Category Archives: Home Mortgage

College Student Credit Cards: Friend or Foe?

There is much debate surrounding college student credit cards. Some swear up and down that they’re a disaster waiting to happen while others vehemently object and insist they are a must-have financial tool for college students. Which side is right?

When deciding whether college student credit cards are good or bad, you need to weigh the facts. These three truths will help you come to your own conclusion.

1. Aggressive Marketing

College student credit cards have gotten a bad rap when it comes to their marketing tactics — and some would say that it’s for good reason. You can’t hit a single college campus without coming across at least one application for college student credit cards.

That being said, while the applications are definitely readily available (to put it lightly), no one is forcing college students to sign the application. It’s the responsibility of a parent to instruct their children on wise financial decisions.

The credit card companies are marketing their product — that’s what they do. Parents need to do their part and make sure that they instruct their children in the ways of the credit world.

2. They’ve Got to Grow Up Sometime

Everyone has to grow up sooner or later and college student credit cards can provide some priceless lessons in the world of adult finance. For the first time, college students can be responsible for their own spending and their own monthly bills.

Yes, college student credit cards can provide the potential for disaster (but so can a number of situations that students encounter in college). Just because student credit cards have the potential to be misused, it doesn’t mean that they will be. Have some faith in today’s college students!

3. Paving the Way

Once a college student graduates, they’re going to need some things (a place to live and a car to name a few) and they’re going to need credit to get the things they need. If they don’t start building their credit history in college, when are they supposed to do it?

If a college student wants to be completely prepared when they graduate, they’re going to need to work on building a solid credit history while they’re in school. College student credit cards can be the means to that end.

If you know a college student (or are a college student) who has been debating about whether college student credit cards are good or bad, consider the above three facts and remember, it’s not college student credit cards themselves that are good are bad — it is who is using them and how they are being used that make the difference.

Tips to Short Sell Your Home

We all know that the real estate market is currently swimming in a large amount of trouble. People no longer have the money to buy new homes. On top of that, those who do own homes are suddenly finding themselves in an upside down mortgage. This happens when the house is worth far less than what the person owes on this. If you are breaking under the pressure of your mortgage, it may be time to sell. Selling your home is another great way to get out from under a current foreclosure. If you are in a hurry and do not have a lot of time to waste you might want to try a short sell.

There are many advantages that come along when you do a short sell. For one thing, the buyer is going to be getting a great discounted price on the current home. The person that is selling the home will be able to get out from under their home. This means if you are facing a foreclosure, you should look to short sell so that you can get out quickly.

There are many things that you need to know about before you actually get started with this selling process. For one thing, you need to decide if you need a real estate agent or not. Real estate agents can get the job done in a quick amount of time.

The only problem that comes along with working with an agent is the fact that they cost extra money. If you already do not have money, it may be best to sell your home all by yourself. This may be trickier and more hard work, but it will keep you out of more debt.

You need to determine the current market value of your home. This can be difficult for most people. At one point you may have bought your house for more than it is worth in the market today. You can talk to an agent for free about the value of homes within your neighborhood. Of course, you can always get this information online as well.

From there, you can put your home up for sale and see who bites. If you already have someone that wants to buy your home you can get the short sell process started. Remember, the sooner that you get your home sold, the better your life is going to become.

Many people do not actually exhaust all of their options. If you have not talked to your loan company, you may want to. There are ways that you can avoid foreclosure and short sell. Many companies are a lot more willing to work with people to keep them in their homes.

Right now, everyone is struggling. The state of California is completely bankrupts and many other states are starting to follow. If you need a quick way out from under your future foreclosed home, look for a short sell. This is going to be the best way for you to get out and start all over again.