All Forum Posts by: Fatimah Wilson

Thank you so much!! This has been so helpful, and I'll be sure to ask for that increase! 

Hi BP! I need some advice. Im looking to purchase my first home by the end of June and Im currently saving and paying down my debts. My only debts are my student loans and credit cards. I know this is probably a redundant question but if my credit utilization is a little high on two of my primary cards, lets say 45% should I pay them off to zero, get them down to a healthy 28% or just put the extra cash in my down payment reserves. I want to look my absolute best before I get pre-approved. Any and all advice is appreciated!!

Thanks in advance

Will do! Thanks!

@Tim Jacob Your advice has been super helpful.  Ill be sure to sign up for the first time homebuyers course, the tax credit is definitely a great incentive. and yes 100k in DC is an extremely hard find so PG County and other parts of Maryland is probably my best shot. And youre right Arlington to Baltimore not sure if I would make it a week! Thanks again!

Thanks! @Yi Zhao

Thanks so much @Yi Zhao this was very helpful. Do you have any experience renting out condos? Im always reading about horror stories dealing with HOA fees and the associations

 @Francis Dayamba NE and SE are options for me as well, Im also looking in PG County. I dont have a liscence but I should set up the same kind of alerts with in-law suite mentioned with Realtor and Zillow, great idea! Thanks again

@M Marie M. thanks so much for your advice. Im definitely going to look into homes where an in-law suite is possible. I think thats a better option than a condo and I would be a little more comfortable with it. My lease is up at the end of June so we're currently  saving and hoping to find something by April/Early May (looking to get pre-approved  by end of March).I hope to find a place that has a substantial amount of equity in it when I buy and buy other properties with it, similar to your path. Im more than willing to put in some sweat equity. This was very helpful thanks again.

Similar to @Kevin Shuler I've had a great experience with AirBNB. I rent my primary residence on the weekends and have had great guests who are very respectful of the space. AirBNB takes a very modest fee in my opinion and Ive been able to make a pretty nice return each month.

Thanks so much @Russell Brazil that makes alot of sense. I enjoyed your podcast on BP alot of great info. Thanks again and HNY!