Sunday, October 21, 2012

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.
click here for the full article





Wednesday, October 10, 2012

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.



Friday, October 5, 2012

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

Tuesday, October 2, 2012


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

Saturday, September 29, 2012

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.







Saturday, September 22, 2012

US housing starts rise,and home-builder optimism hits 6-year high!!

U.S. builders started work on more homes in August, driven by the fastest pace of single-family home construction in more than two years.




The Commerce Department recently announced that construction of homes and apartments rose 2.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 750,000 last month, up from 733,000 in July.



Single-family housing starts rose 5.5 percent to an annual rate of 535,000 homes, the best pace since April 2010.



Since hitting a low of 478,000 in April 2009, the rate of home construction has increased by nearly 60%.



Additionally, confidence among builders rose in September to the highest level in more than six years, according to a survey released Tuesday by the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

Monday, April 2, 2012

Coldwell Banker supports Rethink Hunger with the North Texas Food Bank

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is a proud sponsor of Rethink Hunger in partnership with the North Texas National Food Bank. Visit CBDFW.net today for more information as well as several customizable flyers and food lists you can use today. You can also forward the Online Virtual Food Drive link located below to your sphere, or post the link to your Facebook and other social media accounts.
Help us spread the word and gain donations of non-perishable food items by April 30, 2012, or monetary donations through our Online Virtual Food drive.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

COLDWELL BANKER CARES ,WHITE ELEPHANT SALE


Coldwell Banker Cares is having their annual White Elephant sale. It will be @ Coldwell Banker Tanglewood, 4500 Hartwood @Hulen, Fort Worth, Tx. 76109, Sat. March 24 from 7am - 1pm. We are excepting donations to sell, or just come and enjoy the fun. Coldwell Banker Cares Raises money throughout the year and at the end of the year we donate it to local charities.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

4509 Shady Hollow Dr ,Fort Worth ,76123 ( Summer Creek Ranch )





Beautiful open floor plan, split bedrooms. Oversized kitchen with island, tiled

breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, sky-light. Hardwood and tile floors. Office is cur-rently being used as a fourth bedroom. HUGE covered back patio with gas drop for grilling. Surround sound speakers in the den. This home is a must see!

 2,120 Sq Ft

 Three Bedrooms + a Study

 Two Bathrooms

 Two Living Areas

 Two Dining Areas



For a Private Showing call Angie Murphy
Realtor ,GRI 817-825-4786



Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The 116th Annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo


The 116th Annual   Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is a Fort Worth Tradition Rich in History

Starts this Friday Jan. 13 and runs through Feb. 4.  If you are new to the area or native Texan  this is a must see event , there is something for everyone.

1.       Stock Show’s “All Western Parade” is scheduled Saturday, January 15 at 11 a.m., Downtown Fort Worth! The Stock Show Parade is held each year on the first Saturday of the Stock Show. Nearly 100,000 spectators line the streets of

downtown  Fort Worth  to watch this annual event.



 



 2.Rodeo,including bull riding, bronc riding,barrel racing, steer roping, Don’t miss the special event including, “ The cowboys of color Rodeo”, “Best of Mexico CelebraciĆ³n”, “Best of the West” Ranch Rodeo, “Bulls’ Night Out”, and also , “World’s Original Indoor Rodeo™”. Don’t miss out get your tickets now !!



3.       Livestock Exibits

 

4.       Generations of youngsters have made precious memories at this Midway, and today’s kids will have just as much fun. You can hop aboard the MegaDrop and take a 140-foot plunge, or make a slower trip downhill on the largest traveling slide in North America. Take your family for a spin on the tilt-a-whirl, merry-go-round or Ferris wheel, or step up and try to win a prize at one of the many games. When you get hungry, there’s a wide range of delicious delights: popcorn, candy apples, funnel cakes, turkey legs and so much more.





5.       For all you football fans  Stock Show Bowl – Varsity Equestrian Competition – TCU vs. Texas A&M University – Justin Arena  Friday  Feb 3, at 6pm.





Dickies Day Free Grounds Admission



We expect to see a lot of smiling faces at the gate on TUESDAY, January 17. Join us for “Dickies Day” at the Fort Worth Stock Show! Anyone wearing Dickies apparel gets FREE general admission to the Stock Show grounds!