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3 Scams to Watch Out for If You Want to Buy a Home When You Have Bad Credit

Ever heard the expression, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is”? When you have bad credit but want to buy a home, it’s easy to think that claims of paying a fee to have your credit score increased will help solve the problem.

 

Think again.

 

Freddie Mac recently issued a warning to buyers about very specific scams that claim to give your credit score a boost so you can buy the house of your dreams.

 

Disputes with Credit Bureaus

 

Con artists are taking advantage of a new FICO program – FICO Score Open Access for Credit and Financial Counseling. The program is supposed to give people access to their FICO score and education materials to help learn how to build their credit profile the right way.

 

Instead, buyers are encouraged to contact credit bureaus repeatedly to dispute defaulted debt. If the bureau misses responding to one dispute, the debt temporarily falls off the report, falsely increasing your credit score. But the fix is temporary and your score will go back up again.

 

False Claims of Identity Theft

 

We probably shouldn’t have to say this, but any false claims of a crime committed against you are going to land you in hot water with law enforcement. Scammers aren’t concerned. They encourage buyers to make false accusations of identify theft complete with false police reports on mortgage applications.

 

Lenders, though, take identity theft very seriously. They investigate claims when they show up on applications. Buyers who fall for this tactic will be caught.

 

Misuse of Credit Protection/Privacy Numbers

 

Con artists will tell you to purchase a credit privacy number which is something typically used by celebrities and politicians in place of a social security number to keep their credit private. Buyers are told to get one to create a clean (and misleading) credit profile.

 

Once discovered, and you will be discovered, you as the one using the number, could be implicated in the crime of identity theft. Not only are you denied the mortgage loan, you could face legal consequences.

 

It’s hard to wait the months and years it can take to raise your credit score up to a good level. The quick schemes that cost you money will eventually cost you the ability to buy a home or even your freedom. Take it slow and steady and don’t let yourself fall for a scam.

Avoid Roof Mishaps

Keeping your roof up to par is probably one of the most important things a homeowner can do. Your roof could be considered your home’s biggest investment, and although they only need to be replaced every 20-25 years, it is important to properly maintain your roof to lengthen its life. Follow these tips to keep your roof in superior shape.

Many homeowners don’t realize that their roof requires regular maintenance. Inspecting your roof twice a year, and after any major storm or natural disaster, is a great way to expand the life of your roof, and you don’t need a professional contractor to do this.

Loose, worn or missing shingles is a common roofing issue. Check for and replace loose shingles, or any shingles that look particularly worn—patch faulty shingles with roofing cement, negating room for water leakage.

Cleaning debris buildup is a simple task that can have a major impact. Leaves, branches and other environmental matter can collect on your roof, creating extra weight and making way for water to accumulate and cause leaks. Also be sure to clean out gutters seasonally.

Roof flashing, the galvanized metal or aluminum placed over surface intersections and edges, provides extra protection from weathering. Most major flashing repairs should be left to a professional. However, there are some simple DIY tricks most homeowners can manage, including repairing or replacing bent, loose or rusted nails; replacing crumbled or dry roofing cement, and recaulking.

Major roof repairs can be costly. Make major mishaps less likely and get the most out of your roof by inspecting it twice annually and making any necessary small repairs along the way. While you can conduct most of your inspections yourself, hiring a professional once every few years is a great way to ensure you aren’t missing anything, and elongate the life of your roof.

Veteran’s Day 2015: The Community Gives Thanks

Veteran’s Day is Wednesday, November 11 and on behalf of all of us at Rising Star Real Estate, I would like to thank every military member, active-duty and retired, that have helped keep our country safe, as well as the military families that keep everything running when your loved ones are overseas or simply in another city or state, doing their duty to our country.

Thank you all, and please know that your sacrifices aren’t ignored or forgotten.

Many businesses across the Emerald Coast want to show their thanks and support as well. Take a look at the list of freebies and discounts active duty and veteran military members can receive on Wednesday.

HYPERLINK “http://www.applebees.com/VeteransDayMenu”Applebee’s: Veterans and activy-duty military can have lunch or dinner for free, when you pick from a special menu. Beverage and gratuity aren’t included.

HYPERLINK “https://www.bonefishgrill.com/”Bonefish Grill: Show your military ID and get a free order of Bang Bang Shrimp.

HYPERLINK “http://www.crackerbarrel.com/about/newsroom”Cracker Barrel: Free dessert, the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola cake, for veterans.

HYPERLINK “http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dennys-thanks-the-nations-veterans-with-a-free-diner-meal-300170233.html”Denny’s: Stop by for breakfast between 5:00 a.m. and noon. Veterans and active-duty personnel get a Build Your Own Grand Slam meal for free.

HYPERLINK “http://www.goldencorral.com/military/”Golden Corral: Veterans and active-duty military members are invited to a special sit-down dinner between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., free.

HYPERLINK “http://www.greatclips.com/promotions/veterans-day”Great Clips: Come in and get a haircut on November 11, and you’ll receive a card to give to a vet or active-duty military member for a free haircut later.

HYPERLINK “http://news.hooters.com/press-release/hooters-veterans-day-hooters-calendar-operation-calendar-drop/hooters-serves-free-meal”Hooters: A free entree for all veterans and active-duty military.

HYPERLINK “http://www.ihop.com/about-ihop/ihop-news/2015-news/ihop-restaurants-say-thank-you”IHOP:  Stop by IHOP between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and receive a free order of Red, White, and Blue pancakes. All veterans and active-duty military invited.

HYPERLINK “http://www.meineke.com/veterans2015/”Meineke: Free oil changes with your military ID.

HYPERLINK “http://www.olivegarden.com/specials/veterans-day-free-meals”Olive Garden: Veterans and active-duty can receive one of five entrees for free. Military family members receive a 10 percent discount.

HYPERLINK “http://outback.com/Military”Outback Steakhouse: Free bloomin’ onion and a beverage for veterans and active-duty military. You can also participate in “Military Mates” with a 15 percent off discount from November 12 through December 31 – this includes military families, as well. Even better, deployed military can get a rain check by registering at  HYPERLINK “http://outback.com/Military”Outback.com.

HYPERLINK “http://www.marketwatch.com/story/panera-bread-to-honor-veterans-in-november-and-forms-partnership-with-wounded-warriors-of-south-florida-2015-10-30″Panera Bread: Veterans and active-duty receive a free “you pick two” meal.

HYPERLINK “http://www.military.com/discounts/starbucks-veterans-day-military-discount”Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty military, and military spouses are welcome to come in for a free traditional tall-brewed coffee.

It’s not all about the freebies and discounts this Veteran’s Day. Come on out for a two events!

HYPERLINK “http://www.fwbchamber.org/events/Home-of-the-Brave-5K-RunWalk-1Mile-Fun-Run-3239/details”Home of the Brave 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run
Uptown Station
8:00 a.m.

HYPERLINK “http://emeraldcoasthub.com/events/veterans-day-parade-2015/”Veteran’s Day Parade
Santa Rosa Mall
1:00 p.m.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. It has not been forgotten.

7 Can’t-Miss Events Around the Emerald Coast in November and December

November and December are hectic months, between Thanksgiving turkey and gift-buying and giving in December. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of the extra time with your family and find something fun to do to get you through the crazy holiday months. Check out these seven events in November and December for everyone in the family!

FANdom Convention

Friday, November 6 – Sunday, November 8

Emerald Coast Convention Center

Got a favorite video game or comic book? Can’t get enough of science fiction or anime? Maybe you love cosplay. The FANdom Convention is the place to be! Meet celebrities, party with other fandoms, and get your geek on with others who love what you love.

HYPERLINK “http://www.fandomcon.com/”More info.

8^th Annual Blues, Brews, and BBQ

Saturday, November 7

HarborWalk Village

The name says it all. Come on out for great music, craft beers, and delicious BBQ. For 21 and up, tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Under 21, tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the door. Kids six and up are FREE.

HYPERLINK “http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/things-to-do/upcoming-events/8th-annual-blues-brews-bbq/”More info.

Sinfonia 10^th Anniversary Gala Event Featuring Kristin Chenoweth

Friday, November 13

Emerald Coast Conference Center

Help Sinfonia celebrate 10 years and let the former “Glee” and “Pushing Daisies” star entertain you for the evening.

HYPERLINK “https://apps.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=a38cdb65dd3a1b23b2ace8e8a57924ff&vqitq=97b82e96-a06c-4c91-a1a6-66cef99ccc12&vqitp=5e498c69-9c93-4ca3-890c-759d43940bbe&vqitts=1446477643&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itlwww&vqitrt=Safetynet&vqith=14b2bf508c874d9f7f324c1c76e55daa”More info.

Destin Pooch Palooza

Saturday, November 14, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Destin Dog Park

Dogs and their people are invited to a FREE afternoon for dogs of all sizes and shapes. Vendor booths, food trucks, art, demonstrations and more will be available.

HYPERLINK “http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/things-to-do/upcoming-events/destin-pooch-palooza/”More info.

Santa’s Arrival at Destin Commons

Friday, November 20, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Destin Commons and Bass Pro

Bring the kids out to talk to the big guy and start the Christmas celebration a little early.

Santa’s Arrival at Harborwalk

Friday, November 27, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Harborwalk Village
Seeing Santa is a great way to finish Thanksgiving and get everyone in the holiday spirit. If you can’t make it out the week before, Santa’s coming to Harborwalk too. His helper’s are everywhere!

Destin Harbor Boat Parade

Sunday, December 13, 6:00 p.m.

Harborwalk Village

Sure, anyone can drive around to see the Christmas lights, but only on the Emerald Coast will the pretty lights float by you in a boat parade. Bring the whole family to enjoy a long-standing Destin and Emerald Coast tradition.

HYPERLINK “http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/things-to-do/upcoming-events/destin-harbor-boat-parade/”More info.

To see these events and more, visit:

HYPERLINK “http://www.destinchamber.com/cwt/external/wcpages/wcevents/communityeventsstartpage.aspx?ce=true”Destin Chamber of Commerce

HYPERLINK “http://www.fwbchamber.org/events?ce=true”Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

HYPERLINK “http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/things-to-do/upcoming-events.aspx”Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

Whatever you enjoy, you’ll find some event for it in November and December along the Emerald Coast. Get out and enjoy everything our community has to offer.

September 2015: Real Estate Sales Strong Across the Emerald Coast

Single family home sales, as well as townhouse and condo sales, were strong across the Emerald Coast in September when compared to the same time last year. Okaloosa and Walton counties also saw increases in closed sales during the month of September. Median prices, pending sales, and inventory fluctuated for the month of September. All sales statistics below compare September 2015 to September 2014.

 

Single Family Home Sales

 

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales increased 10.3%
• Pending sales increased 13.3%
• Median prices increased 2.6%
• Inventory decreased 4.8%
• Months supply decreased 21.9% to 6.4 months of inventory, the lowest since current reporting began in 2011

 

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales increased 9.5%
• Pending sales increased 9.2%
• Median prices increased 2.9%
• Inventory decreased 2.5%
• Months supply decreased 21.6% to 5.2 months of inventory, the lowest since current reporting began in 2011

 

Walton County

• Closed sales increased 4.4%
• Pending sales increased 24.4%
• Median prices increased 19%
• Inventory decreased 6.1%
• Months supply decreased 21.2% to 7.8 months of inventory, no change when compared to August

 

Townhouse and Condo Sales

 

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales increased 23.8%
• Pending sales decreased 1.1%
• Median prices increased 2%
• Inventory increased 1.7%
• Months supply decreased 3.6% to 9.7 months of inventory

 

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales increased 7.1%
• Pending sales decreased 10.4%
• Median prices decreased 10.5%
• Inventory increased 1.9%
• Months supply increased 1.7% to 11.1 months of inventory

 

Walton County

• Closed sales increased 36.9%
• Pending sales decreased 15.1%
• Median prices increased 15.5%
• Inventory decreased 8.8%
• Months supply decreased 21.3% to 8 months of inventory, the lowest since current reporting began in 2011 and the same level from August.

 

A few things to remember…

 

September is traditionally a month when real estate sales begin to slow as the summer comes to an end. While many people think of spring and summer as the real estate season, fall and winter – especially on the Emerald Coast – can be excellent times to buy or sell a home. The weather is milder, especially in the fall, and those who need to buy or sell tend to be willing to negotiate.

 

A healthy real estate market (meaning neither buyer nor sellers have an “advantage”) is a six to eight month inventory. Below six months, it’s thought to be a seller’s market and above eight months is considered a buyer’s market. Single family home inventory in Okaloosa County could indicate an inventory shortage and points to a seller’s market, meaning buyers could pay higher prices. Condo inventory in Okaloosa County is well above the healthy range and could favor buyers. Walton County is well within healthy ranges for both single family homes and townhouses and condos.

 

Inventory can decrease while the months’ supply can increase – as well as the reverse. As inventory falls, buyers have less options. If the available inventory shrinks too much, sales can slow down which will increase the months’ supply of homes for purchase. This also contributes to quicker offers for well-priced and positioned homes, as well as multiple offers.

 

Pending sales are only an indication of the month ahead. In months with an increase in pending sales, you can expect sales to increase for the following month. A decline in pending sales may be an indication of lower sales the next month. It is not an automatic as sales often take more than 30 days to close.

 

All sales data is from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and is compiled by Florida Realtors®, the state association for Florida. The Emerald Coast statistics cover both Okaloosa and Walton counties as well as surrounding areas based on the listings entered into the MLS by ECAR MLS participants.

4 Ways to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

Image via Kozzi

 

The home buying process – so many features to choose from, so many layouts and designs to consider, and so many things that you might one day come to hate.

 

It’s hard to imagine that the two-story townhouse with no garage, no bathtubs, and a strangely shaped living room could one day make you want to run screaming from your home. That fifth floor condo with the slow elevator ride sounded great at first, but now you’d give anything to pull into your own driveway and just walk inside. The big yard, bigger swimming pool, and massive home seemed luxurious until you had to mow, clean, and cool all that space.

 

While you’re on the hunt for your next house, keep a few things in mind to avoid buyer’s remorse a few months after you close.

 

1. Bigger isn’t always better.

 

Everyone needs space. When you’re looking at a new home, consider if you really need that much space. Remember, eventually you have to clean, heat and cool, and keep up with all that space. Cost can become a factor quickly, plus you may lose any and all free time just with the upkeep alone.

 

2. The layout needs to work for you, not against you.

 

Odd shaped rooms, giant kitchen islands in the center of not-so-giant kitchens – these things can take a toll on how you function in your own home. Sure, it looked interesting when you viewed it. But looks aren’t everything. Make sure you can see yourself living within that layout. Yes, that might mean pretending to “cook” in the kitchen or imagining where the couch and TV will go in the living room with odd angles before making an offer.

 

3. Fads fade.

 

Trendy is cool, but fads fade. Think about how you hard you laughed when you saw avocado shag carpet in one home, and don’t forget the pink bathroom. At one point in time, that was what all the cool homeowners had in their house. Even if you’re determined to have a home updated with all the latest styles, be prepared for the expense of changing the look of your home once those styles become dated and laughable.

 

4. Stairs, pools, and other features that annoy.

 

A two or three story home may give you the same you want on a smaller lot. A large pool may sound like a dream for family fun. They are great, until you’re carrying a load of laundry up to the top floor, for the fifth time that day or you’ve spent hundreds of dollars or several hours cleaning the pool. Having these features is great for many families, but think about who you are and what will make you craziest on a busy day with screaming kids and not enough time. Not every feature or amenity is right for every family.

 

Every buyer has different needs for their home. There is nothing wrong with more space, big pools, a flight of stairs, or the latest fashion in home décor. When you’re buying a home, be realistic about who you are and what you’re willing to do. Buy the home that fits your life instead of changing your entire life to fit the home.