September 11 Anniversary---Why I Never Wil Forget

Today marks the 12 year anniversary of one of the most devastating attacks on US soil. Most of us are to young to remember Pearl Harbor and the lives lost there....However; all of us are old enough to remember 9/11/2001. That day will always, in my lifetime, be a remembrance for me. I had the unfortunate experience of being in New York City in lower Manhattan at what is now called ground zero when it occurred. I watched as the rest of the country did in shock at what was unfolding before my eyes and not knowing what to do or what really was happening at that moment. I remember not being able to use cell phone and walking for what seemed like an eternity to get out of New York with hundreds of thousands of people. But despite all the tragedy that occurred during that day... I also witnessed some of the greatest moments in my life and ones that made me proud to be an AMERICAN and a VETERAN. I witnessed first responders (firemen, police officers, EMT'S) rush into the buildings with no regard for their own lives to try and save someone they did not even know...They were doing a job. Those brave men and women put their lives at risk to save people like you and me. I remember sitting glued in front of the television for hours on end after it happened for the next few days as the brave first responders went through the debris looking for people still alive and yet never complaining once. I lost more than a few friends during the devastation that hit New York City that day. I vowed that I would never forget them or that day. As the healing continues, as it will always, let’s not forget the brave people who gave their lives for us that day. I remember listening to the fire trucks and police cars and ambulances sirens on what felt like an eternity rushing to help people. To this day if I am driving and I hear a first responder siren I remember 9/11/01 as if I were reliving it. So, to all those that gave their life that day and ALL those that saved lives that day and beyond....THANK YOU....THIS SURVIVOR WILL NEVER FORGET. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

No Credit...Can You Still Buy A Home Today?

In my ventures and talking with people I hear a common phrase among younger individuals that say "I cannot buy a home because I have no credit and they (the mortgage companies) will not give me a loan." Unfortunately that is not true. There are numerous programs to help people with no credit history buy a house. I have sold a half dozen this year alone to home buyers with no established conventional credit history by connecting them to the right mortgage lender. Yes, banks prefer a credit score and a good one at that. Most lenders are looking for 620 or better credit scores but I have a preferred lender that can get loans approved with a credit score as low as 600. But what if you do not have a credit score? Can you still buy a house....The answer is yes. The lenders call it alternative credit. In lieu of a credit score and established credit history there is a way you can purchase a home with no credit. They look at your "trade lines". These are bills that you would be paying on a regular basis each and every month. Some examples are auto insurance, cell phone bills, rent, utilities, etc...Any monthly expense that you can document a history of paying for the past 12 months on time. They will ask for three trade lines. They also have to be in your name or at least your name must be on the bill. With these documents a lender I use will approve you for a mortgage. The amount of the mortgage will vary depending on what you make for income and can verify. But you will be able to purchase your first home and begin living the American dream that all of us at one time or another hope to realize...owning a home. If you have some trade lines that you can verify paying for at least 12 months on time then you should consider looking into buying a home before you start opening credit cards and other credit lines to buy a home. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United Cell: 704-519-7895 ddicecco@cbunited.com www.davedicecco.com