The credit bureaus don’t want you to succeed. Removing negatives reduces value of their credit reports since they now lack information their customers want.
In spite of the credit bureaus’ stance on this issue, the question remains “Can you remove negative items from your credit reports?” Sometimes. Little known facts about credit reports and credit scores complicate results. Let’s check in with Lillian. Read More→
Curt’s mother owned a house but he was on the deed. His mother didn’t want the house and planned to walk away. How can Curt protect his FICO credit score?
Neither Curt nor his mother lived in the house. The house belonged to his mother. She placed Curt on the deed when she bought investment properties. Curt’s name was not on the mortgage so his concern revolved around the unpaid property taxes. Both their names appeared on tax bills. Read More→
Contrary to urban legend, there are serious consequences to not paying student loans. The issue: You missed payments but want to buy a house. What can you do?
In previous article, we eavesdropped on three friends discussing what can happen when you’re behind on paying off student loans. Lisa agreed to research their options. This is her report. Read More→
You found a house you want to own, what’s next? A difficult decision faces aspiring home buyers. Nobody pays sticker price, but how do you know what to offer?
In real estate negotiation is still expected. Even if you’re a repeat buyer, it’s been years since you last purchased a home. This doesn’t inspire confidence that you know the market stone cold. Where do you turn for help? Read More→
It didn’t work out like she planned. No high-paying job after college to help pay off a ton of student loans. So what could they do to her anyway?
Misty was having lunch with Lisa and Eula. Feeling overwhelmed with her finances, Misty started talking about her student loans. Is it true that since everybody was behind nothing would happen when she didn’t make her payments?
Lisa had an experience last year. Read More→
Good FICO credit scores aren’t enough to get your mortgage application approved. Other factors impact the loan process. One is hidden from you.
The mortgage process doesn’t end when you receive your approval, nor does it end at the closing and the money actually changes hands. The game has just begun. What do you care what happens after closing?
The hidden game that happens after a mortgage loan closes has changed the loan approval process. Read More→
Jason and April had been turned down for a FHA mortgage. April was overwrought, but Jason had an idea. He knew how to raise his FICO credit score – or did he?
After being turned down for a FHA mortgage, Jason stopped at Joe’s. Like many good bartenders, Joe provided a listening ear. Plus Joe knew a lot. He knew how the world worked. Did he have any ideas for turning this situation around? Dispute the delinquent accounts he said.
Jason wanted to know how this would help. Read More→
Does information provided on TV or newspaper help? Not really since data is limited and national in scope. So, selling your house – how long will it take?
When we put our home for sale, you’re ready for the buyer to pull to the curb. Unfortunately, buying/selling real estate takes a while. It helps you plan when you know the average number of days needed to sell homes in the current market. It also assists you in having realistic expectations concerning your real estate agent.
What information does the media provide? Read More→
Once a year Oliver makes an extra payment on his mortgage. His goals include saving on interest and reducing time needed to own his home outright. A good idea?
It might not be for everyone. For Oliver it makes sense given his goals. In addition to being cheap (he says frugal), Oliver’s idea of investing involves saving accounts and bank CDs. Money saved on mortgage interest is more than he would earn “investing.” My question is why one payment a year? Read More→
The desire to be debt-free is strong in many of us. Many seniors are asking if they should pay of their mortgage. What would they do?
Mark and Erma Oglesby visited me recently. They wanted to know how paying off their mortgage would impact on their future? Here is summary of our conversation: Read More→
Barbara Godin – Mortgage Loan Officer
Kathy Godin – Branch Manager
