How to repair my credit and improve my FICO credit score

It's important to note that repairing bad credit is a bit like losing weight: It takes time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score. In fact, out of all of the ways to improve a credit score, quick-fix efforts are the most likely to backfire, so beware of any advice that claims to improve your credit score fast. The best advice for rebuilding credit is to manage it responsibly over time. If you haven't done that, then you need to repair your credit history before you see credit score improvement. The tips below will help you do that. They are divided up into categories based on the data used to calculate your credit score.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide Detectors video provided by U.S. Inspect.

Overexposure to Carbon Monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning in the USA, according to the EPA. CO gas is a serious concern due to it's ability to disguise it's presence.




It is odorless, tasteless, and colorless.



Having a detector in every home with fossil fuel burning appliances is a must. Ideally, a detector should be present on each level of the home. There are established, specific distances applicable to the proper placement of CO detectors.



In addition to CO detectors, gas appliances, wood burning fireplaces, and chimneys must be properly maintained.



This short video imparts some very good tips to ensure your home is in compliance.

I Heart My Attic

I heart My Attic Has It Been A While Since You Spent Some Quality Time With Your Attic? Frequently, upon encountering an attic hatch sealed with paint, an inspector will immediately sense he's about to enter virgin territory. When later asked about the attic, homeowners may respond with, "Never had any reason to go up there..." or, "Didn't think it was safe." While the second response may be true for the inexperienced, we do recommend homeowners become aware and comfortable with what goes on in their attics. Just like so many of the components of one's house, the attic plays a strategic role in the home's overall condition in terms of structural stability, energy efficiency, and fire safety. The attic will always reveal a great deal about the house. It's usually one of the last places to be repaired or renovated during the life of the home. But quite interestingly, the history of the house, while not obvious at other locations, can frequently be understood when viewing the attic. Here are some things every homeowner should get to know about his or her attic: Is my attic adequately insulated? Your homes geographic location will determine the proper amount of insulation. You might also need an energy audit. Check out http://www.energystar.gov to learn more about do-it-yourself as well as professional energy audits. Is my attic properly ventilated? Moisture is common in attics and needs to be exhausted to the atmosphere. Otherwise, you are at risk for a whole host of problems ranging from delaminating roof sheathing, water streaks on interior walls, and rotting of wood framing. Moisture and attic temperature have a corollary relationship as well. Generally speaking, your attic temperature should be no more than 10-15F degrees higher than the outside air temperature. Your home's location, square footage of the attic, and the slope of the roof all dictate the amount of ventilation required. Has the metal chimney flue or furnace vent been relocated? Inspect this area for proper clearance between the flue or vent and adjacent wood framing. Typically, a two-inch minimum is required. Anything less is a fire safety issue and exposes the wood to spontaneous combustion. Are there any issues with structural members? Inspecting your rafters and trusses for cracked, broken, and sagging sections is part of every attic visit. Should you see something you think is out of place, take a picture and discuss it with a professional. Is the roof decking plywood or OSB? What is its condition? Is it warped, water stained, or deteriorated? Does it appear to have been painted over or is it discolored? Many insurance companies will not replace roofs for interior fires, instead authorizing payment only for repainting smoke damaged framing and decking. Do I know the location of electrical junction boxes, outlets, or switches in my attic? Are they installed properly, with covers? What is the type of wiring present? For older homes, do you know if you have multiple types of wiring. Some aged wiring, like Knob and Tube, is a fire safety issue and should be removed, not just replaced. Are there kitchen or bath exhaust fans terminating in the attic? These are unwanted sources of moisture and need to be redirected all the way to the exterior. Have I checked for a radon vent pipe? Builders these days are installing passive radon vent pipes during construction. One of these installed in your home may save you precious dollars if a radon mitigation system ever needs to be installed. Lastly, have I noticed signs of pests or vermin? Squirrels, raccoons, birds, bats, skunks, and mice are all very common in attics across the United States. Never attempt to remove or eradicate a live animal without professional help. They can be very dangerous when cornered. Courtesy Of: www.usinspect.com

All About AFCI Outlets video provided by U.S. Inspect.

Purchasing a HUD Home !!

First of all  A HUD home is a 1-to-4 unit residential property acquired by HUD as a result of a foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.

Purchasing a HUD home can be good purchase, you will typically be able to get into a home or a neighborhood ,that you otherwise cant afford. However there is always a cost at moving up in the world.

When a HUD  home goes on the market it is offer under a sealed bid for 10 days. The bidding is usually open to owner occupants only .(investors get their chance if it is still on the  market after 30 days.)

A couple of things to know if you win the bid.

1. You are given 48 hours to return your paperwork and it must be signed in blue ink.

2. HUD homes are as is and they will not fix anything,However you still get a chance to do an inspection to see what you are getting into.

3. You are required to call the utility companies to turn on the utilities(in your name and your dollar) for the inspection. (HUD will not turn on utilities) . after you have received their permission.

4. HUD will give you 45 days to close if you need to extend the contract ,they will require an additional $375.00 dollars to extend the contract. Typically you will receive that back if you go through with the contract ,however HUD is not required to return the deposit.

5. A deposit (Earnest money) is required : $500.00 for a property under $50,000 or $1000.00 if the property is over $50,000. This is given back to you at closing towards your closing cost .  However if you back out for any reason other than losing your job or Death. HUD will keep your deposit !

If you have any other questions about HUD homes please email me @

fortworthrealtor1@yahoo.com


To Search for HUD homes go to www.hudhomestore.com


HUD also sends out an appraiser, before the home is listed and generates a repair report on the HUD website. This is very helpful to know the problems before you place a bid. However it doesn't Mean that you shouldn't hiring your own professional inspector.