Having a high credit score is extremely important; however few people understand what can help and what will hinder their credit score. Test your credit knowledge below with a quick true or false quiz.
True or False:
- Having only one credit card leads to a better credit score?
- Every time credit is pulled it is called a “credit inquiry” and will lower someone’s credit score?
- Credit reports can have many different types of information such as: previous addresses, public record information and name variations?
- There are three credit bureaus who give out credit scores. They are always about the same score no matter what bureau you choose?
Answers:
- False. Although just a few credit cards may sound more responsible and may generate a higher credit score, you want to maintain a minimum of 3-4 trade lines reporting to the credit bureaus. A variety of credit cards, installment loans and mortgages is ideal.
- False. There are different reasons for accessing ones credit report and not all will impact someone’s credit score. Insurance companies and some creditors perform what is known as a “soft credit pull” that does not affect the overall credit scores.
- True. There can be a lot of information on a credit report including those items mentioned and more, such as employer, state and federal tax liens and/or judgment for delinquent rent.
- False. Your credit score is a “snapshot” of your credit at the moment the credit report is seen. Each credit bureau has different criteria that they use when analyzing ones credit usage and history. Although in many cases the scores are relatively close to one another, in some cases a delinquency can appear on only one or two of the bureaus reports and can vastly lower those scores given by those bureaus.
Today we are featuring Janet McAllister’s listing in Ann Arbor that is yet to be built.
What distinctive features set this home apart?
This custom home will be built on over two acres of beautiful property on a private road off West Delhi in Ann Arbor. Several trees on the property provide even greater privacy for this yet to be built home.
Can you describe the architectural style of this home?
This unique floor plan, complete with high end details, can be customized to meet your needs. The buyer has the opportunity to work with the builder to choose finishes.
If you would like more information about this home, please contact Janet McAllister at (734) 747-7888.
Ann Arbor was recently recognized by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government and Digital Communities magazine as the 6th “Best Digital City” in the Country.
The use of information technology by local governments was the primary focus of the survey. Several online initiatives of the City of Ann Arbor were recognized including:
- Adding eTRAKiT, which allows users to access online permits/projects to find up-to-date property record information
- Introducing online payment for water bills
- Creating on online presence using social media – Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare
- Launching an open data catalog
Ann Arbor was 6th among cities with a population of 75,000 to 124,999.
The Charles Reinhart Company’s Coat Drive, which kicked-off in mid-October, is struggling to collect as many coats as they have in years past.
More than 13,000 coats have been collected throughout the 14 previous Coat Drives. The Coat Drive is in urgent need of winter coats to donate to more than 20 local agencies.
New and gently used winter coats are being collected at all of the Reinhart sales offices as well as all Sunday Open Houses.
Capital Cleaners, Chelsea Cleaners and Gold Bond Cleaners have graciously donated their services to professionally wash the coats before they are distributed to local agencies.
“The Coat Drive is an event our agents have embraced and the local community has supported for 14 years,” said Bill Miller, General Manager of the Charles Reinhart Company. “In these difficult economic times, the need for winter coats is even greater. We are working hard, with the support of our community, to provide the warmth needed for those less fortunate in our communities.”
For more information about the 15th Annual Coat Drive, please contact Jennifer Fry, RentFAST Manager and Charitable Contribution Coordinator at (734) 669-5937.
Today we are featuring Jean Wedemeyer’s Ann Arbor listing – 4811 Doral Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Can you describe the architectural style of the home?
Wide open spaces and vaulted ceilings are a hallmark of this condo. This home is splendid for entertaining large groups of friends and family. The lower lever, complete with daylight windows, provides an additional 1700 square feet of living space, perfect for a family room and hosting out of town guests.
What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
This detached condo, situated off the main road into Stonebridge, is close to shopping, downtown Ann Arbor and yet has the benefit of lower Pittsfield Township taxes.
Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
This condo is immaculate! From the gleaming marble floor in the foyer, to the Corian counters in the kitchen, to the many new windows, it sparkles!
What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
This home faces a beautiful green lawn, pond and wooded area. The three season porch is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the great views.
What makes the price of this home so great?
This home, which has had only one owner, is priced to sell and is the least expensive condo for sale in Stonebridge.
If you would like more information about 4811 Doral Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 481048 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Jean Wedemeyer at (734) 769-3800.
Joining me on Local Lifestyles on Sunday, November 21 from 2pm – 3pm on 1290 WLBY are Rhonda J McGill, Vice President of Community Housing Alternatives and Sarah Teare from Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley.
Community Housing Alternatives provides affordable housing options for families and individuals in Washtenaw County, helping hundreds of people annually get in their own homes. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley (HHHV) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that works to eliminate poverty housing by building and renovating homes for families in need of shelter.
During our one-hour segment from 2:00pm – 3:00pm we will discuss several topics including:
- Local affordable housing programs
- How the current economic climate allows for people to take advantage of homeownership
- The difference between CHA & Habitat home purchase programs and who best fits into each of them
- Pre purchase Education from MSU & Brown Chapel
You can listen live online at: http://www.1290wlby.com/
For more information about upcoming shows and guests, please visit my website.
The Charles Reinhart Company has partnered with Ann Arbor’s Pure Dentistry to provide substantial discounts to Reinhart Rewards members. Pure Dentistry is a family friendly dental office located on South State Street in Ann Arbor. They strive to give all of their patients the highest quality of dental care in a friendly, safe, professional and caring environment. Dr. John Wehr and his team are trained in prevention techniques and coaching for life long oral health care.
Dr. John Wehr is committed to the local community, donating his services to organizations like Give Back A Smile, a non profit which provides care to victims of domestic violence. Dr. Wehr is also committed to prevention and would prefer to prevent problems instead of fixing them. As part of his commitment, Dr. Wehr provides his patients with a free athletic mouth guard.
Pure Dentistry is located at 2509 South State Street in Ann Arbor. For more information about Dr. John Wehr and his team at Pure Dentistry call (734) 662.7874 or visit their website.
Reinhart Reward offer: Receive a free new patient exam with an adult new patient appointment
Reinhart Reward offer: Receive a free full-mouth x-ray with an adult new patient appointment
Reinhart Reward offer: Receive a free custom athletic guard with an adult or child new patient appointment
To learn more about Reinhart Rewards or to sign-up for the program please visit our website.
We’re bombarded with national generalizations about what’s happening in real estate. On the residential side of the business one could conclude from the headlines that the following items are true:
- Home prices are falling
- Avalanche of foreclosures coming
- New construction is dead
It’s tricky and there are lots of data points to sift through, but real estate is local. To understand what’s happening we all need to understand what’s happening in the greater Ann Arbor area. And in Ann Arbor, the sky isn’t falling!
Prices, in the Ann Arbor School District, are up 2.25% from 10/31/09*. The market has stabilized in Ann Arbor, inventory of homes for sale has been greatly reduced and are now in the “normal” range, 4 – 6 months supply, for all price points up to $400,000*. Supply of higher end homes has also come down in 2010, though supply still exceeds 6 months in those categories*. In Ann Arbor, foreclosures are not driving or dominating the market as they do in some Michigan and national hotspots. Finally, new construction is far from dead here, with a number of Reinhart client builders increasing sales and production of homes in 2010.
We are in recovery and the Ann Arbor market will lead the way in Michigan. If the history of past downturns is a guide, 2011 will see stabilization spreading across Washtenaw County. It will be gradual, but the truth is that the cost of housing (price plus interest rates) hasn’t been this low in fifty years! The recovery will continue. We just all need to tune out the national media noise and focus on the realities here at home.
*Based on information from the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service for the period 1/1/2010 – 10/30/2010.
Are you interested in cutting your weekly grocery shopping bill in half?
Barbara Zinser, Charles Reinhart Company Realtor, is not just a real estate expert, she is also an expert at saving money at the check-out counter. Barbara follows the principles of nationally known “Coupon Mom” Stephanie Nelson to save up to 56% on her grocery bill.
You too can discover how to use a program of coupons and rebates to literately cut your grocery bill in half. Barbara is teaching a “Cut Your Food Bill in Half” class on Thursday, November 18th from 6:30pm – 8pm in the REC & ED Conference Room. Find out how your family budget can benefit from Barbara’s money saver tips.
For more information, contact Barbara Zinser at (734) 971-6070.
The Washtenaw Intermediate School District has partnered with the Ann Arbor, Lincoln, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run and Ypsilanti school districts to plan and develop the Washtenaw International High School, scheduled to open in the fall of 2011. East Middle School in Ypsilanti, which has been recently renovated, is tentatively planned to be the home of Washtenaw International High School.
The structure of Washtenaw International High School will be similar to the nationally acclaimed International Academy in Oakland County, with the curriculum focusing on an International Baccalaureate Diploma. The teachers, from the partnering districts, will remain employees of their district while teaching at Washtenaw International.
Washtenaw International High School is expected to be a huge asset for Washtenaw County. The Washtenaw International High School’s IB program will likely encourage relocation to the area, helping attract and retain talent in Washtenaw County. For more information about the Washtenaw International High School please visit www.wash.k12.mi.us.
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