Carla Hill, managing editor and producer for Realty Times, stresses the importance of having a good credit score. During recent recession and real estate turmoil, banks were forced into putting harsh credit restrictions and lending regulations in place – making it difficult for many people to receive home loans or refinance.

One of the biggest factors lenders look at when calculating your loan, and determining whether or not you are a responsible borrower, is your credit score. Ranging from 300 to 850 – the higher the better – your FICO score is determined by several factors, says Hill. Some of these include the length of your credit history, how much money you’ve borrowed and still owe and recently opened credit accounts. The only way to grow a good credit score is by building good credit over a long period of time.

So when your credit score drops to the low end, it’s important to be proactive in repairing it, especially if you’re planning on getting a home loan. Hill says there are five basic things you can do to start building your FICO score up again.

1. Pay your bills on time. It’s possible that letting one water bill slip in college didn’t irreparably damage your credit score. But paying your bills on time, consistently, is a simple way to bolster your credit. Recently, many lenders have put relief and assistance programs in place to help individuals having a difficult time paying their bills.

1. Avoid collections. If you owe money and can’t pay it back, contact many organizations that might be able to help. Once an item goes into collections, it will impact your credit report for seven years.

1. Opening multiple, new lines of credit can temporarily lower your credit score. Avoid doing this if you’re planning on getting a home loan. Even if you are a responsible borrower and have a repayment plan ready, the temporarily lower than average credit score won’t look good to your bank.

1. Beware of identity theft and any errors on your credit report. It is your duty to monitor your credit score, both to protect against mistakes and stave off identity thieves. If you find an error, report it to both the organization that provided the information and the credit bureau.

1. Carrying heavy debt on credit cards can drag down your credit score. Pay them off as quickly as you can.

Hill claims that the best home loans are given to individuals with a credit score of 700 or above. Although it seems lofty, it’s possible to reach such a high score in a short period of time. While borrowing and paying back is the mold for building a credit score, borrowing and paying back smartly is what breaks it and sends your credit score rising.

Living side by side with bugs of all sorts, it’s inevitable that the creepy crawlers will make their way to your house. Most bugs are harmless annoyances, to both you and your home. But some, like carpenter bees that chew away at wood siding, and mosquitoes, that cause pain and can carry harmful diseases, need to be discouraged from nearing you and your property.

There is no set schedule for when you should treat the exterior and interior of your home, but many pest control products have a short – term preventative effect – anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

As part of your plan to thwart insect invasion, it’s important to know what conditions to avoid.

• Clogged, water and leaf – filled gutters, as well as downspouts that create pools too near the house.

• Damp crawl spaces and low – sitting decks that create moisture pockets.

• Untreated wood siding will draw boring bees during warmer months.

• Untreated pets can carry ticks, fleas and mites into your home.

• Trees that are near the house make jumping from limb to roof a breeze for roaches and beetles.

Mosquitoes can be a particularly painful nuisance. There are several things you can do to discourage mosquitoes from breeding near your home and to prevent bites.

• Eliminate standing water in flower pots, swimming pool covers and buckets. Bird baths, ponds and swimming pools can have filters and drips to keep the water fresh.

• If you open your windows to let in spring and summer air, be sure they are screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.

• Avoid wearing sweet fragrances and floral prints when outdoors.

• If you’re spending substantial time outside, use a bug repellent with DEET.

For most people, bugs are no fun. It’s important to have a termite prevention plan in place, as most homeowner’s insurance don’t cover termite damage. Although you can thwart the progress of pests on your own – several products are available at retail stores to assist you –it’s a good idea to contact a local professional. He or she can help you gauge your pest problem and put a quarterly prevention plan in place.

Deciding to put your house on the market is often the easiest decision in the selling process. It’s the waiting, showings, constant cleaning and length of the process that can weight down the shoulders of homeowners.

HGTV’s Front Door – a network dedicated to real estate – suggests that homeowners step outside the box and utilize more off–the–wall selling techniques to ensure their property flies off the market. Here are five of the top ten unique selling ideas they suggest.

1. An open house party. Open houses and scheduled showings are common. But holding an all – out party isn’t. Plan ahead by sending flyers to your community and distributing them at local restaurants and post offices. Arrange for some live music, light alcoholic beverages and even catered food. This can get pricey, so be sure to provide a window – such as 3:00 to 6:00 – the event doesn’t carry on longer than you wish. It can be a fun way to highlight the functionality and spirit of the home, while at the same time drawing in potential buyers.
2. Let potential buyers sleep on it. Some sellers are allowing serious buyers a couple–night trial run. If you are comfortable doing this, it will help a buyer see the what he or she does and does not like about the house. Maybe the street lights are too close, or maybe they’ll decide they can’t live without your outdoor patio. This can be risky, so alter your local authorities to what will be taking place in case any suspicious activities being happening around your home.
3. Throw in added extras. If you have the budget, luring buyers with extras is a great way to attract more people to your home. Anything from free TV’s and valuable furniture to months of “free mortgage” can be included. One woman, cites HGTV’s Front Door, went as far as offering herself as a prize, hoping to wed the individual who purchased her home.
4. Use the internet. Marketing your home with only flyers and MLS listings is somewhat dated. Create an entire website for your home with detailed descriptions of the rooms and an interactive tour. Also, the web can be a great place for house swapping, where homeowners simply trade evenly one property for another.
5. Go big with the home staging. If you’re sure the home hunter in your area prefer a country western theme, or feng shui, go bold with the home staging. Many realtors can help with staging and others can recommend a professional who stages homes for a living.

It’s hard to be the best home seller in a market that’s flooded with them. But if you find that your home isn’t drawing the attention you desire, consider some of HGTV’s unique suggestions for upping the ante.

According to the Third Ward Neighborhood Association, of the city’s four wards, the third is the most distinctively urban. The website states that the third ward is “known to residents for its proximity to center city businesses, the diversity of its neighbors, and collection of lifestyle amenities. Third Ward has been the linchpin in Uptown Charlotte’s redevelopment.”

So what makes the Third Ward so special? There are several amenities that its residents enjoy. For outdoor lovers, there is Frazier Park and Dog Park. It’s an off – leash park, where pups can freely play with each other, that is open from 7:30 am until sunset daily. There is also a children’s play area and plenty of sidewalks for strolling.

The Irvin Creek Greenway offers Third Ward residents, and guests, 2/3 of a mile of pristine walking trails through Uptown Charlotte. According to the Charlotte Culture Guide, some of the greenway’s neatest attractions include public art in front of Ray’s Splash Planet, a long line of Sycamore trees at Sycamore Street, and the Children’s Memorial Walkway and Garden in Frazier Park.

Romare Bearden Park sits on 5.2 acres and was designed with the intention of holding the Charlotte Knights Ballpark and Madeline’s and Maudell’s gardens. The park is located between Church Street, Mint Street, MLK Boulevard and 4^th Street. Much of the park centers around the work and influences of artist Romare Bearden, hints the name.

There is also a Third Ward Community Garden where locals can work together to grow sustainable food throughout the year.

Because of its urban location, the Third Ward is ideal for families and people who want to live just outside the main city. Close to restaurants, banks, shopping and local businesses, the Third Ward is a good mix of green – with trails, parks and trees – and city life.

Housing in the Third Ward is as diverse as the city’s residents and amenities. From historic bungalows, refurbished to house single families, to new, tall condominium high rises, there are plenty of property options to please an array of residents.

To learn more about Charlotte’s Third Ward, visit their neighborhood association and Charlotte Center City Partners. Or, contact a local realtor who can give you the ins and outs and show you around one of Charlotte’s trendiest and fastest growing wards.

Both exciting and overwhelming, the home selling process is definitely one of details and planning. As the national housing market continues to improve and bound back from recent recession, many homeowners are taking the next step toward selling their homes. If you fall into this category, avoid these 7 mistakes to remove the headaches from home selling.

1. Not using experts. Many homeowners want to sell their own homes but the logistics are daunting. Consider whether you want a licensed Realtor or an agent. Be sure you choose an experienced expert to manage the ins and outs of the selling process.

2. Ineffective marketing. Be sure you’re putting your home in front of the right audience. Communicate with your agent to ensure he or she is listing your home thoroughly and take advantage of Internet advertising.

3. Not fully disclosing all problems with the property. Trust between realtor, seller and potential buyer will dissolve when issues with the home are discovered later in the selling process. Be upfront about improvements and troubles before putting the home on the market.

4. Being too involved. Don’t hold your own open house or host your own showings – most buyers will be hesitant to ask questions if the homeowner is lingering around. Don’t get emotionally attached to the property. Remember that your memories don’t transfer to the new owner, and being overly sentimental will make the selling process more difficult for you.

5. Ignoring curb appeal. Be sure your yard is neat, toys are removed and from the outside, your home appears clean and welcoming. Small tasks such as sweeping porches and blowing off driveways make a huge difference.

6. Poor pricing. Pricing too high will drive away certain potential buyers but pricing too low is ultimately bad for the seller. This is an area in which your experienced agent will be of great help.

7. Forgetting about the details. Be sure your home is odor–free and pet–free when potential buyers are viewing it. Make the beds, keep the paint fresh and remove overly personal items from the home. Keep in mind, “what would I want to see if I were looking to buy a home,” when prepping for a showing.

There is so much to consider when selling your home if you want to do so effectively. Be open with your realtor, as he or she will have seen both positive and negative selling experiences in the past.

If your mortgage is larger than the value of your home and your property is seeing negative equity, it may seem like going into foreclosure is the best solution. But oftentimes, homeowners rush into walking away before understanding all their options. Being upside down on your mortgage is overwhelming, but there are other possible solutions to your problem that don’t carry such long–term effects that should be considered before leaving your home.

Refinancing
If you’re considering foreclosure, it’s likely you won’t qualify for refinancing but it is possible. Essentially, you would be trading your mortgage in for a new one with a lower monthly payment. Homeowners must have good credit scores, meet stiff requirements and have good income / little debt to qualify for refinancing.

Mortgage Overhauls
Speak with your lender about options for mortgage modifications. Extending the length of your loan period can often result in more manageable monthly payments. Lowering the interest rate and consolidating loans can have the same effect.

Short Sales
If your bank is willing to take less than you owe on your house, you can list it as a short sale. This can be a long process that requires understanding and work from both lender and seller, but its long – term effects on your credit are far less reaching than those foreclosure causes.

Secondary Loans
Face up to your financial situation before considering secondary loans. If you’re struggling to repay your current loan, a second one is not always the best option; however, speaking with a lending professional could help you understand if a supplementary loan is a good idea for you.

With the recent struggle in the housing market, efforts have been made to help homeowners understand their options and avoid being taken advantage of when it comes to foreclosure. The Obama administration’s Making Home Affordable Program offers this advice on avoiding scams and getting help in the face of foreclosure.

• Contact a HUD – approved lending counselor. The service is unbiased and totally free.
• Be wary of any organization requesting fees for counseling or delinquent loan modification services.
• Don’t ever sign over your deed unless you’re working directly with your mortgage company.
• Don’t make payments to any organization other than your mortgage company.
• Recognize and avoid common scam approaches such as those requiring the quick turnover of papers in order to save your home and third party involvement in forgiving your debt.

MakingHomeAffordable.com is an excellent resource for homeowners considering foreclosure. If you’re upside down on your mortgage, understand your options and seek out the most reputable resources for assistance before deciding to walk away.

Deciding to purchase a home is the big step in what many first–time home buyers discover to be a daunting process. From searching properties to finding the perfect realtor; from worrying about buyer’s remorse to handling your finances, buying a home can be a complex course.

Thorough planning is the best way to avoid unforeseen dilemmas. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), first–time home buyers should carry with them – mentally if not physically – a checklist.

What does NAR recommend?

1. Create a wish list. Outline what you deem necessary in your new home, what features would be perks and be honest about the issues that would result in your ruling out a property.
2. Browse smartly. Look for homes in areas you’re already attracted to and browse within your budget.
3. Find a reputable, experienced realtor.
4. Inform yourself about the communities surrounding your potential new home. Learn about schools, crime rates and local businesses.
5. Get all the details about the property – tax records, repair records, pricing history, etc. You don’t want to be surprised when something unexpected is revealed later in the buying process.

Realtor Magazine also offers these tips for home buying preparation. They’re basic but weighted steps each potential home buyer should take before rushing into a decision.

1. Decide what you can afford.
2. Research potential places to live.
3. Start saving as soon as possible. A down payment on a new home is about 20% of the overall cost and closing fees range from 2 to 7 percent of the home’s cost.
4. Tidy your credit – getting financing will be nearly impossible if your credit is in a mess.
5. Research and determine your mortgage qualifications.
6. Get pre-approval for a home loan from your lender.
7. Calculate and understand the full costs of home ownership – taxes, insurance, maintenance fees, etc.

Buying a home, although sometimes a challenge, should be an exciting transition for you. Find an experienced realtor to help guide you through the process and approach each phase with open – mindedness and, most importantly, preparation.

Selling a home can be a long, arduous process. When planning to sell, there are some basic aspects to consider before putting your home on the market.

Of course you’ll want to find a reputable realtor to handle the logistics of the selling process. But it’s important that your home, when viewed by potential buyers, can be seen as their home. This can be a challenge because there are bits of personalization throughout the home – both inside and outside.

In addition to adding fresh, neutral coats of paint, adding curb appeal removing personal items – such as pictures, magnets and knick knacks – and cleaning thoroughly, you’ll want to give extra attention to some of the larger, more permanent portions of your home before showing it to buyers.

Floors
Hardwood floors are timeless and still a draw for many homebuyers. Be sure that scratches, dents, uneven planks and discoloration are attended to before the viewing. On top of repairs, a thorough waxing gives hardwoods an undeniably new, clean feel.

Carpets should be stain and odor–free. Also, if you’ve moved heavy furniture to make your home more buyer–neutral, take care to remove the indentations left behind.

Counters
In bathrooms, kitchens and workspaces, counters are often the focus. Laminates are seen as outdated in many markets while granites and stones are more lasting. Concrete, steel, tile and butcher block are other materials often used to bring countertops up to date.

Be sure that your counters show little wear – scratches, burns from pots and curling irons, chipped edges.

Built–ins and Lighting
Homebuyers pay specific attention to the aspects of a home they cannot change. If they don’t like the paint color, they’ll change it. If they don’t like the huge built–in entertainment center or recessed lighting, that’s a different story.

Make sure lighting fixtures are current with the times and inconspicuous, as well as very clean. Use softer lighting to give the space a warmer, cozier glow.

For built–in furniture, highlight what is most positive about it. That it saves space in the room. That it can be personalized with a new finish or glass doors. Incorporate it into the style of the room to make homebuyers feel as if it will meet their needs.

What’s most important is that a homebuyer can see themselves in the space you’ve lived in, whether for a long or short period of time. De – clutter without leaving the spaces void of character and think about classic design and cleanliness when preparing to put your home on the market.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), “56 percent of homeowners cite functionality as their largest concern when it comes to their home.” NARI National President Paul Zuch, CR, president of Capital Improvements, says that many homeowners opt for remodeling, as opposed to moving to new homes, as a means of living in a more functional space.

A home’s functionality is personal. For example, a family with small children or growing families will demand different things from their homes than do retired couples or single homeowners. If you’re planning to remodel your Charlotte home before putting it on the market, here are some things NARI says to consider.

• Electrical outlets, telephone jacks and cable hookups. Where is the best, most convenient and accessible place to plug items in?
• Lighting. Skylights, recessed lighting and built – in lighting save space. But they do become permanent fixtures in a remodeled home.
• Blending the aesthetics and design of new and existing living areas. You want to ensure that balance between the two is maintained.
• Storage needs. Many homebuyers cite a lack of sufficient storage space as a reason not to purchase. Think about current and future storage needs when remodeling for functionality.

According to NARI, “universal features to accommodate the needs of a broader range of people throughout their lifetimes” is important to consider. Stairs become a challenge for aging residents while cat walks and low counters are dangers for small children. Think about home design features that can adapt as the needs of the homeowners change.

Some of the more recent polls conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry have homeowners showing concern over room size and accessibility to the home.

Whether you’re remodeling for personal convenience or to attract homebuyers, keep functionality at the forefront when making design decisions.