Want to invest in real estate?

Investing in real estate has become a popular way for people to protect their savings. Investors can be young or old, male or female, and they certainly don't have to be rich. Before investing, however, realtors say people should be aware of these important facts.

Property bought as an investment may have a higher interest rate than a home where you will live in personally. The down payment required by financial institutions may be higher, usually 10 percent of the purchase price.

Finding the right property is paramount, say realtors. Homes can be found everywhere and in all price ranges, but the adage of "location, location, location" holds true for investment properties as well as for homes.

If you are capable of making repairs, and can make time to do them, buying a distressed property can be profitable. It should be surrounded by well-maintained homes of higher value. Later, you'll be pleased to sell for a nice profit.

Choosing a property that will be easy for you to monitor and maintain is an important factor. The best choices are properties near your home or located on your way to work. The successful investment buyer usually has time for hands-on involvement with the property including management, maintenance, and renovation.

Investors must make themselves knowledgeable about legal issues of being a landlord and know how to pick a tenant. In the long run, real estate can be a more secure and lucrative alternative to traditional investments.

Please keep in mind that this tip is designed to be of help to you, but is not to be relied upon as advice. It is merely a reminder that there are many choices you have available to you, and that planning is the only way to find the right answers for your situation!  As with any financial issues, make sure you get the right information before making a decision!  If you have any questions, we’ll be glad to help you!

Improve Your Credit Score – And Prevent Bank Fraud…

 Two related tips this month:

 1. Many people have no idea what their credit score is. You can find yours at annualcreditreport.com. A new study shows that the average person could save $76 a year on interest by raising their score by just 30 points. Here are some ways to do it.

• Pay more than the minimum payment so your balance doesn't build up.

• Pay bills on time. If you have been late, paying on time for six to nine months can raise your score.

• Don't borrow the maximum on any one card even if there is a low-interest offer. If you have a card with $10,000 in available credit, don't owe more than $6,000.

• Don't open two or three new cards within a couple of months. This will lower your score.

 A credit score of 720 or more will get you favorable rates on credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages.

 2. Low-tech bank fraud:

            A study by Strategy and Research of Pleasanton, Calif., shows that more than a quarter of all fraud victims knew the person who misused their personal information. Usually, it is a family member, friend, neighbor, or an in-home employee.

            Up to half of debit-card fraud occurs when a card is stolen by a family member or friend who knows the card's personal-identification number.

            Whether it's bank fraud or full-blown identity theft, it's usually not a case of sophisticated computer hacking. About 30 percent of victims say their personal information was obtained through a lost or stolen wallet, check, or credit card.

            Take care of your stuff so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Women should not leave purses standing in the open where a visitor could snag a credit card or a check. Burn or shred anything that shows your credit card number or your Social Security number. Keep family members from dishonesty by guarding your information.

Please keep in mind that this tip is designed to be of help for you, but is not to be relied upon as advice. It is merely a reminder that there are many choices you have available to you, and that planning is the only way to find the right answers for your situation!  As with any financial issues, make sure you get the right information before making a decision!  If you have any questions, we’ll be glad to help you!

Here's how to find the right house and make an offer…

           When you look at a house that's for sale, it's easy to be charmed by beautiful furniture and attractive decorating. It can make you want to live there and be part of it all.

            But wait! Does it really have the features you want and need? In House Hunting: The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers (Chronicle Books), author Dian Hymer suggests that it's useful to make a wish list of everything you would like to have in a home.

            Next, make a list of everything you don't like about the home you have now. The two lists will give you some important information to use when analyzing a prospective property.

            Home buying inevitably brings compromises. You may not be able to get everything you want, but be sure to get everything you actually need.

            The neighborhood is always a prime consideration. Is the perfect house for you in a neighborhood where you wouldn't feel safe? Forget it.

             Is it in a district with a good school system? Is it convenient for your commute to work? Are there shopping centers within an easy drive? If so, the location could be a good choice for you. You are ready to make an offer.

Affordability can make or break the deal. A home is a huge investment and a big commitment for years to come, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies.

            Now-a-days, one-third of buyers are opting for interest-only mortgages. As with any mortgage, there are advantages and disadvantages to such a loan. The best advice we can give is to get advice from us before you decide to sell or buy a home!

Please keep in mind that this tip is designed to be of help for you, but is not to be relied upon as advice. It is merely a reminder that there are many choices you have available to you, and that planning is the only way to find the right answers for your situation!  As with any financial issues, make sure you get the right information before making a decision!  If you have any questions, we’ll be glad to help you!