Brian Ripp's Blog

1. Pay your bills on time. Payment history accounts for roughly 35% of your score. So paying bills on time is the most important thing you can do. If you’re behind, get caught up and then stay current. If you’re struggling, contact your creditors to work out a payment schedule. 2. Increase the le...

Here are some suggestions to ensure that your home is energy efficient and ready for the colder winter weather. Test your homes energy efficiency.  You can perform a simple audit of your home’s energy use by following the guidelines at EnergyStar.gov. You can also have PG&E or a home inspector ev...

Like the residential housing market, the remodeling market is showing signs of improvement, according to two leading industry indexes. The National Association of Home Builders’ Remodeling Market Index (RMI) rose five points in the fourth quarter of 2011 from the third quarter, reaching its highe...

Key points • The new year is a great time to reevaluate where you stand financially. • Consider these five resolutions to reshape your finances in 2012, including tips on budgeting, estate planning and more. • Helpful information for everyone, regardless of age or income. It wouldn’t be the new ...

Foreclosures may be making some people sick, according to recent research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.  In markets hit hard by foreclosures, such as, Arizona, California, Florida, and New Jersey, the number of reported visits to emergency rooms and doctor’s offices also ...

The leading expert in color, Pantone, Inc., has made it official: Turquoise is the "it" color.  But before you deck the house from top to bottom in the gemstone hue, consider the other latest trends. Behr paint company says neutral is still in--think light colors such as grays, camels and off-whi...

Before you put your home on the market,take the time to do a little “snooping” on your neighbors by comparing your home to others on the market and visiting open houses.  Visiting a few open houses can give you a better idea of what your home is worth and can highlight needed improvements. If two...

You’ve likely heard the joke that goes, “I can always tell when my wife’s cooking is done because the fire alarm goes off”.  But fire is no joke.  And most home fires do begin in the kitchen.  So remember, the best way to prevent a kitchen fire is to stay near the stove whenever you are cooking s...

Most homeowners believe a home inspection provides valuable information that helps them avoid home maintenance problems and save money, according to a recent survey by Harris Interactive and the American Society of Home Inspectors.  Seven out of ten homeowners surveyed say the home inspection on ...

Despite the ups and downs of the housing market and the decline in home values, most homeowners, including those who are underwater on their mortgages, don’t regret owning a home.  In a recent survey by the National Assoication of Home Builders, three out of four Americansbelieve that owning a ho...