It is a fact that the U.S. loves their coffee.&nbsp; A recent survey shows that coffee ranks as the 3rd most consumed beverage in America, just behind soda (2nd) and water (1st).&nbsp; Legend has it that coffee dates back to 800 A.D.&nbsp; A goat herder noticed his goats 'dancing' after eating the fruit of the Coffea plant.&nbsp; A local monk then make a drink with the produce and it kept him up all night.&nbsp; Coffee was born!
As if you need a reason, there are some real benefits to consuming coffee. In an article posted on <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee">Healthline.com</a>, coffee improves energy levels, helps you burn fat, contains essential nutrients, reduces your risk of Type 2 Diabetes and may protect you from serious health conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Dementia.&nbsp; Now, let's insert a big 'BUT' right here -- be mindful of all the extras you put in your coffee (syrups, sweetened creamers and processed sugars).&nbsp; Some healthier alternatives include coconut milk, almond milk, monk fruit and honey.
<h5>Here are a few statistics on coffee that you may find interesting:</h5>
There are over 200 species of coffee beans, but the two main beans that are the most widely produced and sold are Arabica and Robusta.&nbsp; Arabica is the most common.&nbsp; Robusta is more bitter, but it contains more caffeine
Is it possible to overdose on coffee.&nbsp; You would have to drink 30 cups in a very short period of time to get close to a lethal dose of caffeine
64% of American adults consume coffee every day
Americans drink about 146 billion cups of coffee per year&nbsp;
66% of women drink coffee every day, compared to 62% of men
__________
<h5>Did you Know?&nbsp; Salt might be one of the best ways to make your coffee taste better.&nbsp; The reason is it helps neutralize the bitter and acidic flavors in coffee.&nbsp; Weird, but true!&nbsp; Just don't put too much.</h5>
__________
72% of coffee drinkers take their coffee with dairy or non-dairy creamer, which means 28% drink their coffee black
30% sweeten their coffee with sugar or some other form of sweetener&nbsp; (I would have thought this would be higher)
Coffee represents 75% of all the caffeine consumed in the United States
&nbsp;
<h5>So where can I get myself a darn good cup of coffee here in the Alamo City?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h5>
Below are some of the most flavorful brews San Antonio, TX has to offer.&nbsp; Why not take a coffee tour and try them all?&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://summermooncoffee.com/">Summer Moon Coffee Bar</a>
<a href="https://parkatthepoint.com/just-the-drip-coffeehouse#64afb58d-2e94-436c-97ca-ac19ff22396a">Just The Drip @&nbsp; The Point Park</a>
<a href="https://www.revolucionsa.com/">Revolucion Coffee</a>
<a href="https://indycoffeeclub.square.site/">Indy Coffee Club</a>
<a href="https://mildfirecoffeeroasters.com/">Mildfire Coffee Roasters</a>
<a href="https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/pages/bitters-retail">Black Rifle Coffee Company</a>
<a href="https://www.sacoffeeroasters.com/">What's Brewing Coffee Roasters</a>
<a href="https://brevitycoffee.com/">Brevity Coffee Co</a>
<a href="https://cafemartinezsa.com/">Cafe Martinez</a>
<a href="https://coffeemecrazy.org/?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_medium=referral">Coffee Me Crazy</a>
<a href="http://www.theorycoffeeco.com/">Theory Coffee Company</a>
<a href="https://linktr.ee/Tatuherrera">Folklores Coffee House</a>
<a href="https://www.barriobarista.coffee/">Barrio Barista</a>
<a href="http://commonwealthcoffeehouse.com/">CommonWealth Coffeehouse &amp; Bakery</a>
<a href="https://www.presscoffee2go.com/">PRESS coffee</a>
<a href="https://www.philocoffeesa.com/">Philo Coffee</a>
<a href="https://www.estatecoffeecompany.com/">Estate Coffee Company</a>
<a href="https://browncoffeeco.com/">The Brown Coffee Co - Southtown</a>
<a href="http://halcyoncoffeebar.com/location/san-antonio">Halcyon Southtown</a>
<a href="https://poeticrepubliccoffee.com/">Poetic Republic Coffee Company</a>
<a href="https://www.coffeecionadosa.com/">Coffeecionado</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Top Rated Coffee places in San Antonio, TX 

San Antonio's Best Brew - Local Coffee Showcase

What is a Seller's Market?
If you are looking to buy a new home, or even your first home you have probably heard the term Seller's Market.&nbsp; But what exactly does that mean?&nbsp; A Seller's market arises when demand exceeds supply.&nbsp; In other words, there are many interested buyers, but since the real estate inventory is low, sellers are at an advantage.&nbsp; In a seller's market homes sell faster, and buyers must compete with each other.&nbsp; This means multiple offers, often above asking price.
The average price here in San Antonio, TX as of February 2021 is $314,810, which is a 15% increase over this same time last year.&nbsp; With less than 2 months inventory, the hunt for a new home means you must be prepared.&nbsp; Here are a few tips to ensure you are on top of your game in today's seller's market.
1)&nbsp; Find a full-time agent who is available to show you homes
Not every agent is a full-time agent.&nbsp; In fact, when the market is good, many will get their real-estate license as a side hustle.&nbsp; Finding your family the perfect home in this market takes dedication.&nbsp; You need an agent who is not only full time, but ready, willing and available to open the door when a home comes on the market.&nbsp; Discuss your agent's availability up front, and stay in close contact with them via email or text.&nbsp;&nbsp;
2)&nbsp; REALTORS&reg; can show you homes in real-time
Not all internet home search sites show you homes in real-time.&nbsp; Often times, homes are already under contract before you can even make arrangements to view.&nbsp; Your REALTOR&reg; can send you homes in real-time, which means if a home comes on the market that fits your criteria, it is immediately emailed to you, and your agent can get to work on your behalf.&nbsp; A proactive agent will call to see if the home is available, and if there are currently other offers on the table.
3)&nbsp; Get Pre-Approved, not just Pre-Qualified
There is a difference between getting pre-qualified and pre-approved.&nbsp; A pre-qualification means that the lender has pulled your credit, and based on your credit score, and the income/asset information you have provided you are qualified to purchase a home up to a specific price point.&nbsp; A pre-approval is more definitive.&nbsp; Obtaining a pre-approval means that you have provided the necessary documentation needed to get loan approval.&nbsp; i.e. pay stubs, tax returns, proof of assets.&nbsp; The lender will provide a conditional commitment that you can submit with your offer.&nbsp; When you are going up against multiple offers, having a pre-approval puts you at a distinct advantage.&nbsp; It shortens the mortgage processing time, and lets the seller know that your offer is solid.&nbsp;
Get Pre-Approved today with our trusted partner <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teamcummins.com%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C38678d3e60d3439e526908d8e9a0df3f%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637516224436380310%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=zBTj9rVRmHe7%2FV3ezJd9kzV%2B%2FxuiVFouwCJ2qKyf10U%3D&amp;reserved=0">Scott Cummins with Cornerstone Home Lending</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
4)&nbsp; Be prepared to make an offer on the spot
Highly Trained agents, such as the agents at <a href="../../agents">Phillips &amp; Associates Realty</a> know to be ready to make an offer on the perfect house.&nbsp; &nbsp;They have done their homework, and have the ability to write an offer on the spot,&nbsp; They will call the listing agent and let them know your offer is on the way.&nbsp; Waiting even one hour can make a big difference in this market.
5)&nbsp; Add a personal touch to your offer
Many sellers love the home they are selling.&nbsp; A home in which they raised their family, and shared years of wonderful memories.&nbsp; Give them a brief history of your family, why you love their home and why you want to buy it.&nbsp; Even add a photo of your current family to make your offer more personable.&nbsp; It could be the reason your offer is chosen over another.
And finally, try to keep your emotions in check.&nbsp; Your offer many not be chosen in a multiple offer situation, but that doesn't mean you didn't submit a great offer.&nbsp; Don't let yourself get frustrated!&nbsp; An even better house may be around the corner, or about to come on the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Happy House Hunting!

Tips to find a home in today's housing market

Buying a Home in A Seller's Market

<h1>Best Self Storage Units in San Antonio, TX</h1>
In order to pick the top 30 storage units companies in San Antonio, we looked at all 285 facilities in the area, including an in-depth review of each company&rsquo;s amenities, features, and customer reviews.
285 Facilities Reviewed
162 Facilities Curated
30 Top Picks
&nbsp;
Top Picks were based on the following judging criteria:
1.&nbsp; Reputation:&nbsp; A history of great customer reviews and outstanding service
2.&nbsp; Credibility:&nbsp; Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards
3.&nbsp; Experience:&nbsp; Master of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education
4.&nbsp; Professionalism:&nbsp; Providing service with honesty, reliability and respect.
&nbsp;
The experts have done the research, all you have to do is ready their reviews.&nbsp; To view the top picks, visit this site: <a href="https://www.storageunits.com/san-antonio-tx-self-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Storage in San Antonio</a>

Overwhelmed at the thoguht of choosing the right storage unit?  The experts have done the reserach for you.  

Best Self Storage in San Antonio

When you list your home for sale, it's your number one goal to get your home sold in the quickest time and of course for the best price possible.&nbsp; Home buyers do judge the book by it's cover, so taking care of several small projects in the front of your home can attract buyers to get your property moving.&nbsp; Best part is, these are inexpensive and really won't take that much time at all.
Makeover Your Entry
Replace your front door or <a href="https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/paint-wooden-front-door">add a new coat of paint to your existing door</a>.
Groom Your Lawn
Keeping up with the Landscaping remind buyers your home is well cared for.&nbsp; Ever cut your lawn in patterns?&nbsp; <a href="https://www.groundsguys.com/blog/2015/june/get-creative-with-lawn-mowing-patterns/">Learn how here!</a>
Update your Lighting
Switch out broken light bulbs and <a href="https://www.houzz.com/products/outdoor-lighting">update fixtures</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Clean your Windows
Washing windows inside and house gives buyers a crystal-clear view of your property.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatdayimprovements.com/cleaning-windows-with-vinegar.aspx">Washing with Vinegar really does the trick</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;Use a little soap, water and a scrub brush to clean screens.&nbsp; It makes a huge difference!
Create a Clean, Colorful Flower Bed
Bright your exterior with a natural pop of color.&nbsp; Look here for <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/17-annual-flowers-for-year-round-color-pictures">flowers that are colorful all year round</a>.&nbsp; Pull those weeds and use mulch to smother them and keep them from growing.
Replace your Welcome Mat
Welcome buyers, and show them you not only have a great sense of humor with a <a href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/g21070816/funny-doormats/">cute and funny welcome mat</a>.&nbsp; People with a great sense of humor are usually easy to work with.
Refresh Street and House Numbers
<a href="https://pressurewashr.com/how-to-pressure-wash-a-house-to-clean-siding/">Replace</a> or repaint weathered street numbers on your mailbox or house.&nbsp; Give them an updated style.
Power-wash all surfaces
Rent or purchase a power washer to make your <a href="https://pressurewashr.com/how-to-pressure-wash-a-house-to-clean-siding/">siding</a>, sidewalks and driveways like new again.
&nbsp;
Remember, you only have one chance to make first impression.&nbsp; Have fun with this and see the difference!&nbsp; You may just keep circling the block to get a look at your cool, fresh-looking new house.

Buyer will judge a book by it's cover.  Discover these easy ways to boost your curb appeal to make them want a closer look.

Attention Home Sellers!  Easy Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal

Is Your Seller Surveillance Putting You at Risk?
Let's face it...selling a home can be frustrating.&nbsp; If you have sold a home, or are in the middle of selling a home you know exactly what I'm talking about.&nbsp; Strangers are in your house, opening up every door and cabinet, and there's a fear of someone possibly going through your personal belongings.&nbsp; Or, you may have had several showings, but no offers.&nbsp; So you're wondering to yourself what's going on...why didn't they buy?&nbsp; This may tempt you to want to get a 'second set of ears' or look at the buyers with your home security cameras.&nbsp; Before you do, just know what is legal and what is not.
Many homeowners have security cameras and smart-home devices.&nbsp; I'd say that today, there are more that do, than those that don't.&nbsp; As owners, you could have installed a ultra high-tech security system, or a simple baby monitor and that can listen to conversations, and record audio and video.&nbsp; There have been notable cases where sellers have listened to conversations and gained an advantage in negotiations, and they got busted... resulting in hefty fines to the owners and their agent.&nbsp; So what are the rules?
The Rules in Texas
Both the Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and Section 16.02 of the Texas Penal Code prohibit audio recordings without the consent of at least one individual who is part of the conversation.&nbsp; This is commonly referred to as the one-party rule and it requires at least one party to consent to recording conversations.&nbsp; So know this:&nbsp; "If a seller is not present and participating in the showing, he cannot record audio... even if the conversation happens inside the seller's home."&nbsp; If the seller is not present and participating in the showing he cannot record it, period.&nbsp; Illegal recording is a felony offense in Texas, and anyone who has been recorded in violation of the law can bring a civil suit to recover $10,000 for each occurrence, actual damages in excess of $10,000, punitive damages, attorney's fees, and court costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;
But What About Video?
The ECPA does not prohibit video recording.&nbsp; In fact, silent video-like from security cameras is generally allowed as long as it isn't in an area where an individual would have reasonable expectation of privacy, like a camera in the bathroom.&nbsp; Silent video recording of the foyer, kid's rooms, exterior and garage are likely permitted.&nbsp; Most professional camera installers are familiar with the law, and normally will install the video cameras without audio.
BE SMART ABOUT SURVEILLANCE&nbsp;
Your agent should remind you not to have any substantial conversations in the home, just in case someone is breaking the rules.&nbsp; You don't have to be paranoid, just be security smart.&nbsp; Don't let the thought of audio or video keep you from enjoying your viewing.&nbsp; Ask all the questions you want, but just don't talk numbers until you are well away from the home.&nbsp; Always have respect for the home you are viewing, and keep your children close and well-behaved.&nbsp; Don't be overly enthusiastic, jumping up and down exclaiming, "I'll do anything to have this house!"&nbsp; But you can smile and enjoy the features the homeowner has worked so hard on, and is proud of.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As a seller, you are encouraged to avoid criminal or civil liability by concentrating on feedback given with consent and leave any microphones and/or hidden cameras out of picture.&nbsp; As a buyer, you are encouraged to be smart, be courteous... view the seller's home with respect and have your conversations with your agent in private.&nbsp; Simple, right?&nbsp; Right.
&nbsp;
Disclaimer:&nbsp; Information from this article was taken from an article by Wes Bearden, attorney and CEO of Bearden Investigataive Agency and published on the Texas Realtors website.&nbsp; Due to the rapidly changing nature of the real estate market and laws, we make no representation, warranty or guarantee of the accuracy or reliability of any information provided here.&nbsp; Any legal or other information found in this article should be verified before it is relied upon.

Whether you are selling or buying a home, there may be ears and eyes watching you.  Be security smart with Real Estate.

Surveillance and Home Showings - Are You Putting Yourself At Risk?

Just what exactly defines a "finished"&nbsp; garage?
A finished garage doesn't have open and exposed beams, it's drywalled, and in some cases the walls are textured and painted.&nbsp; Some people think 'finished' means it's finished to a livable condition, which would be&nbsp; good enough to be used as a spare bedroom or bonus room.&nbsp; However, that is more commonly referred to as a converted garage.
So does a finished or converted garages affect the value of your home?
Converting your garage (meaning, you are taking out the garage door) to add additional space may seem like a good idea, but removing your garage could make it harder to sell.&nbsp; In some cases, some owners have had to convert it back to a functional garage in order to sell their home, or else withstand longer times on the market.&nbsp; Finishing a garage certainly won't hurt a home's value, but it likely won't increase the value.&nbsp; It's subjective, meaning that a finished garage could be exactly what the buyer is looking for, causing your home to stand out among the others for sale, or it could be just a 'nice to have' with the buyer focusing on other aspects of the home as a a main selling point.
What is the cost of finishing my garage?
Finishing your garage could include some cool bells and whistles like resurfacing the floor, and adding built-in storage.&nbsp; A nice finished garage could cost up to $10.000 or more, depending on how much you add.&nbsp; Just a clean, organized garage could do the trick.&nbsp; You could add hangers on the wall for rakes/shovels/brooms/bikes, metal shelves, overhead storage ...you know, things like that.&nbsp; If you are a garage-organization-loving freak, check out this link to the <a href="https://garageorganizationsanantonio.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9L_tBRBXEiwAOWVVCaagbGUPzu0fBPIqh5aMmPKddBK-j5hGO7i9On6SpEayzmJunEeOGRoCE6gQAvD_BwE">ultimate in garage organization in San Antonio.</a>&nbsp; Or, you can take a&nbsp; trip to Lowe's and get some <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pl/Overhead-garage-storage-Garage-organization-Storage-organization/4294415650">cool shelving/storage ideas.</a>
You can also consider these additional enhancements for value and/or desirability:
<ul>
<li>A New Garage Door - <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/best-garage-doors-for-your-home/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90831fd85e">Insulated garage doors</a> practically pay for themselves.</li>
<li><a href="https://pivotdoorcompany.com/index.php?gclid=CjwKCAjw9L_tBRBXEiwAOWVVCXC2D9zQl1FkNEyXKb8W3EyxI7lUrofv-YabR9o1b5nWl5xX4tb8_hoCSHYQAvD_BwE">Pivoting Doors</a> - I have to admit, these are cool.&nbsp; They add something modern to your home, and could cause a buyer to choose your home over another -&nbsp; just so they can have this door.</li>
<li>New fixtures and knobs - new drawer pulls, upgraded faucets and modern lighting fixtures can be inexpensive and can have a big impact on buyers.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/kitchen/design-ideas/cabinet-refacing/">Reface your cabinets</a> - DIY or spend a little more to get an entirely new look.</li>
<li>Paint a neutral palette - Click here to view a video on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiBGBfuOrCw">10 best neutral paint colors</a>.&nbsp; Accent with bright pillows and rugs instead of a bright wall</li>
</ul>
If you are looking to improve your home while increasing value, consult an area REALTOR&reg; who can help you determine your home's true value by providing a market analysis.&nbsp; If you are looking to get dollar for dollar what you invest in upgrades, chances are you won't get that.&nbsp; But an experienced REALTOR&reg; can tell you about the upgrades that truly add to your home's value.&nbsp; At Phillips &amp; Associates Realty, we have <a href="dana.phillipsrealty.co">experienced agents</a> who can help you, and they don't mind it if you call just to ask some questions.&nbsp; :)

Does a finished garage add value?  Read this if you are expecting a big increase in your home's value.

Does a Finished Garage add Value to your House?

An increasing number of applicants are using fake identities to secure leases, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corelogic.com/downloadable-docs/17-idfrd-1019-01-how-identity-fraudsters-operate-and-what-you-can-do-to-stop-them-screen-100219.pdf">report by real estate data firm CoreLogic</a>. The report cites common reasons for the fake identities, including trying to live rent free until evicted and hiding poor credit, criminal history, or other reasons that would make an application unattractive.
Property managers and landlords should be on the lookout for these four types of fraud:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Synthetic identity fraud: In this scheme, the fraudster creates a fake identity either by fabricating all identifying information (SSN, name, date of birth) or cobbling together an identity of multiple stolen sources.&nbsp; Real SSNs from children, elderly or deceased people are often used in combination with made-up names and birth dates.&nbsp; This is the fastest growing type of identity-related fraud.</li>
<li>First-person fraud: In this type of fraud, the applicant is acting for another when renting.&nbsp; The applicant uses his or her real identity on the application, but the applicant is not the person who moves into the residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Third-party fraud: Also known as Identity Theft or True Name Fraud.&nbsp; In this case the applicant assumes the identity stolen from data breaches, mail theft or burglaries.&nbsp; They use the victim's personally identifiable information including name, Social Security Number and date of birth.</li>
<li>Identity manipulation fraud: The fraudster in this case slightly alters some of his or her information in a way that looks as if it could be a typo or spelling error.&nbsp; Common examples include a SSN that's off by one number, or a slightly different name.&nbsp; Based on the notion that no news is better than bad news, the goal is to confuse the system so the landlord doesn't see the applicant's true identity.</li>
</ul>
How Does This Impact The Market?
No industry studies have been conducted on the financial costs and other impacts of identity fraud on the rental property market.&nbsp; However, CoreLogic surveyed 30 property managers to determine the scope of the problems and costs for evictions related to identity fraud.&nbsp; More than 75% of those surveyed said they had been victimized by identity fraud,&nbsp; Costs for fraud-related evictions vary, depending on the eviction laws of the state where a property is located.&nbsp; Some states allow immediate evictions, while in other states the fraudsters may be able to live rent-free for up to a year.
Evictions Related to Identity Fraud
Average length to eviction:&nbsp; 3 mos.
Average costs per eviction:&nbsp; $5,000 to $10,000
Costs Include:&nbsp; lost rent, attorney fees, court costs, law enforcement service fees, locksmith, cleaning fees, property repair and replacement costs, storage fees, remarketing, labor and operational costs
&nbsp;
Technology can assist Landlords with specific scoring programs that have been developed to help combat the identity fraud issue, such as ID Score by CoreLogic.&nbsp; If you are an individual landlord who is looking to put their home or investment property up for lease, ensure you are able to obtain your applicants full credit report, criminal background check, and confirm their social security number against the national database.&nbsp; Personally verify two years of past rental history, verify their current employment and ask for their most recent pay stub.&nbsp; If your applicant does not have a credit history, this may be a red flag, especially if they are older, so ask for additional identification if needed.&nbsp; A little extra due diligence can save you some expenses and a big headache down the road.
&nbsp;
(Some information contained is this article provided by Texas Realtors)

An increasing number of applicants are using fake identities to secure leases.  Be on the lookout for these four types of fraud.

Landlords:  Beware of Identity-Fraud Scams

Fact:&nbsp; 41% of people are hunting for multi-gen housing.
So what exactly is a multi-generational living?&nbsp; Multigenerational families were a common way of living during the Great Depression, and it has been making a comeback since the economy took a downturn in 2008.&nbsp; Families have been moving in with one another in an effort to share expenses and keep the cost of living down.&nbsp; Some adult children have experienced the death of one parent and moving them in to their homes was the best way to care for them.&nbsp; It is estimated that 64 million Americans, or 20% of the population now live in multi-gen households.&nbsp; 41% of homebuyers are now looking for a house with enough room for multiple generations.&nbsp; 26% plan to take care of an aging parent, and 14% want to spend more quality time with older family members.&nbsp; Grandparents want to spend as much time with grandchildren as possible, and as a bonus it's nice to have an extra adult around to help with the kids.&nbsp; In recent studies:
"Children who are close to their grandparents have fewer emotional and behavioral problems and are better able to cope with traumatic life events, like a divorce or bullying at school."&nbsp; Says The Universit of Oxford.
"Researchers found that emotional close ties between grandparents and adult grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms in both groups."&nbsp; Says Boston College.
&nbsp;
Multi-gen housing can simply be a home with a layout designed to accomodate multiple adults, like homes with dual masters.&nbsp; Or you can look at the possibility of adding a room to your existing home.&nbsp; Another option is to choose a custom build that includes a mother/father in law suite with a full bathroom and separate entrance, or small detached guest quarters called a casita.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Let <a href="http://www.phillipsrealty.co">Phillips &amp; Associates Realty</a> help you find a perfect home for your multi-generation family.&nbsp; Use the advanced search tool on our website, or call (210) 571-0330 to be connected with an experienced, friendly agent that can explain your many options.&nbsp; It's never too early to start looking toward the future for your family, and why not look now while interest rates are low?&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
(Thank you to our friends at Cornerstone Home Lending who provided some statistics for this article.&nbsp; Did you know Cornerstone can do a <a href="http://www.teamcummins.com/">10-day close</a>?&nbsp; Yep, it's true.&nbsp; Pre-Qualify today, and start your home search!)

The trend in multi-generational housing and how to search for your family home

The Trend in Multi-Gen Housing

The BBB made a recent announcement concerning an online scam affecting home buyers across the country, and here is what is happening -
Scammers are hacking the email accounts of people or companies involved in a real estate transaction, including the buyer, seller, real estate agent or title company.&nbsp; They monitor communications to gather specific information about the transaction.&nbsp; This is what is known as 'spear phishing'.&nbsp; Spear phishing is an attempt to steal sensitive information such as account credentials or financial information for malicious reasons.
Near the closing date, the scammer will send an email either from a hacked account, or from an email account they create with a very similar address.&nbsp; That email will inform the victim that the instructions for wiring funds has changed.&nbsp; They will then attempt to redirect the funds, asking theat they be wired directly in to a fraudulent account, controlled by the scammer.
The email you receive looks legitimate since it may come from a hacked account that is involved in the transaction.&nbsp; Because they have been closely monitoring, the email may contain specific details that only the parties of the transaction would know.&nbsp; Here are few tips:
1)&nbsp; First and foremost:&nbsp; BE SUSPICIOUS OF CHANGES!&nbsp; Title companies do not change their wiring information in the middle of a transaction.&nbsp; This is a huge red flag!
2)&nbsp; Pay close attention to the email address.&nbsp; The trick is that they will use an email address or a domain address that is extremely similar to the original, such as '.co' instead of '.com', or removing one letter from the sender's name.
3)&nbsp; Do not use your contact information in the same email that stated wiring instructions have changed.
&lt;All details of a wire transfer should be confirmed verbally with the title company.&nbsp; Do not rely&nbsp; on email or texting as a secure form of communication when discussing your personal, financial details&gt;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Scammers are getting creative, so we have to stay on our toes.&nbsp; If something looks suspicious, verify it.&nbsp; The quick pace of transactions and excitement to close create an environment that the scammers can take advantage of.&nbsp; Let's stop scammers in their tracks and show them who's smarter.&nbsp; Nope, WE'RE NOT FALLING FOR IT!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Home Buyers Beware:  SCAM ALERT!

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking caused 43% of reported home fires.&nbsp; The kitchen fire is the most common type of fire in the U.S.&nbsp; If you think about it, the reasoning makes perfect sense because the kitchen is where heat, electricity, water, and grease come together.&nbsp; You can follow these tips to keep your kitchen safe:
&gt; Never leave cooking food unattended - Unattended cooking was the leading cause of fires and casualties.
&gt; Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove to prevent injuries.
&gt; Use caution when lighting the pilot light on a burner or gas stove.
&gt; Don't use metal in the microwave.&nbsp; May seem like a 'duh' thing to say, but you have to be careful of foil, foil packaging and even etching on certain bowls and mugs!
&gt; Don't overfill pots or pans with oil or grease.
&gt; Wipe up spills and don't cook on a dirty stove.&nbsp; Grease build-up is flammable.
&gt; Keep anything that can catch fire - clothing, hair, oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.
&gt; Install a smoke detector not in, but near the kitchen.&nbsp; You don't want to constantly trigger the alarm with normal smoke or steam, but you do want it to sense an actual kitchen fire.
According to the Consumer Product Ssfety Commission (CPSC), cooking is also the leading cause of unreported home fires.&nbsp; United States fire departments responded to an estimated average of 172,100 home structure fires per years started by cooking activities in 2012-2016, or an average of 471 home cooking fires per day.&nbsp; The most common type of kitchen fire is a grease fire.&nbsp; Do you know what to do if you ignite&nbsp; grease fire?&nbsp; Below are tips from www.firerescue1.com.
If a grease fire starts:
1.&nbsp; Cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet.&nbsp; Leave the cover on until it has cooled.
2.&nbsp; Turn off the heat source.
3.&nbsp; If it's small and manageable, pour baking soda or salt on it to smother the fire.
4.&nbsp; As a last resort, spray the fire with a&nbsp; <a href="https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/extinguishers/articles/how-to-choose-the-best-type-of-fire-extinguisher-v0wweKFrQnyTp9AU/">Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher</a>.
5.&nbsp; Do not try to extinguish the fire with water.
6.&nbsp; Do not attempt to move the pot or pan outside.
&nbsp;
If you are unable to extinguish the grease fire:
1.&nbsp; GET OUT!&nbsp; You and your family members need to leave as soon as you can to prevent injury or loss of life.&nbsp; Don't try to be a hero.
2.&nbsp; Close the door as you leave to help contain the fire.
3.&nbsp; Call 911 as soon as you are at a safe distance from the fire.
4.&nbsp; Do not re-enter your home until the fire has been contained by firefighters.
Remember to remove as much moistures as possible from the food before putting it in hot oil, and be careful of putting frozen foods in hot grease!&nbsp; Add food gently to prevent splatter, and keep a lid handy just in case.&nbsp; Never turn your heat source up too high, if you see smoke, or the oil starts to smell, it is an indication that it is too hot.&nbsp; Immediately turn off the burner to let it cool down.
&nbsp;
Thanksgiving is approaching, which is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.&nbsp; Be smart in the kitchen!&nbsp; Pay attention to the small details... they just might save you!
&nbsp;

The kitchen fire is the #1 cause of home fires.  Use caution when cooking, and use these tips to ensure the worst doesn't happen to your home.

Cook with Caution - Tips to Avoid Kitchen Fires

How Much is your home worth in San Antonio, Texas? &nbsp;If you are planning on selling your home, that is a question you need answered. &nbsp;As your Local San Antonio Real Estate Expert, we can help you to learn the answer to that question. &nbsp;I will personally do the research on your behalf and provide you with a free and detailed Comparable Market Analysis or CMA. &nbsp;Please take just a few moments to complete the basic information below and I will go straight to work for you. &nbsp;Or, if you prefer, please feel free to give me a call directly at 210-571-0330.
&nbsp;
-Just&nbsp; a few quick questions:
(These details will allow us to provide you with an expert analysis based on neighborhood sales.&nbsp; You will also receive an accurate seller net sheet to show you how much you will make on the sale!)
Owner Name:
Address:
Neighborhood:
Amount Owed:
Current Loan Type:
Do you Escrow for Taxes and Insurance:
Square Footage:
Number of Beds:
Number of Baths:
How Many Garages:
1 or 2 story:
Year Built:
Your current opinion of your home's value:
&nbsp;
Phillips and Associates Realty is a top brokerage in San Antonio, TX.&nbsp; We've received awards for being among the top 15 brokerages by volume and we've got agents standing by.&nbsp; We won't just give you a 'ballpark' response.&nbsp; We will research and give you our expert opinion of value based on our experience, and comparable sales in your neighborhood or area.&nbsp; You will know right away how much you can walk away with from the sale.&nbsp; Email responses to <a href="mailto:PhillipsRealty@outlook.com">PhillipsRealty@outlook.com </a>for a detailed home estimate, and then start looking for your new home today!&nbsp; Don't forget to ask about our move-up special... which can save you considerable money on the sale and purchase of your new home.

Let the real estate experts in San Antonio provide you with an analysis of your home's value, then start shopping for your new home today!

How Much Is My Home Worth in San Antonio, Texas

What is an iBuyer?
IBuyers or 'Instant Buyers' are companies that purchase homes directly from the owner.&nbsp; This saves the owner from having to either list their property with an agent, or do a 'For Sale By Owner' listing.&nbsp; Open Door was the original iBuyer, and now we have companies such as Offerpad, Homelight, Zillow and Amazon (in select markets) that have joined the ranks of today's iBuyers.&nbsp; Some large real estate brokerages are now playing the game as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;IBuyers use an algorithm or AVM (Automated Valuation Model) and present an offer based on age, condition and the home's future value.&nbsp; If the owner accepts the offer, they can close in a matter of days or weeks depending on their situation.&nbsp; The iBuyer then lists the property on the market, or sells directly to investors at a profit.
Having someone come in and buy your home for cash sounds pretty great right?&nbsp; The sale is fast, there are no lenders involved, no staging... no showings.. and no agent commissions to pay.&nbsp; If you are a pet owner, this is particularly enticing because you don't have to come and remove your pets from the premises every time someone requests a showing.&nbsp; These points are definitely some of the 'pros' of selling to an iBuyer.&nbsp; So, what do you think the catch is?&nbsp; That's right... you likely won't be offered full market price and your profits will be affected.
It all boils down to convenience.&nbsp; We live in a society where we want things to be easy, no hassles.&nbsp; And let's face it, showing your home is a hassle.&nbsp; But, consider all the hard work you've put in to your home.&nbsp; There are particular circumstances where some sellers might need a quick, no-hassle sale, but take a look at some numbers that will show you that convenience sounds like a great solution at first, but consider all of the hard-earned money you may be leaving on the table.
Let's compare the costs of&nbsp; typical real estate transaction.&nbsp; We're going to use an example of a $300,000 home, and the costs involved in selling to an iBuyer, vs. selling with a Realtor.&nbsp; I have to interject here that all figures may not be applicable to all markets and all situations.&nbsp; These numbers may not accurately reflect all scenarios, but it will open you eyes to the costs that are involved.
REALTOR&reg;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;iBuyer
$300,000&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $270,000
Market Price&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Offer Price
*Working with a REALTOR and selling among multiple properties for sale helps bring top value for your home.&nbsp; iBuyers tends to offer below market value.&nbsp; They have to, because they need to make a profit
______________________________________________
$150,000&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $150,000
Balance&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Balance
*This is what you currently owe on your existing mortgage.&nbsp; Your balance is paid off by title at the time of funding.
______________________________________________
$2,783&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$2,783
Closing Costs&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Closing Costs
*Closing costs include Title Insurance, Escrow fees and filing fees and are the same, no matter whether you use a Realtor, or sell for cash.
______________________________________________
$18,000&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $0
Commission&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Commission
*A REALTOR&reg; will charge 6% (typically) to sell your home, where iBuyers do not charge a commission to purchase your home&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
______________________________________________
$0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $24,300
Service Fee&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Service Fee
*iBuyers charge a 'service fee' which is a convenience fee of 6-9%.&nbsp; This fee includes selling fees, "risk", holding costs and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;
_______________________________________________
$0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$5,400
Repairs&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Repairs
*iBuyers run a thorough inspection of the home and commonly require a non-negotiable credit for repairs.&nbsp; An expert REALTOR&reg; will negotiate repairs on behalf of the seller, which can offer considerable savings in this area.
_______________________________________________
$3453&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$843
Holding Costs&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Holding Costs
*iBuyers hold the benefit here.&nbsp; You have to pay for fees and costs of taxes and insurance while living in your home.&nbsp; A quick close means this figure is lower for the seller.
_______________________________________________
$125,764&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $86,674
NET&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NET
*This is the final amount you will walk away with, a.k.a. your NET.
_______________________________________________
COST OF CONVENIENCE:&nbsp; $39,090.00
&nbsp;
I can completely understand the want for convenience, but at what price tag?&nbsp; Is a little convenience worth giving up a big chunk of your home's equity?&nbsp; After all, this is one of the reasons you bought&nbsp; your home in the first place... as an investment so you wouldn't be throwing away your money on rent.&nbsp;&nbsp;
And, here's something that might surprise you -- There are some reviews of iBuyers and the iBuying process that are HIDDEN from the public.&nbsp; Yelp has been caught hiding reviews.&nbsp; JS --
The bottom line:&nbsp; iBuyers are not for everyone, but they can be very helpful in certain scenarios.&nbsp; Do your homework, and talk to a REALTOR&reg; before making a decision.&nbsp; Your REALTOR&reg; will break down all fees and costs and give you a Comparable Market Analysis with a breakdown of all fees and costs.&nbsp; This will show you exactly what you will net after the sale of your home.&nbsp; You can even ask their advice and help with staging, innovative showing instructions (if you have pets) and a cleaning service if needed.&nbsp; Don't be afraid to ask!&nbsp; The result can be more for you.&nbsp; And who deserves more profits?&nbsp; YOU DO.

Thinking of Selling to an iBuyer?  Here are some pros and cons to consider.

iBuyers:  Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

Applying for a mortgage can seem a bit intimidating.&nbsp; You may not want to apply for a loan because; What if my credit is too bad?&nbsp; What if I don't have money for a down payment?&nbsp; When if I get my hopes up, and then I found out I can't buy a house right now after all?&nbsp;
All of these are legitimate fears.&nbsp; But, there are some reassuring answers to all of these questions... and after it is all said and done you will find out that applying for a mortgage really isn't that bad after all!
Regarding your credit, you never know where you stand unless you bite the bullet and have someone pull and analyze your credit report.&nbsp; Most mortgage companies have online portals where you can apply without having to speak to anyone in person or over the phone.&nbsp; That in itself takes a little of the pressure off.&nbsp; Maybe you are worried you didn't pay a bill and it will come back to haunt you. Maybe that debt isn't even reporting, but if the worst is actually true, lenders can offer tips to get negative information off of your credit report.&nbsp; If you are afraid you don't have the funds it takes for your down payment, explore than many first time buyer programs that can offer you the downpayment you need.&nbsp; And, then finally if your worst fears come true and you aren't able to qualify at the present time for a loan, the lender can give you a solid game plans and specific action steps to take so you can be ready to buy in the near future.&nbsp; Mortgage lenders want to make you a loan just as much as you'd like to own a home, so they will definitely do whatever they can do in their power to make it happen for you.&nbsp; HERE IS A HUGE TIP:&nbsp; Ask around for the best local mortgage lender versus going to a large national lender.&nbsp; The local lenders will be likely to work with you on more personal level, and coach you until you are ready.
Okay.&nbsp; So I've talked you into it, and you want to apply.&nbsp; Here are some ITEMS YOU WILL NEED WHEN APPLYING FOR A MORTGAGE:
Income:
&gt;W2 forms for the last two years
&gt; Pay stubs covering a 30 days period
&gt; Federal tax returns (1040s) for the last two years if you are self employed, or earn more than 25% of your income from commissions or bonuses.&nbsp; (If you are self-employed their may be additional profit and loss statements needed)
&gt; Proof an any additional income you claim such as pension. social security or child support.
Assets:
&gt; Bank Statements for previous two months (must have all pages)
&gt; Statements for any retirement accounts such as 401k or other retirement assets
&gt; Statements for any stocks, bonds or mutual funds
&gt; Explanations for any large deposits and source of those funds
&gt; Gift letter- if any closing funds are coming from a family member.&nbsp; Your lender will give more details on gift funds
Credit Items:
&gt; Landlord's name, address and phone number for verification of rental history
&gt; Explanation for any negative items that may appear on your credit report to include:&nbsp; Late payments, credit inquiries, charge-offs, collections, judgements, liens, or bankruptcy
Other Items:
&gt; If you are divorced, you will need a copy of your divorce decree.
&nbsp;
Here is what the lenders are looking for in a loan application, i.e. the 3 C's of lending:
Character:&nbsp; Do you have the credit history to prove you be be trusted to make the payment?&nbsp; Do you pay your bills on time, specifically your current rent?
Capital:&nbsp; Do you have assets than can help pay your loan if income is unavailable?&nbsp; Do you have money in reserves?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Capacity:&nbsp; Do you have a steady job with steady income?&nbsp; What are your current debts compared to your current income?
&nbsp;
Lenders simply want to know that you have the ability to repay the loan based on your overall current status.&nbsp; Lenders might ask you for items that you think are not necessary.&nbsp; Trust me, they are not trying to 'get all up in your business'.&nbsp; They are just asking for information that will help to complete your financial picture to prove you worthy of lending a large sum of money.&nbsp; Unfortunately in the past there have been some borrowers who have tried to fraud their way in to a mortgage loan, so the lenders have to make cross all of their t's and dot their i's before they can sign off of your approval.
After it's all said and done, you will be so happy that you made the decision to buy!&nbsp; Not only is buying less expensive than renting (a whole lot less!), a recent survey by Bank of America showed 93% of participants said that owning a home makes them happier than renting.&nbsp; The survey also showed that over 80% of respondents said they would not rent again.&nbsp; 88% said that buying a house was the "best decision they ever made" and 79% said that owning a house positively changed their lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you are ready to become a home home owner, trust our friends at <a href="http://www.teamcummins.com/">Cornerstone Home Lending</a>.&nbsp; The professionals at Cornerstone will make sure that you have a positive home-buying experience and will take all the fear and frustration out of the home-buying experience.&nbsp; Remember, you don't know if you can buy if you don't try!

Ready to apply for a mortgage?  If you are nervous or unsure, read this!

What You Need to Know When Applying for a Mortgage

<h1>DO YOU KNOW WHAT FACTORS MAKE UP YOUR CREDIT SCORE?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>
&nbsp;
How did I get the score I have?&nbsp; FICO stand for Fair Isaac Corporation, the first company to offer a credit-risk model with a score.&nbsp; No, 'Fair Isaac' isn't the one who judges you, Bill Fair and Earl Isaac are the founders.
Scores fall between 300 and 850, and 700 or higher are recognized by most leaders as an indicator of financial health.&nbsp; 90% of the largest U.S. Financial institutions use FICO scores to make credit decisions.&nbsp; Experian data shows that only 25% of Americans have a "very good" score&nbsp;ranging from 740 to 800, while 16% have a "very poor" score that&nbsp;ranges from 300 to 579.
FICO determines each credit score based on five factors weighted as percentages:
<h3>1. YOUR PAYMENT HISTORY (35 PERCENT)</h3>
How&nbsp;<a href="http://www.houseloanblog.net/ultrafico-credit-score-2019/">consistently are you making payments</a>? That&rsquo;s what counts the most. Late payments on all your previous and current credit accounts lower your score, so be sure to always pay on time.
<h3>2. HOW MUCH YOU OWE (30 PERCENT)</h3>
Next up, your balance-to-limit ratio: How much do you presently owe on all of your open accounts? How many balances do you have? How much available credit are you using? The goal here is to lower the percentage of your total credit limit that you still owe, typically aiming to keep card balances to less than 30 percent of their limit.
<h3>3. LENGTH OF CREDIT HISTORY (15&nbsp;PERCENT)</h3>
The longer you&rsquo;ve had active credit and made timely payments, the better your score will be. There&rsquo;s not much you can do now to change how long you&rsquo;ve had credit, but you can focus on being as responsible as possible with the way you currently manage your money.
<h3>4. NEW CREDIT (10&nbsp;PERCENT)</h3>
Whenever you open a new line of credit, an inquiry is performed that negatively affects your score. The only exception is when you&rsquo;re shopping for a home: All mortgage inquiries within a 30-day period&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-reports/credit-checks-and-inquiries" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">count as a single pull</a>. To maximize your score, minimize hard inquiries.
<h3>5. OTHER FACTORS (10&nbsp;PERCENT)</h3>
Miscellaneous items can also have a minor influence on your score, i.e., using a variety of credit types like home and auto loans, cards, and personal lines of credit. It&rsquo;s probably not a good idea to open a lot of new accounts just for this reason &mdash; because of the new credit penalty. But if you already have a diverse history, you&rsquo;ll probably have a higher score than if you didn&rsquo;t.
<hr />
If you want to know your credit score, you can go to online sources such as AnnualCreditReport.com to request an updated report from all three reporting companies once a year, or you can contact each of the three bureaus directly;&nbsp; Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
If you are ready to buy a home and don't know where your credit stands, contact the best mortgage loan officer on the planet, Scott Cummins @ Cornerstone Home Lending.&nbsp; (www.TeamCummins.com)&nbsp; Scott would love to explain the mortgage process, and if your credit is not quite there, they have a tools that can give you the steps needed to increase your score.&nbsp; Trust us, this process is not as scary as it sounds.
The advantages to owning a home are numerous... and YOU can own a home more easily that you think.&nbsp; There are even programs that offer down payment assistance.&nbsp; A BIG SHOUT OUT to Cornerstone Home Lending, and www.houseloanblog.net&nbsp;for this amazing information.&nbsp; This blog site is great.... tons of useful information can be found here!&nbsp;
Want to know about housing marketing and get daily emails on homes available RIGHT NOW?&nbsp; Email PhillipsRealty@outlook.com, or call our office directly at (210) 571-0330.&nbsp; Our information pulls directly from the local board in real-time, so you will know you are getting the most accurate and up-to-date information available.&nbsp;
<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/101997/credit-scores-explained-1-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" />

Credit Scores Explained

<div class="post-content">
<h2>Your First Step Toward Buying a Home</h2>
When preparing to buy a home, the first thing many homebuyers do is look at the real estate ads in newspapers, magazines and listings on the Internet. Some potential buyers read how-to articles like this one. The next thing you should do - before you call on an ad, before you talk to a REALTOR&reg;, before you shop for interest rates - is look at your savings.
Why?
Because determining how much money you have available for down payment and closing costs affects almost every aspect of buying a home - including how you write your purchase offer, the loan programs you qualify for, and shopping for interest rates.
<h2>Mortgage Programs</h2>
If you only have enough available for a minimum down payment, your choices of loan program will be limited to only a few types of mortgages. If someone is giving you a gift for all or part of the down payment, your options are also limited. If you have enough for the down payment, but need the lender or seller to cover all or part of your closing costs, this further limits your options. If you borrow all or a portion of the down payment from your 401K or retirement plan, different loan programs have different rules on how you qualify.
Of course, if you have enough for a large down payment, then you have lots of choices.
Your loan choices include such varied programs as conventional fixed rate loans, adjustable rate mortgages, buydowns, VA, FHA, graduated payment mortgages and all the varieties of each.
<h2>Shopping for Rates</h2>
A very important reason you need to have at least some idea of your down payment is for shopping for interest rates. Some loan programs charge a slightly higher interest rate for minimal down payments. Plus, the interest rates for different loan programs are not the same. For example, conventional, VA, and FHA all offer fixed rate loans. However, the rates vary from one program to another.
If you shop lenders by phone, the loan officer will be able to tell you which programs fit and quote your rates accordingly. However, if you are shopping on the Internet, you have to develop some idea of your loan program on your own.
<h2>Writing Your Offer</h2>
Another reason you need to have a clue about your down payment is because it affects how you write your offer to purchase a home. Not only are you required to put your down payment information in the offer, but also different loan programs have different rules that also affect how you write your offer. This is especially important when dealing with FHA and VA loans.
If you are asking the seller to pay all or part of your closing costs, you have to be certain your loan program allows what you are asking. For smaller down payments, lenders allow the seller to pay less closing costs than for larger down payments. Some loan programs will allow a seller to pay certain types of costs, but not others.
Finally, your down payment also affects your ability to qualify for a loan. When you make a small down payment, lenders are fairly strict about having you conform to their underwriting guidelines. For larger down payments, they will tend to make allowances or exceptions to the rules.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
As you can see, the down payment affects every choice you make when you buy a home. Although you should look at ads, familiarize yourself with neighborhoods, learn about prices, and read as much as you can - when you get ready to take action - the first thing you should do is figure out how much money you have available for the purchase.
<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102002/your-savings-and-down-payment-1-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" />
</div>

Your Savings and Down Payment

<header>
<h1><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102000/7-easy-ways-to-declutter-in-the-time-it-takes-to-binge-watch-netflix-1-med.png" border="0" alt="" style="font-family: 'open sans', open-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></h1>
</header>
You would love nothing more than a Saturday afternoon to yourself, but your house is looking like a hot mess.
Instead of choosing between being responsible and having fun, why not do both at the same time?&nbsp;It&rsquo;s easy to multitask while watching your favorite show &mdash; so easy that these decluttering tips can almost make cleaning enjoyable.
<h2>THE 7 DECLUTTERING&nbsp;TIPS BINGE-WATCHERS SWEAR BY</h2>
These cleaning, organizing, and decluttering tips will take you less than an hour.
<h4>THAT GIVES YOU PLENTY OF TIME TO SPEND THE REST OF THE AFTERNOON LYING AROUND IN YOUR PJS AND DEMOLISHING YOUR NETFLIX QUEUE:</h4>
<h3>1. TRY A TRIPLE FEATURE.</h3>
<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102000/7-easy-ways-to-declutter-in-the-time-it-takes-to-binge-watch-netflix-1-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" />
Can&rsquo;t decide what&nbsp;<a href="http://www.houseloanblog.net/video-moving-tips-episode-2-pack-hacks/">you need and don&rsquo;t need</a>? Sort everything you&rsquo;re not sure about into three big cardboard boxes with these labels:
<ul>
<li>I never use this.</li>
<li>I think someone else might like this.</li>
<li>I&rsquo;ve gotta have it.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
2. TAKE A BATHROOM BREAK.
</blockquote>
<figure id="attachment_7784" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7784"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102000/7-easy-ways-to-declutter-in-the-time-it-takes-to-binge-watch-netflix-2-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-7784">thestellteam/Instagram</figcaption>
</figure>
In the five minutes it takes for a quick bathroom break, throw out your old toiletries:
<ul>
<li>Get rid of hotel soaps and shampoos.</li>
<li>Chuck dried-up nail polish and threadbare towels.</li>
<li>Trash whatever else you don&rsquo;t use.</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. PHONE A FRIEND.</h3>
<figure id="attachment_7786" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7786"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102000/7-easy-ways-to-declutter-in-the-time-it-takes-to-binge-watch-netflix-3-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-7786">mariekondo/Instagram</figcaption>
</figure>
You have at least one friend who can tell it like it is. (Especially when it comes to that leather skirt you got on sale three years ago.) Ask your friend over for a Netflix marathon and promise to reward them with food and drinks &mdash; as long as they help you go through your closet and get rid of the &ldquo;old you.&rdquo; Extra credit for watching Marie Kondo while you do it.
<h3>4. RAID YOUR PANTRY.</h3>
<figure id="attachment_7792" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7792"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102000/7-easy-ways-to-declutter-in-the-time-it-takes-to-binge-watch-netflix-4-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-7792">mamafrueh/Instagram</figcaption>
</figure>
Speaking of food: If you&rsquo;ve traded your ramen&nbsp;<a href="http://www.houseloanblog.net/12-one-pot-meals/">for the Instant Pot</a>, why&rsquo;s it still in your kitchen?
<ul>
<li>Spend 20 minutes getting rid of the canned and packaged foods you know you&rsquo;re never going to eat.</li>
<li>Fill up a box and donate it to your local food pantry.</li>
<li>Then make yourself some popcorn and chill.</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY&nbsp;LANE.</h3>
<figure id="attachment_7789" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7789"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102000/7-easy-ways-to-declutter-in-the-time-it-takes-to-binge-watch-netflix-5-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-7789">whatsyourdealmommy/Instagram</figcaption>
</figure>
Here&rsquo;s what to do with that big box filled with your most treasured childhood photos: Start sorting and pick a few to frame. Save the rest in a photo album made with acid-free paper.
<h3>6. GIVE 10 IN 10.</h3>
<figure id="attachment_7793" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7793"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102000/7-easy-ways-to-declutter-in-the-time-it-takes-to-binge-watch-netflix-6-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-7793">closetfullofthrifts/Instagram</figcaption>
</figure>
Having fun yet?&nbsp;This quick-clean exercise might help:
<ul>
<li>Set a timer for 10 minutes and challenge yourself to find 10 things to give away.</li>
<li>Pick out good-quality items that people might want to wear, like that drop-waist dress you wore once to a 1920s theme party.</li>
<li>Send out a few mass texts to offer your secondhand stuff to your nearest and dearest and donate whatever&rsquo;s left unclaimed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>7. BROWSE YOUR LIBRARY.</h3>
<figure id="attachment_7790" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7790"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/102000/7-easy-ways-to-declutter-in-the-time-it-takes-to-binge-watch-netflix-7-lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-7790">patrica_ybarra/Instagram</figcaption>
</figure>
There are books you&rsquo;ll never read that are on your shelf right now. Why not donate them to a local school or thrift store? And if you still have a gigantic collection of DVDs, you can donate them or take off the covers and store them in a mega DVD album.

7 EASY WAYS TO DECLUTTER IN THE TIME IT TAKES TO BINGE-WATCH NETFLIX

<div class="post-content">
Ever wish you could become one of those rare morning people? The ones that wake with a start, feeling refreshed and energized. The ones that get in that morning workout or wrap up some work before many of us even hit the snooze button for the first time. Here are five tips to help you achieve that early bird status!
<ol>
<li>Create a morning schedule. Physically write down the things you&rsquo;d like to complete in the morning and set a time for each. Then stick with it. Once you force yourself out of bed early one or two weeks consistently, you&rsquo;ll find it gets easier and easier to do.</li>
<li>Let the light in. Whether natural or artificial, light tells your brain its time to get up and get going. If your room lacks large windows where you can open the blinds up, consider investing in a timed lamp or alarm clock with a light.</li>
<li>Prep and eat breakfast. Although there are many of us who chose the skip breakfast, it is key to perking up your energy in the morning. Try prepping protein-focused meals the night before or grab a yogurt or fruit and try to consume it right after you wake.</li>
<li>Get your body moving. Whether it&rsquo;s a short walk around your neighborhood or a rigorous 5:30 am spin class, getting your blood pumping will help wake up your body and has a ton of other benefits, like stress and anxiety reduction.</li>
<li>Feed your mind. Stimulate your brain and do something you enjoy first thing in the morning. Try reading a favorite book, catching up on the news, doing daily meditation, or setting intentions.</li>
</ol>
</div>

Achieve Morning Person Status

SHORT SALE AND FORECLOSURE: HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
As unfortunate as it can be when homeowners fall behind on mortgage payments and must face the possibility of losing their homes, short sales and foreclosures provide them options for moving on financially. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they&rsquo;re actually quite different, with varying timelines and financial impact on the homeowner.
Here&rsquo;s a brief overview.
A short sale comes into play when a homeowner needs to sell their home but the home is worth less than the remaining balance that they owe. The lender can allow the homeowner to sell the home for less than the amount owed, freeing the homeowner from the financial predicament.
On the buyer side, short sales typically take three to four months to complete and many of the closing and repair costs are shifted from the seller to the lender.
On the other hand, a foreclosure occurs when a homeowner can no longer make payments on their home so the bank begins the process of repossessing it. A foreclosure usually moves much faster than a short sale and is more financially damaging to the homeowner.
After foreclosure the bank can sell the home in a foreclosure auction. For buyers, foreclosures are riskier than short sales, because homes are often bought sight unseen, with no inspection or warranty.
&nbsp;

What's the Difference Between Short Sale and Foreclosure?

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7 EASY WAYS TO DECLUTTER IN THE TIME IT TAKES TO BINGE-WATCH NETFLIX

Achieve Morning Person Status

What's the Difference Between Short Sale and Foreclosure?

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