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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2010-06/</link>
        <description>Lifestyle, community, day trips, restaurants, real estate, home improvements, and more. Discover what makes Santa Cruz County such a great place to live. Presented by My Santa Cruz Real Estate.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/top-3-facts-about-using-agents-when-selling-or-buying-santa-cruz-homes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/top-3-facts-about-using-agents-when-selling-or-buying-santa-cruz-homes.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Top 3 Facts About Using Agents When Selling or Buying Santa Cruz Homes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
As you may be aware, there are two primary ways to sell and buy Santa Cruz homes. One, FSBO (For Sale By Owner), means just what it says – the owner sells the home. The second, of course, is selling the home through a real estate agent. What you may not be aware of is the main reasons why so many choose to hire an agent, whether selling or buying Santa Cruz homes.

Should you hire an agent? Of course, I’m going to say yes. However, what I really want you to do is make up your own mind after reading. Only you can answer this question because only you know your situation, but you need to know the facts:

Fact 1, for buyers – Real estate is one of the biggest areas of fraud in the U.S., and a fraud in which the scammer is less likely to be caught. Instances abound where an unsuspecting buyer has bought a home that still belonged to someone else.  Someone else who had no idea their home was up for sale in the first place. You won’t be able to get your down payment back, because the con artist will be long gone with it. Agents deal directly with the homeowner whose name is on the title.  If a licensed real estate agent represents a home, you know it’s really for sale.

Fact 2, for sellers – Real estate agents have access to many marketing venues that individuals don’t. FSBO sellers are limited to a few websites on the Internet versus the multitude of websites agents use to advertise homes for sale. With the knowledge agents gain through training and experience, the marketing available to agents, and the resources agents have at their fingertips, you have a much better chance of selling your home with an agent than on your own. If you don’t mind having your home sit on the market for awhile, FSBO may be the way to sell. However, if you need your home to sell sooner rather than later, you need an agent.

Fact 3, for buyers and sellers – Selling or buying a home isn’t as simple as “yeah, I’ll take it” and throwing money down. Selling real estate includes everything from negotiations and contracts to assessments and legalities. If either side doesn’t complete the steps correctly, actually closing the deal may be impossible. To be blunt, real estate agents are trained to handle the pitfalls of selling or buying a home and ensure that the sale goes smoothly.

Should you hire an agent to sell or buy Santa Cruz homes? To me, this isn’t the real question. The real question is:   Can you afford not to?

If you’d like to work with a knowledgeable, experienced agent to buy or sell a home, I’d love to have the opportunity to interview for the job. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Links:

FSBO

Real estate is one of the biggest areas of fraud

Pitfalls of selling or buying a home
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    <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/open-season-on-homes-for-sale-in-santa-cruz-hunting-license-not-needed.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/open-season-on-homes-for-sale-in-santa-cruz-hunting-license-not-needed.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Open Season on Homes for Sale in Santa Cruz – Hunting License Not Needed</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It’s open season on homes for sale in Santa Cruz, and no hunting license is needed. You might want to wear bright orange jackets if you’re a seller, though. It’s a buyer’s market and, in this case, you want the house hunters to see you.

Now, you can only take the hunting analogy so far; I don’t think you’d appreciate being hung on a wall as a trophy. You will appreciate hunters setting their sights on homes for sale in Santa Cruz, however. Here are a few tips to ensure that your home is the one they target:

Stand out in the openTo put it simply, buyers are using more and more technology nowadays. Obviously, you, as the seller, want to be where the buyers are, right? Embrace the Internet. Twitter, Facebook, blogging and other forms of social media are some of the ways successful sellers have managed to garner attention. So, start networking online, or hire an internet savvy real estate agent to do it for you.

Use an agentThis may sound self-serving; I am, after all, a real estate agent. However, while you may be trying to figure out whether you really want to pay commission fees, also consider this. Agents have access to many places that do it yourself sellers don’t, such as MSN Real Estate, Yahoo Real Estate, their MLS listings and Realtor.com. Buyers do have access, and they’re looking. As the seller, you want as much exposure as possible, and agents can get it for you.

Make affordable repairsIf you can afford to replace a worn out faucet, do so. If you can replace bad flooring, do it. Whether it’s plumbing issues or light switches, big or small, make the repairs you can afford to make. Then, and here’s the secret, advertise:  “All new fixtures” or “Brand new flooring” Sharing what you’ve done to make the house more attractive is like waving a red flag and, when you’re talking about house hunting, this is a good thing.

Add field dressingOkay, perhaps that goes a little far with the hunting analogy. Basically, in a tough buyer’s market, presentation is everything. Have strong curb appeal outside. Get rid of personal clutter inside. Stage the rooms and clean, clean, clean. It’s a beauty contest.  Dress your home accordingly.

Putting these tips into action will greatly raise the chances of taking another home off the list of homes for sale in Santa Cruz.

If you’re trying to sell your home and need an internet savvy agent, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

MLS listings

Realtor.com

Stage the rooms
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    <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/home-for-sale-in-santa-cruz-why-disclosure-is-important.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/home-for-sale-in-santa-cruz-why-disclosure-is-important.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Home for Sale in Santa Cruz? Why Disclosure Is Important</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you have a home for sale in Santa Cruz or anywhere else in the U.S., you may have heard of the term “disclosure.”  What is it, why is it important, and what does it entail?

What is disclosure?First, disclosure is the act of informing a buyer about any issues that your home for sale in Santa Cruz may have. For instance, if the home has water damage in the basement, you may have to tell the potential buyer about it. I say, “may have to,” because in some states disclosure is a legal issue. In some states, not disclosing issues may be illegal, while in other states, non-disclosure is perfectly legal.

Why is disclosure important?Real estate transactions are fraught with pitfalls, many of which can end with a lawsuit. Non-disclosure is one of the pitfalls. Several sales throughout the years have ended in non-disclosure lawsuits, where the homebuyer believes, basically, that the homeowner knew a problem existed. The seller didn’t let the buyer know about the issue, which left the buyer feeling as if they’d been scammed – thus, the lawsuit.

What should I disclose to the buyer?Many real estate agents (including myself), follow a simple rule when it comes to disclosure. “If you wonder whether you should tell the buyer about something, you probably should.” While disclosing problems may mean a lower sales price, not sharing may have you paying more than you ever wanted to in legal fees.

Some things, such as a violent death in the house, have a statute of limitations in most states. For instance, with few exceptions, California Civil Code 1710.2 requires that you tell the potential buyer if the death happened less than three years prior. 

Certain disclosures are required, such as lead based paint, the presence of asbestos, or if there’s ever been toxic mold or termites. The rest of the requirements vary from state to state.

As you can see, disclosure isn’t a minor issue. What you have to share versus what you should share, however, all depends on whether you have a home for sale in Santa Cruz or elsewhere in the U.S. If you’re up front, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping the money you made off the sale, versus spending it in legal fees.

If you’re trying to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

Disclosure is a legal issue

California Civil Code 1710.2

Disclosures are required

 
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    <pubDate>Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/buyers-market-santa-cruz-real-estate-agents-to-the-rescue.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/buyers-market-santa-cruz-real-estate-agents-to-the-rescue.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Buyer’s Market?  Santa Cruz  Real Estate Agents to the Rescue</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
“Buyer’s market” means that the buyers have the upper hand; there’s more supply than demand. When it comes to selling your home, it’s safe to say that you’re competing in one of recent history’s toughest real estate markets.  This is a true buyer’s market, where supply far outweighs demand. So how do you go about selling your home in these conditions?

Interview Santa Cruz  Real Estate AgentsDon’t pick an agent based on looks. An agent who drives an expensive car may very well just be someone who lives beyond his or her means. Instead, create a list of the top Santa Cruz  real estate agents in the area and interview them. Ask:

• About their experiences in selling homes in your area this year and last year – not in years gone by• What they’d recommend to make your home more marketable• How they would market your home

If, after interviewing, there is more than one with excellent experience and great marketing plans, choose the one you feel most comfortable working with.

Fix it upWhile interviewing, Santa Cruz  real estate agents will look at your home (otherwise, how could they answer two of your questions?). They may tell you that your home is out of date. They may tell you that the cracks in the wall don’t “add character” to the house. No, neither does the wild 70’s style carpeting in the living room. 

You might even take an extra step and hire a home inspector to get a better idea of any issues. 

Then, build a list of needed home improvements – and then improve. If you need to hire a contractor, again, interview

Set a good priceThese days, most buyers want the deals, and some are willing to compromise on interior decorating in order to get them. Sit down with your agent; find a high and a low selling price. Set the best price you can afford based on what homes are going for in the area, and be willing to negotiate.

The worst things you could do are hire a poor agent, leave your home repairs up to the buyer and overprice your home. Follow the three simple tips above and you’ll get your “Sold” sign

If you’re ready to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Make your home more marketable

Hire a home inspector

Be willing to negotiate

 
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    <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/are-you-renting-a-santa-cruz-home-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/are-you-renting-a-santa-cruz-home-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Are You Renting a Santa Cruz  Home for Sale?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
While many homes that haven’t sold are being rented instead, some that have been rented out are now up for sale. So what do you do if the house you’re renting becomes a Santa Cruz  home for sale?

Get a Fresh PerspectiveNobody wants to get kicked out of his or her home. However, if it comes down to it and you have 60 to 90 days left before you have to move from what is now a Santa Cruz  home for sale, look at your options from a fresh perspective.

• If the home has problems and you’ve been responsible for some of the upkeep, it’s no longer your problem. If you still don’t want to buy a home, you can rent somewhere else with a home that has fewer problems than the one you’re moving out of.

• If the rent was high and you’ve been struggling to keep it paid, that’s no longer a problem. If that sounds cold, let me warm it up for you a bit. Many houses are being rented rather than sold, because the owners either don’t want to get rid of them or can’t get rid of them. And, the current economy has caused rent to drop to a more affordable level in many areas.

• If you don’t like the neighborhood or the city and you have a job that can be done elsewhere, start looking. Can you transfer? Does your company have nationwide facilities? This is the perfect time to move to a community more suited to you.

• It may be a buyer’s market, but it’s also a renter’s market. Landlords are lowering rents, raising amenities, offering the first month or two off the rent, adding in utility costs and anything else they can think of to attract renters. If you have a good renting track record and good credit, now is the time to start negotiating for a great deal.

• If you’ve been looking for a Santa Cruz  home for sale to buy, it could just be the one you’re renting  With the historically low interest rates, you may now qualify to buy the home you’ve previously been renting.  

If you’re looking for the perfect place to buy, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

Houses are being rented rather than sold

Start looking around

Landlords are lowering rents

 
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    <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-things-to-consider-when-looking-at-condos-in-santa-cruz-county.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-things-to-consider-when-looking-at-condos-in-santa-cruz-county.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>6 Things to Consider When Looking at Condos in Santa Cruz County</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 Let’s face it.  A lot of people like the idea of the easy lifestyle condos in Santa Cruz County provide.  While there are a multitude of positive reasons to buy a condo, many people are so glamorized by the idea that they fail to make sure condos fit their needs.  

Before you jump in and buy one of the condos in Santa Cruz County, make sure you also consider what some people consider the downside to owning a condo:

1.  Space – Buying a condo means sharing an interest in it.  What you own is your personal “box of air.”  The rest of the condo - the common areas - is shared between the other owners.

2.  Neighbors – Because you share walls and common areas, there’s a high chance that you’ll be able to hear them as they move about their own space.  You’ll run into them more often, and have to coordinate with them in issues regarding the common areas.

3.  Reselling – If you own a condominium and think you might resell it later, be aware that condos in Santa Cruz County are typically more sensitive to the real estate market and take longer to recover than traditional single family homes.

4.  Fees – You’ll have to pay monthly condo fees to take care of the maintenance of the common areas and for amenities you may not use, such as a swimming pool or fitness facility.

5.  Rules – All condominiums have CC&amp;Rs, or Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.  The CC&amp;Rs may not fit your lifestyle.  They can include noise level restrictions, types of renovations, owning a pet or even the type of curtains you use.

6.  Association – Instead of property management professionals, the association is made up of homeowners.  It may be weak or inefficient, and you might have to get approval to make renovations or rent out your unit.

Condos in Santa Cruz County are great to own, but they aren’t for everyone.  Make an informed decision before buying one, and you’ll be a happy owner.  

If you’re looking to buy the perfect condo, I’d love to help.  Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links: 

Buying a condo

Monthly condo fees

Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions

 
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    <pubDate>Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-reasons-to-list-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-reasons-to-list-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>6 Reasons to List Your Santa Cruz Home for Sale</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
You don’t list your Santa Cruz home for sale on a whim; you don’t just decide you don’t like the one you have. Selling a home carries significant financial, emotional and family repercussions. Selling your home is one of those life decisions, the ones you discuss with your spouse, look over with professionals and use experts to move forward. 

While you might have been able to list your Santa Cruz home for sale and have it sold quickly at the beginning of the decade, that’s no longer the case. Now, you have to be truly motivated in order to get your home sold.   Unmotivated sellers, those without concrete reasons, are not serious sellers.  

If you’re a motivated seller, on the other hand, you have several new marketing weapons at your disposal. These include government incentive programs, short sale practices, state-of-the-art technology and creative marketing plans to help consummate the transaction.

Are You A Motivated Seller?So, think about it. Are you a motivated seller? There are a number of reasons people are motivated to sell. These reasons include:

1. Lifestyle Change – The time for a quieter way of life has arrived. The nest may be too empty. You may want more freedom and less household commitment. In any case, a change of lifestyle is a very strong motivation to sell.

2. Relationship Changes – Partners get together and partners divide. Marriage, divorce and newborns all set the stage for household change.

3. House Too Small – As families expand, it can be more cost effective to move rather than over-improve. For example, it can cost over $10,000 for a room extension on your home.

4. Time to Upgrade – Prior to the recession, American families moved an average of seven times per marriage. Although those numbers have dropped some, we do still seem to seek the greenest pastures.

5. Changes in Neighborhood - Many homeowners move because of local community issues. A school system may trim budgets or the homes may not be increasing in value. A desire for neighborhood change could be your motivation.

6. Health Issues – People with health issues who cannot continue or afford household upkeep are moving to smaller, more protected and service oriented communities. If this is you, you can definitely consider yourself a motivated seller.

If you’re motivated and have a Santa Cruz home for sale, you already know the market is competitive. However, professional representation, an astute marketing plan and expanded reach can help you locate the perfect buyer. 

Are you a motivated seller? This professional real estate agent would be honored to help you get your home sold. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

Disconnect Your Emotions

Marketing weapons 

$10,000 for a room extension
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    <pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:27:18 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/education-the-key-to-closing-santa-cruz-homes-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/education-the-key-to-closing-santa-cruz-homes-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Education: The Key to Closing Santa Cruz Homes for Sale</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In bygone days, the key to closing many of the deals on Santa Cruz homes for sale often relied on an agent’s networking skills. Those of us with a successful real estate history knew where to go to bring Santa Cruz homes for sale, financers and buyers together. 

In fact, the real estate community became so used to “the way things were done,” the standards for home purchasing and financing became a little lax. Today, regulators have taken aim at any less-than-transparent practices by, quite simply, changing the rules.

Were the “good ole’ days” competitive? Most definitely. Were they as competitive as they are today? Not even close.

Now, in order to complete contracts on Santa Cruz homes for sale, you have more transparency and a stricter set of industry standards, particularly when it comes to working with lenders. The good news is the changes in transparency and industry standards are designed to protect you as the seller and your buyer.

With Change Comes Education With all the changes to the real estate industry, we, as real estate agents, have to stay informed in order to serve your best interests. After all, would you really want an agent following outdated rules from 10 years ago? Probably not, especially if you knew that outdated rules might make your sales contract useless.

How do we stay informed? One way is through the NAR. The National Association of Realtors®, the nation’s largest trade organization, has started several programs to keep agents updated on exciting developments and market trends. Some of the most beneficial programs include: 

• Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR)• Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)• Green Principles• Graduate Realtor® Institute• Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)• Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification (SFR)

Without continuing educational courses like these, staying updated on the real estate industry would be a lot harder. Most of us already have the experience, but ongoing training is also important. Why? So we know all the ways to attract buyers to your home, no matter what they’re looking for. In other words, learning what they’re looking for helps us to better understand what selling points your home has, and how best to market them.

Now, real estate deals are upfront and hidden agendas are (mostly) a thing of the past. Your goal, as owner/seller of one of the Santa Cruz homes for sale, is to make sure the agent you hire is up-to-date on any changes that may affect the sale. 

Don’t be afraid to ask about their education and training. The best agent is the one who doesn’t hesitate to answer with a list of certifications and current courses.

If you’d like to sell your home and want an informed real estate agent,  look no further. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for a complete list of all my certifications and education.

Links:

The National Association of Realtors®

Green Principles

Staying updated on the real estate industry 
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    <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:37:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-fight-mold-before-buyers-run.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-fight-mold-before-buyers-run.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate: Fight Mold Before Buyers Run</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Spring is the rainy season for many parts of the nation and, for those areas where spring doesn’t bring rain, summer does. Rain brings mold, mold grows on your Santa Cruz real estate and buyers run. Of course, if it doesn’t rain, there’s always humidity, which can also cause mold and mildew in the home.

How do I know if I have mold?Well, for example, if you get up in the morning, walk into your living room and find a swimming pool where your couch used to be, you might have mold once the water dries up. Of course, if you have swimming pool in your living room every spring, you can always use it as a selling point… “Living room boasts natural, seasonal pool”

On the serious side, mold is often indicated by a musty, often sharp smell in the home. You also might see dark smudges and/or blotches on surfaces. While excessive humidity can cause mold, those whose homes have had some form of water damage should be the most concerned. Types of water damage can include anything from a leaking roof to a toilet overflowing.

What’s the problem with mold and mildew?The problem with mold and mildew is once it creeps into your Santa Cruz real estate, it takes a brigade to kick it out. Also, mold and mildew problems fall under many states’ disclosure laws, so you may not be able to legally keep it from the buyer. 

If you find out you have mold, you have two choices: 1. Tell the buyer and either lose them or take a hefty chunk out of your sales price.2. Pay a hefty price to a mold removal company. The real kicker is even if you pay to have the mold removed, you may still be required to disclose that the home had a mold problem.

What should you do about mold?The best way to deal with this smelly invader of the home front is to destroy it as soon as you first smell the musty, earthy odor. Track it down and kill it.  Plenty of mold-killing products out there do the job nicely on small patches. 

If you think you might have mold and can’t seem to track it down, check with your health department. They may have recommendations of where to go, who to talk to or other ways to find the mold that you haven’t used.

If you’re trying to sell your Santa Cruz real estate, you can’t let something as annoying as mold ruin the deal. Even if the property is sitting vacant, keep your eyes, ears and – most importantly – nose sharp

If you’re trying to sell your home and need an experienced guide, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

Mold and mildew in the home

Excessive humidity can cause mold

Mold-killing products
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    <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/buying-a-santa-cruz-home-free-credit-reports-not-all-they-seem.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/buying-a-santa-cruz-home-free-credit-reports-not-all-they-seem.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Buying a Santa Cruz Home: Free Credit Reports Not All They Seem</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
You’ve finally decided that, yes, you can afford to buy a Santa Cruz home. After years of frugal saving, hard work and patient waiting, the timing is great. You don’t want to wait anymore, so you rush out and start looking for homes. It is, after all, a buyer’s market, and you’re a buyer.

Now, if you read about real estate, you’ve probably considered your credit. Is my credit strong enough? Is my score high enough? Some go to lenders and request preapproval. A few request prequalification. Many, however, go to the “free” credit score searches. 

Of those who use the credit score searches, some find a Santa Cruz home they want to buy. They then confidently take their credit reports to the lenders and find out the lenders don’t care about the reports. Others find out that the “free” doesn’t really mean free. 

Generally, these credit reporting services are helpful, but most aren’t free. You sign up to get your report and, in the fine print, you’re agreeing to enroll in services that require a monthly fee. The services you end up paying for can be somewhat helpful.  But many people sign up not knowing what they’re getting into.  If you want those types of monthly services, research the companies and don’t fall for scam sites, because they’re out there.

Why won’t leaders use the credit reports you take to them?  

They can’t use the credit scores you bring to them. In fact, they’re required to request credit scores on their own. And, the credit reports lenders get may not reflect what you receive from the reporting services you hired.

Typically, lenders use the median FICO Scores from three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Those FICO Scores may not be the same from bureau to bureau. Some of the “free” credit places provide these scores, but usually from only one bureau rather than all three.

So what should you do? 

Talk to the lender. Get preapproved, not prequalified. Not only will you find out how good your credit really is, but you’ll also be more attractive to sellers.  And, preapproval tells you exactly how much you can reasonably afford to spend on your new Santa Cruz home.

If you’re looking for a beautiful home to call your own, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

Credit reporting services

FICO

Get preapproved, not prequalified.

 
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    <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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