Talking Real Estate with Hope Leitner

 March 2022 eNewsletter

Whether you own a home or looking to buy or sell one, here are the latest Good To Know articles for when you’re ready to take the next step in reaching your real estate goals.

I am here to support you whatever your real estate needs might be.  When you are ready to make the decision to buy or sell, give me a call.

Ponder this - It’s Spring Cleaning Time. Have you considered cleaning up the portfolio a little by simplifying your assets? Now might be a good time to let go of some investment properties. Turn that equity into something fresh and new. Give me a call! 

As always, I am here for you, your family, and friends.

~ Hope

Homebuyers, Homeowners, Home Sellers, Finance

Late Payments and Credit Scores

Consumers who make late credit payments have no idea how badly their credit scores can be affected or how long it takes to repair the damage.  According to Nerdwallet.com, a late payment of 30 days or more can knock as many as 100 points off your credit score and stay on your credit report for up to seven and a half years. 

FICO scores, the credit-scoring system used by the Fair Isaac Corporation, help banks and other lenders determine a borrower’s creditworthiness. Your scores can change with every new report from a creditor, but nothing impacts credit scores like a missed payment. Your payment history accounts for 35 percent of your FICO score, advises credit bureau Experian.com. Other factors include the amounts owed (30%) credit history length (15%), types of credit (10%) and new credit (10%.) 

If you’re late making a late payment on an account, don’t despair. Equifax.com, another credit bureau, explains that the payment due date on your statement or bill is the last day you can pay on your account without incurring late fees. Lenders routinely report accounts to credit bureaus at least 30 days after the payment due date, and they often don’t report late payments until they’re 60 days past due.

Even if your payment is late, go ahead and make it. If you can pay the amount due in full, some lenders won’t report the late payment. You’ll have to pay whatever late fees are levied, but your credit score will remain intact.

LUXURY, SMART TECHNOLOGIES, HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, LIFESTYLE

Five Home Décor Trends for 2022

The way Americans use their homes has changed since the advent of the pandemic and has encouraged interior design trends for 2022.  These ideas are so smart, they’re likely to stick around even after the pandemic is over.

Smart furniture – According to Puffy.com, the smart furniture industry is on track to reach $244 million by 2024. Televisions can double as artwork when turned off, couches, beds, and chairs offer charging ports, but most exciting are coffee tables that come with refrigerator drawers so you never have to leave the game to grab a cold one.

Muted but colorful décor – Color palettes for 2022, such as those suggested by Benjamin Moore, are calling for blue, green and yellow colors on the paler side, far from the dark and moody jewel, spice and deep ocean shades of recent years.

 Vintage accents – Whenever life seems chaotic, homeowners become nostalgic for simpler times. Housebeautiful.com explains that vintage furniture and accessories feature craftsmanship, materials and a flair for individuality that can’t be duplicated today. Large floral patterns are great to pair with stripes or abstract fabrics.  

Multifunctional room design – Working from home makes, homeowners want more space, but Brick.com says that space should be more flexible. The room where you put your desk may also have an integrated workout area.   

Curved furniture – Room design, furniture and accessories will feature elements that feel like a soft comforting cuddle, says 2modern.com. Rounded edges are a welcome change from the geometric look of modern furniture.