Columbia Houses by Christy

  How Long Does it Take to Buy a House? 1. Getting pre-qualified Answer: It varies - days to months (& in worst case scenarios to years) depending on your financial status A pre-qualified letter will show a seller you're serious when making an offer. If you don’t have one, the seller may move on to the next buyer. The ease of g etting pre-approved for a mortgage depends on your financial situation. The lender will look at your income-to-debt ratio and your credit score. A  low credit score can make buying a house take longer, because it can take months to years to   improve a bad credit score .   A  credit report will give you a detailed analysis of your credit history, how much you owe, and how creditworthy you are. If there are any errors or inaccuracies, fix them immediately so there are no surprises when you’re actually applying for a mortgage.  Fixing errors on your credit report should take about 30 days.  2. Finding a real estate agent Answer: 1 day to a month A good re

  What is the best way to buy a house? This is a question I get asked a lot! The easy answer is with all cash. The realistic answer is that it depends on the buyers, their circumstances, and the property they wish to purchase. Buying a house can be an exciting and scary process. With a little research you can find the best loan for your budget. Your first step should be contacting a licensed Realtor like  me . A Realtor can start you on your house search, help you with financing suggestions like  www.fbhl.com/crystal   and in turn help you keep the most money in your pocket.  Different houses qualify for different kinds of mortgages. These easy to read fact sheets about the pros and cons of a few loan types may help clear up some questions you have like the amount of down payment needed and credit scores required when buying a property. If you're interested in learning more about buying or selling a house, contact  Christy  or visit  www.christy.findcolumbiamohouses.com

  8 Fun Activities at Home with Family Free time is wonderful, but staying home with a pandemic is hard. The risk of Coronavirus can make a family anxious about getting out of the house. Here are 8 ideas for fun activities while keeping safe at home. Play games   Get the family together and have a game tournament. You can play board games, card games, or even video games! Let yourself get a little competitive, and make sure to have a good time. Prizes or bragging rights make the time together even more fun! Cook or Bake as a Family You're going to have to feed the family anyway, so take the stress out of cooking by turning it into a fun family activity! Try a new recipe or an old family favorite. Or maybe plan an entire theme night with appetizers through dessert. You’ll probably have a decently sized mess to clean up, but the memories you make will be worth it. Movies Night Time for a movie marathon! Make a list of movies you like or want to see and watch them all in a row. Comfy

  Find a New Home to Love! Now is the perfect time to buy a new home. Interest rates are low and with Covid-19, we're all spending more time in our houses. Realtors are helpful when you're purchasing a house and they usually don't charge the buyer anything! As a buyer's agent, I help my clients with so much more than just showing houses.  7 Ways Buyer's Agents Help: Look for signs of pests.  Check for foundation issues.  Research the property taxes, average utilities, school and neighborhood amenities. Negotiate on your behalf to get YOU the best deal. Help buyer's find a mortgage broker. Share lists of professionals like inspectors and contractors. Help buyers through the escrow and the closing process. If you're even considering buying a new home this year, start by contacting a local buyer's agent. And if you're in central Missouri, I'd be happy to help you find a new home to love. BONUS.  Valentine Movie BINGO.      One fun activity I've