Small Claims Court

What is a small claims court? This is just simply a court that handles claims of $5000 and under.

This court will resolve civil disputes such as property and contract disagreements. The first step would be for you to determine if you think you have a case and enough evidence to support it.

You might want to consult with an attorney before you file your claim they can give you advice on gathering evidence and preparing the proper paperwork. In some states like Florida you can have a attorney represent you in the court.

Before you file suit collect enough evidence such as contracts, receipts, canceled checks, and even witness testimony if possible. This will go a long way in helping you win your case.

It is best to file your suit in the County where the dispute has occurred. You should prepare a statement of claim the County Clerk's office can help you with this. Once this is done you will have to serve the defendant with the statement. This can be done by having the clerk of courts mail it to them. Another option would be to have the sheriff of the county serve them with this paperwork there is usually a small fee for having this done by sheriff 's department. Remember when taking someone to the small claims court the better prepared you are with the necessary evidence the more chance you have to win your case.

Telemarketing & Junk Mail

We all hate to be bothered by telemarketers and junk mail in your box. It seems like every day we are bombarded with unwanted phone calls and mail.

There are some steps you can take to prevent being harassed by telemarketers and junk mail. The federal government has taken some steps as well as state legislators to reduce this type of annoyance on its citizens.

If you have a computer and a valid e-mail address you can sign up for the national do not call registry. www.donotcall.gov follow the directions on this website and it will help you put an end to some of the annoying calls. For junk mail you may request from the company in writing to remove your name from their mailing list. It may take a couple of letters to achieve this but most companies will comply. There are exceptions to these rules if you have been doing business with the company for example ordered a product from them they may contact you at any time in this case when called you should request to be put on the do not call list. You should follow this up with a written request to them also.

On Facebook

Written by Sherri Hicks:

I’m all about being online but Facebook is starting to take over my life. For example, when I meet a new person and they tell me they’re not on Facebook I instantly decide we can’t be friends – what’s up with that? I don’t know when and where it became so important to me that all my friends are available all the time to social network but you know, at the end of the day I think it’s great I’m able to detach myself when I need to. I have clear internet so I’m able to get online from my laptop probably more often than I should but it’s important to me to know what’s going on in my friends’ lives on a day to day basis and that’s all there is to it. I wish I wasn’t so interested in their new baby pictures or what vacation they just went on but at the end of the day that’s what social networking is all about, right? Knowing what your friends are up to?

Quick Claim Deed

What is a quick claim deed? This type of deed transfers only the interest the seller has in the land and not the land itself.

A quick claim deed will pass ownership to the buyer but the deed does not guarantee there is a free and clear title or any liens against the property. Generally speaking purchasers of land will want the best kind deed. This would be the general warranty deed. This type of the deed will guarantee the buyer a free and clear title with no liens against the property. Be sure to consult with a real estate attorney when entering into any land negotiating.

Processing Transactions

I went to a gas station the other day, pulled up to gas up but then, I saw a sign "we do not accept cards". I thought that was ridiculous! Any business that does not have merchant accounts will not go a long way in the business industry. Consumers like me are used to convenience. I am on the rush all the time. I do not have the time to walk inside the store to pay cash to the register. That was a hassle for me so; I drive down the next gas station and gas up a full tank.

They have no merchant account because they do not want to pay the high transaction rates. But, they lost costumers because of this mentality. There are cheaper transaction rates available online if they only check it out.

I thought I saw two cars pulled up and in minutes, drove away. Those are customers and they just went to the next gas station which I did after knowing the problem.

Anyway, if you have a business, you should apply for a merchant account. Most people these days does not carry cash and only transact using cards. The best way to compete in the business industry is to find the best credit card processing.

Warranty Deed

If you own property I'm sure you are familiar with a warranty deed. If you do not you might be asking what is a warranty deed?

A warranty deed is used when buying or selling real estate. They are official documents that have to be used in both real estate transactions. They are recorded documents that are kept with the land records at the county courthouse. They prove ownership of the property.

Many people get confused thinking that a quick claim deed and a warranty deed are similar. This is not true. The warranty deed states that the property being sold is free and clear of any liens and has a clear title. This is an advantage for the buyer that other deeds do not have such as a quick claim deed. So when entering a real estate transaction for your benefit go to a real estate attorney for the best advice on the documents you will need.

Credit Score

Have you ever wondered how your credit score is computed? Different agencies supply details to the credit bureaus.

Banks, service providers, credit card companies, and lenders supplied the details of your transactions to the credit bureaus this is done on a monthly basis. The credit bureau then calculates this data and determines your credit worthiness or score. Your score will determine if you will be eligible for a loan or a credit card. In years past a score of 600 was considered good credit but now it has risen to around 750. Many lenders will not take the time to read your full credit report and would just judge you on your actual score. So it is very important that you check with the credit bureau exactly what your score will be and if you need to improve it. If you contact a financial advisor in which many cases is free from various organizations they can advise you on exactly how to repair your credit score and worthiness.

Problems When Purchasing A Home

If you are planning to purchase a home in the near future now is the best time. Mortgage rates are at an all-time low some as low as 3.25%.

So you go to your bank to have your mortgage financed and to your surprise you are turned down for a loan how can this be? You met the standard for mortgage financing a few years ago and you still have a high credit score but you are unable to qualify today.

Probably one reason would be your less than perfect credit score. You must remember a few years ago Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were lending money to just about anyone and your credit score was much lower than today. In today's market your credit score is much higher if you had any events in your life that could have lowered your score even a little bit you cannot qualify for a loan.

Another major reason could be a low cash down payment on your home. Before banks would only require a small down payment and would finance as much as 90% of the loan. But now most banks require at least 20% down. To qualify for a mortgage you probably have to wait a little longer to secure a larger down payment. You may also check with your credit bureau as to the status of your current score and try to improve it. Another option would be rent to own check with your local real estate agent about this program.

Warranty Deed

If you own property and are planning to sell it the best way to do this is with a warranty deed.

What is a warranty deed? A warranty deed is a document where the seller guarantees that he or she owners clear title to the real estate and has a right to sell it. The guarantee extends back to the property's original beginning. This is simply stating that there are no liens or claims other than those previously disclosed. If you are planning to sell the property on your own you might check with a real estate attorney to prepare the proper paperwork such as the warranty deed.

Real Estate Agent

When selling your home you might want to consider consulting a real estate agent there are certain advantages to using one.

When we are selling our home of course we want to do it as fast as possible this is where your real estate agent comes in. A real estate agent could sell your home much faster that you. A good agent will have a long list of contacts who are looking to buy a home. Most agents are very knowledgeable about how to sell your home. A good agent can also estimate the value of your home and advise you on the selling price.

There are some disadvantages in using a real estate agent. If an agent has a lot of homes to sell he may put your home at the end of the list. A real estate agent normally shows quite a few homes in a day. Many people try to sell their own home for the simple reason they do not want to pay the agent a commission. I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and would recommend that you use a real estate agent when selling your home.