With more and more people looking to buy a new home the topic of a down payment comes up pretty frequently - especially with first time home buyers.

Even with the programs out there that offer low down payments and even down payment assistance doesn't mean you can come to the closing table empty handed.

Bankrate.com has provide a nice article (even though it was written a year ago) showing ways to save money; and you might not even feel it! Click here to view the full article.

The last tip is my favorite and probably the most important one. Move your low earning savings account to a high yeild online savings account. You could be earning 2-3 times (or more) the interest that you are now by moving. Moving your savings does 2 things:

1. You are making more money-and really not doing anything for it or even realizing it!
2. By moving your savings online it takes a couple of days to get the money from one account to the other meaning you are making it just that much more difficult for you to dip into your savings without thinking - causing you to keep more in your savings account. I've been doing it for years and on more then one occation it has stopped me from buying those 'must have' shoes...

 Make your money work as hard for you as you do for it! 

I still remember the days when getting on a school bus at the crack of dawn and going to Worlds of Fun with 100 of my classmates to preform (choir, band, plays - you name it, I did it all) and then run around the park the rest of the day was the highlight of my spring.

Well, Worlds of Fun is opening this weekend along with lots of other great activities for the whole family. Here's a listing of all the wonderful things going on this weekend. 

KC has been named #26 on Forbes' Best Cities for Young Professionals. Last year it barely made the list - this year we jumped 13 spots beating out cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix!

You can see the full article HERE .

On that note, Kansas City has many young professional groups including one that I administer. Join us atwww.kcyoungprofessionals.com

Ok, maybe that’s a fib. There is no real ‘quick fix’ for a poor credit score but this little trick might help you to boost your credit score; especially if your score is right on the cusp of average and excellent (or poor and average).

Every time you receive a pre-approved credit card application in the mail your credit score is pulled to verify that you should receive the ‘great offer’. Although these small hits to your report are not detrimental, if you receive many of these types of applications in a short period of time they can add up – and even reduce your credit score by several points.

There’s a quick and easy way to remove yourself from these pre-approved application lists.

Step 1:

Go to www.optoutprescreen.com and scroll to the bottom to click on the ‘Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out’ Button.

Step 2:

Chose between the following options:

• Opting-In will put you back on the list if you have previously removed yourself.
• Opting-Out for 5 years is a quick (about 15 minutes) online form. Personal information such as social security number and date of birth is needed for both Opting-Out forms.
• Opting-Out forever requires you to print out the form, fill it out, and mail it in.

Step 3:

Complete the form.

See - super easy!

It will take a little bit of time for this to show any improvement to your credit history and score, the current offers need to have time to cycle of your credit history – and like I said before, it won’t move your credit from poor to excellent – but it may be just that extra little push you need to get a better interest rate on your next home.

Another upside to opting out: Less junk mail!

Congress has approved a new first time home buyers tax credit. All it needs now is a signature from the President.

The credit has been increased to a maximum of $8,000 and is now a true credit with no repayment plan.

This website will continue to be updated once the President has signed the bill into law.

With interest rates the lowest they've been in quite some time people everywhere are looking to refinance their homes to get better rates, extend their repayment period, and reduce their monthly payment.

Lenders have tightened up their lending requirements. Even if you were able to qualify for the loan a year ago you may not be able to qualify for the same type of loan today. Bankrate has given us a very nice article providing some solutions to common refinancing dilemmas.

Click here to view the article.

Did you get an economic stimulus payment from the Internal Revenue Service in 2008?

If you didn't receive a payment from the IRS or you didn't receive the full $600 per person ($1,200 per married filing jointly, $300 for each qualifying child) there is still the chance to do so.

Click here for a link to the IRS website.

For more information on how to receive this credit check the instuctions of the 1040 form you file.

If you're still doing some last minute holiday shopping or looking for a place to meet with friends and family while in town don't forget about Legends at Village West.

Once again, they have posted a great coupon listing. Just click here, print out the sheet, and take it with you next time you head out that way.

If you're still doing some last minute holiday shopping or looking for a place to meet with friends and family while in town don't forget about Legends at Village West.

Once again, they have posted a great coupon listing. Just click here, print out the sheet, and take it with you next time you head out that way.

How about super low interest rates? 

The Washington Post is reporting that the Treasury Department is  strongly considering getting involved with the mortgage industry to drastically push down interest rates to stimulate the market.

Click here to view the full article.

These lower interest rates would only be for a short period of time so be ready to act.  Call The Heritage Home Team to set up an appointment and have us start looking for your perfect home!