|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Path to Homeownership |
 |
|
|
Room to Grow |
|
|
|
For the Record |
|
|
|
Century 21 Distinctive
|
I am pleased to present you with the latest issue of Life@Home. Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you. In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying, selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends. I hope that you enjoy this issue of Life@Home. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. |
|
|
Refincing? Purchasing? Call Century 21 Mortgage at (877) 892-4620 for a hassel free approval decision. |
|
|
|
|
The Path to Homeownership
 Asked what their top ten greatest achievements are, many people would likely list owning their own home. Homeownership represents the American dream to many. It signifies independence, a level of financial security and success.
For those starting out, however, the path to homeownership can seem like a long journey. Sale prices combined with interest rates and taxes can make it seem like a dream that may never be achieved. The key to making it a reality is to deal with the numbers at hand.
First, analyze your finances. This will help you determine what you can afford or how much you need to save. Examine your income and monthly expenses. Also find out your credit score and make initial inquiries into obtaining a mortgage. A word of caution however: repeated requests for your credit score and duplicate loan requests can negatively impact your appeal to creditors in the long run, so be judicious with your inquiries.
Next, find out if there are government programs or state aid plans that could help you achieve your goal. For instance, some states have counselors who can help you understand the ins and outs of the real estate process and develop a game plan for managing your finances.
Finally, put a plan into action. Improve your credit by consolidating debts and making consistent payments. Change your spending habits so that you are putting more money into the bank for that down payment and ancillary expenses like moving, closing costs and taxes. At the same time, do your research on what mortgage programs are available. Educate yourself about rates and different terms. Remember, shopping for a loan is a lot like shopping for a car. The more you know about the products and the different competitors, the better able you are to negotiate a favorable deal. |
|
|
|
|
Room to Grow
 One of the joys of homeownership is making the structure and the surrounding property your own. A lush green lawn and beautiful blooms are a wonderful reward for hours of work in the yard.
But before you invest a lot of time and money into your landscaping, make sure your do your research first. Here are four things to keep in mind when making changes.
1. Conditions. Take time to notice factors like sunlight, rainfall and soil. This information will be critical when it comes to choosing grass, plants and trees. The United States is divided into nine zones that help determine what plants will thrive in certain climates and conditions. Knowing what zone you live in can be very helpful.
2. Set goals and timelines. A sure-fire way to get overwhelmed is to tackle too large or too many projects at a time. Instead, choose one task and set a schedule for completion.
3. Know yourself. Think about how much time and energy you want to spend on your home’s exterior. It will help you determine if you want a low or high maintenance yard.
4. Rely on the experts. Visit local garden centers and use the knowledge of these professionals to help you make the most of your property.
Remember, the exterior of your home says a lot about you and your family. Tending to the outside not only helps the home maintain its value, it can be a great form of exercise and a way for your family to spend time together.
|
For the Record
 Summer is a time for travel. In the excitement to pack up and get away, don’t forget to take some safety precautions. It is a good idea to copy the front and back of all credit cards, airline tickets, passports and other important documents to store in a safe place. This way you have a reference if the items are lost or stolen. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Copyright © 2005. CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. To unsubscribe, click here.
|
|
|
|
