Tag Archives: deposit
Can Secured Credit Cards Lead You To Good Credit?
If you are suffering from bad credit history, surely you would like to find an easier way to regain your good credit standing. The good news is, it does not have to be a difficult task. There are several options that you can do to raise your credit score at the soonest time possible.
One option is to get a secured credit card. Can a secured credit card really lead you to good credit? Read on to find out.
What is a secured credit card?
As the name implies, a secured credit card requires its cardholder to submit security or cash deposit. Thus, despite having a poor credit score, the credit card company is given the guarantee that funds will be readily at hand in case of payment defaults.
Secured cards grant quick and instant approval regardless of the status of your credit history. Whether you have bad credit or no credit, you can surely open a secured credit card account in your name. This type of credit card is indeed a wonderful tool for establishing and rebuilding credit.
Will other people know that you are using a secured card? Secured cards look exactly like regular credit cards so no one has to know that you are using a secured account because you have bad credit. It can used for purchasing or paying bills anywhere where standard credit cards are accepted.
The Difference of Getting Secured Credit Card The main difference with a secured account is the submission of cash security deposit. Usually, the amount of your deposit will determine the value of your credit limit. Some secured card issuers do offer a slightly higher credit line than the amount of cash deposited.
In time, you may request your issuer to raise your limit as you prove your credit worthiness by submitting your payments on time. There are credit card companies that will automatically give an upgrade to an unsecured account after a year of consistent payments.
Before signing up, see to it that your chosen issuer provides credit reporting to the major credit bureaus so you can improve your credit history as you make your payments. After improving your credit, switching to a non-secured account will enable you to enjoy lower rates and more privileges.
Be a Wise Secured Cardholder
Yes, secured credit cards can be used to rebuild bad credit. However, that will depend on how you use your card and how you keep up with your payments. The safest way to manage your account is to keep your charges minimal and to pay off your monthly balances in full at all times.
Avoid carrying over your balance for the next billing cycle so you wont have to pay the interest rates. Be conscious about your due dates. If for a really good reason, you will not be able to make your payment on time, do not hesitate to call up your bank and explain your situation. Request for an extension of your deadline and ask your issuer not to report your late payment if you can submit on the extended date.
The Real Estate Purchase Agreement
Buying any piece of real estate property whether it be a home, condominium or building requires a written agreement. This is known as the real estate purchase agreement or a sales contract. It is called for in the U.S. Statute of Frauds that all financial transactions involving real estate be put in writing to be enforceable.
A purchase agreement is entered into by two parties the buyer and the seller. Being the principals in the transaction, both of their names and signatures should appear on the document.
Other important details that need to be specified in the contract include the following:
* Legal description and address of the property. This should state the physical condition of the home and its specific location.
* The purchase price the buyer is offering.
* The amount of down payment also referred to as earnest money or deposit and who will keep it during the transaction. Usually, a lawyer acts as the escrow agent. A condition may be included as well stipulating the return of the deposit if the sale does not push through due to the buyers failure to secure a loan.
* The time frame needed to respond to the offer such as 24 hours or 48 hours. The buyer may specify this to keep the seller from accepting additional bids from other buyers.
* The party in charge to keep the deposit and to close the transaction. The closing may be handled by either the attorney or the real estate agent whichever may be agreed upon by the two parties.
* Items included or excluded in the sale. These refer to the appliances and furniture that the buyer may want to keep or discard in the property concerned such as carpeting and lighting fixtures.
* Home warranty. This guarantees the buyer that the seller will provide a clear title to the property at the time of closing. The document may either be an abstract of title, certificate of title or a title insurance policy.
* The party to pay for the closing costs. Many sellers shoulder the closing costs as an incentive to buyers. Depending on both parties, though, the costs can also be split.
* Clause for inspection and appraisal. Buyers normally ask for a home inspection to ensure that the property they are buying is in good condition. The inspection also aims to find out defects and the presence of pests, if any. The appraisal, meanwhile, is meant to determine the actual market value of the residential property.
* Mortgage contingency. This may be specified by the buyer as a guarantee that the buyer obtains a mortgage loan before closing. This may also release the buyer from the offer in the event he or she fails to get a loan.
The real estate purchase agreement is initiated by the buyer. However, its not all the time that the seller accepts the offer in its totality right away. What usually happens is that a seller will respond by submitting a counter offer that proposes some changes to the buyers conditions. Negotiations will begin only after the buyer and seller agree to the contracts terms and conditions.