Budgeting Could Be Simplified By This Key: Biweekly

Budgeting To Better Your Life

#1. Map your income and your expenses. 

#2. Dream, make goals.

#3. Match each goal to a time frame. 

Budgeting: The Slow and Steady

We all know that a budget will make things easier. I avoid it because I don't want to micro-manage myself. I do not enjoy computers (yes, there is irony in my job and my desires). I do not enjoy the idea of money (yes, there is irony in my interests and what I write about).

I'm a people person. I learned something crucial that transferred very well to my neglected financial life: If I don't like someone, I just don't know them yet. And I learned if I spend more time at home then I spend less money.

If I don't like computers and I don't like money and I don't like budgeting then -- I need to spend some time with it.Because I must not know it yet. It's a rather brave attitude towards our fears, and I highly recommend it.

As a life practice, anywhere I feel friction, resistance or tension that is where I give the most attention. If a child makes a drawing and says, "I messed up. I need a new piece of paper." I ask, "Where did you mess up?" The child will point, and flip the paper over, crumple it up, cover it with their hand. The feeling of messing up is bad. It's shame, embarrassment, rejection, grief, loss of potential.

BUT the light bulb clicks if I say, "Where did you mess up? There? Oh, that's not a mess up..that's your artist brain learning to tell you what's not done yet'" Relief. And they add a little bit, and they like it.

Life Lesson: Look at what you don't like. Get comfortable with it.

My bookkeeping would make an accountant cringe. I'm an artist by heart, if not by full-time trade. Cloudbased booking helps. 

I have approached those three steps:

#1. Map your income and your expenses. 

#2. Dream, make goals.

#3. Match each goal to a time frame.

frequently and often in the last 4 years. I wasn't getting much better.

I had the classic try-it-out-20's for a millennial...multiple jobs - pay coming in at odd times. The joke, "I just work odd hours; I'm not a ditz." Bills coming in at odd times. The time frame part I really struggled with. I know what bills I have and I am paid up, by the grace of God I know, but I cannot make them match up predictably to my "time frame".

A friend got a mortgage and I learned something that gave me a budgeting and time frame epiphany.

She could pay her mortgage for LESS YEARS saving thousands of dollars IF she paid the SAME AMOUNT biweekly. Pay at the end of the month, pay longer. Pay half and then pay half, you save SO much money. BIWEEKLY.

Executing this budget has been easier and actually even easier than: JUST DON'T SPEND, which I have to say was my go to for years, and it did keep my head above water. Read more tips here. 

No matter what or when I get paid - I collect it in biweekly amounts. If the pay varies greatly I take the minimum (using anything over that to accomplish long term goals). For example, I might make more but at least I make $10/hour. I might sell some artwork, something on ebay...and that extra money can go into an entertainment or vacation fund - that otherwise doesn't exist in a one-income-one-dependent household...

Life is full of rainbows and butterflies with my finances in order, and now that things aren't week to week, pay check to pay check...our quality of life is better, too. If anything bad happened and I needed an emergency fund, then I have it. If I unhappily think about the burden of my kid going to school with nothing like I did...it's okay because I'm fixing it. If I have a few hours with nothing to do I will probably use them to make some extra money because otherwise a fun-fund isn't going to happen.

The ideal percentage break down is:
60% - Monthly Expenses
10% - Debt (preferably long-term savings)
10% - Retirement (invest it)
10% - Fun-Money
10% - Short-term savings (tithe?or pay off debt)

It's the ideal within the PRACTICAL.

Get your finances in (better) order than mine. The Sub Prime Credit Store has a section for your budget and LOTS more tools to make have you feeling A-Ok about yourself, too. 

Budgets Could Be This Simple: "I Walk and I Read"

Budgeting To Save Yourself From Disaster...

...ruin, from yourself, from bankruptcy, from embarrassment, a big waste of time, working for nothing, being a moron.

HEY! Okay, no need for name calling. You don't need to muster up so much dislike for yourself and pile on the dread. You don't need to at least start all those projects your pinned or relive all those tantalizing conversations you had while you were avoiding budgeting - with super-on-point, practiced procrastination, I might add. This is a classic case of "I know you are, but what am I?"...The pot calling the kettle black. Perhaps you are a grey pot and procrastinate less. Or a porcelain ceramic pot and you procrastinate never. 

It's Not Secret That A Big Part Of Buying A House...

Getting Out of Debt...
Really Any Big Deal In Life Requires SAVINGS

"I'm not the best at budgeting. When I was graduating college and expecting my first child I remembered the value of a $1.00. It's...a dollar. It's not a dollar from you today means I can spend that and pay you back at 25% interest" 

Or (3% depending on where you keep you (don't) keep your coinage. Banking jokes.) 

But I got it. I got it.

Budgeting: The Hard And Fast

We all know that secret. You need to save to get anywhere financially, especially if you are...underwater. You owe more than what you are worth. 

Don't Buy Things You Cannot Pay For

My budget was simple and had a hard and fast rule: Do not spend money. 

Remarkably, I found myself fairly able to do that. I paid some bills online from my part-time job direct deposit, and then I didn't drink, go out to eat, rent movies, or have TV. I walked and read a lot instead. I'm that weirdo who is pretty happy NOT to touch the germy green stuff we call hard cold cash. Plastic, like Barbie, was appealing for a time. 

Your budget could be that simple: I walk and I read. I don't spend money...someone Else's money called my 'line of credit'. Please, someone write that blog post. I'd eat it like candy in a van. 

Origins of Our Personal Budgets

Some people are budgeting to save themselves from disaster. 

Some people start to budget to thrive (more) because they have a lot of money and they want to make more, spend well...well, they are already good with money in a least a few ways, and budgeting goes together naturally with financial skill. 

Some people budget to survive (better). They don't have more money and a strict budget will help them turn a corner...get married, go to college, have a baby, retire sooner, cover a funeral's cost, hospital bills, an accident. You know, all of life's corners. 

But if sailing is smooth, and you follow this hard and fast rule...in our society you can lead a really good life - no matter what your reasons for reading this article are...

The Key! Sacred Budgeting Secret Is In The Spending: 60% Of Gross Income Should Cover IT ALL. 

Click here to get life in focus on point, surviving better or thriving more.  This may require you to walk, talk and read. 

This Simple Tip Is Giving Moving The Right Kick

Thinking Ahead to Ikea...Act Ahead And One-Stop-Shop The Sub Prime Credit Store 

These movers had little to 0% inertia...check out the 18 most stubborn homeowners known to us. 

Do you ever shop to avoid an emotion? Are you looking at lists of Ikea's most popular products and drooling? Do you want to be? Look here...Then we can talk business.

Q: Not The Best Credit Score?

A: One-Stop-Shop That Can Put You On The Steps To Success 

...$30/month to buy into this network of help created just for you. Think - a few friends get together and realize their clientele are roughly the same people...so they bundled their efforts and came up with this package deal to best serve you.

Our worlds...our worldwideweb, our neighborhood, our homes, our resumes, our bodies...are a lot like playdough:

A: "It Is What You Make It"

"Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be." -Eleanor Roosevelt 

Well, Mrs. Roosevelt that's a very stubborn way to speak of the most flexible capacity of the human. 

She's right, though, you know?

Now you do. In ideal economics (no, that's not a thing, maybe should be, is now), it would be beneficial for the businesses to team up, operate to their best on behalf of your best and the common good is had, created, made for all, by all, to all...We, the people..." 

You Get The Idea. You Can Make Your Life What You Want. What It Takes To MAKE All That, That's Another Question. 

Click here to see a path to success...when you commit your goals to writing you are more likely to accomplish them.  When you pay monthly towards your goal you created more incentive for yourself to follow through. 

Try The Sub Prime Credit Store Get Self to follow through...Get Self to Flow though...Get Sub Prime Credit Store...

Just Remember: When You Do Home Staging, Don’t Make the House Look Like a Library

The LAST thing that you want to do when staging your home, is to over accessorize. Don't get me wrong, I love a good trinket here and there, and I like decorating just as much as the next person, but sometimes people take it too far. That's when people run into problems selling their home.

Home Staging: Less Really Is More

We've all heard the saying "less is more". But when it comes to selling and staging your home, is that really the case? It seems to be! People interested in purchasing a home aren't looking to see all of your memorabilia, they're looking for simplistic, and they're looking for minimal design. 

When staging your home, try to minimize the accessories that you're using. If you have book shelves or books you want to display, only display a few! Keep it on the lower end. The same rules apply for something like plants or paintings. Try and keep it to only one plant per table or piece of furniture, and if you have a favorite piece of artwork, hang only one instead of them all! A little goes a long way when it comes to staging and selling your home.

To learn more on staging and how to sell your home, click right here!

Why New Home Construction Wants to Focus on Affordability

Dodge Data & Analytics' 2016 Construction Outlook report projected 6% growth, with the value of new construction reaching an estimated $712 billion. What will this new growth look like?  

A google-image search can reveal something about our schema for "new home construction" -- Oh yes, the suburban neighborhood. See the studs of the American dream? Two car garage, 5 bedroom, with a playroom or movie theater in the basement.

Those buyers had 9-5, jobs with W2s, maybe a two-income household; a shoo-in for a mortgage. Now there they are! in their big living rooms; not in the market. Those buyers are housed, so who is next?  

Low-Earners Are an Untapped Segment of the Market and Builders Are Figuring Out How to Reach Them

"Affordability," says demand, "What is this affordable housing and market-rate? There's a gap between. Build for market-rate, first and the government incentivizes the second. The middle. The gap is large, and You can can call me Market, the third". Demand waits patiently.
"Market, the third, in that case, I will utilizes technology in order to maximize profit to spite my issues with force*, hmm to help I could save on property taxes with Market the second..." The builder goes on muttering.

*How American! The climate for immigration these days is poor, and as a result the work force that builds our shelters is low. Think about that for a second. Think about this election. Okay, moving on into houses.

One way to compensate is to pull up your boot straps and do it yourself, DIY - How American! and create....

•  an off-site way to build - pre-fab homes, mobile homes, sky rises even. 
• Yes, the American also know the machine, robotics AND the classic nail and hammer way.
• This pre-fab idea has worked really well for cookie-cutter suburban neighborhoods that low-earners cannot afford. Now that we have serviced the customer to the best of our workforce ability, let's see what other parts of the market there are to profit from?

And for new home developments, first-time home buyers, a group comprised of immigrants and immigrant Millennials, born citizen Millennials. And the Grandparents, 

The Baby Boomers, don't forget about them just yet; It's time to relocate! 

The prefab thing might work, but is it green? Because a sort of hippie thing happened with Grandma and Grandpa...and there's this talk of global warming? I don't know but...either way the Millennials and the Baby Boomers have some desires in common and the builders are ready to increase their growth into all parts of the market more aggressively.

Which market? Oh yeah, that gap between 'affordability' connected with social services through tax payers, and then the market-rate...then there's all this maybe 87% left? 

More aggressively partly this looks like services available to you! Poor credit or no credit is an issue for people who need more affordable housing. That's fixable! With higher incomes, obviously, sigh, but also credit repair, rent-to-own, cheaper rent OR a mortgage. 

Right now it's more expensive to rent than to buy in over three quarters of the US housing markets. Come on supply! There's a gap in supply meeting demand! Pressure is in from all sides. Work force is low due to poor outlook on immigration, good job market in this case for certain jobs....time to switch careers? Technology is helping to tighten up the ranks at work. And home buyer preferences are guiding supply...targeting the market more aggressively...at least most places?

What Is Happening That People Can Work Full Time Schedule and Have a Hard Time Making Rent?

RTO?

Only certain careers, and income brackets can live in certain areas?

The very un-eco-friendly smartphone is ironically, maximizing efficiency and making business more sustainable. The networking (versus hierarchical) and collaborative (versus independent) focus of the millennial generation is influencing the Gen-X boss-builder.....in one way, through apps. If the builder has a need, there's an app for that:

• permits

• buying and delivery of resources

• inventory

• payroll apps

• safety

• remote operation of equipment

Apps like this are even helping balk some unhelpful trends. It's not the most welcoming climate for immigration, and that's a hit to the construction labor force. There's a high demand for skilled labor and a low supply of willing laborers. Sound like the exact OPPOSITE for you? Maybe you could benefit from further training. Did you know you could get thousands of dollars from the government to find your labor force.
"Sir, Mama, you are my son. May the force be with you." says, the government.

It might only be a matter of another year before the low-income are trained and hired for higher paying construction jobs. Who knows.

This is classic free-market behavior. We specialize; we are more efficient, and THIS YEAR not for the ends of bigger is better. Huh?

"Let's be more conscious of the effects on the planet," more and more are saying, and it just so happens this is part of the solution to affordability.

It's hard to prove, but apps might even help this problem: 

More than 85% of the nation's markets have rents that exceed 30% of the income of renters. 

That's like saying almost all one out of three doesn't matter...that renters isn't making it. Yet. If the builder can make the home cheaper and faster AND it fits into our earth-friendly paradigm...

Apartment living? It fits the collaborative call to action from millennials, certainly. A new version of "The projects" might be one way builders hit the market. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, LIHTC is pushing that along. A builder can pay less in property tax if a percentage of their units are rent-restricted. The funds are distributed to each state at a rate of around $1.75 (changes to accommodate inflation), paying the tax in place of the builder. The pressure is off, except the paperwork. 

Is there an app for LIHTC yet?

It's Cheaper to Buy Than Rent in Three-Quarters of the United States.

BUT Millennials make up a large percentage of the people in the market for housing, and A nationwide survey conducted by Bank of America revealed that millennials are far more hesitant to purchase a traditional starter home as a placeholder until their dream home becomes available and affordable. 

Tiny Homes actually fit that bill quite well, and most are purchased without a mortgage - in cash.

Building based on the square inch is trickier than building by the square foot but there are perks.

Minimalism and minimization is the current trend, and affordability rides that wave naturally.

Just like large buildings are often off-site constructed, a tiny house can obviously be built indoors without inclement weather making construction quicker and cheaper - and can be shipped anywhere. Not unlike a tiny monopoly house.

Doug Schroeder, a 20-year veteran of home building founded Alabama-based Timbercraft Tiny Homes late last year. He'd been in the big sea - the big building business but caught on that there's the whole neglected group of buyers who want something a bit different.

The millennial preference is epitomized in a tiny house. Even normal-sized houses are smaller than they used to be, and have similar features to the tiny house. As a home seller you can utilize these preferences, too. 

After a go-ahead from the Federal Reserve short-term interest rates are going to go up and up, but projected to be still below 5% by year's end. Long-term interest rates will rise more gradually. Signing a thirty-year fixed mortgage will still look appealing to some. It's a good year to buy.

You might believe that's out of your realm of possibility? Ghost of past mistakes? On disability? Your cry is heard. More and more agencies are coming to rescue, like this one. Predictions for 2016 are looking up, in part because it will be easier to be approved for a mortgage.

Minimalism and minimization is the current trend, and affordability rides that wave naturally.

Let's dig in to what affordability looks like, shall we? 

An ideal budget follows a 50/20/30 ratio.

50% should cover all bills: housing, transportation, technology, insurance, etc. 20% should go towards financial goals: savings, retirement, investments, etc. That leaves 30% for tithing, fun money, flex spending. Those 20% and 30% categories aren't a reality for an outrageous amount of people. That's a problem--granted, not a new problem.

Be Smart Use Your Phone To Talk To A Person:

Click here if you have some problems with your stakes in the real estate market and you'd like to move on up with a better budget, space, and life!

Why Drew Carey Would Make A Great Real Estate Agent

Is the Price Right for you to buy or sell that home of yours?  

Drew Carey knows The Price Is Right.  Where in the world is Drew Carey when you need him?  Tell us Drew, what to do?

He's a true handy man in the career sense.  He's had a hand in lots of different sorts of honey pots. Maybe not a colligiate fellow, but Real Estate licensing isn't higher institutionalized - don't worry.  Marine, Game Show Host, Stand-Up Comedian, Press Photographer for Soccer, Denny's host (maybe?), a bank teller in Vegas and let's imagine him now in his retirement phase going on the housing market waves instead of the air waves.....

Drew Carey has a background in the U.S. Marine Corps-- 6 years experience.  "SELL YOUR HOUSE! No, not 1,000,000...999,999! Okay, give me 999,950."  He'll compromise, but you do the work and he works on looking fly. 

Drew Carey could probably draw the house and carry your boxes for you, too.  It's common intuition that what you speak comes into existence. What if Drew Barrymore slowly turns her daughter into an Apple?  How is Fiona doing?  Drew Carey, your wide audiences may have turned you into a real estate agent with a name like yours. Drew, stop trying to put that ad in the funnies.

Whose bottom Line is it anyway?  Drew Carey is used to hosting and catering to men and women acting afool.  If Mr. Carey could have I think he'd have taken the house, err horse-play even further.  Have you seen his stand-up? 

He's worked as a photographer for soccer.  The things in your house can sit still right?  Money is on Drew for capturing the best pics of your house.  Ohh, well, it was funny of him to pull the underwear out of your top drawer, click, put it on Zillow.  Zestimate says you'll get more for your home if Drew uses his background in stand-up to sell your home.  He's a bit pent up after being thumbed under ABC for the Drew Carey Show.  Buying?  He can laugh any home owner right out of their shorts, so of course, home too.

He doesn't actually need those glasses.  

He doesn't actually also sell houses - not rent-to-own, or own-to-rent, or not even sometimes showing houses in all those nine years of Drew Carey show (if you are more devout Mr. Carey fan and know better, sound off in the comments. Especially if he has in fact helped you buy, sell or rent a home). 

Want actual help selling your home?  Click here

Rent-to-own-consultants work in this industry.  Learn 6 common mistakes you and Drew won't make.

Please Don't Do That DIY If You Want To Sell Your House

DIY - Dooming It Yourself 

These parental friends and their six children are stuck at grandma's house, climbing the walls because they made this classic mistake.  Some prior owners did this DIY project: build a garage/barn/man cave.  Oops, they didn't have the barn built to code, because it was DIY and they did not know!  So now the housing renovations are on hold.  The walls at Grandma's are going to need a renovation afterwards.  DIY turned into DIAY - Do It ALL Yourself.  The Dad of 6 small ones spends nights these days after work making drawings by hand of the barn he did not build in order to prove to the proper officals: the thing is standing, now let me build a livable ark for my tribe.  That's a true story - Housing Market 2016.

Listen to Grandma, not your Grandma, someone else's Grandma: 4 Simple Words of Advice Before You Buy a Home. 

If you are watching better homes and garden for noise and reading Real Simple in the grocery line and Pinteresting in your bed on your board: NEW HOME IDEAS - Pinterest has real estate resources, for sure! - you might think you CAN in fact work on your own house, save money, earn more money, have fun, uh no.  Not for most.  Murphy's Law!  Anything that can go wrong will. 

It can seem like free labor (your labor after hours) will be a profitable situation.  In economics there is no such thing as a free lunch and let me tell you, there is no such thing as a free DIY.  Have you ever spent $20 at Michael's just to hand make Christmas Cards.  It was $6.99 for that box of 10 cards, which seemed over priced.  Now you have $20/200 cards, but you only needed to send 20.  In a market economy it's best to have specialization - DWYDB - Do What You Do Best. 

DIY people are special ducks.  They are almost hoarders of the Work-Cost-Transfer Law, which became a thing just now, right here, as a sub-set under Murphy's Law.  What you save here, will pop up as cost later on.  It's that American version of Karma; what comes around goes around.  If you are that odd duck, at least get the home inspected to save yourself that feather rustling down the line. 

Money is time, time is Money.  Math is right, and art is left over.  Your home needs to sell, probably you'd prefer for as much as it can as soon as it can.  Let's DIY on something you can enjoy, once you are in your new home, shall we? 

Stop wasting your time and Sell That House!

Click here for some DIT - Doing It Together. You are on a device...stalling....already, why not?

While we are at it, can you think of 6 home selling mistakes other people make?  Here's a list...

Why the Baby Boomer Generation Is Still Booming in the Real Estate Market

It's true, believe it or not. We're guessing the real estate market is still so vibrant as mentioned here that even baby boomers from back in the '80s and '90s are still very much active when it comes to home buying. And they should be. Prospects are good. Why not take advantage of it?

There Are Four Aspects of This Market for Baby Boomers to Keep in Mind, Though

It's not just about your age. Or the fact that you have a big salary with a career you've held down for a decade or more. Rather these bits can prove that you are, in fact, a baby boomer booming in the real estate market:

• Mortgage Financing -- You'd be surprised to see that baby boomers actually have the same kind of challenges that even millennials have. Read this.
• Buyer Characteristics -- This piece will blow your mind as to what really makes a baby boomer in today's real estate market.
• House Hunting Styles -- What makes a baby boomer tick when trying to find a new home? These stats may be eye-opening.
• When Selling a Home -- The question of why a baby boomer's selling (and consequently buying or renting even) is crucial to ask. What's the answer? Click here.

Just by these facts, you can tell that age isn't necessarily what makes a baby boomer.

There's so Much More to It Than That

While the term "baby boomer" represents a higher birth rate of kids sprouting out like fish eggs and an explosion of opportunities both on the job side as well as the business side, there's no doubt that being a baby boomer in the real estate market means that much more. They may be an older generation -- but they certainly still act young. Learn more about the other home buyer demographics as well right here!

Either way we look at it, that's great for the real estate market.

READY TO REGISTER AND BUY YOUR NEXT HOME? IF YOU'RE A BABY BOOMER, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CLICK HERE.

One Thing to Know About the USDA Mortgage Loan: Take a Look at Your Income

Don't get us wrong, though: the USDA mortgage is quite the secret in the real estate market. Just check this article out for yourself. If there was a way for someone to get a home loan approval fast and easy, it would be the USDA. But there are certain guidelines to keep in mind.

Keep an Eye on Your Income and Your Debt

It's called the debt-to-income ratio. How much debt do you have? Is it ruining your credit? Do you need Lexington Law or Independent Credit Solutions to help you through those muddy waters? Good. Do it. But bear in mind that if the debt, plus the mortgage amount, just happens to be over 31% of your actual monthly income, the specific loan might be a no for you.

The VA program, another mortgage program out there, sticks to the similar rule: 41% is their measuring stick. Jumbo mortgage loans, the conventional ones, however, tend to stick to lower ratios overall given the assumption that when you take out a home loan, you're entrusted to pay it every month despite whatever debt you already have.

And That's What the Mortgage Guideline Is For:

It's to protect you from buying a home that might be too expensive. When debt continues to drown you out, foreclosure commences. That's something this real estate market won't want given the growth we're seeing in down payment averages and home prices.

So what should you do? Get on the right path, and without a doubt, the USDA mortgage loan might be your best bet, because it has plenty of benefits! Clean up your debt. Fix your credit. Sign up with the HOPE Program.

Divorced Couples Living Together: It Does Happen! (For Tax Reasons)

Think about the future here. Let go of the animosity (especially if you have kids!), because sometimes while the pain and tumult of divorce can be overwhelming, sometimes the money issues, especially with the house, can hurt even more! Something you honestly don't want....

You Might Be Divorcing Your Spouse, But Try Not to Divorce Your Entire Life

Might be asking much, but when it comes to your taxes, you have an option here (as crazy as it may be). You can live in the home together. Promote stability. Be civil. Care. This also keeps all tax obligations amicable and mutual, neither side benefiting or hurting more than it should.

And here's the bonus: you get more bonus tax advantages when you do eventually sell the home!

Also do keep in mind that just because you also own the home, doesn't mean you always have to technically live there either. However, your mail will continue to arrive at that house. So make sure the ex-spouse realizes that and doesn't shred the material every time he/she sees your name.

It's the Simplest Way to Get Taxes Figured Out About the House

But it's not for the faint of heart. Talk to a consultant with the Income Tax Planning Network about it some more and see if this may be an option for you. Check out this guide on taxes during a divorce as well for more possibilities. Because, remember: it's just a house.

What Kind of Mortgage Down Payment Are You Looking For? It Might Depend on the State You're In!

They're called mortgage trends, friends. Do the research here. Of course, we're noticing that there's one major trend going on in the real estate market, and that's the higher down payment, but perhaps you might want to stick with something lower. That's okay. Want to know why?

You Have a Budget, and While Down Payments All Over Are Increasing, Some States Are Still Lower Than Others

It, therefore, would be a good idea to take a good look at which states are averaging higher (or lower). We know that there are undoubtedly good reasons for offering that higher down payment for a home purchase. But if the budget's not there, what do you do? Expand your possibilities to the states that do match your bottom line, right here:

These States Reported the Lowest Down Payment Averages in the U.S.

• Indiana -- The Crossroads of America has the highest of the low averages.... Want to know how low?
• Utah -- Utah isn't high up there either. Check it out right here.
• Kentucky -- Now we're getting a bit higher on that average, but would you like to know just what you're dealing with in the Derby state?
• Iowa -- We're sitting level with this state's down payment average, so if Kentucky's not your state, you can check this one out here.
• West Virginia -- Little by little, that down payment average-to-house-price ratio's getting more interested. Just take a look at this state!
• Alabama -- Forrest Gump would've loved this ratio and average on home prices and down payments. Check out these numbers....
• Mississippi -- And here we have the lowest of the lows.... But just remember: that may be a good thing!

What About the States With the Highest Down Payment Average?

• Vermont -- We'll jump almost 5% from Mississippi's average down payment with Vermont. Want to know just how much you'll spend on a down payment for a house here?
• Massachusetts -- The average home prices play a role here with the average down payment here. Just keep that in mind!
• Washington D.C. -- We're getting pricier and pricier with this down payment percentage.
• Hawaii -- You'll hula over this percentage on down payments for home purchases.
• New Jersey -- And we're still climbing up the ladder with down payment percentages here. This could be what you'll spend for a payment....
• California -- Did you know that the state here has been leading on home prices (and most likely will continue to lead)? That should tell you a lot about what kind of down payment you might be making for a house over there.
• New York -- Still, none of these states can beat this top leader. Here's the skinny on the down payment average for a home in the Big Apple.

The Question Is This: Where Do You Want to Live?

Don't you just love all this information? Hopefully this will help you in the decision you need to make. You need a home, right? Sign up today and get started with finding the right home in the right state for you.

Pride in the Midwest: Why the Real Estate Market's Looking Up

Good news for all! It looks like the national real estate market is ready for an upswing of home prices due to low inventory, and every single state will be feeling it very, very soon. Yes, this does include the Midwestern states we all love so dearly. The crossroads of America. The Mitten. The Windy City. You name it.

Each of these states will be a pretty good place to sell a home with optimal returns. So if you live in any of these states, and you're planning on selling your home somewhere in these corn fields, take a look at the home prices first and see if you should plan ahead for pricing that home on the higher end of the big bucks!

Take One Look Here at the Entire Midwest and See for Yourself

There are a lot of states here; and all of them will be seeing that home price increase. So be prepared. This real estate market's going to explode....

• Texas -- Rattlesnake country, the Lonestar state, deep in the heart here is some pretty steady increases with this percentage.
• Oklahoma -- But OK will be skyrocketing! Want to know just how high? See for yourself.
• Kansas -- There's no place like home here with this percentage for an increase in home prices.
• Nebraska -- Amazingly enough, Nebraska is right on par with Kansas, too. Talk about consistency....
• South Dakota -- Even SD's better with their percentage, so if you have a home here, better wait for the comparables to sell here.
• North Dakota -- Look at that.... Another state that's scarily consistent with the others here so far. Want to know what that percentage is?
• Minnesota -- Selling houses up here isn't going to lose much investment either (you'll probably get some ROI, to be honest).
• Iowa -- Now that's what we're talking about. This state's even better than Oklahoma for home sellers!
• Missouri -- Nothing but smooth sailing for home sellers here with this percentage.
• Arkansas -- Simply lovely. You're seeing the pattern here, aren't you? It's looking good in the Midwest for home selling.
• Louisiana -- And what about here? Not too shabby. Decent percentage!
• Mississippi -- Mark Twain would actually be proud of this boost in the home selling market.
• Illinois -- You can't beat Illinois' numbers here. Chicago. Springfield. It doesn't matter.
• Wisconsin -- And the cheese state will be killing it like the Packers (hopefully).
• Michigan -- Lakes, hills, and crazy weather.... And yet we can cheer for the Mitten with this percentage!
• Ohio -- We're so not lying here. Every state here will be seeing a home price increase according to CoreLogic. Check out Ohio's percentage right here.
• Indiana -- The state may be the "crossroads," but many might stop here to buy a home.
• Kentucky -- Talk about a derby.... You might as well have every state here compete with the highest percentage, and Kentucky's undoubtedly a contender.
• Tennessee -- We're close to the end here, and we're still seeing some decent numbers with this state....
• Alabama -- What a way to close out the Midwest growth with this percentage....

Pretty Serious With These Numbers....

And this is the heartland of America, so you know real estate's not exactly a bread and butter, but a golden gem. So if this golden gem's getting bigger, then it's for sure -- our real estate market's looking up!

Let's Stop the Musing for a Moment and Remember 911DAY

#911DAY: it was September 11, 2001, when it seemed like the world was going to hell in a hand basket. Thankfully, due to the resiliency and empowerment embodying every American soul, we still stand strong, and this video shows it.

Remember. Never forget.

Having Some Faith in the Home Renting Market for 2016

Rentals may be the way to go in today’s market! The housing market's declining, it seems, and apartment expansion and home rentals are skyrocketing through the roof! Such is the state of the real estate investment market for 2016.

Baby Boomers Galore! 

  

The baby boomers are getting older, and the majority of them are currently downsizing due to the immediate financial and physical accommodations of home renting. With many of them already enjoying retirement, having a mortgage over their head and a home with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms really isn’t necessary for them anymore. An uptown waterfront condo with a maid and someone to cut the grass is more the style of comfort that is appealing to these thriving baby boomers.

Millennials Amuck!

The young adults that should be buying homes are just not capable enough, apparently, what with the poor employment market and looming student debt climbing to ungodly heights. Millennials are more comfortable renting than adding more debt to their already strained financial situations. Renting is really the most accommodating route for young people in today's world. Plus with most millennials still not married and without children, there is no reason for them to have a cap code on a cul-de-sac when they can enjoy a trendy loft by the local pub.

Sounds Convincing, Right?

You do, however, have to understand one thing about the real estate market, whether it's about home selling, home buying, or home investing. It's a fickle beast. And the appetite can change in a blink. So the important thing to remember is this -- keep your eyes opened.

Credit Repair's Crazy Good With Independent Credit Solutions!

You might've already ready about the most recent news at H.O.P.E. to Own, but just in case you missed it, here it is. You can catch the press release as well as multiple other sources such as the Complete Real Estate Site, Nationwide Property Values, Assisting Renters and many, many, many more. But let's just say this one important sub-header for all of you readers out there:

The HOPE Program Is Loving Credit Repair With Independent Credit Solutions

Finally.... Credit repair's branded all ICS along with the likes of Lexington Law. It's all good. The more options, the better, right? In the end, this benefits the prospective homeowner, home renter, entrepreneur, bookkeeper, college student, CEO, secret agent and watchdog located in every hen house, outhouse, and doghouse within a 5-mile radius (immediate shot-out to Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones' "The Fugitive"!).

So we don't have to tell you that credit repair's essential to the goal of getting a home -- whether it's a straight, upfront mortgage, or a rent-to-own. All we know now is that the HOPE Program now sees that it's that much more possible, with Independent Credit Solutions, for every customer seeking to enroll to get the credit repair they deserve.

So You Know What You Need to Do? ENROLL WITH INDEPENDENT CREDIT SOLUTIONS. Right now.

It's worth it. It's worth every penny (and that's not a lot of pennies). Because that's the HOPE Program's one major benefit. They're only out to help you. They're not going to charge an arm and a leg. Their goals are yours. They want you to get into that home -- hopefully with zero down.

Visit Independent Credit Solutions right now and get enrolled. Before you know it, your 640 credit score will laugh all the way up your front door as you unlock it to your new future in your new home.

WHY YOUR PAYMENT HISTORY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR CREDIT HISTORY

Ever wondered why you just can’t get that loan? You have a bad payment history! That is just the plain truth. Your credit score is so low that financial institutions are afraid ofloaning you a cent. You have borrowed in the past, but this time, it is not just working. You can’t seem to borrow credit again. Hey, you are in debt! It is no rocket science. You owe a lot of people some bucks and you know it.

Owing a lot of people including banks without paying back effectively contributes to a low credit score.

The way to fix credit score is to do credit repair. Wait! This is not like some auto-related stuff. It is just a way to make you creditworthy again.

So Why Is Your Payment History More Important Than Your Credit History?

First, let’s understand what both terms mean:

PAYMENT HISTORY -- is a record that that shows how often and timely you pay off, i.e. repay your credit. Your payment history is what lenders and creditors use to know if you are a lending risk as a result missed or late payments or even non-payment.

CREDIT HISTORY -- is also a record of an individual’s ability to repay debts and his demonstrated responsibility in repaying such debts. This record contains information like the number and types of credit accounts, how long each account has been open, amounts the individual owes, amount of available credit used, whether he pays his bills on time and the number of times he has inquired about credit.

So if you really want to get credit from banks or rent/buy a house, you have to have a good payment history, and that doesn't take a Sherlock Holmes to figure out. Creditors will care about whether or not you make your payments on time versus how many payments you've made (if anything, how many payments you've made might actually benefit you!).