Credit scores
Most people who have obtained credit from a bank or retailer
have a “credit score”.
When applying for a mortgage loan, a credit report is always
required.
Although a mortgage underwriter will look at the entirety of an
application, the credit score and history are extremely important.
Here is a guide to scoring that may help you if you obtain a report:
Excellent credit: 750-850
Good credit: 660-749
Fair credit: 620-659
Poor credit: 350-619
If your credit report is at or below the “fair” range you could be at risk
for a denial or you may be forced to pay a higher rate.
For more information on your credit score, please feel free to call.

Whether buyer, selling, remodeling or building new, LaBeau and Associates, ReMax Advantage Plus and Ratzlaff Homes, Inc. have a team to help you with all your real estate needs. Call today....952-898-5800.

First time home buyers and home ownership

Over the past 2 years, housing affordability has improved, with incomes rising, home prices failing, and conforming mortgage rates at near historic lows.
Never has there been a better time to obtain the dream of homeownership.
If you are a first-time homebuyer, this is, certainly, a dream come true!
For the first time, in a long time, house prices are affordable and payments are manageable. Buyers are excited and surprised to realize that their new mortgage payment is comparable to what they pay in rent!
We have been in the business of helping folks, in this area, for over 20 years. Being familiar with the area, certainly, has it’s advantages!
To find out more about the benefits of homeownership, contact us. We truly want to help your family obtain the dream this year. http://www.labeauandassociates.com/

Merry Christmas!
Christmas Gift Giving Season Is Nearing Are you wondering what to give the special people on your Christmas gift list? What's going to be 'hot' for 2008? Below is a small selection of the most searched for Christmas products and gifts. These products are likely to be the top selling christmas gift ideas this year.Don't just guess this Christmas! Amazons prices are updated every hour so you will always be able to buy the most popular gifts at the cheapest prices. Don't panic. Online gift shopping is a good start.No need to fight the traffic and the crowds. No carrying a tonof presents. No searching for a parking space. You can actuallykick back with your favorite drink or snack and let your fingersdo the work.You can uncover a plethora of fancy, funny, entertainingchristmas ideas, without even leaving your comfort zone.Who cares if it rains or snows, how crowded the malls are or ifthe traffic is moving at a snails pace. You can be in your jammies keeping life simple. No need to ante up big bucks to show your appreciation whenbuying multiple gifts for those special friends and loved ones.The internet has something for everyone and the prices areusually lower than real world shopping. We have done the research and discovered the most searched for and purchased gifts for the top 10 christmas toys for 2008. Don't know any kids? That's okay, we also have a list of gifts that teens are goingcrazy over. You will find suggestions and gift ideas for all agegroups. Something for him or her. There is a galaxy of choice presents ready and waiting for you.Don't resort to a tie for dad or cheap perfume for mom. With the huge selection of christmas gifts online, you can spend just a bit of time and find the special unique off the wall gift thatthey will love. Online shopping has become very popular in the last few years.Christmas especially. Some gifts sell out very fast. So if the present you have selected is a must have, don't neglect to order now to miss the seasonal rush. Of course, there are quite a few gifts on the list of ChristmasToys 2008 got to-haves. Take a little time and be the best Santa you can.

And a great time to buy that home you have been looking for with interest rates at an unbelievable low rate. For additional information, look at www.labeauandassociates.com and give us a call!