| It's officially 2008, and you know what that | | | | in the southeast, south, southwest or western |
| means. It means we'll probably mess up a bunch | | | | states. |
| of checks by writing 2007 until we remember it's | | | | Low rainfall totals predicted in 2008 could mean |
| 2008, right? Did 2007 go fast or what? I'm still | | | | water rationing in many states and higher water |
| wondering what happened to November. | | | | cost. Planting drought resistant landscaping is |
| The new year also means planning, as the saying | | | | quickly growing in popularity in many of these |
| goes those who fail to plan - are planning to fail. | | | | states as homeowners prepare for higher water |
| That saying is especially true if you're a | | | | costs. |
| homeowner in 2008. With new housing and | | | | 4. Learn and Do Routine Maintenance. |
| banking laws, rules and policies changing by the | | | | Prevention is the best cure. This is an old saying |
| month, or even day - the best time to create a | | | | that still rings true today, especially if you're a |
| plan is sooner rather than later. | | | | homeowner in 2008. Despite a construction |
| Here are 5 resolutions every smart homeowner | | | | slowdown in most areas of the country. |
| should make and work to keep in 2008. | | | | Building cost and building supplies continue to |
| 1. Find Fixed Rate Loan | | | | skyrocket in cost. Therefore, when something |
| With the mortgage loan meltdown because of the | | | | breaks down or you need something repaired |
| sub-prime lending mess, fixed rate loans is the | | | | around your home it will cost more in 2008 than it |
| best deal in town - if you want to stay safe. | | | | did in 2007. |
| Knowing what future payments you'll have has it's | | | | So, the best way to avoid unexpected repairs |
| advantages. Are you in an adjustable rate, | | | | (the worst kind to have) is by paying attention to |
| interest only or worse an option ARM mortgage? | | | | routine maintenance around your home. |
| Then this is the best time to look for a good | | | | 5. Improve and Preserve a Good FICO Score. |
| fixed rate loan, especially if you've made your | | | | This may seem like an odd subject to place in a |
| payments on time. | | | | newsletter about home management. But having |
| Many lenders of fixed rate mortgages will be | | | | a good FICO score will play an even larger role in |
| happy to speak to you. But make sure you shop | | | | your ability to manage your home as well as your |
| smart. Believe it or not even in this turbulent real | | | | other finances. |
| estate market, you're in the drivers seat. | | | | Did you know all your creditors, including your |
| The only way lenders make money is by loaning | | | | auto and home insurance companies plus your |
| money to borrowers who pay on time - if that's | | | | utility companies check your FICO score each |
| you ... make them earn your business. | | | | month? Did you know your credit card company |
| 2. Invest in Making Your Home More Energy | | | | can raise your interest rate if you're late on your |
| Efficient. | | | | mortgage payment or car loan? |
| Depending on what happens in the middle east, | | | | If you ever have to refinance for a home |
| Venezuela, Nigeria and other unstable oil producing | | | | improvement or repair your FICO score will be |
| countries, take heed. | | | | one of the first items they look at. So, keeping |
| With the price of heating oil expected to go | | | | your FICO score healthy is of primary importance. |
| above $100 in 2008 your heating cost could go up | | | | If your FICO score needs work start doing what |
| 10% or more this year. | | | | you have to do to build it back up as soon as |
| Although the tax credits on home improvements | | | | possible. |
| expired December 31, 2007 - It's still smart to | | | | With the new challenges for 2008 looking at us, |
| invest in making your home more energy | | | | it's to your advantage to do as many of these 5 |
| efficient. | | | | actions as you can. They will help start your new |
| The theme for 2008 is conserve, save and avoid | | | | year on the right footing for a prosperous year |
| waste. The cost of energy will rise this year, and | | | | of homeownership. |
| of course as always the cost will pass on to us. | | | | As always, with rapid changes predicted for the |
| So, whatever you can do to make your home | | | | housing market, the most informed will survive |
| more energy efficient will give you an immediate | | | | and thrive and the least informed suffer the |
| savings. | | | | most. I'll do my best to keep you informed, |
| 3. Plant More Drought Resistant Landscaping. | | | | alerted and aware. |
| Another focus smart homeowners will have is | | | | May this new year bring you and your family new |
| finding ways to save water, especially if you live | | | | opportunities, new joys and new blessings. |