“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Raleigh, NC

Credit Scores Are Not Free – Here is an Alternative

02-13-12
Kathy Godin
Kathy Godin: Loan Officer in Raleigh, NC

Credit Scores Are Not Free – Here is an Alternative

Is Randy’s credit good enough to buy a house? He found that credit scores are not free – just credit reports. So how can Randy know? Seth’s alternative.

Since mortgage lenders use FICO scores, this is the one Randy needs to know according to Seth. Alternative to buying your score involves calculating your score. Result will show Randy a range of credit scores so he will know if he is in the game. Two basic rules:

1. Get your credit reports.

NOTE: AnnualCreditReport.com is the ONLY authorized source for the free annual credit report that's yours by law according to the Federal Trade Commission.

2. Calculate your score.

NOTE: Easy-to-use calculator available from FICO.

The FICO Score Calculator will ask 10 multiple-choice questions. Many of the answers can be found on the free credit reports you received in step 1. When your memory and your credit report come up with a different answer, use information in your credit reports. Why? Because FICO calculates your score based on information in your credit reports.

Seth’s summary of types of questions included in FICO Score Estimator:

· Current Accounts – How many credit cards, etc.

· Credit Availability – How much you owe compared to credit available.

· Recent Activity – Any new credit, applications or late payments?Currently late?

· Negative Events – Any bankruptcy, tax lien, repossession, account referred for collection, etc. in last 10 years?

Seth said that his FICO score should be around 620 – 640 to have a decent chance of qualifying for a mortgage. Randy estimated his score. Now he felt comfortable shopping for a house. Not so fast said Seth. There is one more step:

Validate. Randy needs to prove to real estate agents and sellers that he can get the money to buy. Nobody wants to waste their time with Joe Empty-Pockets. If he wants to be taken seriously, Randy needs a Pre-Approval letter from a mortgage lender.

Armed with a Pre-Approval letter, Randy found real estate agents eager to give him their time and a seller hesitant to let a live one go.

Kathy Godin, Award-Winning Loan Officer and Branch Manager

Prime Mortgage Lending, Inc.

(919) 789-9933

For You, We Try Harder

Proudly Serving All of North Carolina

Raleigh Real Estate Market Report - January 2012

Lee & Pamela St. Peter Raleigh Realtors® Raleigh North Carolina Homes for sale : Real Estate Agent in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC Real Estate Market - January 2012 Recap

the city of Raleigh, NC
The Inman News names Raleigh-Cary, NC:

#1 Real Estate Market to Watch in 2012!
Just a quick snippet from this incredible accolade awarded by the Inman.com report naming the top 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2012...
"the Raleigh-Cary market saw considerable price appreciation last year, with its median sales price jumping 7.3 percent from third-quarter 2010 to third-quarter 2011. At $224,300, the Raleigh-Cary metro had the highest median sales price among the 10 markets on this list and was the only market with a median sales price above the U.S. median. Nonetheless, its affordability rate stayed above the national level..."
Great news for those living in and moving to Raleigh-Cary, NC! Check out the full article for more information and the full list of top markets here.
If you're considering moving to Raleigh, NC to take advantage of all that this thriving city and the neighborhoods that comprise it have to offer, or even if you're planning on selling a home in Raleigh, NC, it's important to have the right information.

Raleigh NC Real Estate Market Report

Curious how the Raleigh housing market is looking? Our Raleigh market report will give you a good overview of how detached homes for sale in Raleigh, NC performed in the Real Estate Market during the month of January 2012.
The pie chart on the left breaks down the number of detached homes in Raleigh that were active, newly active, went under contract or closed last month.
Below shows the break down of the detached homes for sale in Raleigh NC that went newly active in the Raleigh Real Estate Market in January:

Raleigh NC Real Estate Market Report

Take a sneak peak at all the new homes for sale in Raleigh NC in January 2012 (in alphabetical order by subdivisions). If you'd like a more customized search, you can save a Raleigh home search outlining your unique home needs and get FREE e-mails with only homes for sale in Raleigh NC that match YOUR criteria.

Active Detached homes for sale in Raleigh NC last month
Raleigh NC Real Estate Market Report

*When you're ready to see homes for sale in Raleigh, NC or really any homes for sale in the Triangle area contact us, we are here to help every step of the way.
Detached homes for sale in Raleigh, NC that went under contract in January

Raleigh NC Real Estate Market Report


Raleigh Detached homes for sale that SOLD last month
Raleigh NC Real Estate Market Report

If you've been considering a move to Raleigh, NC, would like more information on selling a home in Raleigh, or would simply like to discuss your Wake County real estate needs call or e-mail me. I'd love to chat!

*Any reference to TMLS data is based on information
from Triangle MLS, which neither guarantees nor is in any way
responsible for its accuracy. All data is provided ‘AS IS’ and with all
faults. Data maintained by Triangle MLS may not reflect all real estate
activity in the market.

Raleigh added almost 50,000 jobs in past decade | relocating to Raleigh NC

Marc Iafrate, MBA - Raleigh Real Estate SearchRaleighRealEstate.com: Real Estate Agent in Raleigh, NC

relocating to raleigh ncDespite the sluggish national economy, there is a bright spot that continues to shine...Raleigh, NC with it's Research Triangle Park and multiple, world-class universities. Raleigh is the global hub for many companies and will continue to provide the area with greater economic stability. Over the last 10 years, Raleigh has continued to add jobs consistently...nearly 50,000 jobs! Currently Raleigh has the 4th highest jump in private sector jobs over this time period in the country.

Have a Raleigh area Home to Sell and wondering about Raleigh Home Values? You must read the information below before you make any move:

Contact the Capital City Real Estate GroupToday! at (919) 314-7797

Raleigh area home searches:

Relocating to Raleigh NC and want to find out more about Raleigh area neighborhoods and search all Raleigh area homes for sale, contact the Capital City Real Estate Group at (919) 314-7797.

Smart Grid company to Double jobs in Raleigh | relocating to Raleigh NC

Marc Iafrate, MBA - Raleigh Real Estate SearchRaleighRealEstate.com: Real Estate Agent in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh homes for saleItron works with utility companies worldwide optimize the delivery and use of energy and water by providing intelligent metering, communication and utility software solutions.

The company is working on a plan that would increase its current software development staff in Raleigh two-fold, bringing the total workforce to 400 employees. Smart grid technology continues to grow in the Triangle.

Raleigh area home searches:

Relocating to Raleigh NC and want to find out more about Raleigh area neighborhoods and search all Raleigh area homes for sale, contact the Capital City Real Estate Group at (919) 314-7797.

Are you using Animoto? It's a great marketing tool!

Christopher Murray: Loan Officer in Raleigh, NC
For $39 a month the Animoto can be removed and your videos look professionally done - all with still photos! It's a great near-video option for those on a limited budget. Use for listings, to market your services, the sky is the limit folks! Enjoy!

Here is another great tool you can use to create marketing materials for your real estate business - Animoto.



Visit our site for more great tips for real estate agents.


Have a great weekend everyone!