Your credit score or FICO score as it's referred to, is a three-digit number designed to gauge credit worthiness. Lenders use it to assign interest rates on mortgages, credit cards, auto loans etc. The FICO score ranges from 300-850 and is calculated by Fair Issac Corp. using information from the three major credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Equifax Inc and Experian PLC.
According to Fair Issac, a credit score is made up of five components:
35% reflects payment history, whether you pay your bills on time.
30% reflects amounts currently owed, how your credit limits compare with the balance you carry.
15% reflects length of credit history, the longer the better.
10% reflects newly opened accounts.
10% reflects types of credit used, the mix of accounts.
Although Fair Issac does not allow you to see your credit score free of charge, you are entitled to see your credit report once a year at no cost from each of the credit reporting agencies. You can order a free credit report at Free Report.
It's great when things work out according to plan. Too bad it happens all to infrequently. This was my clients holiday Christmas present to each other, a home of their own just in time for Christmas. I represented the buyer on this purchase and the entire home buying process was as smooth as it gets. We had a short escrow which enabled them to be in early. The picture here was taken by the listing agent in November, before the change in weather. I haven't seen it in the snow but I'll bet it sure looks sweet.This home is located in the city of Puyallup, south of Seattle and east of Tacoma, a nice family community. It's a 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath with over 2000 square feet of living space situated on nearly 1/3rd of an acre lot.
I truly enjoyed working with this couple and would welcome the opportunity to work with you one day. When you're in the market for a new home in this region, please give me a call.
You can learn more about Puyallup here.
Published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer
Happy home buyers are in for the holidays
There is still plenty of snow around the Puget Sound area and creatures are beginning to stir once again. It's the day after Christmas and I'm sure there are deals to be had in the local stores. Shoppers will be returning unwanted gifts and seeking new bargains as the sales continue. I will not be among them, but do wish them well.
The snow hasn't hampered the active shopper or the determined real estate agent professional. Homes are being previewed and shown all over the area today. Interest rates are still low and home prices are soft, creating a perfect buying opportunity. Follow the homes link to search the area for available properties.
If you're interested in the history of the Seattle and Puget Sound area, you may want to visit Vintage Seattle. The site has a nice collection of vintage photographs of the region and just recently posted some great old snow pictures. Bookmark the site so you can visit again.
Published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer
Snow on the homes of Kent
"Are you alright?", I heard someone say. It took a few seconds to realize what had just happened and to know that I was probably alright. Still, here I was flat on my back in the icy parking lot. Getting up and brushing myself off, I thanked the inquirer and acknowledged my good fortune. "Thanks, I'll be just fine."
Only moments ago I was warning other shoppers to please be careful the ice is slick and dangerous. I even offered to assist an elderly women over the ice to the front door. Maybe I was not heeding my own advice or just missed seeing the dip in the ice but I went down like a rock.
This snow and ice storm that has hit the Seattle area over the last few days has wreaked havoc over the entire region. We are just not used to this much snow and are really unable to respond accordingly. Getting around is difficult at best and even the bus routes have been cancelled. The roadways are thick with snow and ice and seem impervious to the repeated efforts of the few plows and sanding trucks serving this broad region. Snow continued today and is expected on Christmas morning.
I don't know if my morning aches are from the fall or the snow shoveling I did in the neighborhood yesterday. I'm just happy to be staying home out of the weather enjoying a peaceful quiet day. Wherever you are, I wish you a peaceful and safe holiday season.
Published by Greg Saffell/ South Sound Surfer
In an instant, I was on my back looking skyward
It's Saturday morning in the Puget Sound region and for now the sun is out and things are calm. But later today may be different when a new weather pattern develops and cold, rainy, snowy weather is predicted.
This may be a good day to stay inside and find other things to do.
I have one suggestion, take a ride around Mount St. Helens. A virtual ride of course. There are 3 interactive videos where you can ride around the mountain and use your mouse to direct the camera. If you're going to be inside anyway, take the ride. The Mount St. Helens video
Published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer
Take a ride around Mount St. Helens
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Representing buyers and sellers in Kent and surrounding communities. Well educated and competent with an easy going style.
The city of Kent Washington is located west of the Cascade mountain range and is the fourth largest city in King County. It is located directly between Seattle and Tacoma and covers approximately 29 square miles. Kent's culturally rich population is nearing 90,000.
Kent was the second city in King County to incorporate (1890). Kent began as an agricultural area originally growing hops estimated at over a million pounds a year. Much later the Kent valley was known as the "lettuce capital of the world". The verdant valley was subject to flooding until the Howard Hanson dam was constructed in 1963. Over the years agriculture has given way to commercial and industrial development which has led the city in new directions of commerce.
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For now, I'm going to use this section to post links to sites of interest to residents and visitors to the Kent, Wa area. Just click on anything that looks interesting.
I tried to sell my home myself. It was on the market for over nine months. I knew I had to get help and a friend recommended Greg. His assistance and advice in preparing the home to sell surely worked. The home sold in ten days.
John G.
I was being transferred to Olympia, Washington from my home in Renton. Greg sold my current home in just over a month. He also found my terrific new home near Olympia in record time. Olympia is quite a distance from Renton, but he was there with me all the way.
Carol J.
I had lived in my home for over seven years but needed to find something larger. Greg provided the guidance I needed to sell my home quickly. Some complications arose during the process that he handled very efficiently. I love my new home and would recommend Greg to anyone.
Jennifer G.
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