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Showing posts from November 26, 2006

Avoiding Foreclosure

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Problems paying your mortgage? Too many people simply give up and accept foreclosure because they do not know where to turn for help. The Homeownership Preservation Foundation, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit, is trying to change that. Homeowners can call 1-888-995-HOPE and be connected to experts who are certified by HUD and specially trained to offer solutions and options to the homeowners particular financial concerns and open up communication between the homeowner and their mortgage company. More information can also be found at www.995HOPE.org or www.hpfonline.org .

Debt Income Ratio

What exactly is debt income ratio and why is it important? Basically, your debt income ratio measures the proportion of your monthly fixed payments (car payments, student loans, insurance, rent, etc.) to your monthly income before taxes. If your debt income ratio is too high, lenders may be cautious about lending you more money. A good range for debt income ratio is 30% to 35%. Curious as to what your debt income ratio is? Visit http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/calculator.html for a debt income ratio calculator and other useful tools.

8 Steps for Staging a Home

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1). Stand in the doorway to look at each room. If the buyer's not in the room, they're not buying the house. Where does your eye go? Buyers only know what they see, not the way it's going to be. 2). Make a plan and pick a focal point Every room has a focal point: a fireplace, a bed, a desk. 3). De-Accessorize Get rid of the room dandruff! You can usually take everything out and make a pile of unnecessary stuff such as extra throws, an exercise machine, magazines, and other various clutter. 4). Decide what furniture leaves and how to arrange the furniture that stays Most rooms have too much furniture. You don't need more than three to five pieces in a living room. When you put things in storage, you can breathe. There's more room and there's less for the buyer to deal with. It's less stressful! 5). Re-Accessorize From the pile you created, put just a few things back. 6). Keep going back to the doorway, keep reassuring what you've done It's important