Preparing for 2009

With the start of the New Year, now is a great time to evaluate your credit score and report for any inaccuracies.

And with today’s technology, it is very easy to do.

Did you know that all consumers are entitled to a free credit report annually? Just go to www.annualcreditreport.com to request the report from each of the three Bureaus.

Review your credit report for any mistakes and contact the source of the inaccurate information as well as sending a letter to each of the three bureaus disputing the inaccuracy.

Know your credit score. If you have a credit score of 300-549, chances are very slim that you will qualify for a loan or credit card.

With a credit score of 550-699, you would be considered a medium risk and would get higher interest rates.

With a score of 700-850 you will have a smooth loan process, and the best interest rates available.

Not only does your credit history/score affect any loans or credit cards you may be applying for it is also a factor in your homeowners insurance.

There are ways to protect and build your credit.

• Pay all bills & pay on time
• Maintain 2-4 credit cards
• Close unused credit or store cards
• Keep balances well below the limit
• Pay more than the minimums
• Establish long term credit history

Things to avoid:

• Too many credit cards or zero credit cards
• High Non-Mortgage Debt
• Delinquent Accounts
• Frequent job or address changes
• Charge offs* (bills marked uncollectible)
• Bankruptcy

Since each case is individualized, please check with your financial consultant or attorney in regards to your particular case.

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, build or sell feel free to contact me at 317-893-0648, or by email at dawnwhalen@kw.com

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

Serving Your Family Needs First!

Which Home Improvement Project Should You Tackle ?

Whether you are contemplating moving, or you just want to update your home, you want to make sure that you invest your money wisely. You want to make sure that your project doesn't over value your home for the neighborhood, in case you would want to sell in the future.

There are many projects that can add value to your home, but where to begin? Do you still have the 1970 cabinets in your kitchen? Do you sit near a window, and feel the breeze from the outdoors coming in & your windows are shut? Do you have that fabulous shag carpet in a bedroom or two? What about your siding? What does it look like? Aluminum, or vinyl, and what color is it?

This summer we did have our siding replaced. My house was built in 1973, and the siding was original. It was painted this fabulous red color. I am sure it was because it went with the brick! Don't know, but I know I didn't really care for it, and after living here since 1994, it was time for a change.

So after much research the decision was made to have new siding, gutters, gutter helmets, and downspouts installed. We don't plan on moving anytime soon, but I know that eventually we will sell. One thing I have found since becoming a Realtor, is that most people prefer low to no exterior maintenance. Easy enough with this house, being 75% brick, and now we have vinyl siding which is guaranteed to not fade, chip, crack etc. Will not need painted, and you no longer have to clean out the gutters.

If you are interested in obtaining Cost Vs. Value information for siding replacement as well as many other Home Improvement Projects you can view some Remodeling Cost Vs. Value.

If you or anyone you know are looking to buy, build or sell in the Central Indiana area, I would love to assist you.

Serving your family needs first!

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

317-893-0648

http://www.dawnwhalen.com/

Baby it's bad out there! Picked my daughter up from work, and slid all the way home! Be safe!

Going to take my daughter to work, to the office for a few minutes, and then back home to work on showings for next week.

Sunshine Rides

My daughter called, her car won't start, guess I am taking her to work also!

Well, I guess I should paint my Blazer yellow and start Sunshine Rides, Inc!

I am thankful that because of my job, I am able to be flexible enough to provide my daughter a ride to work and be available to pick her up as well.

Being a Realtor, allows me to work flexible hours, and be available to friends and family when needed.

I am also flexible for my clients. It is not unusual for me to be able to show a home on short notice. I work hard to not completely book my day so that I am available for clients as well.

It's a Very Cold Morning.

Joy! It is 1 degree outside, Joes truck won't start, the Blazer will so I have to haul myself out in this fabulous weather to take him to work, otherwise I am without a vehicle all day. Wasn't planning on venturing out until noon.

Guess I need to be up and moving anyway. Today I plan on delivering the baked goods to various places. One of my stops will be the Beech Grove Post Office. I love everyone there. The clerks are very friendly and helpful. I want them to know how much I appreciate all they do. Over the weekend, Joe and I made cinnamon cookies, sugar cookies and M&M Shortbread cookies as well as peanut brittle.

So I am off to deliver my husband to work, and then back home for a while, before going out to be Santa's little helper.