Nancy Hibler, Realtor

You’re ready to purchase a home - but have you looked at your credit score lately? Your credit score as a home buyer is not only one of the most important variables when applying for a mortgage, it is also the first thing a mortgage lender will check to see if you qualify for a loan. Your credit score affects how much you can borrow, the kinds of mortgages for which you can be approved, and your mortgage rate. The minimum acceptable credit score depends on the type of home loan you qualify for, but conventional financing for buying a home usually requires a minimum credit score of 620.  Pricing Based on Risk Mortgage lending is based primarily on risk-based pricing. Lenders increase the cost of your mortgage for each risk associated with your credit profile. The lower your credit score, the higher the rate you will pay for a mortgage. For example, the difference between a 750 credit score and a 625 score can add one half of a percent to your loan rate. On a $200,000 30-yea...

Selling your home for the first time includes many moving parts. From staging the home to showings, it’s important to understand these moving parts and be ready when it’s time to sell. When the house for sale sign goes up, you’ve made the decision to sell and look for a new home. Buying your first home may have felt exhausting but selling this house is a little bittersweet. Are you selling your first home? Here are some tips from a trusted real estate agent , Nancy Hibler. Pricing Your Home When you are ready to list your home for sale, make sure the price of your home is accurate. Find a listing agent to help deciding on an appropriate price. A listing agent will compare other properties and give an estimate on comparative market analysis . Stay away from choosing a family member who only dabbles in real estate from time-to-time. Find an agent who has experience and sells a large number of listings, preferably listings in your neighborhood. Home Staging Prepare your hom...