Picking the Right Home for You to Purchase

Everyone wants to pick the right house when they are house hunting...no one wants buyer's remorse 2 weeks to 6 months after you move in.

Here are some tips to follow when you begin your home search:

1. Find a good Realtor. You want one that can point things out you might miss as well as help with values and what you should offer.

2. Know what your budget is so you can pick the neighborhood that makes you feel warm and fuzzy AND fits the wallet.

3. Know what type home will make you happy for the next 7 years or so...will it be a one story or a two story...how many bedrooms and baths do you think you need, how much yard do you want to enjoy and take care of. Are you looking for new or a fixer upper?

4. Pay attention to the location of the homes that interest you. Are there busy streets in front/behind or in close proximity that you might find annoying in the near future or hurt your resale ability. Are power lines too close for your comfort, does drainage/flooding look like it could be an issue?

5. Be ready to make an offer when you have found the right home....if the home gives you a hug and meets most of the resale and need criteria you should make a strong compelling offer before anyone else buys it out from under you. I have seen it happen in all kinds of markets.

For more information or a free San Antonio Home search go to www.HollyGHomes.com

Credit Score Misconceptions...

Having a great credit score can help you with more than just buying a home or a car...did you know that? Some insurance companies base what they charge off of a credit score...unfair maybe but it happens.

Here are a few misconceptions people have about their credit scores and what affects them:

Misconception 1: I am caught up now so paying late didn't hurt my credit score....wrong! Recent late payments are like poison for a credit score...keep that in mind.

Misconception 2: It's all about the dollar amount late that matters....wrong! Being late with $5 dollars will hurt your credit score the same as being late with $1000. Debt ratios and recency matters...always pay your bills on time every time.

Misconception 3: Help your credit score by closing credit card accounts...wrong. Canceling a card by ending what could be a good history and available credit...keep them open and current...practice restraint.

In tough economic times we have a tendency of putting more on credit cards rather than pay cash...try and stay on a budget and if your income is tight remember this while you are shopping "If I don't need it and I can't eat it, I can't have it!"

For more information or a free San Antonio home search go to www.HollyGHomes.com

Mortgage Interest Rates Hitting Some Lows!

Even though the tax credit is gone buying a home with the interest rates this low can really reduce that mortgage payment. So you could buy more house for the same payment or buy a home at the price originally considered and walk away with a lesser payment.

At this moment, a "well qualified" buyer could possibly get a conventional 30 year fixed rate note at 4.5% or an FHA 30 year fixed note at around 4.4% or less...check with your favorite lender to verify rates.

This could be a great time to refinance your home as well. A good rule of thumb would be for the new rate to be at least 2 percentage points lower than your current rate.

For more information or a free San Antonio home search go to www.HollyGHomes.com.

Tips for Improving or Maintaining Your Credit Score

This site pretty well sums up what to do or not do that will have an impact or your credit score today and long term.

http://rismedia.com/lowes/8355/8496

Pay your bills on time, watch how much debt you create, and guard your credit score viciously!

For more information or a free San Antonio home search go to www.HollyGHomes.com.