Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Are you planning a nursery for a babe-on-the-way? Whether you’re waiting to learn the baby’s gender, or are hoping to choose a more neutral color than the typical blue and pink, consider the following options:

Gray. This is an extremely versatile color; the shade options are endless and it matches with just about everything. Additionally, gray is a soft, peaceful color, so you’ll be bringing tranquility into your baby’s life from day one.

Seafoam green. Gentle and mild, this neutral color is both fun and soothing.

Orange. While an entirely orange room may be overkill, choosing a neutral white or gray with bright coral accents or a single tangerine wall is lively and fun.

Navy. While technically in the blue family, this deep rich color doesn’t scream “boy” like a powdery baby blue. Offset it with yellow or orange accents.

Beige. Don’t think ‘brown’ when you hear beige. This soft, buttery color is calm, neutral and pairs well with bright yellows and oranges.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Some first-time buyers are surprised by the full cost of homeownership.

To prepare your budget, consider these extra costs:

Closing costs typically total 2 – 5 percent of the purchase price and are in addition to down payments.

Homeowners insurance costs an average of around $1,000 a year, but prices vary. If in a flood or earthquake zone, youll need extra hazard insurance.

Property taxes could range from hundreds of dollars to thousands a year, and they often fluctuate.

All home maintenance becomes your responsibility, so save money for normal upkeep and emergency repairs.

Youll also need to pay for all utilities. If moving from a smaller apartment, expect the larger home to have higher bills.

Nevertheless, the pride of homeownership is priceless.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Having bad credit can be worse than having no credit at all. A lousy credit score can lead to a steeper credit hole to climb out of, and can take years to fix.

All is not lost. Borrowers with bad credit scores can still get approved for a new credit card, though they’ll have to jump through a few more financial hoops than other people.

If you’re trying to qualify for an unsecured card because you have bad credit, here are some things you’ll need to provide:

Proof of Income
The Credit Card Act of 2009 requires that borrowers be checked that they have an “ability to pay” to have credit extended to them. That can include proof of your annual income, as well as your partner’s.

The credit card issuer may have minimum income requirements of $10,000 or $12,000 per year. If you earn less than that, or you already have too much debt, you may be denied.

Bank Account
A checking or savings account may be needed to determine your financial stability. If you can’t find a bank that will let you open an account because you have a poor banking history, look for a bank or credit union that offers “second chance” accounts.

These accounts often don’t have overdraft protection, but can have low or no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements, so you can rebuild your banking history.

NoCredit History Red Flags
Most credit cards run credit checks to look for signs that your financial life is getting worse. Bankruptcy, liens, lawsuits and debt, among other things, could hurt your chance of getting approved.

Before applying for a credit card, clean up your existing accounts by getting caught up on payments and paying your bills on time.

A bankruptcy can be one of the biggest roadblocks, so you may want to try getting a credit card from your local bank or credit union, which might have less strict requirements for their credit cards.

No Bad Blood
Lastly, having a clean history with the credit card company that you’re trying to get a new credit card from can help your application. If you’ve defaulted on payments with a certain company, you may be better off not seeking a credit card from them for a while and focusing on a company that you’ll have a clean slate with.

Bear in mind banks are always looking for business, so finding a credit card somewhere while you try to rebuild your credit shouldn’t be impossible.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are five ways you can use olive oil that have nothing to do with food.

Polish Your Shoes

With a dab of olive oil and a soft cloth, you can polish your shoes in no time. Test a small spot first to be sure the oil doesnt damage the material.

Camouflage Leather Scratches

With olive oil and a cotton cloth, you can neutralize scratches on leather furniture. Try this trick for your leather car seats as well!

Seal Rattan and Wicker Furniture

Rub a small amount of warmed up olive oil over the surface of this furniture to keep it hydrated, even in the driest climates.

Shine Stainless Steel

Rub a bit of olive oil over stainless steel surfaces to easily bring back the shine and look like new.

Unstuck a Zipper

With a tiny dab of olive oil, your zipper should come undone. Consider using a q-tip for application, as olive oil can stain certain fabrics.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.