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