I have been in real estate here in the Spartanburg SC area since 1999 and it never ceases to amaze me when buyers do not want to get preapproved! They want to go look at houses and WHEN they find the right one then they will get preapproved! Now, I suppose that makes perfect sense to them, however it is "putting the cart before the horse" as that old expression goes! Buyers, if you are reading this and recognize yourselves, please keep reading as I share why this does not make sense.

• Have you looked at your credit report lately? There could be something there that needs to be cleared up before you can buy!
• How much debt do you have? You may need to look at a different price home than you think you need to be looking at! Your debt ratios may prevent you from going as high you might like!
• Is your employment situation really permanent? Quite often you cannot get approved for a mortgage if you are a temp or a contract worker.
• Did you recently buy a new vehicle with a big new car payment to match? Could affect those debt ratios!
• Did you change jobs recently and now you work in a totally different field? You might need to wait a little longer!
• Past foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy? Usually need at least 3 years of really good credit history before you can buy again.
• Have you applied for a lot of credit recently? Lots of inquiries can affect your scores!
• Any recent late payments? Many loans require a 12 month history of no late payments.
• Repossessions or charge offs on your credit report?

Buying a home is NOT like buying a car! Make sure you get preapproved before going out to look at homes and make sure you find qualified professionals to help you every step of the way. The home buying process can be lots of fun, but also can be stressful with lots of possible landmines along the way when you go it alone!

So, remember, don't put the cart before the horse!

Please feel free to contact me if I can help and visit my website at http://www.sellingspartanburg.sc

Happy house hunting!!

Many of you may not realize that Spartanburg, SC earned the designation of  being a Bicycle Friendly Community in 2006.  In September of 2007, Spartanburg reached the goal of earning a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation and became the first bike friendly community in the state of South Carolina. In August, 2011 Spartanburg had to reapply to either maintain the current designation or be eligible to move up to a higher level (Silver or Gold).

There are many opportunities for biking in and around Spartanburg. Biking is a great way to stay in shape and have quality family time on a smaller budget than many activities require! Don't forget to keep safety in mind and wear helmets and other protective gear like kneepads.

Some places you may want to check out for biking are listed below. Now that Spring is just around the corner you may want to plan a bike outing to one these popular trails or events!

 Croft State Park Natural Area has 12 miles of biking and hiking trails. 

A green retreat in the heart of fast-growing Spartanburg County, the park also offers a playground, picnicking and camping areas, as well as fishing and boating in two lakes, including 150-acre Lake Craig.
Croft also is known around the region for its equestrian facilities. The park regularly hosts shows in its arena and boasts more than 20 miles of equestrian facilities and 55 stalls.
The diverse park was once an Army training base and covers nearly 12 miles of rolling, wooded terrain that also provides habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna just five miles from bustling downtown Spartanburg.

Mary Black Rail Trail 

You can start this flat paved multi-use trail from one of three community plazas.  You can enjoy walking, riding, or skating on this smooth mainly tree lined rail ­to­ trail built on what was once a section the Norfolk Southern rail line. This is the first section (1.9 miles) of what will become the 12-mile Hub City Connector of the Palmetto Trail, which will pass through Spartanburg. It is open from dawn to dusk and it's FREE!

USC-Upstate Trail

This 1.3 mile trail runs along the bank of Lawson's Fork Creek and has views of the creek along some sections.  Muskrats and beavers are common along the water's edge and a variety of birds including kingfishers and great blue herons. Picnic areas are available. You can access this trail from the campus of USC-Upstate. FREE to enjoy!

Assault on Mt Mitchell

This a grueling competitive ride that is only for those who have trained for it. It starts in Spartanburg, SC and is 102 miles long! Your destination is the summit of Mt Mitchell. It was started in 1974 and draws riders from all over the US. To be eligible you must have completed the Assault on Marion the preceding year. The Assault on Mt Mitchell will be held on May 16, 2011. For more information go to www.theassaults.com

Whether you are in  great physical condition or not there is a trail for you! Get out and enjoy the great outdoors on your bike this Spring in YOUR Biketown -- Spartanburg, South Carolina. You will be glad you did!