Washington's top of the list place to retire is Grandview.

After reading the CNN Money issue on the top 25 places to retire in the United States it hit me that Grandview had all that and better.  The ratings were based on average home price, population, education, and state income tax.  Bellingham was at the top with Western Washington University.  But, Grandview has the Lower Yakima Valley Community College and Vintecology Center.  Our population is lower, 8,377.  Our average house price is $139,000.  And the big one, No State Income Tax. 

Ok, so this information is for the people 59 and older that may be retiring soon.  What about the younger people that would like to retire earlier than their parents.  Why not buy your home and live were you want to retire.  And have your second home be your first home, and be paid off.  Didn't our parents say "work smart not hard."  To view all of my investment homes go to http://www.buyinwinecountry.com/

First-Timer Fridays: 13 "Don'ts" Every Homebuyer Should Know

1. Don’t wait for the perfect house...there isn’t one.  Compromising & prioritizing are necessary elements in home purchasing.

2. Don’t buy before you do some comparison shopping...especially if you’re new to the area.

3. Don’t write an unrealistic offer or you will simply be helping someone else’s offer look good (too low of a price...too many contingencies.)

4.  Don’t feel a need to negotiate if a property is fresh to the market, priced right and popular...the good ones often go quickly and at full or close to full price.

5. Don’t think all real estate agents and companies are created equal...they are NOT.  Find an agent/company with a great track record and proven home buying system.

6. Don’t be afraid to write an offer above or below the asking price...offer what it is worth to YOU.

7.  Don’t work with more than one agent.  Find one you like and stick with them.  If you make a bad choice, change but stick with the new ONE.

8. Don’t wait for a perfect conditions buy. The best time to buy is when you have found the right home.

9.  Don’t get to many friends and family involved in your buying decision you’ll go NUTS!

10. Don’t wait until you find a home to shop for the best loan.  Start up-front.

11. Don’t wait until you find a house to be qualified for a loan.  Do it up-front.

12. Don’t work with an agent who can’t show you Checklist & Systems.  Only pick a friend or relative that is licensed as an agent if they are GOOD!  Look for value-added services.

13. Don’t be surprised if you get buyer’s remorse at some time before closing...most buyers do. It is normal and it will pass.

Visit our website or stop by to obtain a full copy of our First-Time Home Buyer Packet. Ready to start the buying process or looking to sell your home? Give Holly a call at 509-882-2001 

First-Timer Friday: 5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 640 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage.  The following factors affect your score:

    

1. Your payment history.  Did you pay your credit card obligations on time?  If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history.

2. How much you owe.  If you owe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that  you are overextended.  However, it’s a good thing if you have a good proportion of balances to total credit limits.

3. The length of your credit history.  In general, the longer you have accounts opened, the better. The average consumer’s oldest obligation is 14 years old, indicating that he or she been managing credit for some time, according to Fair Isaac Corp., and only one in 20 consumers have credit histories shorter than 2 years.

4. How much new credit you have.  New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if they pay them promptly.

5. The type of credit you use.  Generally, it’s  desirable to have more than one type of credit—installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.

For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score, visit http://www.myfico.com/