Monday, January 21, 2013

How to Minimize Your ID Theft Risk


How to Minimize Your ID Theft Risk


When it comes to identity theft, you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim. But here are certain steps you can take to minimize your risk.
  • Order a copy of your credit report.
  • Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, or a series of consecutive numbers. 
  • Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have  roommates, employ outside help or are having work done in your home. 
  • Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at businesses, doctor's offices or other institutions that collect your personal information. 
  • Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you've initiated the contact or are sure you know who you're dealing with. 
  • Confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization before you share any personal information. Check an organization's website by typing its URL in the address line, rather than cutting and pasting it. 
  • Treat your mail and trash carefully.
  • Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you're planning to be away from home and can't pick up your mail, call your post office to request a vacation hold. 
  • Always shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards, and credit offers you get in the mail. 
  • Don't carry your Social Security number card; leave it in a secure place. Only give your Social Security number when absolutely necessary. 
  • Carry only the credit, debit and identification cards that you'll actually need when you go out. 
  • Be cautious when responding to promotions. Identity thieves may create phony promotional offers to get you to give them your personal information.
  • Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work; do the
  • same with copies of administrative forms that have your sensitive personal information. 
  • When ordering new checks, pick them up from the bank instead of having them mailed to your home mailbox. 
When you're ready to purchase your next home search the MLS just like I do! 
Search by neighborhood, zip code, city,county, school district, price and much more! Get the latest market statistics, pricing trends, community info and the school scores. 

Give me a call, text or email!
Sherry Hayward 
(703) 655-2223
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Sunday, January 20, 2013

Greene Mountain Lake Homes For Sale


Greene Mountain Lake Homes For Sale

Be in your new home in Greene Mountain Lake before Spring to get the most out of this Greene county lake community! 

Why Buy Now?

Home affordability is at all time high and opportunities for buyers like you are probably better than you think.
Today's low mortgage rates won't last forever! A 1% increase in interest rates would mean a 10% increase in monthly payment. Now is the time to seize this moment before it passes!
Contact me today if you or anyone you know would like an overview of our local housing market.

Interested In Your Greene County House Value?

Call, text or email me! 
Sherry Hayward 
Realtor
Keller Williams
(703) 655-2223
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Thinking About Selling?


Thinking About Selling?

Remember, there's nothing better than a great first impression!

What's the first thin a potential home buyer will notice about your home? If your homes front exterior is lacking appropriate "curb appeal" it's unlikely that buyers will even make it through the front door. So whether your getting ready to sell your home or just looking for some easy ways to improve your property value, taking small steps to improve your curb appeal can be a simple worthwhile investment. 

Quick Home Improvements Even You Can Do!

Outside: 

  • Sweep all walkways and sidewalks.
  • Remove newspapers, bikes and toys.
  • Park extra cars away from the property.
  • Trim back the shrubs.
  • Clean windows and window coverings.
  • Keep pet areas clean.
  • Make sure roof and gutters are in good condition.
  • Mow the lawn more frequently and plant flowers.

Inside:

  • Kitchen and bathrooms should shine.
  • Put dishes away.
  • Clean and/or vacuum carpets and rugs.
  • Place fresh flowers in the main rooms.
  • Make beds and put all clothes away.
  • Open drapes and turn on lights for a brighter feel.
  • Straighten closets.
  • Put toys away.
  • Turn off television.
  • Play soft music on the radio/stereo.
For a FREE market analysis of your home

Call, text or email me! 
Sherry Hayward 
Keller Williams 
Listing Specialist
(703) 655-2223
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Friday, January 18, 2013

Safeguard Your Credit


Monitor Your Credit Report & Help Guard Against ID Theft

You probably know something about the problem of identity theft - situation in which a con artist uses someone else's name, social security number or other personal details to make purchases, take out loan or commit fraud in the name of an innocent victim. But do you know how you, with the help of credit reports and credit bureaus, can help spot or stop the theft of your identity? First, here's why you should care about fighting ID theft. It is, by far, the
most common fraud complaint that consumers bring to law enforcement
authorities and consumer protection groups. And while federal laws and
industry practices can limit your liability if you become a victim of identity theft, it can take you a very long time to repair the damage. That includes notifying creditors and law enforcement that you've been victimized, closing tainted
accounts and opening new ones, and correcting your credit report. You also may be denied loans, jobs, housing, insurance or other opportunities if an ID theft shatters your reputation and credit rating. 
So, how can you use your credit report to protect against identity theft?
Monitor your credit report for warning signs, including loans or leases that have been wrongfully taken out in your name. Also, pay close attention to the "inquiries" section of the report that shows who has requested a copy of your credit history. That's because thieves sometimes impersonate business people with a legitimate right to obtain credit reports.

In general, you should consider obtaining copies of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus about once a year to verify that the information is correct. But be aware that there are services that will frequently monitor your credit report for possible signs of fraud or theft. The fees for these services (often
$70 or $80 for a yearly subscription) can be more costly than obtaining periodic credit reports on your own, but the added level of convenience may be worth the cost.

If you find suspicious transactions on your credit report, take the following steps:

Contact creditors to discuss questionable items and close accounts that you believe are fraudulent or have unauthorized transactions.

Call the fraud department at each of the major credit bureaus to ask that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, so that lenders will be alerted to the fact that you may be a fraud victim. Ask that the fraud alert state that you do not want new credit
extended without contacting you first. 

Contact the local police to file a report. Keep a copy in case you need it later as proof of the crime.

Consider filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which will store the information in its database so that it can be accessed by law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Don't wait until you've found that perfect home in Charlottesville only to discover you have been a victim and can no longer get a mortgage. 
For More information on your credit and qualifying for a mortgage loan call, text or email me! I will put you in touch with one of mortgage partners to get you started. 
Sherry Hayward 
Realtor
Keller Williams Charlottesville
(703) 655-2223
shayward@kw.com

Serving the Charlottesville area. 

Search the MLS for all of the homes for sale in
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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Increasing Your House Value


Interested in selling a home in Charlottesville?

Like most your home is probably your single largest investment. While the value of your home is largely determined by such things as location, size, condition and amenities, there are still steps you can take to maximize it's worth.
First you need to evaluate your plans carefully if you're improving your home to put it on the market. Cutting corners could hurt rather than help your prospects, but you don't want to go overboard either. Your home's value should be o more than 20% above the average. That means a $10,000 kitchen improvement project might be a better idea than a $10,000 hot tub especially if no other homes in your area have hot tubs. In other words it's best to keep changes simple.

Here's a list of remodeling projects that buyers are likely to find valuable:
  1. Add a bedroom. 3 and 4 bedrooms homes are most desireable.
  2. Install a master bathroom, when a bedroom has a bathroom it means extra value.
  3. Install a new shower, a new shower says modern home.
  4. Change your fixtures, a new faucet that adds a decorative element to the bathroom
  5. Re-grout the tile, if the tiles are in good shape new grout does wonders
  6. Install new kitchen cabinets - even a paint job and new handles will give your cabinets a fresh look.
  7. Improve funtionality - if you've got the space, an island is the way to go. New appliances add value too.
  8. Expose the floors - remove old carpet if you have hardwood floors. If not consider replacing the carpet.
  9. Install new doors - doors really set off a room and make a difference.
  10. Paint the interior - a new paint job speaks volumes. Good colors to use are white, off-white and light yellow.
  11. Add new light fixtures - replace any that are damaged or out of style.
  12. Add a fireplace - even if you don't plan on using it much it adds great value.
  13. Take advantage of unused or under-used space. If you can convert a basement or attic into a useful room, do it.
  14. Landscape - a few strategically placed plants and a neat yard will impress
  15. Add a deck - it's a great use of exterior space because it increases your entertainment area.
  16. Dress up your porch and entrance - A freshly painted door with a new door handle can make a great first impression.
  17. Replace the windows - new windows can not only give your home a new look but can save on energy cost.
Remember, when it come to your home it's important to keep pace with your neighbors. Don't let your home become the most expensive on the block but don't fall behind either. This is a case where it is best to be right in the middle.

Stay up to date on the latest market statistics, pricing trends and all of the community information.


Call, text or email me! 
Sherry Hayward
Keller Williams Realty
(703) 655-2223

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Monday, January 14, 2013

The Latest Foreclosures In Ruckersville

The Latest Foreclosures In Ruckersville

Don't miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime! Mortgage interest rates are historically low, but won't last forever. Call, text or email me to take advantage of this opportunity!


Interested in selling? Click Here For Your House Value!!!

Sherry Hayward
Keller Williams Realty
(703) 655-2223

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Get The Newest Real Estate Listings In Ruckersville

Get The Newest Real Estate Listings In Ruckersville

Check out the latest market statistics, pricing trends and school scores for Ruckersville Va.

Today's Low Mortgage Rates Won't Last Forever!

A 1% increase in interest rates would mean a 10% increase in your monthly payment. Now is the time to seize this moment before it passes!

If you or anyone you know is interested in taking advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime for buying, trading up or investing in real estate, I can help!

Interested in selling? 

Check Out our Featured Home For Sale In Ruckersville

Play VisualTour
Deer Lake Estates Home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with many recent improvements including a 6 person hot tub housed in a gazebo. Deer Lake Estates in conveniently located just over the Greene county line and just 2 minutes off Rt 29. Deer Lake Estates offers an easy commute into downtown Charlottesville, NGIC, GE and UVA Research Park. 

Call, text or email me!
Sherry Hayward
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
(703) 655-2223


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Location: Ruckersville, VA 22968, USA

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Deer Lake Estates In Ruckersville Va

Deer Lake Estates In Ruckersville Va

Deer Lake Estates in Ruckersville Virginia is an established single family home community located just off Rt 29 and minutes to NGIC, GE and fantastic local shopping and dining. Residents of Deer Lake Estates enjoy convenience to points north or south into the city of Charlottesville. 

Take a tour of our featured home in Deer Lake Estates
Play VisualTour


Interested in selling a home in Ruckersville Va? Click here for your house value!


Today's low mortgage interest rates won't last forever!

A 1% increase in interest rates would mean a 10% increase in your monthly payment. Now is the time to seize this moment before it passes!

If you or anyone you know is interested in taking advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime for buying, trading up or investing in real estate I can help.

Call, text or email me!

Sherry Hayward
Keller Williams Realty
(703) 655-2223




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Location: Ruckersville, VA 22968, USA
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