As we live our lives it seems that change is the only constant in them. There was a lot of speculation last January that interest rates would increase right beside home prices. And while it is true that home prices have increased in most U.S. markets over the last five years, mortgage rates today are […]
All real estate contracts have their required elements, considerations, mutual assent, capacity and legality but there are some things that you can do to increase your offer being accepted. The homeseller would like to get the highest possible price in the shortest time period with the least inconveniences. Conversely, a buyer wants to get the […]
Over the last several years during the real estate recession, some homeowners who couldn’t sell their home decided to rent it instead. You may be one of these people. Now that the real estate market has turned around in most areas, that same home may now sell and bring a higher price. With all forecasts […]
If you have a good job and good steady income and a qualifying retirement program, you may be able to buy a home. The rules differ between a Roth IRA, a 401(k) or a traditional IRA With a 401(k) account, you can borrow up to half of the balance or $50K, whichever is less, for […]
During an election season, candidates are often criticized for making a higher income but in turn paying less in income tax. Although this may appear to be unfair, taxpayers are allowed the option to arrange their affairs so they can lessen the amount of taxes they pay. The salaries, wages and commissions we make, as […]
If you are a seller, you have three tools within your control that will affect the marketability of your home: price, condition and terms. Price is the easy one, easily adjusted against competing properties, inventory levels and market conditions. But lower your price may not be your best decision when you want the most from […]
Redfin recently conducted a survey of almost a 1000 home buyers where they stated that with inventory low, affordability is their number one concern. Competition from other buyers is getting stronger. But if you’re not in the game, then your chance of buying is even lower. Redfin’s survey showed that 26 percent choose affordability, 19 […]
Parents! Do you have children getting ready to go to college either this year or shortly thereafter? The average cost of the 2015-16 school year is $32,405 for a private college, $9,410 for state resident of a public college and $23,893 for out-of-state residents. If you had begun a college savings account when your child […]
A natural investment alternative for you as a homeowner is rental homes. Because you already own a home and are familiar with them, you realize that the maintenance on a rental home is not that different from your own home. You can use the same painters, plumbers and other contractors that you use on your […]
Of 50 million homeowners it is estimated that 7 million of them could save money each month if they refinanced their existing mortgage. One obvious saving is refinancing at a lower mortgage rate. Another saving is that if you bought a home before 2011 and your are paying for mortgage insurance, you might want to […]
