Thinking of buying a home, but don't know where to start?.
Buying a home is as easy as ready, set, go!

Get Ready! ... Get a copy of your credit report for free!

If you're considering buying a new home, the best thing you can do for yourself is to improve your credit score, called the FICO score. The higher your score, the better financing you will be able to secure. So, while you are researching neighborhoods, schools, taxes, etc. make sure you check out www.myfico.com . Go to the Credit Education section for several great articles, including how to improve your score.

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) requires, among other things, that the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) provide to consumers, upon request, a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. To see how you can receive a free credit report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com .

Get Set! ... Patch the dings in your credit.

If you find that your credit could use an overhaul, check out the Federal Trade Commission website. The article "Credit Repair: Self Help May Be Best" has good information on how to repair your own credit, as well as scams to watch out for with companies that offer to repair your credit for you. To read that article and others, go to the "For Consumers" section, and click on "Credit", click "For Consumers", click "In Debt?"(blue section in the center of page). Pay off your lines of credit until the balance is less than half your credit limit on each card.

If you don't have any credit lines in your name, you may find that you have no "good credit". Before you can qualify for a mortgage, you will need a year's worth of payment history on something in your name. If you are paying rent to a family member, have them create receipts for your payments, get a phone in your name, or get a credit card for something you use, such as gas or groceries, and pay them on time in full every month.

GO! ... Find a loan, find a home!

Need a home loan? Weichert Financial is a direct lender and has over 370 loan programs. Let us help you find one that works for you. Email Judy to make an appointment with one of our Gold Services Managers.

For more information on mortgages, homeowners insurance, and much more, check out Weichert Gold Services.

Let's shop for that new home! Contact Judy for a no-obligation consultation to find that perfect house for you.

If you make the decision to buy, give me a call! I can show you how to take advantage of this market.