“Summerize” Your Home with These Projects

It may seem hard to believe, but we’ve already waved goodbye to the beginning of summer.  Before the hottest days of late summer descend upon us, consider tackling these summer projects.

Air conditioning – It’s important to have your air conditioner in perfect working order.  Taking care of any issues in the midst of a heat wave can potentially result in an increase in price, as well as an increase in the time it takes for a technician to visit your home.  You should also replace any filters now.  Simply remove the old one and take it to your local home improvement center.  Sales representatives should have no problem finding its replacement.

Clean our your garage – Organizing a garage can be an exvruciating experience during the hottest time of summer, so if that’s something you need to do, check the upcoming weather reports and plan accordingly.  Once you clean out your garage, either donate any unwanted items or sell them.

Paint – Summer is an ideal time to paint the interior of your home simce the weather best lends itself to keeping your windows open, allowing the fresh air in and the painting fumes out.  If you decide to paint the inside of your home, think about lightening the existing color as opposed to darkening it.  Lighter colors are not only inviting, they create the illusion of a bigger, more open space.

Buy fans – Installing ceiling fans and using portable fans are great methods for cutting the heat inside your home.  They are also far less expensive to use than an air conditioner.  Using fans of any kind also enables you to keep windows open at night allowing fresh ait to circulate throughout the house.

Install dimmer switches – Dimmer switches not only add ambience, they also cut down on energy and the unwanted heat given off by brighter bulbs.  Another tip is to use low-wattage light bulbs whenever possible.

Good luck and happy SUMMERIZING!

NEW LISTING!!!!

1905 Oak Cliff Dr
Columbia MO 65203

$203,900
MLS# 321542

This beautiful SW Columbia split level is too good to be true! Quiet established area, convenient to shopping, schools, highways, university, recreation, and downtown. Gorgeous curb appeal with lots of landscaping and perennials. Huge private backyard with concrete patio fire pit, 6′ wood privacy fence, adorable multi use storage shed, lots of mature trees, deck with built in gas grill… great for entertaining. Terrific floorplan with lots of storage areas. Deep oversized garage, plus storage under living room. Formal living room, family room with wood burning fireplace inset, 2.5 baths, 3 bedrooms, big kitchen with refrigerator, huge eating area, range, microwave, dishwasher, pantry, breakfast bar. Updates include new front door and storm door, back door, paint, new carpet, updated landscaping, new tile, wood, and vinyl flooring in baths, additional expanding concrete for parking and terrific schools. This home is a must see!
Click here for more information!

Interest Rates – 6/29/09

Here are some current interest rates as of 6/17/09 courtesy of Flat Branch Mortgage…

Conventional

30 year fixed – 5.50 (APR – 5.598)

20 Year Fixed – 5.375 (APR – 5.506 )

15 Year Fixed – 5.125 (APR – 5.290

Government

FHA 30 year fixed – 5.5 (APR – 5.771)

VA 30 year fixed – 5.5 (APR – 5.807)

USDA 30 year fixed – 5.5 (APR – 5.794)

Note: Assumes $120,000 loan minimum, verifiable income, single-family residence, no cash-out, a 620 score and an escrow established. Rates change daily and sometimes several times a day. They are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice.

Here are some current interest rates for 6/17/09 courtesy of Boone County National Bank…

30 Year Fixed Rate

• 5.5% with 0.0 discount points and $0.00 rebate

20 Year Fixed Rate

• 5.5% with 0.0 discount points and $0.00 rebate

15 Year Fixed Rate

• 4.875% with 0.0 discount points and $0.00 rebate

The loan amount is $100000 and the estimated value of the property is $125000. The property is located in the City of Columbia, County of Boone, State of Missouri. The property is an existing single family home and is used as a primary residence. An escrow (impound) account is required. The rate we will provide will be for a 30 Day Rate Lock Period. Interest Rates can change at any time, and cannot be guaranteed until you complete our on-line application and your application is approved.

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NEW PRICE!!!

1805 Boris Dr
Columbia MO 65203

Reduced  -  $107,500
MLS# 320247

Great starter home with tons of upgrades! Located on quiet street in SW, duel heat source, new roof in 06, new carpet and linoleum in 08, new range/oven, furnace, water heater and air conditioner (all under warranty), ceiling fans in bedrooms, work bench in gar, fenced backyard, attic storage, large laundry, new garage door and opener, and lots more! Microwave, fridge, and W/D all negotiable. This home is a must see!

Where can I find my listing online?

We get this question alot.  Recently we contacted all of our affiliates and advertisers and compiled a list of all the websites your home should be features on.  Also keep in mind that most of these websites should feature your homes visual tour and photos as well as a link to our website so they can get more information if needed.

The websites are:

Googlebase.com
realestate.yahoo.com/
realestate.aol.com/
Trulia.com
Zillow.com
FrontDoor.com
CyberHomes.com
Oodle.com
Lycos.com
Local.com
Backpage.com
Walmart.com
Military.com
Homefinder.com
Hotpads.com
Vast.com
CLRsearch.com
HomesandLand.com
InvestorLoft.com
MyRealty.com
PropBot.com
Enormo.com
OpenHouse.com
RealEstate.Overstock.com
ERealInvestor.com
Fizber.com
MyNewPlace.com
RealEstateBook.com
LivingChoices.com
BobVilla.com
Sympatico.com
Realtor.com
HomeSeekers.com
Move.com
MSN.com
Homes.com
Homepages.com
CBORmls.com
RealEstateJournal.com
RealHomeAgain.com
RealtyTrack.com
HouseLocator.com
RealEstate.com
Viacom.com
Heartland MLS
PrudentialProperties.com

and of course our website www.InfoOnHome.com, and our blog www.InfoOnHome.wordpress.com.

New Rentals!!

4331 Southview Dr.
Columbia, MO  65203

$780.00 per month
MLS# 320505

Great location, lots of space, convenient, family room and vaulted formal living room, 2 car garage, fireplace, 2.5 baths, 3 bedrooms, 1650 sqft, pantry, deck, dishwasher, stove and refrigerator, partial yard fence, corner lot.

Security Deposit is  $700, NO PETS, 1 year lease terms.  Call Donna at 573-447-4300, or 573-268-4435,  for more information.

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Also, our listing on 818 Cypress is available for lease or lease purchase.

$1450.00 per month
MLS#321186

Great walkout ranch on double lot! Located on quiet cul-de-sac in SW neighborhood. Split bedroom floorplan with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Low maintenance exterior with 2 car garage and mature trees. The living room features a vaulted ceiling and gas log fireplace. Kitchen with pantry, lots of counter space, new smooth top range, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. There is an attached breakfast/dining room that has a sliding door to deck and opens to living and kitchen. Lower level has a family room, rec area, storage room, bath and a bedroom. The family room has built-in shelves, tiled rec area with access to lower patio/deck. 12 x 14 upper deck with stairs to 16 x 18 lower covered deck and 8 x 12 concrete patio. This home is also convenient to schools, the University, downtown, hospitals and highways. Call Today for your personal tour, 268-4435.

Security Deposit is $1000, pets are negotiable with a $300 non-refundable deposit, and terms are for 1 year lease only.

Interest Rates – 6/17/09

Here are some current interest rates as of 6/17/09 courtesy of Flat Branch Mortgage…

Conventional

30 year fixed – 5.875 (APR – 5.975)

20 Year Fixed – 5.875 (APR – 6.009 )

15 Year Fixed – 5.25 (APR – 5.416)

Government

FHA 30 year fixed – 6.0 (APR – 6.280)

VA 30 year fixed – 6.0 (APR – 6.317)

USDA 30 year fixed – 6.0 (APR – 6.303)

Note: Assumes $120,000 loan minimum, verifiable income, single-family residence, no cash-out, a 620 score and an escrow established. Rates change daily and sometimes several times a day. They are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice.

Here are some current interest rates for 6/17/09 courtesy of Boone County National Bank…

30 Year Fixed Rate

• 5.75% with 0.0 discount points and $0.00 rebate

20 Year Fixed Rate

• 5.75% with 0.0 discount points and $0.00 rebate

15 Year Fixed Rate

• 5.125% with 0.0 discount points and $0.00 rebate

The loan amount is $100000 and the estimated value of the property is $125000. The property is located in the City of Columbia, County of Boone, State of Missouri. The property is an existing single family home and is used as a primary residence. An escrow (impound) account is required. The rate we will provide will be for a 30 Day Rate Lock Period. Interest Rates can change at any time, and cannot be guaranteed until you complete our on-line application and your application is approved.

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NEW PRICE!!!

818 Cypress Ln, Columbia, MO 65203

MLS# 318688

REDUCED TO:  $195,500

Great walkout ranch on double lot! Located on quiet cul-de-sac in SW neighborhood. Split bedroom floorplan with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Low maintenance exterior with 2 car garage and mature trees. The living room features a vaulted ceiling and gas log fireplace. Kitchen with pantry, lots of counter space, new smooth top range, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. There is an attached breakfast/dining room that has a sliding door to deck and opens to living and kitchen. Lower level has a family room, rec area, storage room, bath and a bedroom. The family room has built-in shelves, tiled rec area with access to lower patio/deck. 12 x 14 upper deck with stairs to 16 x 18 lower covered deck and 8 x 12 concrete patio. This home is also convenient to schools, the University, downtown, hospitals and highways. Call Today for your personal tour:

573-447-4300 or Donna at 573-268-4435

For additional information, click here.

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How FICO Scores Help You

FICO scores give lenders a fast, objective measurement of your credit risk. Before the use of scoring, the credit granting process could be slow, inconsistent and unfairly baised.  Credit scores – especially FICO scores – have made big improvements in the credit process.  Because of FICO scores:

• People can get loans faster. FICO scores can be delivered almost instantaneously, helping lenders speed up loan approvals.  This means that when you apply for credit, you’ll get an answer more quickly.  Today many credit decisions can be made within minutes -or online within seconds.  Even a mortgage application can be approved in house instead of weeks for borrowers who score abe a lenders score “sut-off.”  FICO scores also allow retail stores, internet sites and other lenders to make :instant credit” decisions.

• Credit decisions are fairer. Using FICO scores, lenders can focus only on the facts related to credit risk, rather than their personal opinions or biases.  Factors like your gender, race, religion, nationality, and marital status are not considered by FICO scores.  So when a lender makes a credit decision based at least partly on your FICO score, you can be sure that the lender’s evaluation of your credit history is fair and objective.

• Older credit problems count for less. If you have had poor credit performance in the past, FICO scores don’t let that haunt you forever.  The impact of past credit problems on you FICO score fades as time passes and as recnt good payment patterns show up on your credit report.  And FICO scores weigh andy credit problems against the positive information that says you’re managing your credit well.

• Does my FICO score alone determing whether I get credit? NO.  Most lenders use a number of facts to make credit decisions, including your FICO score.  Lenders look at infomration such as the amount of debt you can reasonably handle given your income, your employment history, and your credit history.  Based on their perception of this information, as well as their specific underwriting policies, lenders may extend creditto you although your credit score is low, or decline your request for credit although your score is high.

• More credit is available. Lenders who use FICO scored can make more credit available to you or offer better terms because your FICO score gives them more precise information on which to base credit decisions.  It allowes lenders to identify individuals who are likely to perform well in the future, even though their credit report shows past problems.  Even if your FICO score is lower than a lender’s cutoff for “automatic approval”, you may still benefit from you lender’s use of FICO scores.  Many lenders offer a choice of credit products geared to different risk levels.  Most have their own seperate guidelines, so if you are turned down by one lender, another may approve your loan.  The use of FICO scored bives lenders the confidence to offer credit to more people, becausethey have a better understanding of the risk they are taking on.  And this gives you more options when you apply for credit

• Credit rate are lower overall. With more credit available, you may pay less.  Automated credit processes, including credit scoring, make the credit granting process more efficient and less costly for lenders, who in turn have passed savings on to their customers.  And by controlling credit losses by using FICO scores, lenders can make rates lower overall.  Mortgage rates are lower in the United States than in Europe, for example, in part because of the information available to lenders here.

Your FICO Score – A Vital Part of You Credit Health

When you’re applying for credit – whether it’s a credit card, a car loan, a personal loan or a mortgage – lenders want to know your credit risk level.  To help them understand your credit risk, most lenders will look at your FICO score, the credit score creaded by Fair Isaac Corporation which is available from all three major credit reporting agencies.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a number lenders use to help them decide: “If I give this person a loan or credit card, how likely is it that I will get paid back on time?”  A score is an estimate of your credit risk based on a snapshot of your credit report at a particular point in time.

The most widely used credit scores are FICO scores.  Lenders use FICO scored to help them make billions of creditdecisions every year.  Fair Isaac develops FICO scores based solely on information in consumer credit reports maintained at the credit reporting agencies.

Your credit score influences the credit that’s available to you, and the terms (interest rates, etc.) that lenders offer you.  It’s a vital part of your credit health.

Understanding your FICO score can help you manage your credit health.  By knowing how your credit risk is evaluated, you can take actions that will lower your credit risk, you can take actions that will lower your credit risk – and thus raise your credit score – over time.  A better FICO score means better financial options for you.

We will be periodically posting information that can help you improve your credit health by helping you understand how credit scoring works.  More information on FICO scored and credit scoring can be found online at www.myFICO.com.  You can also get your FICO score, credit report, and specific tips on how to improve your score.  Check it out today