Sometimes you just need a good laugh!  Despair’s new “MERCY” is an absolutely stellar entry to the Demotivator canon. It’s funny but it’s true- and seriously, we’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to have any hope of survival once the kids are in charge! So I highly recommend forwarding this email to as many people as you possibly can- right now. Maybe we can start a movement or something?

Despair is also unveiling yet another t-shirt this week! Apparently someone on the writing staff wanted to contribute to the din of controversy surrounding a recent Tibetan-themed Superbowl ad by whipping up a shirt that captures oh-so-perfectly the paradox of vanity feel-goodism common to so many.

Most buyers will ask why you are moving. They will also ask a number of questions about the age and condition of the home appliances, roof, water heater and air conditioner and about any repairs that have been made. If you have only lived in the home for a few years, they may ask if you know about repairs made by the prior owner.

They will also want to know about any repairs and improvements you have made to the home. If there were any problems that needed fixing and you took care of doing so, this should be a plus for you as a seller since it indicates that you did not let issues accumulate but maintained the home in a responsible manner.

Hopefully, you have kept all records relative to the home since the day of closing and can show the buyer the following:

• Manuals and guides on all home appliances as well as on the air conditioning system.
• Warranties on appliances and copy of home warranty contract.
• Records of maintenance done on the home such as roof and garage door repairs.
• Information about property taxes regarding rates and exemptions.
• Monthly utility bills.

You want to be able to negotiate the best terms for your next home purchase. In order to do so, you will probably have to clean up your credit report so that you appear to the lender to be as small a credit risk as possible. Very few people have perfect credit but it is helpful to be as near perfect as you can.

Being habitually late in making payments is considered by some lenders almost as bad as not making payments at all. Perhaps you have had a good history of making payments on time and then, for whatever reason, have been late with your payments for several months. If you have resolved that problem and are back on track, it is best to be honest with the lender and explain the reason(s) for your late payments.

If you have missed payments with a creditor and non-payments appear on your credit score, if at all possible, try to bring your payments up to date or pay off the debt in full. When you have accomplished this goal, contact the creditor and request a written confirmation of payment and that they inform the credit agencies to update their records.

If the problem cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, write a letter to the credit agencies explaining that you have made payment. This letter will be made part of your credit file and will be seen by any lenders who consider extending credit to you.

Some buyers deliberately shop for a home after the summer rush is over. Many have hopes of getting better pricing at this time, as well as weeding out the sellers who are simply testing the waters. People also have more time off during the holidays and it can be easier for both parties to meet for house showings.

Generally there are reduced housing inventories at holiday time, which means more Dallas Realtors are giving your home attention. You may actually experience more showings during this time, compared to busier seasons.

If you’re thinking of selling, maybe it’s time to clean the walkway, decorate the house and get that sale sign on your lawn.