Larry Gray

Archive for July, 2010

Are high energy bills getting you down this summer?  Here are a few tips that may help you get that bill under control.

1.   Keep the thermostat as high as you are comfortable with; not as low as you like.

 2.  Replace the filters often.

 3.  Keep your air registers clear and clean, making sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, drapes and dust.

 4.  Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes.

 5.  If you not going back into a room for a while turn off the ceiling fan.

 6.  Keep draperies and shades on the south and west facing windows closed to maintain constant temperature.

 7.  Take shorter showers.

 8.  Wash clothes in cold water.

 9.  Check and replace all worn weather seals under doors and windows.

 10. Turn off the TV and lights when you are not in the room.

 Try these tips and see if they help stop your energy bills from heating you up.

Recently I have run into several first time buyers with a unique credit problem.

In our initial discussions, prior to looking at homes, one of the questions I ask is “How’s your credit.” Often I get the following answer “My credit is excellent; I don’t have a mark on it.”

I always suggest they get a mortgage pre-approval letter, as it gives them more leverage to bargain with and lets them know what they can afford. I will refer them to several loan brokers I trust or suggest they check with their preferred financial organization.  Three out of the last four I referred came back with the same response from the mortgage company, “Yes, you do not have bad credit. In fact you have NO credit.”

A lot of people do not understand that having no credit history can be as bad as having “bad” credit when it comes to financing a house. Establishing a good credit history is a very important part of modern day life. This is especially true today when your credit history is used to determine so many things in life such as mortgages, insurance, job offers, etc. Avoiding credit in your life can have many negative repercussions in all areas of your life. 

Responsible credit takes work and does not just happen.  Building a good credit history does not occur over night and takes planning to accomplish.  You have to understand and know your financial position and make good decisions based on that position.

 Begin building your future today.