SAVE MONEY...Even When Dining Out.

Here are 5 Simple Things to Save a Little Money:

1. Go for lunch instead of dinner, entrees are cheaper.
2. Eat earlier and take advantage of twilight specials or happy hour menus.
3. Skip drinks and opt for tap water.
4. Have dessert at home.
5. Look for coupons or discounts on weeknights.

Have a GREAT Day && SAVE some MONEY!!

The Advantages of Buying a Property through a Real Estate Agent

The advantages of buying a property through a real estate agent

There are several benefits to purchasing a property through a real estate agent. See below for just some of the reasons why you should hire an expert.

• Education - A qualified agent has been educated in the real estate market and has valuable professional experience in assisting in the sale and purchase of properties.
• Pricing expertise - Agents will tell you when a house is overpriced or underpriced according to the comparable.
• Buffers - Agents will field phone calls from contractors (if you are looking at new construction) or homeowners, saving you time and aggravation.
• Location information - Agents either have knowledge or they know where to find the industry buzz about your neighborhood. They can identify comparable sales and advise you if a neighborhood is likely to hold its value.
• Code knowledge - An agent will be familiar with local zoning ordinances and answer any questions you may have regarding future construction.
• Skilled negotiators - Agents can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and submit requests objectively and forward them to the seller. They are professionals who are trained to present their client's case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests.
• Paperwork - Property transactions require a lot of paperwork. One mistake or omission could land you in court or cost you thousands, so it really pays to let a licensed professional guide you.

Give me a call today and let me help you!!

469.865.6882

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Tips for Selling Your Home this Fall

No matter what the season, or where you live, remember the tried-and-true tips when presenting your home to potential buyers. It is always important that your home is neat, organized, clean and clutter-free during an open house or private showings. However, here are some ideas on how to take advantage of the fall season to really make your house stand out.

1. ‘Tis the season - spruce up your entryway and yard with plants that thrive in the fall like chrysanthemums. A cornstalk or pumpkin on the front porch, or a decorative fall wreath on the front door is a nice touch…though all accents should be in moderation.
2. Safety first - Don’t forget to rake the leaves, as they can be slippery on sidewalks and steps. Also, scattered leaves may detract from your home’s facade.
3. Sugar and spice - Capitalize on the season with scented pinecones or cinnamon sticks to create warm fall aromas inside your home.
4. Rain or shine - Depending on the weather, you may need an indoor mat so the floors don’t become treacherous.
5. Warm hearth - A fireplace is a desired feature, make it a focal point of your open house with a fire and arrange the furniture accordingly.
6. Food for thought - It’s always good to provide delicious treats during an open house so potential buyers linger. Warm pie, hot apple cider, or fresh cookies and milk are good selections for a cozy fall snack that will make potential buyers feel at home.

I would love to get your home on the market and SOLD this fall.

Give me a call today!!

469.865.6882

Are YOU working with the right lender?

In the whirl wind that surrounds the home buying and mortgage process, how can a consumer be sure that they are working with the right lender? I mean there are so many choices…here’s some things to consider:

What type of company is it?

There are mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers and banks/credit unions. Mortgage brokers have been hamstrung by many of the recent regulatory changes and typically lack the actual ability to approve and/or lock a loan. Banks are usually limited in program choices and hamstrung by tighter underwriting. Mortgage bankers have the financial stability and direct lending capability of the bank coupled with the wide product menu and expertise of the mortgage broker. From a global perspective, I see mortgage bankers as a clear winner.

How does the company operate?

Many people are dismayed when they find out where their loan is processed or underwritten….or where the appraiser is from. It is important to work with a company (and their affiliates) who understand the nuances of your local market. Asking the questions up front can save you headaches down the road.

What about the individual loan officer?

Your relationship with your LO (and their processor) becomes the most important ingredient to a successful transaction. How well do they educate you about the process, the requirements…the factors that determine your approval or the interest rate you will get? Many LOs are “order takers”. Others are weak in follow up or communication. This is difficult to determine on your own which is why the referral from another person who used them or your real estate agent has far more value than most people know (until it’s too late).

Too many people stay focused on quoted rates and fees and neglect to see the whole picture of what is needed from a lender. Look for great communication, superior information and education, understanding of the local market and someone who looks at your application as something more than a number. Be prepared to pay a little more to get a better experience (even though it might not cost you any more)….in the long run, lowering stress can be more important.

I work with a GREAT Lender at Cendera Funding, Jill Clifton...

Her cell is the best way to reach her - 214.232.0979.

Give her a call and she will take GREAT care of you.

Thank you KCM Blog for this GREAT Information.

Need Listings in Mansfield, TX

Thought You'd be Interested

I have clients ready to purchase in the Walnut Creek area of Mansfield, TX...I also know of several agents who have clients looking in the same area. Let me know if you or someone you know is interested getting your home on the market with the potential of selling right away!! kimpratt@judgefite.com

Fall is Here!!

Oh boy...summer might be behind us in Texas...cooler weather was here for the first time in a long time!! Taking a look at the real estate market in the Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson areas has been slim pickins!! Definitely not enough homes out there for buyers to choose from! This is the best time to get your home on the market...it will show up as a new listing and be submitted to all buyers who have a profile set up with a real estate professional.

If you are a buyer, ask your agent to set up a "Prospect Gateway" for you. This will keep you up to date on anything new coming on the market and is also a great way to see any price reductions.

Stay tuned for more local info...videos are also coming soon!

School Supply Drive

With the Start of School Fast Approaching many of us are starting to shop for school supplies for our kids. Unfortunately times are hard and a lot of families are struggling to afford the necessary supplies for their kids.

I am going to donate $1 worth of school supplies for every New/Updated E-mail for my Monthly Newsletter.

Please send me an e-mail at KimPratt@JudgeFite.com with your new/updated e-mail and name!!

Please send this email to anyone/everyone you know!! I would love to donate A LOT of school supplies!!

Please call or e-mail me with any questions!!

Thank you so much!!

Kim Pratt, REALTOR ®
Century 21 Judge Fite
Cell: 469.865.6882
If you would like to make a donation yourself, Please let me know.

Top Five Reasons for Buying a Home

Interesting Survey Results I thought I would Share...

I am here for any questions or if you would like to start your home buying journey!

National Housing Survey

The top five reasons given in the survey for buying a home, in order, are:

1. It means having a good place to raise children and provide them with a good education
2. You have a physical structure where you and your family feel safe
3. It allows you to have more space for your family
4. It gives you control of what you do with your living space (renovations and updates)
5. Paying rent is not a good investment


The Myers Research and Strategic Services Survey

The top five reasons given in the survey for buying a home, in order, are:

1. Home ownership provides a stable and safe environment for children and other family members
2. Home ownership means the money you spend on housing goes towards building equity, rather than to a landlord
3. Home ownership creates the opportunity to pay off a mortgage and own your home by the time you retire
4. Home ownership creates the opportunity to live in a neighborhood that you enjoy
5. Home ownership allows you the right to decorate, modify and renovate your home as you see fit

Heating up!

Hello All..

I hope everyone had a GREAT 4th of July! As the temperature rises, the market is heating up too! Right now is the time to sell your home! Please let me know if I can be of any help! I would love to work with you and your family!

4 Pinnacle Court, Mansfield

Hello All..

I got a new listing! Please go visit the website to learn more... Http://4pinnaclecourt.BestHomeAround.com...

I am also having an open house tomorrow...Saturday, June 11th from 1PM-3PM....

Hope to see you there!

7 Ways to Build your Credit Score

Hello There Guys...Sorry about the distance between posts. Here are the last 3 ways to Build you Credit Score... I hope this advice helps!

1. New credit is 10% of your score and every time you apply for credit an inquiry is added to your report, which drops your score.
2. Types of credit used accounts for 10%. Installment loans like vehicle and personal loans demonstrate you can manage various long and short-term credits.
3. The length of your credit history accounts for 15%, so maintain your accounts instead of closing them. You are not penalized for available credit.

7 Ways to Build your Credit Score...#4

#4....The amount owed is 30% of your score. A good rule is to use less than 10% of your credit available on each individual card, or just pay them monthly!

See you tomorrow :)

7 Ways to Build your Credit Score...#3

#3 Your payment history accounts for 35% of your score, so make sure payments are on time every month.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

See you tomorrow :)

7 Ways to Build your Credit Score...#2

#2...After you request all your scores...check to verify all of the information is correct. If there are any errors, contact the bureaus immediately.

Have a wonderful day & try to stay dry!!

See you tomorrow :)

7 Ways to Build your Credit Score

Credit score requirements for loans are higher than they have been in the past, so a good credit score is so important. In today’s economy most lenders are looking for credit scores of 720 or higher to secure a low mortgage rate. There are seven ways to build your credit score:

1. Request your credit reports and assess the situation. Credit bureaus (www.experian.com, www.transunion.com, www.equifax.com) are required to provide you with a free credit report every year. Nationwide consumer reporting companies get their information from different sources, the data in your report from one company may not reflect the same data in your reports from the other two companies, so request all three.

See you tomorrow with the second way to build your credit :)

Reasons Why Buying a Home is Better Than Renting

***I hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day!!***

Reason #5...Pride of ownership. If you purchase a house, it’s yours! To many, owning a home is the very epitome of the American dream. And, with a sense of permanence, you will establish roots in your community!!

Coming soon...7 Ways to Build up your Credit Score...

Reasons Why Buying a Home is Better Than Renting

Reason # 4...Stable housing costs. If you have a fixed rate mortgage, your principal and interest are fixed, and your payments are predictable. But a landlord can raise your rent.

Thanks for Visiting...:)

Why Buying a Home is Better Than Renting

Reason # 3....Complete Control. Want to remodel your home, repaint the exterior or plant some flowers? If you own your own home, you are free to do so, subject only to local zoning ordinances and homeowners association or condominium rules. If you rent, you cannot make these changes unless the landlord agrees.....

Thanks for visiting my blog :)

Why Buying a Home is Better Than Renting Reason #2

With tax season now in the past, a lot of us are wishing we got a bigger return...For most, the interest on a home mortgage is TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Rent on the other hand is not. Just another good reason why buying is better than renting.

I hope everyone has a HAPPY EASTER!!

Reasons Why Buying a Home is Better Than Renting

Reason # 1...The potential to build equity. Sure, there are still reports of falling prices in some parts of the nation. But, in general and over time, you are likely to build equity in your new home. Plus, if you stay in your house long enough, you will ultimately pay off your mortgage and own it outright... When you rent a house you are just making someone else rich...

Thanks for visiting my blog, check in tomorrow for "Why Buying a Home is Better Than Renting Reason # 2"..:)

7 Tips for Spring Home Maintenance...

After a long winter most of us are more than ready for spring weather. However, harsh winter elements of high winds, pelting rain, and in some regions, heavy snow have the ability to wreak havoc on your home. So, before summer barbecues and pool parties, here are seven home maintenance tips for spring.

1. Check for possible damage to the roof. Look for missing, cracked or broken shingles and make note of any needed repairs.
2. Cut back tree limbs and shrubs growing within five feet of the house or that are brushing up against the roof.
3. Check and repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks.
4. Check your gutters for leaks or loose bindings. Improper drainage can lead to water damage. Clear any debris and make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation.
5. Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected.
6. Clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system, remember, clean coils operate more efficiently.
7. Examine all the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.

After doing these items, it's a GREAT time to list your home with me :)

Inventory Way Down!!

Calling all homes that are ready to be SOLD!! Are you ready to list your home?? Our inventory in the Mansfield-Arlington area is way down! There are not enough homes on the market for buyers to choose from. Yes there are buyers out there...and they are qualified and ready to go! Let me meet with you to give you a free market analysis for your home...call me today...469.865.6882... http://kcmblog.com/2011/04/14/newsflash-there-is-no-inventory/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepingCurrentMatters+%28KCM+Blog%29

Homeownership...The Real American Idol!!

http://kcmblog.com/2011/01/25/the-real-american-idol-homeownership/

2011 is Here Already!

We are already in mid-January...can you believe how fast time flies?? 2010 went by in a flash and now we are already high gear into 2011.

Time for a checkup...

Homestead Exemption...if you have occupied your home as of January 1st, the state of Texas allows for you to take a Homestead Exemption. Go to http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/exmptns.html for more information and links to forms.

Electricity Rates Too High?? You can check a variety of companies on http://www.utilityhelper.com/c21/ Make sure you have the best rate available you might be surprised.