• Know the score: Obtain a credit report and carefully review all information to insure accuracy. If you have paid off bad debts, be sure that this is reflected on the report.
• Reduce Debt: Eliminate or reduce credit card balances. Debt-to-income ratio is one of the main criteria used by mortgage lenders.
• Assess Your Resources: While ratings are important, lenders will also look at current earnings and assets. The ability to make a large down payment may help to negate the effects of a bad credit rating. It could also help you assume a mortgage or obtain a no verification loan.
• Be Realistic: Choosing a home beyond your means can defeat the process. A good realtor can help you assess the amount of home that you can realistically afford. Home ownership is more than monthly payments. Plan for the cost of maintenance and repairs and make them a part of your budget.
• Explore Loan Options: Research available loans. Don’t let embarrassment over credit problems prevent you from talking with traditional lenders as well as those specializing in higher risk loans. If you’ve been turned down for a loan, it is tempting to take the first mortgage offer. You’ll get the best possible rate and may save thousands of dollars by researching all your options.

Those who own homes, but have experienced financial difficulties, should look at loan modifications. These are available to those who are behind in payments or facing foreclosure. Modifications may include a lowered interest rate or an extension of the loan period. This can lower your payments and avoid a foreclosure that can create further harm to your credit rating.

Unfortunately, there were problems obtaining title insurance on the house and we were unable to purchase the home. When we found another house and reapplied for a mortgage, we were turned down by our own bank. The realtor advised us to apply for a mortgage with an institution that specialized in higher risk loans. The difference in loan rates was appalling.

In our case, the problem was due to a credit bureau error. The bureau’s records were on paper and judgments against a couple with the same names had been mistakenly put in our file. It took a couple weeks to get things corrected, but after our record was cleared, we were able to qualify for a low interest loan again. Although the wait and the hassle were frustrating, clearing our record saved thousands of dollars over the life of our mortgage. It also gave me a new appreciation for the value of good credit.

The years have brought changes and computers minimize the type of error that caused our problem. Some things have remained constant, however. A good credit. score and a low debt-to-income ratio are still major factors in receiving the best mortgage rates and options.

How low can you go?

Use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.Click For Details

Photo for Monday, Feb 20th

Word of the Week:revolution

Click on image for larger photo.

For years, Windy Bay had been home to fishing and boating enthusiasts. Now it harbored a thief. Locals and tourists had been victimized, but none could identify the stealthy perpetrator. When police are stumped, Detective Sam McAllister is summoned.

After two months, McAllister’s sterling reputation begins to tarnish. Despite his best efforts, he has found just one common link. All the victims recall the presence of a black dog. The town explodes in laughter, when McAllister points his finger at the canine. Sam renews his efforts, determined to find the person behind the dog.

Was it the sultry Melanie Evans? Why would a self-professed dog hater have a stash of Chewy Bonz and Bacon Tidbits?

Could it be Ed Jenkins, proprietor of the suddenly-successful hardware store?

Follow Sam’s hilarious search, as he chases a bevy of unlikely suspects.

And finds himself falling for a dog named Butler.

Book Blurb Friday is hosted by Lisa Ricard Claro, who posts a weekly photo and challenges us to “write a book jacket blurb (150 words or less) so enticing that potential readers would feel compelled to buy the book.” That’s quite a challenge, but it’s a lot of fun as well. Click on the image at the left to read more blurbs or enter one of your own. 

This week’s blurb has 150 words.

 

 

The Hemraj Goyal Foundation was created by Hemraj Goyal’s children and grandchildren in his honor and assists disadvantaged sections of society. Forty years ago, Goyal came to the UK from India with hopes of providing a better life for his family. It appears that he did this and more.

Avnish Goyal, recalls that he desired to be successful from an early age. Success was mixed with the family’s value of service and he is now the Managing Director of Hallmark Care Homes, which provides care residences in England and Wales for the elderly. That sounds like a full time job, but Avnish Goyal still devotes time to the Foundation, which is run by the family’s grandchildren, a youth team that is guided by Goyal’s children. That’s an effective way of passing on a family legacy. Einstein said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.” The Goyal family seems proof of that.

New to Writers Retreat? Get all the details here.

A couple months ago, we began talking about ways to organize our spices. My daughter hardly has time to breathe, so I did the research. I bookmarked several great ideas, but sharing them wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped.   We had to open each bookmarked page and I had to scan the page to find the item I’d liked.  Then we kept bouncing from tab to tab, trying to compare the different features and prices.  Surely, there had to be a better way.

Since learning about clipix, I know that there is.  Clipix is a free tool that lets you organize all the things you see online and want to save.   It is easy to install and easy to use.  You simply drag the Clip button to your bookmark bar.  Then, when you see something you like, click the Clip button.   You can organize your clips into groups (called clipboards) and choose to share them or keep them private.  

I think that clipix is perfect for storing gift ideas.  

Notice that prices are displayed with the gift idea.  This is great for comparison shopping or choosing several items that will fit in my Christmas budget.  Clipix adds the price automatically for most items, but you can also add the price and any other information you desire.

Clipboards can also be nested inside each other.  I created one called Gift Ideas.  Then I dragged my gift clipboards for Calico and Miss Muffin into it.

The possibilities are endless. Organize recipes, create a reading list or plan your spring wardrobe.
 

You choose how you’d like to share your clipboards. Keep them private, share with friends or create a Syncboard, which lets others add to your clipboard. You can also visit the clipix community section and check out clipboards that others have shared. The search feature makes it easy to find the right clipboards. You can even take your clipboards with you, by using the IPhone app.  

Why not give clipix a try? It’s free, easy and versatile. I’d love to hear how you’d use it.  

This short video shows clipix in action. Take a minute to watch it, then sign up for your own account. 

Promoted Post

Fading Heart
For 50 years, they loved each other and the richness of their simple country life. Then a dishonest man and two bullets ended their lives. (140)

Cold Heart
The robber shoved the rocker against the door, as if they’d escape, and counted the meager nest egg in the sugar bowl. That’s all they had? (140)

Enduring Heart
Ten years later, newlyweds purchased the old house. Soon children’s laughter warmed its walls. Humans are mortal, but love never dies. (136)

How low can you go?

Use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.Click For Details

Photo for Monday, Feb 13th

Word of the Week:honest

Click on image for larger photo.