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This post is sponsored by improvefinance.com.au

Many economists say that the U.S. economy is trending higher. At the same time, the percentage of Americans who can qualify for typical mortgages isn’t. After the Great Recession, lenders got stricter, and they haven’t completely eased off yet. Many lenders want to see good credit scores, a stable work history, and even a down payment before they will approve a loan.

There may be some alternative ways to get a home loan that can help some prospective home buyers though. Learn more about how many Americans can qualify for a home mortgage and what it takes to qualify.

Who Qualifies for A Home Mortgage?

According to a report from the Federal Reserve’s New York Bank, the number of new mortgages declined between 2016 and 2016. In addition, average credit scores for people who got mortgages was over 750, which is quite a high number. Average American credit scores are under 700. In other countries, different scoring systems are used. To get a home loan in Australia, you need a good score known as VedaScore, which is on a 0-1200 scale.

Regardless of where you live, just because average credit scores for new mortgages are high, you shouldn’t assume that people with lower scores can’t ever get approved though. There are still people who manage to get government-backed mortgages with credit scores at low as 650, but these usually require a substantial down payment or some other way to get equity in the home.

What Percent of Americans Could Buy A Home?

About 58 percent of Americans do have a credit score over 650. So, if you look at it that way, just about 60 percent of people might qualify for a mortgage program. Most people in the lower ranges of acceptable mortgage credit could need a 20-percent down payment, so it’s impossible to say how many individuals and families that might eliminate. Some folks with lower credit scores might also be able to use a program from the VA or another government-related organization to qualify for a mortgage without such a large down payment as well.

Besides credit scores, lenders look at other factors:

* They consider the amount of existing debt, especially unsecured debts. They tend to view secured debts, like those for cars, more favorably than credit card debt.

* Lenders also look at employment and employment history. People who have remained at one job or run a business for a few years may get more leeway than people with a spottier work history.

How to Find Out If You Qualify For A Mortgage

The easiest way to find out if you can qualify for a mortgage is to speak with an experienced mortgage broker. Even if your credit score is average, a good broker might be able to find you a program that helps people buy a house. If that doesn’t work out, you may be able to work to rebuild your credit or even find a rent-to-own program that works out well for you. You may also be able to make a deal with certain lenders who base their credit decisions more on the value of the home or other equity than on credit scores. Don’t assume that lenders won’t accept you before speaking with a mortgage broker.

Many homeowners have questions on whether or not pests can cause certain problems in their home, and one that comes up frequently is the question of whether mice and rats have the ability to chew through the walls. These pests can be especially problematic since they can get into food, carry disease, and even carry fleas that can carry various diseases. There are few pests more hated than rats because of the huge amount of damage they can do, the health issues (especially with children around), and there’s no denying the fear, frustration, revulsion, and other similar issues from a rat running across the floor inside a house. Where there’s one, it’s usually only a matter of time until there are others, as well.

Serious Damage Every Single Year

There’s no question that rats are a serious problem that can compound in seriousness over time. They can chew through walls, insulation, wires, and cause all sorts of problems. Piles of their droppings can be a serious health hazard as well. There’s absolutely no question about their ability to chew through even strong building materials over time, and it is important to note that it is estimated that rats and mice together cause tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

This isn’t just the tunneling through walls and ceilings, cutting through insulation, and making your home vulnerable to other pests, but also health hazards from feces, fleas, special diseases most often associated with these creatures but they can contaminate food supplies, cause health problems, and even damage wiring that results in an electrical fire. Burning down an entire building is the very definition of serious damage.

Even A Problem When Dead

There are many rats that manage to get into a basement, an attic, the walls, only to eventually get stuck in an area they can’t get out of. This is often the cause of frequent scratching that people sometimes hear in walls and that can be a dead giveaway to an infestation. If they starve to death or die from other means, their corpses can cause a massive stench in addition to extremely un-hygienic and unsafe conditions within the walls.

These are not problems that you want to leave undisturbed. They will continue to get worse and should never be ignored but need to be dealt with.

Trusting Professional Pest Control Services

Generally, you will want to call in a licensed and certified professional pest control service to help you out. Rats can be tricky, they can also be nasty when cornered, and then there are the issues of disease as well as being able to get to the pests and trap them and remove them safely doing as little damage to the house or business building as possible.

Even if you could catch the rat yourself, that doesn’t mean you could figure out how it got in and what open entry points were still around. This is a very important point because if you don’t seal up the original entry way then this is a problem that could just occur again and again. Hiring a professional means tracking down the root of the problem and getting it nipped in the bud.

There are many different types of pests, but a rat infestation is one that you especially need to worry about. From damage to the house to the threat of wiring damage to the health and safety of everyone there, it’s just something that needs to be taken care of as soon as the problem is discovered. Do that and you’ll be much happier in the long run.

Are you selling your home yet are unsure what fluff and polishing should be done? The great thing is that this is not a difficult task, it is something that many homeowners face and there is plenty of information on what should be done to clean and stage your home so it will sell fast. Here are five top tips on the subject:

1. Get Your House Cleaning On

The number one tip that experts seem to agree on is this one, cleaning and decluttering is crucial. In general, you either want to hire professional house cleaning service or you want to give the entire house your best professional cleaning, putting everything in its place. How do you professionally clean a house? Here are some specifics:

• Bathrooms – Make sure they are spotless and that fresh towels are out. Make sure the mirrors sparkle and the lids of the toilet and garbage are all shut.
• Air – The air must smell fresh, this does not mean light a thousand candles or use smelly air fresheners, some people are allergic to these things. Instead, open up the windows throughout the home and let fresh air in. Take out the trash, clean the litter box, wash the dog’s bed, store you pet food in a closed container, air out beds prior to making them, etc. The smell of your home is something to may be used to, especially if you have pets, but others may not like it.
• Clutter Control – There are times in which this may seem like a difficult task, however it is an important one. Try to make sure that the closest in the front hall are decluttered so guests can hang their coats up and remove as much junk off of the surfaces as you possibly can. It is important for your prospective buyer to feel as if there is sufficient room for their stuff.

2. Let There Be Light

The second most offered tip is a fix it which offers great bang for the buck: lighten and brighten things up. What this means is repair light fixtures that are broken, put new light bulbs in, move furniture are from the front of the windows, replace drapes that are dirty, open up blinds and curtains during a showing, wash windows, etc. The estimated cost associated with this fix is around $375, the expected results however could be a pop of as much as $1,550 in the price of the sale.

3. Your House: Your Stage

It is highly recommended by experts that you incorporate home staging, these include a few old fashioned tips such as making sure fresh flowers are placed out and of course some newer ones such as rearranging your furniture to provide better sightlines. There are actually realtors who offer staging services themselves, or subcontract to stagers. If this is something you prefer doing yourself than make sure to use common sense, try to only have two to three different colors of furnishings in the room. Make sure that when potential buyers walk into a room, they for not see the backs of all of the furniture. Experts claim that the return on investment can be as much as 299%.

4. Stay off the Grass

The fourth tip on our list is specifically for those who have any areas that require landscaping. Make sure that the lawn is watered and mowed, get rid of all dead leaves on your shrubs, put out some new plants as well. It may cost your around $540 to have some landscaping done, however the expected return is around $1,923.

5. Be Handy

To top off our list we have the fix it up part, make sure that all plumbing and electrical repairs are taken care of. Replace or repair leaky faucets, stop toilets form gurgling, and make sure that every electrical outlet works.

These five tips and pointers for cleaning and staging your house for sale are simple, yet when done right they can be very effective.

If you have a poor credit rating and are looking for a home loan, you have limited options, but that doesn’t mean that it will be impossible to get a loan, it just means that you will need to shop around a bit more.

Most of the big, well-known lenders only want to loan to people with good credit ratings. They compete on the interest rate front, and this means that they need to be confident that the loans will get paid back, because the process of repossessing a property is a long and expensive one.

Mortgage lenders will look at how long people have been employed, how much credit they have, the payment history, and other things to try to figure out whether someone can actually pay back the credit that they have taken out. If you have a poor history of paying back your consumer debt, they’re going to be less likely to allow you to borrow, and as such they will want to charge higher interest rates.

Bad credit won’t completely disqualify you from taking out a mortgage, but don’t expect to get the best home loan available. You will need to put down a bigger deposit than someone who has a good credit rating, and you will need to be able to demonstrate that the repayment amounts are an acceptable percentage of your income. It’s hard to get a self-certified mortgage even with a good credit rating these days, but with a poor credit rating you will need to be able to provide proof of your income, so that they know that you have a reasonable chance of paying back the loan.

If you have been bankrupt recently, then you’re probably going to find it hard to get a loan, but remember that mortgages are secured on the property, and this means that there will likely be some lenders that will entertain the idea, because they know that they have something that they can get back if you default.

You might find that getting a guarantor will help you, but this person would be someone who would have to take on financial responsibility if you failed to come through on your obligations, and that’s a lot to ask of someone, unless they are a close family member and they are confident that you are better at handling your financial obligations now than you once were.

Often, the best option is to try to repair your credit rating. Look for ways to save money. Pay off outstanding debts. Clear court judgements, and try not to miss any more payments in the near future. Pay off your credit cards. Do everything that you can to clean up your finances. It takes years for bad credit marks to drop off your profile, but some lenders pay more attention to your recent history than your current issues, and this means that you can often repair your credit rating enough to get a better mortgage in just a couple of years.

One of the issues that can really kill a deal is for a prospective buyer to walk into a house and notice signs of pests, such as mice, rats or roaches. Unfortunately, when a home is left vacant for even a short amount of time, critters can move in.

One of the worst problems is undoubtedly the dead rodent smell. If you have ever walked a prospective buyer into a home that has been closed up for a few days, and where a rodent has recently gone to the great beyond, you will invariably encounter a potential deal-breaker. For that reason, it’s good to know some tips on pest control that can work effectively, yet not leave a home smelling like a rat.

Professional pest control services are the best alternative you can use to solve this kind of issue. You need to find someone who can extract the mice and rats without causing dead rat odor. Here are some tips that can help you ask the right questions when choosing a pest control service:

1. Integrated Pest Management

This is one of the most convenient ways of getting rid of mice and rats without having to kill them. However, you also need to understand that is a not an easy task, and it involves pest proofing around the house. That means you will start by identifying the entry and exit point of this tiny creatures and make sure that they are sealed. Moreover, you are also required to keep your food secure and sealed at all times. Knowing the pest habits will make it easy for you to get rid of it slowly and safely without having to kill it inside the house.

2. Use Warfarin

Another way you can get rid of mice and rats successful is by poisoning them. There are various brands in the market that manufacture rodenticides and all you need to do is find the right one. Most of this toxic products cause mice and rats to die instantly, while others cause them to feel thirsty and leave your house in search of a source of water. A good example of such poison is warfarin. However, it is advisable that you handle such products with care and keep them away from children.

3. Use Traps

If you are concerned about the risk factors that are involved in handling such a toxic product, then you can always consider using traps. There are many traps available in the market, but the most common ones are the snap traps and the sticky traps. The snap traps work differently from the sticky traps whereby, this particular trap uses a spring mechanism to capture the rodent and break its neck. Sticky traps are much easier to set and you all you need to do is place the trap where you suspect the rodent might be and wait.

If a mouse runs through the trap, it sticks to it and the more it struggles to get free the more it tangles itself. Eventually, the mouse will either die of starvation or dehydration, but one thing you can be sure of is that it will not go anywhere. However, it is advisable that you keep checking on the trap so that you can get rid of any rodent that gets caught.

These are some of the best pest control methods you can rely on to remove rats and mice from your homes without causing “dead rat” odor. Some will involve more work, and cost, than the others. But when compared to the cost of losing a potential sale, it can certainly be worth the expense.

There are a number of advantages you gain access to when you hire a realtor rather than trying to sell off your home yourself. Most of these are rather small, but a number will give you a significant boost when you are trying to get your home off the market and into the hands of someone else.

According to Hilton Head Island realtor, Marybeth Buonaiuto, the first advantage is that you don’t have to network so much, making it easier for more people to see your home. Marybeth mentions, “A realtor will already have a number of clients, and they will have friends who have clients as well. All of these people will be able to look at your home, have their questions answered, and get what they need out of your home.” Without the realtor, you would have to network with people and hope people notice your advertisements.

The next advantage is that the realtor is going to know the actual prices on the market for everything. When people make you an offer, you are going to be confused and lost, you might even just accept it out of desperation. A realtor makes sure that you don’t get ripped off, and that the negotiations go as long as they need to do. In a market where a mistake can cost your thousands of dollar, it is really important to know what you are doing.

Another advantage is that they will know what the policies and codes of your city and state are when it comes to selling a home. You could go to your city hall and request these, but you wouldn’t understand them the same way that a trained professional would. Closing on a house and then finding out that it isn’t legal to sell, that there are repairs to be made, or that it has a number of problems should be your worst nightmare. Many times, a small law gets overlooked and causes a large number of problems.

Selling with a realtor is going to take you a bit less time, meaning that you will get your money much faster. If you are wanting to be out of the market fast, you absolutely need to hire a realtor. It can take years for a house to sell when you are doing it yourself, making it seem like your dreams are never going to come true.

A realty agent can also help you with staging your home, making sure that prospective buyers are able to truly imagine themselves in your home. This is important, because many homes look alike, and the items in them often make the sale. An experiences agent will be able to stage a home, tell you what you need to store, and help you change the entire feel of your home within 24 hours. Looking at guides online and trying to do it yourself, it might take weeks or even months.

An agent will also ensure that you have open house events on dates that work for the community, and in a manner that helps you make a sale. They will deal with all the signs, flyers, pamphlets, and other information. All you have to do is answer questions that come your way and make sure that you home is clean.

Overall, going with a realtor is going to save you time, money, and hassle, making it easier for you to get rid of your current house and get into a new one. If you are lucky, your realty agent may be able to find you the home of your dreams in the process of selling your old one.

If you’re interested in preserving the environment as much as possible, chances are you’re interested in picking a green design for your next house. While the ‘green’ phase has picked up in popularity, so too has the builders willing to design your next home to green standards. Before you design your next project or have a home built to your specifications, make sure you carefully interview a green builder who is knowledgeable about energy efficient homes and designs. You can begin by taking the following into consideration:

Find an architect who uses the latest technology- Just like you wouldn’t attempt a project without the proper tools, neither should you hire an architect or builder who doesn’t have the latest technology or equipment at their disposal. This applies to both residential builders and commercial builders.

The architect communicates clearly and shares every facet of the design with you. – Remember, your architect is not the one that has to live with the design; you do! Ultimately, you should be able to share your ideas with the architect and not have to babysit them the whole step of the way.

Ask for references- Unless the company or architect/builder has references, you shouldn’t be working with them. While it’s true that everyone has to start somewhere, you don’t want to be the first project; especially if your pockets aren’t bottomless. Go with a tried and true company who knows what they’re doing and be sure to ask for and contact their references.

The builder and the customer should communicate clearly in ensuring the project can be completed at the agreed budget. You don’t want a builder that is heedless of the budget, as this creates disappointment in the buyer once they realize they won’t be able to afford the project. Make sure the agreement is in writing and you both have copies in case things go wrong.

It’s not required, but picking an architect that is certified (and can show proof) by the LEED program means their building practices and designs have been reviewed and approved by the Green Building Council.

Having your next house or company designed by an architect or builder who is familiar with energy efficient designs is not effective in helping to preserve the environment, it’s essential to conserving and producing energy while saving you extra money. A green building offers multiple benefits including:

–              Saving money on energy bills.

–              Reducing energy waste through electricity and water.

–              Reducing waste on extra and often extravagant building materials.

–              Is wallet friendly?

–              A higher return on investment when it comes to selling or renting your next project out.

The ideal architect and builder will work with you to achieve your goals with your next project.  While the green movement may have taken the world by a storm, you don’t have to pay a fortune to get the very best designs at an affordable cost. Research a company thoroughly before signing any contracts and be sure to contact their references to make sure that the customers were happy and are still happy with the completed work.

While we at RPC may not be green architects or builders, we can personally attest to the popularity of the green housing movement. IN an effort to eliminate pollution and environmental harm, people are becoming more aware of our impact on the planet, and have gone out of their way to build or purchase a green house. As such, this has made green built properties extremely profitable. If you would like to learn more, please stay tuned to our regularly updated blog.

In order to keep your ac unit to use when you need it, you ought to perform annual preventive maintenance. Annual maintenance is extremely important if you are living in a climate that may be hot all year. The final thing you desire is perfect for your ac unit to fail when you really need it the most. Looking after your ac is just not difficult, but knowing some suggestions will help make it simpler.

Change Your Filter

The easiest and quickest part in maintaining your air conditioner is beginning to change your filter. Even if you have zero technical or mechanical expertise in any way, you may change the filter within your air conditioner. Changing your filter will relieve much of the responsibility on the air conditioning system. When an AC filter is clogged and loaded with particles or dust, your air conditioner will expend more energy seeking to cool the air. Replacement filters can e bought at most diy stores or hardware stores. They may be usually inexpensive, however you must ensure these are right size and match for the system. Whenever you choose the right filter, it is a straightforward matter of removing the old one and inserting the new one. Switching your filter not just helps your body run more proficiently, but it also helps the system produce cleaner air. You ought to probably improve your filter at least one time every sixty days.

Air Conditioning Unit Coils

The coils in your ac unit will also be important to ac maintenance. Should your coils are not properly cleaned, it can lead to your body using more energy to work. When your system must use more energy, it can cause the device being overworked and eventually breaking down. It is actually simple enough to clean up the coils and fins of your system that are located outside. You simply need your backyard hose along with a broom. You may also get a nylon brush handy, too. Make use of the garden hose to wash away any obstructions, dirt, or debris. Usually do not utilize a pressure washer for this part of you system because the strong spray may harm the interior parts of the system. When the air cooling unit is inside, use a similar method to clean it before you start to work it if the weather gets hot.

Eliminate Obstructions

One of the more important elements of home air conditioning unit maintenance is usually to make it free from obstructions. An AC unit containing an obstructed filter or coils will overwork to cool and wear down quicker than normal. If your outside unit is encompassed by shrubs, plants, fencing or trees, these can block the flow of air to your unit. There must be at least a foot of space between most of these landscaping as well as your unit. This is especially true on an indoor unit. Tend not to place plants, pictures, or objects near to the air flow vents on the air conditioning unit and ensure there is no dirt or debris on the vent itself.

Adjust Your Schedule

Adjusting the thermostat on your air-con system might help reduce energy whilst keeping your computer from working too much. If you and your family are gone a lot of the day, try setting a greater temperature on the thermostat. This may stop your ac from cooling in the event it is not going to must, saving both money and wear in the unit. When your family returns home, you can just lower the thermostat to cool off the house.

Hire An HVAC Professional On An Annual Tune Up

A yearly tune-up can be a requirement if you wish your air conditioning unit to be in great condition. Perform each of the maintenance tasks above and then hire an HVAC professional to complete an intensive once over of your unit annually.