Each month, Melinda will list recent news,
facts and events pertaining to real estate on the page below. Hopefully, this will
allow potential buyers and sellers to gain some insight to the industry and help them feel
more knowledgeable and at ease while making one of the most important decisions of their
life!
Read
About Athens
In 'Your Money'
Magazine
In Motion:
Americans who move each
year: 43 million
Children under the age of 18 who move each year: 10.8 million
Average moves in a lifetime: 11
Average years between each move: 7
No. 1 magnet state for 1998: Alaska
No. 1 outbound state for 1998: South Dakota
Almost half of all moves occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
Home Gains:
West: 7.2%
Midwest: 7.2%
Northeast: 3.2%
South: 5.9%
Home prices rose 5.2% nationwide last year, with a 7.2% price gain in Western and
Midwestern states, which lead the way.
Credit Reports:
Did you know you can receive
a free copy (once annually) of your credit report from each of the following repositories?
Equifax: 800.685.1111 or equifax.com
Experian: 800.682.7654 or experian.com
Trans Union Corporation: 800.916.8800 or tuc.com
Tips For Buyers
Trying To Attain
The Best Possible Credit Score:
1.) Don't order any
furniture, appliances, etc. for a new home, even if no payment is immediately due.
2.) Don't let stores you shop with run a credit check when looking for items for your new
home.
3.) Don't apply for any new credit cards!
4.) Pay all credit card bills on time, even if it means paying utility bills late.
4.) Refuse increases to your credit limit on all cards.
5.) Pay off and close all existing accounts with finance companies, as these are viewed
negatively on a credit rating.
6.) Close all unused credit card accounts.
7.) Maintain at least one of your oldest credit cards to show a lengthy credit history.
Stay tuned for more news and
information in the months to come!
Sources: REALTOR
Magazine - May 1999 Issue
|
