Finding Your Credit Rating
Kachi Realty
Finding Your Credit Rating
Finding Your Credit Rating
Finding your credit rating can be an intimidating task, but for anyone hoping to purchase a home it is a necessary step. Your credit rating has a huge effect on the process of purchasing a home, from the types of lenders you will approach, to the type of loan you will get, to the interest rate you will be offered. So how can you find your credit rating, and how do you evaluate it?
Finding Your Credit Score
There are three major credit companies in the United States that offer you free access to your credit score—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. These companies can give you a detailed breakdown of your credit situation; however, don’t assume that each report will be identical. Since these reports are free, it is in your best interest to get all three to be sure that you are getting the complete picture.
Understanding Your Credit Score
When obtaining your credit report be sure that you request a consumer report. These reports are simplified and designed for the average consumer, and are less confusing than the reports which are sent to lenders. Your credit report will likely contain four sections, including personal information, credit history, public records, and inquiries.
Personal Information—When looking over the documents, first be sure that your personal information is accurate. There may be minor spelling mistakes in your name or address, for example, or information about previous loans from old addresses. Overall the information should be accurate, and contain no information which does not pertain to you, or looks as if it might be fraudulent.
Credit History—The second section of the report is the most important. This will include information about the credit accounts you hold with institutions that report to that particular agency. It should include the account numbers, the name of the creditor, the amount of the loan, the type, the rate, the outstanding amount, and the amount of any fixed payments you make. It will also include information about any credit accounts you may hold with other people. While each report may not be complete, it is important that what is included be accurate.
Public Records—This is the section that you prefer to be blank. It includes reports on such things as bankruptcies, judgments, and tax liens. Again, it is important that you ensure that this section is accurate.
Inquiries—This section includes information about any credit applications you have made or offers you have received. Overall, this section is usually ignored by potential lenders, but it is important to check it for accuracy.
Useful Information from Kachi Realty LLC
Cut your energy costs with easy home tips. Learn how smart lighting, efficient appliances, and simple thermostat tricks can help you save energy and money year-round.
WAYS TO GO GREEN IN THE KITCHEN Start a garden. Whether you opt for a full-out vegetable garden or a small window of fresh herbs, the taste of freshness will be unmistakable! Shop locally! Visit local farmers markets or choose locally produced produce whenever possible. Bring your own bags when you visit the grocery store. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Save time and energy by cooking a double portion and setting half aside in the freezer for a quick meal at a later date. Get energized and leave the appliances alone. Whenever possible, mix and beat ingredients by hand, cook multiple items at the same time, and avoid washing dishes unnecessarily. Use energy-efficient appliances such as the slow cooker or toaster oven, which can use up to 30% less energy. Be aware of energy wasters such as excessive pre-heating or simmering. Ditch the wraps (such as saran wrap or foil) and make the switch to reusable containers for lunches and leftovers. Put a lid on it! Did you know that cooking with lids could save up to three times the energy? Keep all that steam inside the pot for a more energy-efficient (and faster!) meal. Go fresh—say goodbye to excessively packaged foods, which are often produced using processes that are harmful to the environment. Cooking meals from scratch using fresh ingredients is not only healthier, it’s often less expensive and better for the environment. Decide what you are looking for before you open the fridge, and never keep the door open longer than absolutely necessary.
Water Features For Your Yard A water feature can make a major change in your yard, and there are plenty of different ways to go about adding one. From a simple and small fountain to a koi pond or waterfall, you can use water to create a peaceful sense of a real escape from life in your yard. Small Water Features For small yards or for those looking to add something simple, a basic fountain is easy to add. They come in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes and can fit into any landscaping. Your fountain can be a centerpiece for the yard or can be placed near the patio. You can even get a small tabletop fountain for the patio table. Most fountains are easy enough to install by yourself. They use a pump system that circulates the water and keeps the fountain running. Follow all of the instructions for set-up, use, and care that come with the fountain and you can enjoy the sound of trickling water for many years to come. Adding A Pond A pond is a really eye-catching and special addition to any yard. You will need some space for it, but even smaller yards can manage one. Koi ponds are a very popular choice, as the fish are lovely and create an ambience in the yard. They fit in well with any sort of Japanese or other Asian landscape design, but really extend into other styles as well. Make sure your pond has a system for keeping the water circulating and clean; standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and it can get quite dirty over time. It’s best to have a professional install the water system for your pond. Waterfalls You may not be able to have Niagara Falls in your yard to enjoy, but you can get a waterfall added as a feature of your yard. These can be falls that descend over a rock wall, a small stream that runs over consecutive drops in a sloped yard, or something in a corner where water falls down into a small pond. A waterfall adds the sound of moving water to the air all the time. Be sure you have proper drainage for the water system. Water features are a beautiful addition to any yard, and your imagination is really the only limit. Many professionals can help you to design the water feature that is right for your yard and your needs.