Expert Real Estate Tips

What Will Canceling Credit Cards Do To My Credit Score?

Wed, 06 May 2009 10:18:45 PST

Which credit cards should you cancel to have the least negative impact on your credit score? Canceling old credit cards that you don't use anymore shouldn't have too much of an effect on your credit score as long as the remaining cards are kept to a balance below 50% of your available credit. Your credit score will be higher if you are using and repaying credit, rather than just holding onto some old credit cards. Play video

Should You Use A Credit Monitoring Service?

Tue, 05 May 2009 14:51:18 PST

Do you need a credit monitoring service? You can pull your credit report once a year for free from each of the three credit reporting bureaus from AnnualCreditReport.com, but you might want to monitor your credit more frequently. If you feel that you are at risk for identity theft, your personal information has been compromised, or you just want to keep an eye on your credit score, you might want to use a credit monitoring service. With a credit monitoring service you should be able to see your credit report and credit score, be notified when any changes occur, and depending on the service, freeze and unfreeze your credit file. Play video

What Kind of Accounts are on Your Credit File?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:02:53 PST

Ever wonder what magical formula credit reporting bureaus use to figure out your credit score? It's not random, certain accounts are on your credit file and other accounts aren't. Things like utility payments and gambling debts aren't on your credit history, but anything from a financial institution or court system will be on your credit file. Watch this video from Expert Real Estate Tips for more insight into what's on your credit report and how your credit score is calculated. Play video

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft With a Credit Freeze

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:07:12 PST

A proactive way to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit file with the three credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Freezing your credit file means no one can open a new account. It does not close your exisitng lines of credit, but it means that no one can open a new credit account or line of credit. If you're young and trying to open lines of credit to establish your credit history you probably don't want to freeze your credit file. However, seniors who don't need to open more lines of credit and maybe have paid off their mortgage can consider freezing their credit to prevent possible identity theft. Also, consider freezing your credit if you think your personal information was compromised and you're at risk for identity theft. Play video

How To Detect Credit Problems and Identity Theft

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:09:05 PST

Do you know what is on your credit report? One of the first signs of identity theft is false information or mistakes on your credit report. Get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com from each of the three credit reporting bureaus once a year. Check your credit report for accuracy, and look for suspicious information that can suggest identity theft. Consider using a credit monitoring service to protect yourself against identity theft. This will help keep an eye on your credit history all the time, rather than only once a year by pulling your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Play video

How To Keep Your Identity and Credit History Safe

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:33:01 PST

Who is responsible for protecting your identity and credit history? Only you are responsible for making sure your personal information is safe. The best way to protect your credit is to check your credit regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you discover any errors or mistakes, report the errors immediately so the banks and credit reporting bureaus can help resolve your credit disputes. If you do want to hire a credit monitoring service, make sure you use a service that will help prevent fraud, protect your personal information, and resolve any disputes. Play video

How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:01:13 PST

Guarding your personal information is the key to protecting yourself against identity theft. Don't carry unused credit cards and your social security card in your wallet. Don't give out your social security number to doctors. Ask your employer what they do to keep your personal information safe. If you are careful about protecting information like your social security number and mother's maiden name, you can reduce your risk for identity theft. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video for more identity theft solutions. Play video

Identity Theft and Credit History Damage

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:10:05 PST

Identity theft can happen when your personal information is stolen to open up new lines of credit. Identity thieves commonly use your name, address, social security number and mother's maiden name to create fake identities. Eventually, you will be held responsible for these accounts that you didn't know existed. The long-term damage to your credit history from identity theft can be more damaging than the short-term effects. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video on Identity Theft for more information on how to protect yourself from identity theft. Play video

Selling Your Own Home (FSBO)

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:40:55 PST

What does it take to sell your own home and what should you do first? You're responsible for both the seller's and the agent's duties. The most important this is to make sure your pricing is comparable to others in the neighborhood. Set a good listing price and you will attract buyers to the table. You can also attract buyers with lots of pictures on the Internet and by staging your home appropriately. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video for more FSBO advice. Play video

For Sale By Owner: Selling A High-Priced Home

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:59:15 PST

When you are selling a higher-priced home, the buyers you are dealing with are probably more experienced and won't be first-time home buyers. As experienced buyers, they know the process and might not need a real estate agent to walk them through the sale. When you list your home as FSBO, you can save money on the commission, but sellers still need to be willing to work with buyers' agents. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video for more FSBO advice from experienced FSBO sellers. Play video

Use A Real Estate Attorney Even When Selling By Owner

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:22:19 PST

An experienced real estate attorney can usually help out with any real estate transaction, but a real estate attorny might be especially useful if you are selling your own home. When completing a FSBO sale, a real estate attorney can help protect you and make sure everything is done right, according to the law. Don't get tripped up on contracts and the legal aspect if you've already made a successful FSBO sale. Play video

What To Do If You Can't Sell Your House

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:35:58 PST

What should you do if selling your own home in a tough market is too difficult? Real estate agents and sellers across the country are having a tough time, but you may have more options if you're selling your own home. Consider renting your home on a short-term basis to business travelers. Lowering your listing price is also an option if you're willing to give up profit for the sale. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video for more FSBO help. Play video

Take Charge Of Your Home Sale With FSBO

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:00:18 PST

If using a real estate agent hasn't worked to sell your home, try listing your home as "For Sale By Owner," and take control of your home sale. An experienced FSBO seller says he likes selling his own home, because he is in charge of the home sale. His home is the only listing he has, and he thinks he will work harder to convince the buyer, rather than moving to the next listing. Take charge of your home sale with FSBO, if real estate agents haven't worked out for you. Play video

FSBO Tips From Former Realtors

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:57:28 PST

Many times, the reason a house sells is circumstance -- having the right house for the right buyers at the right time. Former real estate agents and experienced for sale by owner sellers share some of their tips. If you have the skills to be able to sell your own home, you can save yourself a hefty commission. Play video

Market Your FSBO Home On The Internet

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:56:00 PST

When you are selling your own home, don't feel like you have to have an open house every weekend to sell your home. Focus more on Internet marketing to get people to see your FSBO home. Post your listing on the MLS, and on other sites like FSBO.com and make sure you come up on Google, Yahoo, and MSN searches. When selling your own home, take advantage of all the Internet resources and you can spend less time on traditional marketing techniques. Play video

Adding An MLS Listing To Your FSBO Strategy

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:54:40 PST

Should you add an MLS listing to your FSBO strategy? Real estate agents used to be the only people who could access the MLS, but now anyone can see it on the Internet. Adding an MLS listing increases the number of eyes that will see your home. When selling your own home through a site like FSBO.com, you can add an MLS package. You will still avoid paying most of the commission, but you may have to pay a commission to an agent who brings his or her buyers to your sale. Play video

How To Price Your Own Home To Sell

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:53:23 PST

Without the help of an experienced real estate agent, how should you price your home to sell? Experienced FSBO sellers share some of their pricing advice. Compute your listing price based on your property tax bill. Compare your home value to similar properties on the market. If you're hoping to sell quickly, consider giving your buyer a lower price since you're not paying commission when you sell your own home. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video for more FSBO advice. Play video

Staging Your Home Before Selling

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:52:20 PST

A good first impression can attract potential buyers even better than a low price. When you are selling your own home, make sure your house is in top selling condition. Clear away clutter, depersonalize , rearrange furniture, and make your home welcoming. However, if it's obviously a family home, don't be afraid to show a few photos, or have kids furniture. When selling, show off the best features of your home. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video for more home staging help. Play video

What To Do Before Listing Your Home For Sale By Owner

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:50:56 PST

Homeowners need to do many things in preparation for listing their home "For Sale By Owner." They must do research to find the best FSBO website to list their home. They need to price the home appropriately for the market. Homeowners must stage the house and make sure it's ready for any showings. Finally, they can place a yard sign outside and let potential buyers come see the house. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video for more advice for selling your own home. Play video

FSBO Internet Packages and Options

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:49:41 PST

As many as 85 percent of home buyers use the Internet to search for a home. Don't lose out on potential buyers just because you don't have the expertise of a real estate agent. When selling your own home, take advantage of Internet resources by posting lots of photos and videos. If you're using a site like FSBO.com, use the packages that include yard signs and flier boxes. Don't forget to post on multiple sites like Yahoo, Craigslist and Military.com to get the most visitors. Play video