Kathryn Vatsula's Blog

Get your Finances in Order: To do List. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you'd like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as car repai...

How to Keep Buyers Focused Many buyers are paralyzed by the vast selection of houses for sale and by the fear that the value of the property they choose will fall as soon as they own it."Buyers have read a lot about foreclosures, short sales and how desperate sellers are," says Sarah Ritter, an a...

5 Factors that decide your credit score Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score:1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late...

    Tips for Buying a Home in a Tight Market Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer.1. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You'll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more des...

5 Common First Time HomeBuyer Mistakes1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.3. They don't find the right agent who's willing to help them through the homebuying...

Short Sale Tips for Sellers   If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total...

5 Factors that Decide your Credit Scores: Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score:1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how la...

5 Things to Know about Homeowners Insurance 1. Know about exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be bought separately.2. Know about dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered ...

Tips for finding the Right Neighborhood   Your neighborhood has a big impact on your lifestyle. Follow these steps to find the perfect community to call home. Is it close to your favorite spots? Make a list of the activities - movies, health club, church, etc. - you engage in regularly and stores...

Take the Stress out of Homebuying Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an e...