Sherida Studwood -Epro

1) Check your credit before speaking with a Lender. You will not be penalized if you order or check your own credit. You can order a FREE credit report from the 3 credit reporting agencies by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

2) Clean up or dispute any items on your credit by contacting each credit bureau for each incorrect item.

3) If you have no credit or no credit score, shop for a secured credit card by visiting http://www.credit.com/products/credit_cards/secure.jsp. (A secured credit card is when you deposit a predetermined amount with a bank or financial institution and use it like a credit card) Use your new credit card sparely and never charge more than 35%. Anything above that will lower your credit score. Also pay it on time each month. You must make sure that your secured credit card company reports to all 3 credit bureaus.

For additional advice or tips, contact Sherida Studwood @ 443-757-3400 or visit me on the web at www.SheridaStudwood.com

Found a Great Home, but their is MOLD!

For many people the thought of having mold in their home is terrifying. However, make sure you really understand what mold is before you jump to conclusions.

Mold is not a plant or an animal. It is a type of fungus and a fact of life. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is always a little mold everywhere and one cannot avoid being exposed to it. It grows year round and is found both inside and outside.

If their is mold, determining who should clean it up depends on several factors.

One consideration is the size of the mold problem. A little bit of mold in your shower is nothing to worry about. Frequent maintenance with bleach and water can do the trick. If the mold problem covers less than 10 square feet, chances are you can handle the cleanup yourself. If it is from a burst pipe, roof leak, etc. obviously the the repairs should be performed prior to mold clean up.

When handling or cleaning moldy materials wear gloves, goggles, and dress in long sleeves. If you want to limit your exposure to mold, you may want to consider wearing a respirator. They are available at many hardware stores for about $12 to $25. Also make sure the room is properly ventilated. Open a window, and get some fresh air.

If the problem extends beyond 10 square feet, consult the EPA's guide. for additional information, please contact Sherida Studwood @ 301-379-8292 or visit me on the web at www.SheridaStudwood.com.

Having an Open House is definitely an invasion of privacy. Remember their are strangers going threw your home. Although I let my clients know the things they should remove when an Open House is held, I thought I would put it in writing.

1) Remove spare keys that may be hanging on hooks.

2) Remove Diplomas and Certificates from the walls.

3) Remove mail and/or other paperwork and put them away. (Not in a kitchen draw, buyer usually open kitchen draws!).

4) Put away jewerly or other small expensive items.

5) Do not leave the childern's toys out, visiting children may want to play with them and walk out with it.

For additional advice, feel free to contact me at 301-379-8292 or on the we @ www.SheridaStudwood.com.

Is your Home sitting on the market to long? Well their is one more option you may or may not have considered. What about Rent to Own or a Lease Purchase. The tenant pays an option to rent to own your home (usually up to 3%). They also pay an pre-determined amount on the top of the rent for closing cost. The terms are negotiated prior to the rent to own. Contact Sherida Studwood @ 301-379-8292 for additional information or to get started. Visit me on the web @ www.SheridaStudwood.com,

Can $20,000 help you purchase a Home?

Prince George's County government is offering up to $20,000 to First Time Home Buyers to purchase a vacant foreclosed home.

The requirements are as follows:

You must not have owned a home in the last 3 years.

You must take an 8 hour HUD certified counseling class.

You must use a participating lender.

Note: Don't forget the $8000.00 tax credit if you purchase a home prior to November 30th, 2009

Funds are limited, houses are selling.....Contact Sherida Studwood Today @ 301-379-8292 or email sstudwood@hotmail.com for additional information.