Real Estate Blog

PROPERTY TAXES TOO HIGH

How do I petition to have my property taxes reduced?
One question I hear over and over again at the settlement table is “How do I dispute the amount of the property taxes?”   It is a process that starts with filing paperwork in the appropriate jurisdiction.  Either myself or the title company will be happy to give the form to you.  For your convenience, I have supplied the necessary link: http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/petitnrv.pdf.  After you have completed your settlement, you may apply for a review of your assessment.  This must be done by January 1st to be eligible for the following tax year starting July 1st. 

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    Credit Score Ranges    300-850

THE "Y"

    Your credit score is a reflection of your credit worthiness.  It is important to have a high credit score when looking to make a large purchase, a car, a home, etc. Your credit worthiness is reviewed even when applying for employment. 

THE "HOW"

        The following tips will help keep your credit score strong;

·         Keep credit card balances under 50% of the maximum limit.

·         Watch out for rebates on credit cards ; ie. gifts/gift cards, air mileage, etc.

·         Avoid activation of overdraft protection on checking account. 

·         Avoid NO payments/NO interest credit on new purchases

What Happens If You Have NO Credit?

    Lenders can use alternative credit ie. rental payments, utilities(cell, BGE, cable) medical, insurance are just a few types of alternative credit.

Best Way to Establish Credit?

·         Gas credit cards,

·         Secured credit card

·         Become an authorized user on someone else's credit card

§  BEWARE: Be sure that "someone else" has good credit and pays on time

Pull your credit report once a year to make sure there are no mistakes on your report. Be careful when pulling online, this should be a free service...DO NOT give any information for payment, ie. checking account number, credit card number

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If you’re like millions of Americans, you dream of the day when you will be debt free. The economic recession has prompted many families to restrict spending in order to take control of their finances, pay down outstanding debt and make saving a priority. In fact, the average household debt has fallen over 8.2% since its peak in 2008.* For many people, eliminating household debt feels unattainable; however, with the right tools, anyone can take control of their spending and begin to build wealth.

This month, I’m sending tips to help you break the cycle of debt and achieve financial freedom. The first page outlines steps you can take to create a budget and save money. Page two details a plan to eliminate debt from credit cards and loans in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take. Feel free to share this information with your family or friends who are looking to get out of debt and improve their financial security.

If you would like a copy of this "Item of Value," please contact me, Marian Staab.

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