Free Credit Report

Is it important to know your credit score? Do lenders really pay attention to your credit score? The higher the better? The answers are yes, yes, and yes.

FICO (Fair Isaac COrporation) is most commonly used scoring for your credit. If you break the scoring down, 35% relates to paying your bills on time, 30% to the amount of debt you owe, 15% to the length of your credit history, 10% to credit accounts that you've recently opened, and 10%to the various types of credit used. (You can learn more about FICO by going to www.myfico.com. ) Technically you have three different FICO scores from the three major credit reporting groups: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

The higher your score, the better the interest rate you may get or bargain for, which could save you thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. You can check your own credit reports by using the free credit report available to all at "annualcreditreport.com". Checking these reports will show you your credit information but in most cases you'll have to enroll to get your credit score number. You may get a report from each of the three credit reporting agencies mentioned above each year for free. It is simple to do and well worth your time.

There are other credit reports online, but most require a fee and some are just scams, so stick with the above mentioned reporting groups.

By All Means Choose a Realtor

So you’ve decided that the time is right to become a new homeowner. You know that the first step is to decide how much you can afford and then search the Internet. That's a good start, but do you really know how much you can afford and how to search for that perfect home?

By connecting with a Realtor you will have taken a step that will save you a lot of headaches in your home search, and he or she will be your guide throughout the entire process.

A Realtor can:

• Help you determine what you can afford
• Connect you with a home mortgage expert
• Provide more home search possibilities
• Narrow your search to help you find what you really want
  
• Save you time by not looking at houses that don’t meet your requirements
• Help determine home values
• Set up showings
• Provide you with valuable information before making an offer
• Guide you through the offer procedures
• Help in the negotiating process
• Connect you with people to help with inspections
• Guide you through the closing process

A Realtor should:

• Communicate with you by the means that fits you best, whether it's by email, phone, or fax
• Pay attention to your needs and desires when performing home searches
• Provide data for you when determining what to offer
• Not disclose your private information
  

By all means use a Realtor.

Todd Finch

Leis Realty Co.

Greenville, OH 45331

email: trfinch@gmail.com website: www.darkecountyproperties.com cell: 937-423-3316

Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, let me help you make the most of every opportunity.