My New Blog

Use credit wisely.  Did you know that having good credit affects many purchase that you make?  It's true, some car insurance and homeowners rates are determined by your credit score.

Did you know that Rent-to Own type companies can cost you over 300% if you translate the rent to own price into interest.  Pay cash or use credit wisely.  Here is an example I saw in an ad last weekend in the newspaper.  A laptop computer purchase price $549.99, lease as low as $26. per month for 48 months, sounds like a good deal right only $26 per month who can't afford that for a new laptop.  Total cost of the lease $1,248. for a $549.99 computer, that's more than double.  If you put the purchase on a credit card and paid $26.00 per month it would be paid for in less than 24 months depending on your interest rate on your credit card.

If you run up credit card debt, try writing out a budget and paying cash.  You will be surprised at where your money goes and how much you can live without when you don't have the cash in your wallet.

Change the latte factor.  The latte factor is that cup of coffee or candy bar that you buy everyday and say it's only $3.00 for the cup of coffee. Do the math $3.00 time 5 days a week is $15.00 per week, that's $60.00 per month or $750.00 per year based on 50 weeks (2 weeks of vacation).  Amazing how much that cup of coffee costs.   You can do the math on anything that you buy on a regular basis, such as lunch, dinner out a few times a week etc.  You don't have to cut out the cost completely, just cut back depending on your budget.

Need to sell your house in this market.  I know it is hard and finances are tight but don't be cheap and have it cost you money.  Do the necessary repairs and minor updates that don't cost much and then price it to sell.  The best money spent to get your house ready to sell is soap and water.  We see many houses that need windows cleaned, bathrooms scrubbed, kitchens cleaned, and stuff picked up thrown away, straighten  up or packed up. You want your home to show like a model (I know this is impossible) but the little things help a lot.  

Need extra money for some minor repairs before you sell, have a yard sale.  This will do a number of things.  First it reduces the clutter in the house, a plus when selling. Second it provides some extra money for minor repairs and updates like painting.  Third, it saves both time and money when you move. Not to mention the emotional lift it gives you by having a nice clean neat home to come home to everyday.  A win, win, win situation.

If you are thinking of buying or selling call us TODAY at 727-424-2238.