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What is a Credit Freeze?
Many of you have heard me talk about credit freezes. It is one of the best financial security tools out there.
If you’re concerned about identity theft, data breaches, or someone gaining access to your credit report without your permission, you might consider placing a credit freeze on your report. Click here to read more: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs
Beginning on September 21, 2018, credit freezes are now free. You have to place a credit freeze with each of the three major credit bureaus. Once you do, your file is locked and nobody can take credit out in your name without the unlock code that is provided to you by each credit bureau. Each code is different for each credit bureau. You don't pay a monthly fee, nor will you have to pay to unlock your credit. You can rest easy knowing your data is secure.
Here is a link to Equifax's credit freeze site. https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/
Be sure to contact Equifax, Experian and Transunion. You will want to establish a credit freeze with all three. When we established ours, we had to send them a letter. Today, you might be able to do this online. Many people are not aware of a credit freeze, so please be sure to spread the word and tell others about this excellent service.
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Six Things You Shouldn't Do Right Before Buying a Home
 While you should always keep tabs on your money and avoid making financial errors to protect your credit score, you must be extra careful during the year leading up to buying a house. As you prepare to apply for a mortgage, your lender will be scrutinizing every financial move you make, and you may be surprised at which actions raise red flags. Here are six things that you shouldn't do before... Read More
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Inventory Gains Fail to Stave Off National Home Price Increases
 In June, first-time buyers made up only 31 percent of the market, unchanged from May and down one percentage point from a year ago. According to the 2017 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of Realtors, first-time buyers accounted for 34 percent of all transactions last year. Realtors are noticing a pent-up demand from first-time buyers... Read More |
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Six Ways to Revive Your Home with Essential Oils
 Essential oils, highly concentrated essences of plants, have the power to improve our lives, revive our spaces, and boost our mood, whether it's through diffusing them to add a fresh scent to the kitchen, creating a spa-like oasis in your bathroom, or whipping up DIY cleaning products to use all over your home.
"How we care for the everyday spaces we live in impacts our well-being," says Charlynn... Read More
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Why a Home Appraisal Matters for the Buyer
 As a buyer, the appraisal is essential to whether you will be approved for the mortgage amount that you've requested. The house that you purchase provides the collateral you need to borrow the money. If the home isn't valued at the same amount or higher than what you intend to borrow, you could run into problems receiving approval.
Is It Possible to Undo a
Bad Home Appraisal?
What can you do if you believe the home appraisal is inaccurate? The first thing you should do is speak to your real estate agent about your concerns. The agent will evaluate the appraisal... Read More
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Five Sustainable Home Design Trends to Try
Consumer demand for eco-friendly products has grown in recent years. Now, homeowners looking to renovate for sustainability will find elegant and attractive products for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and more. Here are five of the top sustainable home design trends to know:
1. Low-Flow Showerheads
Earlier generations of low-flow showerheads offered low water pressure that left many homeowners unsatisfied. Now, low-flow showerheads are not only strong, they're chic. Curb water waste, save money, and upgrade your bathroom with a new showerhead that not only looks great but conserves... Read More |
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