and what it takes to buy a
home. Questions to ask: Is housing affordable in this area? How much
money would I need to save in order to buy a home? What advice would you
give me about planning my financial future? Would you recommend some
books that I might like to read about buying a home? Don't be shy. If
you have a question, ask someone in a position to know the answer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.realtor.com/Basics/Buy/Ready/Plan.asp?source=web" target="_blank">Source</a>: <br />
<br />Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-12868171648947948612013-03-21T08:15:00.000-05:002013-03-21T08:15:00.734-05:00How Much Money Do I Have to Save to Buy A Home?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjFtbh5CDo2mP3GqbnIiCQtZM6Ich6vgxi9jNGhbvwVv2hdq9osM_PzUMiD419W0yXCmqOnJdX9th3aPEcT0tp7zgEeI-3rUPVRQVOE4Li0OtzXfZZXO9nIItVnZ2X1M4R9uN2_TeKh-K/s1600/how-much-to-save-to-buy-house-fargo-nd.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjFtbh5CDo2mP3GqbnIiCQtZM6Ich6vgxi9jNGhbvwVv2hdq9osM_PzUMiD419W0yXCmqOnJdX9th3aPEcT0tp7zgEeI-3rUPVRQVOE4Li0OtzXfZZXO9nIItVnZ2X1M4R9uN2_TeKh-K/s320/how-much-to-save-to-buy-house-fargo-nd.jpg" /></a>The
first thing to understand about buying a house is that you don't have
to have all the cash saved up in order to make your purchase.<br />
<br />
The
good news is that there are lots of folks out there who are very
interested in lending you as much as 95% of the purchase price of your
home, at very favorable interest rates. Furthermore, they are willing to
spread out the payments over a long period of time so that you can
afford the house you want.<br />
<br />
Just to cover the basics, let's elaborate on the points in the last paragraph:<br />
<br />
If
you have a steady job and a reasonable credit history, there is a good
chance that you can find a home lender who will lend you most of the
purchase price of your new house. Home loans are also called
"mortgages," which comes from a Latin phrase meaning "pledge unto
death." While lenders don't take your promise to pay quite that
seriously, they DO expect to get repaid on time. Just to make sure you
remember, lenders take an ownership interest in your house until the
loan is paid in full.<br />
<br />
Home loans typically are offered
in amounts of 80%, 90% and 95% of the price you are paying for the
house. You are expected to pay the remaining amount in cash from your
own savings. As you might imagine, the lower percentage loans are
somewhat easier to qualify for.<br />
<br />
The reason the lender
is willing to lend you up to 95% of the value of your house is that
history has shown real estate to be such an excellent investment.
Lenders expect that your home will be worth more in the future than it
is today - so their investment in your home is considered very safe.<br />
<br />
That's
also why the interest rate you can obtain on a home loan is one of the
best around. Consider that America's largest and strongest corporations
borrow at what is called the "prime rate," and that today you can borrow
a home loan - fixed at the same rate for many years - at substantially
less than the prime rate. Lenders have found that home loans tend to be
excellent investments, and you benefit every month when you make your
loan payment.<br />
<br />
Finally, home loans are available to be
repaid over terms of usually 15 or 30 years. The shorter term loan
offers a slightly lowered interest rate, so if you can afford the higher
monthly payments, you'll save in interest costs by choosing the 15 year
loan. At today's interest rates, a 15 year loan costs about 27% more
than a 30 year loan in terms of your monthly payment. But the amazing
thing is that lenders are even willing to offer a fixed rate loan for
that time period. It's better financing than you can get on just about
any other investment.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.realtor.com/Basics/Buy/Ready/Saving.asp?source=web" target="_blank">Source:</a> <br />
<br />Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8107657225612259273.post-90348346628723464542013-03-19T08:15:00.000-05:002013-03-19T08:15:01.322-05:00Understand Your Credit - Find out about your credit and correct any errors now!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT3u4xTz8D2Z9cKDUCDmh2kzipXV7Kz2YuB-KroVk0QOs-nbGf931j0VYcR-XoETjdAt_u5BzCbc4pOJl6UUZ3fUZTs4EUPuW7yWoVblL5KFGu_JxIyF7VCTkdVNvjlbFhlqukigXEX-q/s1600/understand-your-credit-when-buying-a-home-fargo-nd.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT3u4xTz8D2Z9cKDUCDmh2kzipXV7Kz2YuB-KroVk0QOs-nbGf931j0VYcR-XoETjdAt_u5BzCbc4pOJl6UUZ3fUZTs4EUPuW7yWoVblL5KFGu_JxIyF7VCTkdVNvjlbFhlqukigXEX-q/s320/understand-your-credit-when-buying-a-home-fargo-nd.jpg" /></a>Thinking about buying a house? Then think about your credit history...the folks who lend money do!<br />
<br />
How
well you have handled your credit obligations in the past is of utmost
importance to lenders today. The good news is that this information, for
the most part, is available to you.<br />
<br />
Your credit
history is maintained by three different private companies called credit
reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Their websites
and phone numbers are listed at the end of this article. Everyone can
pull their own credit once a year for free at annualcreditreport.com. If
you’ve already done that or need to pull it again. You can order your
report by phone and charge it to your major credit card if you like. It
usually takes about a week to arrive. You can even order your report
online directly from each of the three agencies, but they have to verify
your identity before you can obtain any private information. By the
way, avoid services that offer to obtain all your reports for you in
exchange for a fee. You want the information directly from the reporting
agency, blemishes and all.<br />
<br />
It's a good idea to get a
copy of all three reports, because if an error exists on even one of the
reports, it may negatively affect your chances of getting the loan you
want. Your credit report lists all the consumer credit that has been
extended to you over the past seven years. It will show what your
highest balance has been and what your current balance was on the date
last reported by the creditor. It will also show how many payments you
made on time and how many late payments were late. Late payments are
grouped into categories showing how late you were. For example, if your
credit card payment was over 30 days late one time, it might not be
considered too serious. But if payments were over 60 days late four
times, over 120 days late two times and over 180 days late one time, you
have had a serious problem. That problem is going to impact your
ability to borrow money.<br />
<br />
It just makes sense to find
out about your credit and correct any errors now. Regardless of how many
credit problems you have had in the past, there are two good points to
remember.<br />
<br />
First, negative credit information can be
reported in your credit file for only seven years. After that, it drops
out and cannot even be considered. The one exception is bankruptcy,
which can be reported for 10 years. But after that you start with
essentially a clean slate.<br />
<br />
Second, lenders are much
more concerned about how you have handled your credit recently than with
what happened several years ago. Even if you have had a bankruptcy, if
you have kept your nose clean and paid your bills on time since then, it
is possible you could qualify for a loan after as little as two or
three years.<br />
<br />
One of the best developments in the world
of lending has been risk-based pricing. That's a five dollar term for
the ability of lenders to offer higher priced loans to borrowers based
on their demonstrated ability to repay. In other words, even if you have
slightly fractured credit, you can still likely get a loan. It just may
cost you a little more.<br />
<br />
Equifax (www.equifax.com) can
be reached at 800-997-2493. TransUnion (www.transunion.com) can be
reached at 800-888-4213. Experian (www.experian.com) can be reached at
888-397-3742.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.realtor.com/Basics/Buy/Ready/Credit.asp?source=web" target="_blank">Source</a>: Shannon Barnum & Jim Christlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08851081216437568234noreply@blogger.com0