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Summer time has just begun and it’s a perfect time to get a jump start on improving your credit score! Enjoy the summer fun without the worry of any credit score concerns. This USA Today News article by Odysseas Papadimitriou, explains four tips for getting your credit score in shape for the summer.
1. Check your credit score. You’ll need a baseline against which to judge your performance, so check your credit score (for free). Two-thirds of people haven’t checked their credit score in the past year, according to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, which means this simple step alone puts you ahead of the game. You might even discover that your credit is already excellent and you’re perhaps currently overpaying on certain financial products. In such a case, you can get right to upgrading.
2. Review your credit report for errors. To say that credit reports are error-ridden would be an overstatement, but not by much, as roughly a quarter of people have a mistake on one of their files, according to the FTC. Finding a significant error and then successfully completing the dispute process is one of the easiest ways to get a quick credit score bump.
3. Pay down outstanding balances. Credit scores incorporate a metric called “credit utilization,” which is the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits. Lower is generally better with this ratio, so try to repay a chunk of a revolving balance, if applicable, or pay your bill a few days prior to your monthly statement being generated in order to reduce the balance reported to the credit bureaus.
4. Satisfy collection accounts. The newest credit-score models stop considering collections accounts once they have been paid. Either paying what you owe in full or negotiating a settlement with the collection company could therefore improve your score, and perhaps your odds of credit card approval.
Read the full article: 4 tips for getting your credit score in shape for the summer
Lennar Coastal Carolinas is pleased to announce that only three homes remain in the current phase of The Colony community since opening for pre-sales in April. The Colony is just minutes from Pawleys Island, beaches and world-class golf.
“Thanks to a successful grand opening and desirable locale to outstanding schools, shopping and outdoor adventure, we’ve been delighted to see unprecedented demand for this unique community,” shares Lennar Coastal Carolinas Division President Jason Byham.
The neighborhood will have 49 estate-sized home sites and will include a selection of floorplans to choose from including Lennar’s popular Annandale floorplan- ranging from 1,700 to 2,600 sq. feet and three-to-five bedrooms. In addition, the community will have options such as gourmet kitchens, paver patios, fire pits, built-in grills and built-in fireplaces for residents to enjoy the great outdoors. For more information, visit www.lennar.com/myrtlebeach.
New Features in Charleston Communities
It’s no secret that the Lowcountry has long been recognized for its hospitable atmosphere. From the people you’ll meet to the sights you’ll see, Lennar’s increased presence in Charleston communities can officially be added to the extensive list of bragging rights! Introducing a host of newly enhanced features, buyers will be hard-pressed to beat our Everything’s Included homes.
From new lighting to flooring and plumbing, these homes boast both improved aesthetics and efficiency. “This Summer, we have updated our included features and selections to include the latest in styles, colors and trends,” shares the division’s Director of Sales Guy Ackerman. “From high-end white granite countertops and stylish subway tile backsplash to our craftsman style painted white cabinets and new oversized showers with seating, we think our buyers will be delighted with everything we’re able to offer at these prices.”
Charleston, S.C. Named Top-Ten Market for Millennials in Builder Online
Charleston, known for its rich history and natural beauty has been recognized as a top-ten metropolitan area for millennials home buyers from Builder Online. Joined on the East Coast by Raleigh, NC and Washington DC, the Holy City reported a 24.5% share of millennial movers according to Builder Online.
“There’s no question that Charleston is an incredible place to live and we’re delighted to be a part of the millennial housing movement,” shares shares Lennar Coastal Carolinas Division President Jason Byham.
For more information please call 843-514-8295
VALENCIA, CA – MAY 2016 – Located about thirty minutes north of Los Angeles, Arte is a brand new home community set in a great location for commuters. This community is close to award-winning schools and children can attend the renowned West Creek Academy. Arte offers three distinctive floorplans to choose from, all of which feature modern two story designs. Homes range from approximately 2,291 to 2,467 square feet of living space.
“Arte features some of our most popular and well-designed floorplans,” Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lennar Inland Tara Conklin said. “This community is also set within a really fine school district and near great recreation, making it a wonderful choice for families.”
These modern new homes also offer residents a sustainable lifestyle through solar power. Homes at Arte will be powered by state-of-the-art, microinverter-based SunPower Solar™, saving homeowners money on utility costs every month while conserving resources. Additionally, many upscale features come standard in the new homes at Arte thanks to Lennar’s Everything’s Included®. Among the most notable items are granite slab countertops, upgraded cabinetry, GE® stainless steel appliances, crown molding, theater pre-wiring in great room, tankless water heaters, home automation and so much more.
Residents will enjoy the security and pristine lifestyle Arte has to offer through great amenities. This gated community with breathtaking views provides an extravagant clubhouse, swimming pool, community center, park, playground, trail, greenbelt and plenty of spaces to enjoy family time.
For more information on Arte and other communities in the Valencia area, visit: http://www.lennar.com/new-homes/california/valencia/valencia.
With hundreds of communities nationwide and homes designed for first-time, move-up and luxury homebuyers, Lennar has grown to become one of the nation’s leading and most respected homebuilders and proudly remains steadfast in their commitment toward quality, value and integrity. Lennar has a longstanding history of building exceptional homes in only the most well planned and desirable locations throughout the country.
Chula Vista, Calif. — June, 2016 — High quality homebuilder Lennar recently released the final phase of townhomes for sale at their Palermo at Lake Pointe community located in Chula Vista.
“We are thrilled to be releasing this final phase of townhomes for sale,” said Janet Price, Marketing Manager for Lennar California Coastal. “It’s clear there’s a demand for upscale yet affordable townhomes in this area, so it’s great to be able to meet that need.”
Lennar’s final phase of homes for sale at Palermo at Lake Pointe offers buyers three floorplans to choose from. Every home Lennar builds comes filled with valuable and highly sought after features at no extra cost through their Everything’s Included® program. Thanks to Everything’s Included®, Palermo residents will enjoy stainless steel appliances, granite slab kitchen countertops, home automation and much more!
Palermo features gorgeous and modern floorplans that homebuyers are sure to love. These townhomes range in size between approximately 1,062 to 1,652 square feet, and up to four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. Priced from the mid $300,000s and low taxes, this is a unique opportunity to purchase a new home in Chula Vista.
A great location and fantastic community amenities also add tremendous value to the homes at Palermo at Lake Pointe. Lake Pointe has many upscale amenities for a relaxing Southern California lifestyle, including a sparkling pool and spa, community barbeques and tot lot. Located close to Otay Lake, residents enjoy great views and recreation opportunities in a place where warm days happen year round.
Homeshoppers are encouraged to act fast! Since this is the final phase release of homes, besides the models, these homes are sure to go quickly!
For more information on new homes at Palermo at Lake Pointe visit www.Lennar.com/sandiego or call 888-220-5502.
With hundreds of communities nationwide and homes designed for first-time, move-up and luxury homebuyers, Lennar has grown to become one of the nation’s leading and most respected homebuilders and proudly remains steadfast in their commitment toward quality, value and integrity. Lennar has a longstanding history of building exceptional homes in only the most well planned and desirable locations throughout the country.
First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes… the purchase of your first home!
Usually after getting married, the next exciting step is purchasing your first home together. While it might all seem like fun and games while home shopping, it’s important that you go over important questions before making the big purchase. Daniel Bortz from Realtor.com, identifies some of the questions that you and your loved one should ask each other before buying your first home.
What’s your credit score?
Back in your dating days, you two probably talked about everything from where you’ve traveled to your favorite movies. But now, as newlyweds, it’s time to get serious and broach a far less romantic topic: your credit scores.
In fact, if you’re truly smart, you will have had this conversation already: Half of married couples in the U.S. say that credit scores were a make-or-break factor when choosing their mate, according to an Experian Consumer Services survey. But for other couples, credit is a taboo subject. Unfortunately, if one person’s credit score is substantially lower than the other’s, that could hinder the couple’s ability to qualify for a loan, or at least get an attractive interest rate.
“Knowing your credit scores before you meet with a lender is crucial,” says Wright. Doing so will also give you the opportunity to work on repairing any credit issues before you apply for a mortgage. You can also get a free copy of your full report at AnnualCreditReport.com, although for the exact score you’ll need to pay a small fee. Or check with your credit card company; many offer free access to scores.
Where would you like to live in five years?
Your future goals will affect which type of home—and loan—is right for you. For instance, if you’re planning to stay put for the foreseeable future, then a 30-year mortgage with a fixed interest rate may make the most sense, since this means your interest rate (and monthly payment) remains constant over the life of the loan.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to move within a few years—say, to a larger home to raise a family or move closer to your in-laws—then you should consider other options. For instance, an adjustable-rate mortgage offers a lower interest rate than a fixed mortgage for an initial period of time, such as three to seven years. After that point, it can adjust up or down based on market indexes.
Check out the full article: The Newlywed’s Guide to Buying a Home
Fathers Day is coming up right around the corner and we are all asking ourselves the same question, what is the “perfect” gift to give dad this year? Well no need to worry, we created an ultimate gift guide filled with a few great ideas for you to give dad this year. These ideas are non-traditional, but meaningful Father’s Day gifts that can be customized to fit all of his preferences. Give dad a special day, enjoying a few of the things that he loves the most!
So let’s make it simple yet meaningful this year, and take a look at these Father’s Day gift ideas.
1) Grill his favorite food
Spend Father’s Day grilling your dad his favorite “cook-out” meal. Whether it’s hot dogs, hamburgers, or chicken, you better get to brushing up on your grilling skills to prepare dad with one tasty meal for his special day. He will gladly accept a delicious meal made with love by his family.
2) Yard work
Promise your dad a day where you will take on the landscape duties so he can sit back and relax when it comes to doing the weekly landscape maintenance at home. This gives him one less stress of his everyday duties as a dad, and he will be quite impressed to know that his days of doing yard work haven’t gone unnoticed.
3) Car wash
Treat your dad with a free car wash, especially during these hot summer months it can be a tiresome task. Whether you take his car to get washed or wash it yourself at home, the choice is yours. It’s a great gesture to show that you want to help him out and take the responsibility of a chore that he would normally undertake on his own!
4) Dad Day marathon
Let dad watch his favorite TV show or movie ALL day, without interruption or guilt of hogging the TV from the rest of the family. Maybe it will be a never-ending marathon of ESPN or possibly his favorite Netflix show on repeat. Regardless of the choice, let him rule the TV for just one day! Although it may seem like an effortless gesture, he will definitely appreciate some quality time with the TV.
5) Hobby appreciation
What does your dad love to do the most? Maybe it’s fishing, bicycling, cooking, or simply watching TV on the couch when he has free time— whatever the case is, go enjoy quality time with your dad doing whatever he loves to do most. Not only will he appreciate doing his favorite hobby, but he will value it even more by sharing the time with the ones he loves most.
Have you already found the perfect gift for dad or have any ideas to share? Let us know in the comments below!
