Hard Pull; Soft Pull: How’s your Credit Score?

Posted by Michael Hughes    August 19, 2010

How do credit inquiries affect your score? Well there are two types of credit inquiries–hard inquiries (“hard pulls”) and soft inquiries (“soft pulls”).

Hard pulls
A hard pull is defined as an inquiry that will affect your score. If you’ve ever viewed your credit report you’ll see a section dedicated to credit inquiries. That’s because the credit bureaus keep a record whenever your credit history is viewed by a service provider or credit lender. Pulls that will show on your report as hard pulls include those by landlords, credit card issuers, insurance companies and service providers (think satellite television, phone service, the electric company…). Records of all of these inquiries will remain with you for 1-2 years. Most people have some inquiries; it’s just what happens as you go through life.

Soft pulls
Soft pulls are not visible on your credit report and thus have no affect on your score. Soft pulls on your credit report come from viewing your report yourself, along with any job-related requests that are made. Also, when your information is sent to companies for marketing purposes they can appear in the

Your Right to Opt Out
Lastly, in regards to the pre-approval notices you receive in the mail, you have the right to opt out from receiving these solicitations. To opt out contact each of the three bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) individually. You can also call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688). This will remove your name from mailing and  telemarketing lists for two years. Read the entire story.

If you have questions regarding this article or have thought about selling, renting, investing or  would like to Buy A House In Boulder check out my website. You may also call, text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

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Replete In Boulder or the “How To Sunday Brunch Guide”

Posted by Michael Hughes    August 16, 2010

Sunday Brunch in Boulder is an interesting and varied pastime. From the light brunch at Vic’s on Broadway with live Jazz to the more sophisticated Brunch at the St. Julien or the Euro Brunch at Rada. You can also head for Chautauqua but wear your “buffet pants” you know the ones with the elastic waistband. This morning we opted for Salt. The restaurant, not the condiment.

Salt is a little different. Get there early and you will be rewarded with a table and seats. Later and you will cool your heals in line for awhile. The philosophy at SALT is simple; a belief that the best food travels the shortest distance from farm to table, that menus should change with the seasons and that locally sourced ingredients, combined with European technique and innovative thinking make for a truly remarkable experience. Chef Bradford Heap and his staff have made a commitment to source local, organic and fresh ingredients whenever possible. The menu reflects this mind-set, simple, yet elegant and delicious. The wines, while sourced all over the world offer a classic profile, while introducing patrons to some new and exciting choices. A comfortable blend of neighborhood and fun.  Approachable but sophisticated. The coffee is exquisite and steaming hot. To start things out the “Bruleed” Grapefruit innovative and tasty. The Vegetable Eggs Benedict include Grilled Asparagus, Farm Fresh Organic Eggs, local Organic Chard, Dried Tomatoes and Pesto Hollandaise Sauce. Another favorite is the Fresh Raspberry & Chocolate Pancakes with Lemon Butter, Maple Bourbon Reduction and Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream. My girlfriend Jocelyn sums it up, looks at me and says with a southern drawl “I am replete” and we are. Life is good, very good.

If you have questions regarding this article or have thought about selling, renting, investing or  would like to Buy A House In Boulder check out my website. You may also call, text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

Boulder County to Add $$$Billions$$$

1 Billion Dollars

Posted by Michael Hughes   August 10, 2010

In Boulder County, DigitalGlobe Inc. in Longmont received a contract that could last up to 10 years and be worth as much as $3.6 billion from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to produce a new generation of satellite imagery.

Used mainly for military and intelligence work. The long-term funding paves the way for development of next-generation satellites with higher resolution. Complete article in Boulder County Business Journal.

Awards in Boulder are somewhat frequent. The Flagstaff House Restaurant in Boulder has received a Grand Award from Wine Spectator and has been named one of Open Table’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2010.

If you have questions regarding this article or have thought about selling, renting, investing or  would like to Buy A House In Boulder check out my website. You may also call, text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

Marketing Your Home

Posted by Michael Hughes August 8, 2010

Marketing :: Selling a  Home

To effectively sell a home today, your real estate agent must know how to capitalize the Internet. Michael Hughes is that kind of agent. He believes that no matter what the price-point, a real estate marketing strategy should be broken down to 80% Internet and 20% everything else.

SELLERS SELL BY MARKETING REAL ESTATE ONLINE

Because an overwhelming majority of buyers research homes online before contacting an agent, going on previews or anything else, marketing real estate on the Internet is the most powerful approach available to sellers today.

An expert in sales, real estate marketing and the Colorado housing market, Michael Hughes has developed innovative strategies for publicizing  homes for sale:

• Post high-definition video tours on interactive sites, such as YouTube, Yahoo! Real Estate, Google, Facebook
• Syndicate a listing on real estate Web portals, including , Trulia, Realtor.com, Homefinder.com and more
• Initiate viral marketing through real estate blogs, like Coloradodreamhouse.com, Bebo, Broker Social, Twitter
• Target email campaigns to nearly two million buyer and realtor inboxes nation-wide
• Text message to reach people instantly on their cell phones.
• Photograph homes for virtual tours, including professional photography and elaborate descriptions
• Customize a Web site created exclusively for your home and track visits
• Promote via appropriate  Web sites, including a “featured listing” position
• Plan direct mail campaigns to strategic neighborhoods
• Advertise in Sotheby’s International Realty and Fuller Properties publications

If you have questions regarding this article or have thought about selling, renting, investing or  would like to Buy A House In Boulder check out my website. You may also call, text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

Zen and the Art of Gardening

Posted by Michael Hughes   August 3, 2010

The garden. Serene, peaceful yet a paradox of weeds and plants. I let the producing plant live over the non producing weeds which I pull. I decide. Morning glories, tomatoes and cukes can stay and bind weed is pulled. It’s not the bind weeds fault that their flowers are not colorful (to me) or large, bell shaped and are only there to choke out other plants much like kudzu. I have learned to do nothing when there is nothing to be done. I understand that the garden is larger than myself.

The first time I saw a seedling emerge from the soil I experienced magic.  A wow factor so big it has kept me engaged in gardening to this date if nothing more than admiration for another’s garden.  In the darkness of the soil and the lightness of the sky is a way to understand. Everything in constant change and season. No beginning and no end. This cycle of life has been here forever and it is as old as the earth.

I plant the seeds but do not make them grow, I prune the trees but do not create fruit, I seek life but cannot prevent death. The cycle of life is present for all things, provides for others but has no needs for itself.

Water gives life to all plants. Balance is important. In watering be generous, in weeding be mindful, in pruning be light, in harvesting be grateful. Don’t depend on others’ approval or you may forget your own joy. Rest is as important as gardening. The garden takes care of you as you take care of the garden. Giving, receiving, resting it’s possible to have these things without controlling them.

Land lies fallow waiting for new growth. Standing in my garden I see the miracles unfolding. Gardening has no beginning and no ending. There is somewhat of a mystery in gardening, it cannot be heard, seen or held. But it can be felt. To me it feels like joy, appreciation, freedom, love and  passion.

For more information on Gardening in Colorado you can find it at my friend Jane Shellenbergers’ magazine website The Colorado Gardener.

If you have questions regarding this blog or have thought about selling, renting, investing or  would like to Buy A House In Boulder check out my website. You may also call, text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings