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Class 2: GET YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER

Understanding Loan Eligibility

Overview: Loan eligibility is crucial for securing funding in real estate. Banks and private lenders assess factors like credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and overall financial health. Understanding these criteria is the first step in becoming a viable loan candidate.

Solutions/Examples:

  • Review lender requirements for real estate loans.
  • Educate on the importance of a good credit history and stable income.
  • Use example scenarios to illustrate how different financial profiles affect loan eligibility.

Debt Management Strategies

Overview: Effective debt management is key to financial health. High-interest debts, especially credit cards, can hinder loan approval. Strategies to address this include the Snowball and Avalanche methods.

Solutions/Examples:

  • Snowball Method: Prioritize paying off smaller debts for quick wins, building momentum.
  • Avalanche Method: Focus on debts with the highest interest rates to reduce overall interest paid.
  • Provide a worksheet for participants to plan their debt repayment strategy.

Building and Maintaining a Strong Credit Score

Overview: A strong credit score can significantly impact loan terms. Timely payments, credit utilization, and the number of open credit accounts are critical factors.

Solutions/Examples:

  • Tips for timely bill payments, such as setting up automatic payments.
  • Strategies to maintain a low credit utilization ratio.
  • Discuss the impact of closing old accounts or opening new ones on credit scores.

Savings Plans for Future Real Estate Deals

Overview: Adequate savings are essential for covering down payments and other real estate-related expenses. A structured savings plan can help in accumulating the required funds.

Solutions/Examples:

  • Budgeting techniques to allocate a portion of income towards savings.
  • Examples of high-yield savings accounts or other investment vehicles for growing savings.
  • Develop a personalized savings plan exercise for participants.

Each of these topics should be presented with practical tools and real-life examples, ensuring that participants can directly apply what they’ve learned to their financial situations. This approach not only educates but also empowers them to take actionable steps toward improving their financial health and readiness for real estate investment.