Check Credit Report and Score

 

Ask Gina & Company recommends that you obtain your own credit report to verify that tall information is accurate and to get a sense of how others view your credit. You can request a free credit report once a year from each of these credit reporting agencies. The credit report is free, but you will pay a small charge to get your credit score. There are three major credit bureaus that report credit history:

Experian * 1.888.397.3742 * www.experian.com     

TransUnion * 1.800.888.4213 * www.transunion.com

Equifax * 1.800.685.1111 * www.equifax.com

 

You can also obtain free credit reports online at www.anualcreditreport.com .

 

It is important to review your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies because they may not all contain exactly the same information. A mistake on one report may not be contained in the others, so it's necessary to check all of them.

 

Correcting errors on your credit report

You have the right to have errors for free. To correct errors and omissions, follow the instructions on your credit report and inform the credit reporting agency about the errors in writing. Always communicate in writing, and make sure you keep a copy of your correspondence, so you have proof of what occurred. Send any additional information that is needed to correct the errors. Credit reporting agencies have up to 30 days to respond to you.

 

Tips to manage your credit and improve your score

 

Credit management recommendations:

• Pay your bills on time to avoid late fees and protect your credit. If you cannot pay on time, contact your creditor before the payment due date.
  
• If you can, pay your entire bill each month. Otherwise, try to pay more than the minimum payment to reduce finance charges.
  
• Always check your monthly statements to verify transactions.
  
• Ignore offers sent by creditors to "reduce or skip payments."
  
• Whenever you can, take advantage of the cost differences between buying an item in cash (including any available "cash" discount) and purchasing on credit. For example, if you purchase an item for $500 in cash, that's all you, have to pay. But if you buy it with a credit card that has a 20% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and you make the minimum payment of $10 each month, if will cost you $1,084 and take more than nine years to pay off.
  

 

Recommendations to improve your score:

• Do not "max out" your credit limit. This comes with a significant credit score penalty.
  
• Reduce your debt on credit cards below 25% of the limit and try to never go above this amount. For example, if you have a $1,000 limit on your credit card, try not to use more than $250.
  
• Do not open new accounts unnecessarily. Opening new accounts will lower your score, and it takes about six months for your scores to begin improving. Plan for the right time to open new accounts so that they will improve your score over the long-run. Credit enhancement is a marathon, not a sprint.
  
• Establish a mix of credit types, such as a department store charge card, a credit card and an installment loan 30-day card.

Focus on: CountrySide, Potomac Falls, VA

CountrySide located in eastern Loudoun County, just west of Fairfax County and on the southern terrace of the Potomac River. This area has easy access to Dulles International Airport, Route 7, and Route 28. It is one of the earlier master planned communities, completed in 1991. There are a total of 2,539 homes in the neighborhood (1,253 are single family, 1,168 are town homes, 16 manor homes, and 102 condominiums units in the Villa's).

According to MRIS, in 2009 there were 130 properties sold. The sales prices ranged between $100,000 and $529,000 and sold with an average of 53 days on the market. Currently there are only 9 homes for sale within CountrySide, 8 single family homes, and 1 townhome.

The homeowners association is known as the CountrySide Proprietary. Amenities include 3 community pools, 3 tennis courts, multiple tot lots, a parcourse fitness circuit with 18 exercise stations (each w/illustrated signs showing the participant how to correctly perform the exercise) spread out over two miles, a catch and release pond as well as a basketball court with adjacent skate area. They have a community swim team called CountrySide Waves which is part of the Colonial Swim League. HOA dues for 2010 are $68.00 for single family and manor homes and $71.00 for townhomes. The Villas have an additional condo fee to cover common elements.

Loudoun County Public Schools that serve this community include: Algonkian Elementary, CountrySide Elementary, River Bend Middle School and Potomac Falls High School. For boundary maps please see LCPS easy directory.

For more information:

CountrySide HOA

Homes for sale in Potomac Falls

Ask Gina & Company

Foreclosure Alternatives

Thinking about investing in a new home?

 

1. Are you prequalified for that Loudoun home you love??? Don't make an offer until you know you can back it up with a qualified loan. Take the time to speak to a lender; their specific questions will help you determine the price range you can offer on this perfect home you love.
   
2. Thinking of skipping the home Inspection? Trying to save money?? It may just cost you tomorrow, especially if it is a distressed property you found on www.loudonforeclosureSOS.com .
   
3. Are you limiting your search to open houses, ads and internet? Many of these homes listed on these sites have been sold. Your best course of action is to contact a REALTOR, we would be happy to answer your questions. We can be reached at info@ask-gina.com, we will give you the most up to date information and we would love to help you find the home you want.
   
4. Are you shopping for an agent in a different area? Making a connection with an agent is very important. We can refer you to an excellent RE/MAX agent – as we are international! They will be dedicated in serving your needs – before, during and after the sale!!
   
5. Are you thinking there is only ONE perfect home out there? Buying a home is a process of elimination, NOT A SELECTION! Remember new properties come on the market everyday and just because you loved the house in Sterling doesn't mean you won't love the house in Fairfax. Ask your realtor for a comparative market analysis.
   This will compare similar homes that have sold in the area or are still for sale.
   
6. Are you considering your long term needs? Will you love your Potomac Falls home for at least 3-5 years? Yes, it is close to Trump National and Dulles Airport, but will that be important for you in 5 years?
   
7. Do you have proper insurance coverage? Contact your local insurance agent who will make sure you are adequately protected.
   
8. Should you buy a home protection plan? If you don't know what this is – this is essentially a mini insurance policy that usually last one year from the close to escrow. It will cover basic repairs you encountered in that beautiful Ashburn home you loved so much and usually is purchased for a small nominal fee.
   
9. Do know the total cost involved in buying your new home? If you are early in the buying process, ask your Realtor (Ask Gina & Co) or lender for your estimated closing cost. Keep in mind that all fees should be considered, Title Company, attorney fees, homeowner's association fees and insurance.
   
10. Are you not following through on due diligence? Be diligent!! You're new to the area and you should have concerns about your neighborhood. Do you have access to all of the Cascades pools? What school zone is the property in? Will the parkland really still be parkland next year? Ask all the important questions before you buy.
    

    
     

Oh, by the way…..whenever you come across people who are thinking about buying or selling a home and who would appreciate the kind of service I offer, I'd love to help them. So, as these people come to mind, just give me a call with their name and business phone number. I'll be happy to follow up and take care of them.

Oh don't forget to contact us if you have any questions…..at info@ask-gina.com or 703-574-3478.

Unlock the possibilities!

 

Foreclosure Alternatives Available!

Ask Gina & Company has the experience and training necessary to help you avoid losing your home to foreclosure. Both Gina M Tufano and Jennifer Johnson have received their Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designations.

www.LoudounForeclosureSOS.com

 

What is a CDPE? A Certified Distressed Property Expert® is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and the foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today's market, specifically short sales. The prospect of foreclosure can be financially and emotionally devastating, and often homeowners proceed without guidance of any kind. The developers of the CDPE Designation believe that the best course of action for a homeowner in distress is to speak with a well-informed, licensed real estate professional. They have the tools needed to help homeowners find the best solution for their situation. Often, when other options have been exhausted, CDPEs can help homeowners avoid foreclosure through the efficient execution of a short sale. While enduring financial difficulties is challenging for any family, the process of finding a qualified real estate professional should not be. Selecting an agent with the CDPE Designation ensures you are dealing with a professional trained to address your specific needs. For more information, contact us today @ 703-574-3478 CDPEs don't merely assist in selling properties, they serve and help save their clients in need.

 

Gina M Tufano * Ask Gina & Company

Licensed Virginia Realtors since 1996

RE/MAX Select Properties, Inc.

20 Pidgeon Hill Drive #201, Sterling VA

(703) 574-3478 office

www.Ask-Gina.com

www.LoudounForeclosureSOS.com

No need to lose your home to foreclosure. Help is available.