Get ahead of potential financial issues that may slow you down

We advise home sellers to declutter­ before showing their property–remove extraneous items, organize, put personal items in storage and stage the home so that buyers can see themselves living there.

To realize buying that property, buyers can also declutter–­their credit history. In addition to larger down payments, lending institutions want to lend money to people who are good risks, are financially responsible and can handle a loan over the long haul.

There are several actions you can take to begin straightening your credit history house. First, pay your creditors on time every month. This includes any current loans, credit cards, utilities, department store accounts and student loans. You should pay off any accounts in collection and any state or federal tax liens. If you are thinking about making a large purchase or changing jobs, hold off until the home buying process is settled.

Also, don’t pay off or close credit accounts in good standing. Credit scores are optimized when they show you have credit available to you and are responsible in how you use it.

Next, check your credit score. This is a number that represents your calculated measure of credit risk. The higher your credit score, the more favorable your loan opportunities and interest rates will be. You are rewarded for being a financially responsible person. Three national consumer reporting companies–Equifax, TransUnion and Experian–have developed AnnualCreditReport.com for free reports. You are entitled to a free report once a year from each of these companies. The Federal Trade Commission also has very useful information on credit scores, scams and how to repair a credit score.

Review each report to make sure the information is accurate. Small technical errors can make a serious impact on your credit score. Look for inaccurate dates and any delinquencies that should disappear after seven years. Other inaccuracies can include balances listed as higher than they truly were and limits listed as lower than they really are.

To dispute any information on your credit report, write a letter to the company providing the report, explain your reason for your challenge and include copies of supporting information that will validate your claim. You can also begin the process with a phone call or online. It’s also a good idea to contact the creditor in question and work with them to resolve the situation.

Your efforts will pay off with the home of your dreams.

Once upon a time (just a few months ago) Homebuyers had an upper hand in the real estate market. Now, it’s the Seller’s turn. We’ve recently heard of fewer homes for sale and the return of competitive, multiple offers as buyer traffic increased 25% from a year ago, according the National Association of Realtors. As a potential homebuyer, what can you do to be noticed and stand out in this changing market? Communicate with your Realtor! Insist on a Home Buyer Consultation before you run out the door to look at homes. Having a mutual understanding and realistic expectations is important!

First, plan. Understand your own financial scenario, what you can afford and how your credit rating will affect your bid. Working from a realistic budget will clear your path when you get down to the negotiation part of the process. Start as far ahead as possible–pay off debts, especially credit cards and fix any errors on your credit score. This can take some time so start now.

Get pre-approved. Not only will mortgage approval strengthen your appeal to a Seller, it will also give you a clear picture of what you can afford. If you’re approved for a $250,000 mortgage, don’t go wandering off looking at $300,000 homes. Understanding that you can’t afford a home outside your price range will help in a market that moves quickly. Your offer will be realistic and one that makes you happy.

Up your down payment. A good start is 20% cash down if possible. No longer can buyers slip in with no down payment unless you qualify for a VA loan or if the home qualifies for USDA loan. There is still first time buyer government assistance of 3% forgivable loan for qualified FHA buyers. The buyer must stay in the home for 5 years to become completely forgivable. Ask you Realtor. The market has changed so much in a few short, difficult years. You and your agent should always have your pre-approval letter ready to submit it with your bid to show the Seller you are a ready, willing and able Buyer!

Keep it simple. Contingency offers are less attractive to a home seller. For instance, making your purchase based on the contingency of selling your home may put you at the back of the pack. A Seller may not want or need the risk of taking their home off the market for a home sale contingency. Often times making an offer contingent upon a successful close however is common practice. Certainly getting a home inspection is paramount. You can discuss any major issues that are revealed, and address those issues according to contract. However, nit-picking over a $500 repair is just not worth it if you really want the home. Should you be interested in a big, old home in one of the inner ring suburbs, realize these houses are old and have their own quirks. Trying to force the owner to repair to the degree of a new home won’t get you anywhere.

Be respectful. The home you want to buy, the home you want to raise your family in, is precious to the seller. Charging ahead with an arrogant attitude is a sure way to squelch your offer. You could write a letter (a real letter!) expressing why you are attracted to this home and how your family will grow and thrive there. Also, ask your agent to deliver your offer personally, instead of faxing or emailing. Successful agents know that success is built on personal relationships.

Be flexible. Can you help the seller with the closing date? If they need a bit more time, let them know that you are willing to work together on the possession date if needed.

These tips will help you stand out and make a “Smart Move” when you move quickly on the home you really want. Call your SCHNEIDER Realtor when you are ready to make a “Smart Move”!

It’s that time again!! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 12th and meet us at the Falls Golf Club in O’Fallon, MO for food, fun, great company!

This year’s tournament is presented by SCHNEIDER Real Estate and Goodfellas in Saint Charles. All benefits go to The Child Center and Missouri KIDS.

Registration is $125 per person/$500 foursome which includes golf, lunch, dinner, beverages and goodies!

Four Person scramble schedule:

• 10:30 a.m. registration
• 11:00 a.m. Lunch
• 11:30 a.m. shotgun start
• 4:30 p.m. dinner with Program

Other activities:

• 50/50
• Silent and Live Auction
• Flight Prizes
• 1st & 2nd in A/B flights
• Closest to the Pin
• Straightest drive

Registration Form and Sponsorship Info

Contact Melinda Movick (314) 960-9084 or Jack Borgmeyer (636) 940-5400 for details or jack@grappagrill.com

COME OUT AND LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!

Trees have always been popular poetic topics (…Under the spreading chestnut tree…I think that I will never see a poem as lovely as a tree…) but as gracious and stately as they are, trees get down to business, add value to your property, and reduce your energy costs.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy just three properly placed trees can save you between $100-$250 a year in energy costs. How do they do that? The shade cuts cooling costs in the summer and the trees are windbreaks in the winter, reducing heating costs.

Trees do us another good deed…they help us breathe. Called the lungs of our planet, the Trust for Public Land estimated that one mature tree takes 48 pounds of carbon out of the atmosphere each year and returns enough oxygen for two human beings. In addition to better breathing, trees also improve our quality of life with their aesthetic value, as habitats for many species and as noise reducers.

From a sales standpoint, trees are one of the best curb appeal additions. Looking at a home on a shady, tree-lined street with ample shade is a far better buying experience than a home perched on a plot of grass with no trees. Don’t discount the effect a beautiful tree could have in winning over the heart of a potential homebuyer.

All of these benefits are problematic, though if you don’t choose the right tree for the right place. Take a photo of your property, go to your local nursery and let the experts help you decide. One very important issue is long-term size. Research the tree you want, especially how tall it will be a maturity. That is rather hard to visualize when you are planting a young tree, but will make an immense impact in the years to come. For more help in choosing a tree, the Missouri Botanical Gardens has a selection of tried and true trees that work well in Missouri. The Arbor Day Foundation is another resource as well offering educational programs and trees for sale at very reasonable costs.

Go ahead. Plant a tree. You and your buyer will breath easy.

Saint Charles, MO – Cort Schneider, of SCHNEIDER Real Estate, has been awarded the prestigious title of 2012 Realtor Associate of the Year by the Saint Charles County Association of Realtors. The Realtor Associate of the Year is awarded to the Realtor that demonstrates proper real estate practices through ethics and cooperation, community service and participation, and sales volume. There were over 1,400 Realtors eligible to win the award.

“It was an honor to receive this award. Serving as President of our Association in 2012 presented me the opportunity to keep both Realtors and homeowners in our community aware of the Real Estate trends that directly affect our market. I also continued our Associations efforts to promote homeownership through Legislative Advocacy during one of the most challenging economic times in recent real estate history.”

Being born into a Realtor family, Cort Schneider has real estate in his blood. In 1999, Cort joined the family real estate business and the St. Charles Association. Since then, he has built a successful real estate career helping families throughout St. Charles County achieve the American dream of home ownership. Cort learned from his family about the importance of giving back to his community and the industry, and has spent the duration of his career living up to that family tradition. An active member of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Cort served as Chair of the Chamber’s Young Professional’s Network in 2011, and he received the Chamber Champion Award in 2012 for his service to the organization.

Cort Schneider is an outstanding leader of the St. Charles Realtor family. He has served as Treasurer, President-Elect, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the SCHNEIDER Association, as well as the Grievance Committee. In 2012, Cort was the President of the St. Charles County Association of Realtors, the fourth member of his family to do so. As President, he provided superior leadership and guidance and worked diligently to increase member involvement and communication.

Cort’s dedication, compassion, and leadership has been recognized at all levels of the Realtor organization.

“I will use this experience to continue helping families with the very big decisions associated with buying or selling a home. Knowledge is power and I will continue seeking ways to improve our services standards for the families we serve.”