Ever tried opening an automated door or revolving door for your wife or girlfriend? It's impossible. What about a keyless entry car door? Back in the day, we didn't have remote car locks, so the polite thing to do was to open the door first for your lady and make sure she was situated first. Sometimes putting her first is not always a bright idea. If your car was sitting in sun on a hot muggy day, it would feel like a suana inside, then why would anyone want to bake their mate? I guess the polite and considerate thing to do would be you get in the car first and crank up the A/C as quickly as possbile and then let her in.
I was a teenager at the time and dating this girl. She pick the wrong time to hold chivalry against me...I think. It was pouring rain and I didn't have an umbrella, neither did she. We had to leave, so we ran out into the rain. It was of those showers where the size of a rain drops were like a half-dollar drops. She took the passenger's side and I grabbed the driver's side. I got in first, THAT!...was my mistake, then immediately opened her side. (Sorry...no remote locks with this 1988 model!) She was pissed that I didn't open the door for her first. She was upset that she had to wait in the rain for about 2 seconds more than I did. So you wouldn' believe what she did immediately after that? She decided to walk home in the rain. Of course I couldn't let her do that, but she insisted on teaching me a crucial lesson. That wasn't the time, place or weather to be taking a test. I still don't think I was in the wrong espeically when I have opened doors for her on numerous occassions before. Looking back on it, since I am no longer with this girl, I should've just let her walk because that was a sign of more trouble to come later on.
Some women today don't even want you to open their door for them because they insist on preserving their independence. Chivalry isn't dead...it's just been automated. Is this just another excuse or another sign that times are changing? Ultimately, guys...get the door for your girls! Show 'em you care!
How could this happen? ABC Extreme Makeover qualifies these families and gives them a second chance with everything paid for years in advance so that they will never struggle. Yet they never learn and this is what happens when careless ambition become greed. It's a shame and a great disappointment because there are other deserving families who got passed over for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
When I saw the title "Extreme Makeover Home Faces Foreclosure" I knew exactly what happend before ever reading the entire article....they took out a home equity line ($450,000) against the home and couldn't pay it back.
Bring blankets, flashlight, and lawn chairs Beverages & Food is available
When/Where: Rolesville Baseball Field entrance to Villages of Rolesville
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We had a great turn out for Nim's Island, over 350+ views. Bring blankets, flashlight, and lawn chairs Beverages & Food is available
When/Where: Rolesville Baseball Field entrance to Villages of Rolesville
Many Americans are without health care, why is that? We are suppose to be one of the most powerful countries in the world, but why does our health care system seem so "third world." We have the best treatment facilities, doctors, medicines, but the worst care. Is it our government, is it political, is it the cost, is it the insurance companies? Why does other Democratic nations doing better with health care than the US?
Do you think Seller Financing or 2-3 month Lease-Option to Purchase could come back or become popular? I noticed the other day on our NC Offer to Purchase and Contract forms that there is a section listed under the LOAN CONDITIONS paragraph mentioning Seller Financing. In all my 5+ years of real estate, I have never had to use this option. Do you think it could help with the lending industry to get more buyers into homes. Its almost like a lease-to-purchase option because the seller still holds a note on the 2nd mortgage. Just a thought.
Bankruptcy is not the way to go if there is any chance at all of avoiding it. But if there is no other way out, it is not the end of the world for you. And yes... there is life after bankruptcy. After the shock wears off, it's time to sit down and take a good look at where you are and formulate a plan to re-build your credit. It isn't as hard as you may think if you understand the credit system and work with it... not against it.
As for where you are now, realize your credit scores are shot with a bankruptcy on your record. Your scores are probably somewhere around 450 to 490 points, which is definitely not good. But wait, there really is life after bankruptcy! The good news is you have little to no debt now and the slate is clean. This is the time to start fresh and build a positive credit history from the ground up. By setting a goal for yourself, and following some credit restoration guidelines, you can be at a 720+ credit score in 12 months or less.
The way you re-build credit is by using credit (wisely and responsibly). You will find a multitude of lenders that want to work with you (even with your horrible credit scores) to help you re-build your credit. As you work your credit re-building plan with these new lenders, keep these points in mind; lenders place the most weight on your current history. They know you had trouble in the past, but they want to see how you are handling your credit responsibilities now. As always consult with a mortgage lender, credit counselor, and CPA or tax specialist.
Here is a 7-Step Credit Re-building Plan:
1. You need a budget so you can make intelligent decisions about how to go about re-building your credit. Be sure to allow for monthly payments for new credit debt or emergencies. You must go into debt in order to build a good history of responsible credit management. Not all debt is bad.
2. Open one or two secured credit card accounts. Secured credit cards are the easiest to open and are reported to the credit bureaus as if they are unsecured credit cards. You determine your credit limit on the cards by making a deposit with the credit card company. Your deposit is your credit limit. After a 6 to 12 month solid history of use with the card, you can ask for your deposit back and the card will revert to a regular un-secured card.
3. Don't pay off the balance every month. Your goal is to build a solid payment history of timely monthly payments. It's better for your credit scores if you always leave a manageable balance on the card, even if it's small.
4. Never close a credit card account. One measure used in determining credit scores is your debt to high balance ratio. Lenders want to see 35% or less debt to limit ratio. If you have a card with a limit of $1,000, and your balance is $850, your debt to limit ratio is 85% ($850 divided by $1,000). But if you had another card also, with a $5,000 limit and a zero balance, your total debt would be $850 and your total high limit available credit would be $6,000 ($1,000 plus $5,000). Your total debt to high limit ratio would then be 14% ($850 divided by $6,000). If you had previously closed your un-used card with the $5,000 limit, instead of a 14% ratio, you would be looking really bad with an 85% debt to limit ratio.
5. Open different kinds of credit lines. The more different types of credit you have, the more responsible you appear to credit bureaus. Someone with a credit card or two, a department store credit line, an auto loan, a bank loan, and a mortgage payment shows they are able to handle various types of credit responsibly. Don't limit yourself to just credit cards. You can get a secured bank loan as a way to build more credit, by opening a savings account with the bank, then borrowing up to that amount. The savings account is security for the loan, so the bank has no risk and is happy to make the loan.
6. Keep your debt-to-income ratios at 28/36 or less. The 28/36 ratio is the ratio the majority of lenders work with when you apply for mortgage financing. Even though you are not applying for a mortgage loan now, that ratio makes a good guideline to follow to keep you in line budget wise, and to measure your progress. If you see yourself straying from the 28/36 ratio, you know what you have to do to get back in line.
The 28 means that your monthly housing payments (rent payment or mortgage plus taxes & insurance) should be no more than 28% of your gross monthly income. The 36 means the percentage of income that goes toward paying all your recurring debt payments, (including your housing expense). This would include credit card payments, car loans, student loans, child support payments, judgments, and/or alimony payments.
FOR EXAMPLE. If your gross monthly income (before deductions) is $3,930.00 per month
· $3,930 Monthly Income x 28% = $1,100 allowed for housing expense.
· $3,930 Monthly Income x 36% = $1,415 allowed for housing expense plus all recurring monthly debt payments. (315 allowed for new credit debt).
NOTE: The ratio used by FHA is 31/43. You could use this ratio if you prefer.
· $3,930 Monthly Income x 31% = $1,218 allowed for housing expense.
· $3,930 Monthly Income x 43% = $1,690 allowed for housing expense plus all recurring monthly debt payments. (472 allowed for new credit debt).
7. Never take on more debt than you can handle comfortably. This is why a budget is so important. The goal is to re-build your credit, not to bury you in debt in can't handle. Be careful to not get over extended. Always leave a cushion for savings and emergencies. Be wise!
Bankruptcy is not the way to go if there is any chance at all of avoiding it. But if there is no other way out, it is not the end of the world for you. And yes... there is life after bankruptcy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Perlling
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Flicks in the Fields Admission is FREE! for more details contact Davion@DavionCross Bring Lawn chairs, no alocoholic beverages Showing starts at 8:30pm, seating starts at 8:00pm
When/Where: 8:30pm at Baseball field Villiages of Rolesville
What is going on here. Now Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in trouble. What's next IndyMac failure? Oh that's right, IndyMac, one of the largest banks in the courtry, is having money troubles also.
The media is really playing up this economy. What would you do if you read on Yahoo! Finance that analysis are projecting that 150 more banks could go "belly-up" and that NBC Nightly News (July 14th) just mentioned that 90 Banks already are in trouble.
Things to think about: Do you believe that Fannie & Feddie will go under? I personally don't think the government will allow that to happen, but what if banks get scare and start increasing rates. The Fed's cannot and will not cut the rates any more. Banks need to be saved so they will mostly likely turn to rate increases. Bad Idea and BIG Mistake!
IF the Feds are running out of money, they just make it...right? Leading to further inflation and leading to a devalued dollar. AMERICA IS FOR SALE Y'ALL! Budweiser just got bought out for $52 Billion, so did NY's Chrysler Building one of the tallest & most recognizable buildings in the world.
Is there any end in sight? I believe there is and we should take a more a more proactive instead of reactive approach towards this economy.
Well folks, we just celebrated another Independence Day, but are we really truly independent?. Apparantely, as individuals we are dependent on our jobs for an income to survive and nationally we are depended on foreign oil. So think about it...are we really truly independent?
2 things that drive our country: Greed and Fear.
Greed from those who have much to gain and Fear from those who have much to lose.
My projections: The worst is over. We will see one year of Repair, then another year for Stability, then another year of Growth. That puts us at around 2010-2011. Will you be ready?
Professional de-cluttering + homestaging = recipe for success
By Beth Tessier and Christine Kennedy
Clutter eats the equity in a home. It’s one of the biggest dollar stealers out there. And along with cleaning, de-cluttering is absolutely necessary to a home on the market.
Clutter is what truly keeps buyers from seeing a warm, inviting and sparkling home. It makes buyers feel as though the owners haven’t taken care and pride in the home.
Clearing clutter costs nothing except some time and effort. Remember, space sells and buyers really do look in closets, cupboards, storage areas and drawers to see if a home has ample storage. So, take to heart this list of de-cluttering dos and don’ts:
DOS
- Disassociate – Think of the home as a property on the market. Let go of all emotions.
De-personalize – You want the buyers to imagine their own personal photos on the wall. - Rearrange closets and cabinets – This means alphabetizing spice jars, neatly stacking dishes, lining up shoes, etc.
- De-clutter – If it hasn’t been used in a year, pack it up. If it isn’t needed, pack it up or donate it. Clear everything off kitchen counters.
- Rent a storage unit – Almost all homes show better with less furniture. Just leave enough furniture to showcase the room’s purpose.
- Make minor repairs – Replace burned out lights, fix jammed kitchen drawers, replace worn bedspreads, etc.
- Make the house shine – Clean inside and out, polish, vacuum, wax, air out musty areas, etc.
DON’TS
Put in expensive new carpet – Clean the old carpet or use a modest quality carpet. The buyers will probably replace it anyway. - Re-tile your bathroom – Simply remove old dirty caulking or use a proper cleanser to get the tub sparkling.
- Paint the walls vibrant colors - Keep it neutral to appeal to a wide audience.
- Install expensive custom draperies - If you must use draperies, choose simple side panels and keep a uniform look throughout the house.
- Fill empty walls with family pictures – Get rid of all family pictures. Buyers must be able to visualize their own family pictures on the walls, not yours.
We, at Professional Homestaging, will assess any home for areas to be de-cluttered and de-personalized. A more spacious home means more dollars in your pocket. And remember to de-clutter and stage a home before taking photos for marketing purposes. A home that shows well on the Internet will attract more potential buyers to your listing.
A professionally de-cluttered and staged house will get you to ‘SOLD’ quickly. Contact Davion Cross for more details
Drought prompts tips to cut residential water use
The City of Raleigh is offering three-hour classes to residents interested in learning more about taking advantage of free reusable water from the Neuse River Watershed Treatment Plant. For more information or to enroll in a class, call (919) 662-5700 or log on to www.raleighnc.gov. |
With the National Climate Data Center reporting a great portion of the contiguous United States is experiencing a moderate to extreme drought, the Partnership for Advancing Housing Technology (PATH) has collated information on simple and inexpensive ways to conserve water in and around the house.
To start conserving residential water use, install low-flow fixtures and Energy Star appliances wherever possible, PATH says. For consumers who don't like the feel of aerated water that reduces water flow or complain that it splashes, use laminar flow which significantly reduce water usage but still feel like a higher water flow.
Fixing leaky faucets and plumbing joints is another area where homeowners can cut their water consumption significantly. Just one leak can waste as much as 20 gallons per day, enough to do a load of laundry in an ENERGY STAR® washer. Use the American Water Works Association’s Water Wiser Drip Calculator to determine exactly how much water is being lost through a leak. The calculator can be found on the AWWA Web site at www.awwa.org.
In the kitchen
Ways in which water consumption can be reduced in the kitchen include:
- Use the least amount of detergent possible to wash dishes by hand, which reduces rinsing time.
- In double sinks, fill one sink with rinse water instead of running the faucet continuously.
- Use Energy Star dishwasher models and only wash full loads.
- Start a compost pile instead of running a water-consuming garbage disposal and you’ll save 50 to 150 gallons per month and create top-notch fertilizer for gardening.
In the bathroom
To conserve water in the bathroom:
- Replace five to seven gallon-per-flush toilets with a new low-flush or dual-flush model, for a savings of about 1,000 gallons every month. Many types of high-efficiency toilets are now available. For more information visit the National Association of Home Builders’ ToolBase Services Web site at www.toolbase.com.
- Check for toilet leaks by placing some food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Fixing a leak can yield monthly savings of 400 gallons.
- Install a hot-water recirculation system to prevent water running down the drain while waiting for hot water to arrive. These systems use sensors and a pump to quickly deliver hot water to the faucet while re-circulating the cooled water in the pipes back to the water heater. The system costs less than $400 installed and can save a family of four up to 12,000 gallons of water a year, almost the equivalent of the amount of water a person drinks during his or her entire lifetime.
- Shut off the water when shaving and brushing your teeth to save more than 3,000 gallons per year.
Lawn and garden
To save water for the lawn and garden:
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The butterfly milkweed is indigenous to North Carolina and perfect for dry soil conditions. Its brilliant flowers attract butterflies. Photography by Stefan Bloodworth. |
- Put a thick layer of mulch around trees and other plants to reduce evaporation and cut down on watering. This can save 750 to 1,000 gallons monthly.
- Collect rainfall in barrels or cisterns for later use, which significantly reduces the amount of tap water used to maintain the landscape.
- Water lawns wisely and in accordance with municipal water use guidelines. Grass that springs back when it is stepped on doesn't need to be watered. Automatic sprinklers should be turned off when it’s raining. Wind and excessive heat increase evaporation, wasting up to 300 gallons per watering for large lawns. The best time to water is around dawn, when it's still cool. Watering in the cool of the evening can foster overnight mold growth.
- Installing a “smart” irrigation system. Unlike simple timer-based controllers, “smart” controllers monitor site conditions – solid moisture, rain, slope, plant type and more – and the information they provide can be used to apply the right amount of water to maintain healthy growing conditions. Some systems use local weather station data and others use sensors placed in the garden.
- Plant native species that have evolved and adapted to local soil and climate conditions; they will need less watering and weeding. You can identify plants native to North Carolina online at www.enature.com or www.wildflower.org.
To save water in the driveway:
- Sweep the driveway and sidewalk instead of hosing them off. Hoses run about 10 gallons per minute and using them for 15 minutes a week wastes 7,800 gallons of water annually.
- Use carwashes that recycle their wastewater.
- Wash your car at home carefully and in accordance with municipal water use guidelines. Direct rinse water onto the lawn to accomplish two chores at once. However, realize that even the most careful home car wash uses almost twice as much water as a commercial car wash – 80 to 140 gallons at home compared to about 45 gallons at the carwash.
Raleigh named 2nd best place for house bargains
The best place to get a bargain on a home is an area where there is healthy job growth and more houses available than people to buy them. Forbes magazine went looking for markets where the damage from risky lending hasn’t been as dramatic as in some parts of the country and where employment growth will burn off an over-abundance of inventory quickly.
Here are what the magazine considers the 10 best cities for bargain house hunters:
1. Salt Lake City, Utah.
2. Raleigh, N.C.
3. Orlando, Fla.
4. Charlotte, N.C.
5. Phoenix, Ariz.
6. Seattle, Wash.
7. Las Vegas, Nev.
8. Jacksonville, Fla.
9. Richmond, Va.
10. Houston, Texas
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With the economic stress, will China become the next super power? What about Japan? Or Saudi Arabia? Or Canada?
You must admit America is for Sale and is selling fast. Did we get to greedy? What happened? Budweiser has been bought out so as the Chrysler Building in New York and China/Kuwait is bailing out Citibank for billions of dollars in aid. Ford and GM sales are doing much better overseas and we continue to outsource everything.
Buying your home was a very exciting time and process for both of us. As your Realtor, I had an important role with the purchase of your home. However, I was not involved in your loan process. As you may have already know by now, the mortgage industry has tighten up tremendously resulting in more and more foreclosures.
An Adjustable Rate Mortgage is an inexpensive and great way to get into your home. An ARM is a wonderful loan program and if you know how to use it, you can win. If you had a 2-Yr ARM, your loan will stay fixed for 2 years and then adjust thereafter…same if your loan is a 3 year ARM, etc. If you got a 2 or 3-year ARM in 2004-06, then your loan is either coming due very soon or as already came due.
With today’s tighter mortgage market, if your credit is 620+, you should be able to refinance your home loan easily into a “cheaper” rate. Along with excellent credit another factor when refinancing your home that most lenders don't tell you is that your home must appraise for 20% above what you paid for it. With home prices falling, it is very difficult to get your home to appreciate. To add more mess to the mortgage meltdown, 100% financing is gone. You may have to put down 3% or 10%.
If your credit rating is preventing you from refinancing your home loan, your next options are to either 1) try to make payments with a stronger budget plan by cutting expenses elsewhere, 2) rent out your home to avoid foreclosure or 3) sell your home
What to do? Don’t wait until your loan gets ready to adjust. Try to plan 4 to 6 months in advance to have a mortgage lender pull your credit to see your current credit rating. Don’t worry if you haven’t made the deadline to refinance. If you can survive the adjusted payments for a while, say 6 months, you can call me to market your home for sale during that time. If the foreclosure process has started, then it’s too late.
You do not have to wait until your rate adjusts to refinance into a fixed loan. North Carolina is not a pre-payment penalty State; therefore you can refinance your loans at anytime. Check your loan documents to make sure.
Rates are currently around 6.0%. You will need to pay closing cost again but not as much when you closed on your home the first time. If you have built enough equity into your home, you should be able to roll that closing cost into your loan. If you had an Interest-Only loan, you’re okay, but if you didn’t pay towards your mortgage you didn’t build up enough equity. However, with the excellent growth our real estate market is experiencing, your home should have appreciate enough to cover your expenses.
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