September 3, 2010
- Skipping Out On Your Mortgage Can Be Risky
Some homeowners underwater on their home loan — meaning they owe more on the mortgage than the home's current value — are turning to "strategic defaults" in which they simply walk away from mortgage debt.
But financial experts warn — the cost of skipping out on mortgage debt can be high.
The American Bankers Association recently warned [...]
September 2, 2010
- 4 Things to Consider Before You Remodel
Home remodeling is on the rise. And no wonder. Owners having trouble selling their homes in this sluggish real estate market want to give them as much buyer appeal as they can afford.
Others are deciding if they can't move, they might as well make the most of the house they may be calling home for [...]
September 1, 2010
- Real Estate News - September 2010
Our September 2010 California Real Estate Newsletter is now online…
Read It Here Now!
August 31, 2010
- Do’s And Don’ts When Buying A New Home
Before you start shopping for a new home, it is important to be aware of the essential tasks that must be taken in order to make sure you get the home of your dreams at a price you can afford. To make buying a home easier, below is a list of the do’s and don’ts [...]
August 30, 2010
- 4 Cheap Mosquito Repellants
Here are four inexpensive ways to keep your yard mosquito free during these "dog days of summer."
Know of any other "home remedies" or inexpensive ideas for warding off pesky mosquitos? We'd love to hear about them. Just use the comment link below to sound off about it.
August 29, 2010
- 3 Ways to Raise Your Credit Score Fast
Having a high credit score is super-important, especially if you plan on borrowing money soon. But how can you improve it?
August 28, 2010
- Loan Modification Plan Can Save Your Home
Millions of people have found themselves facing foreclosure since the economic climate has shifted so rapidly over the past couple of years. Thanks to President Obama’s Federal Loan Modification Plan, however, thousands of people are starting to see themselves having some new hope that they may be able to keep their home. This loan modification [...]
August 27, 2010
- Real Estate Taxes Are Rising
The property tax burden for residential property owners has not kept up with the present slide and erosion of market values. Everyday commercial businesses are failing and have little or no assets that make up the tangible personal property taxes and real property tax base. State and local tax collectors have lost revenue due to [...]
August 26, 2010
- 3 Tips to Avoid Credit Card Scams
Criminals recently ripped off $10 million dollars from American credit cards… Yours could have been one of them.
Been ripped off by a credit card scam? We'd love to hear about it and what you did to get your money back. Just click the comment link and share your story.
August 25, 2010
- Should You Rent or Buy a Home?
Home ownership is a big step, and many people worry whether they're ready to take it on. If you currently rent your house, you may wonder if you can even afford to buy a home. Just looking at real estate listings online or in the Sunday paper can make you break out in a cold [...]
August 24, 2010
- Housing Construction Rises in July
A weak housing market received a tiny boost from apartment construction last month. But the overall outlook remained dim as applications for building permits fell to the lowest level in 14 months.
Construction of new homes and apartments rose 1.7 percent last month, according to the Commerce Department. Driving the increase was a 32.6 percent surge [...]
August 23, 2010
- Ways to Clean Up Your Credit History
Your credit history is more important than ever. But do you know how to clean it up and keep it looking good?
Have questions or comments? Use the comment link below and sound off. Remember, your email address will NEVER be published with your comments for your protection and privacy.
August 22, 2010
- Fed Unveils Slew of Mortgage Rules
The Federal Reserve recently unveiled a slew of rules aimed at protecting consumers from abusive lending practices blamed for luring millions into unaffordable home loans.
The rules include a ban on yield-spread premiums, controversial payments that mortgage brokers have historically received in exchange for guiding consumers toward higher-interest rate mortgages. “This will prevent loan originators from [...]
August 21, 2010
- Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Living Space
Decks and patios not only provide a space for outdoor entertaining, they can also increase your home’s curb or external appeal. But before you start construction, spend some time thinking about what you're looking for in an outdoor space. The wrong deck or patio can become unused space and an eyesore. The good news is, [...]
August 20, 2010
- More Borrowers Are Paying Down Their Mortgages
Even with record-low mortgage rates, many refinancing borrowers are choosing to pay down their loan balances rather than borrow more money.
According to a recent report by Freddie Mac, “cash-in” borrowers – those who reduced their principal balance by paying in additional money at the closing table – represented 22 percent of all borrowers who refinanced [...]
August 19, 2010
- Designing a Eco-Friendly Kitchen
Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Many remodelers are going green. Here are some ideas you might want to consider for your eco-friendly kitchen.
We welcome your comments, and remind you that email addresses will NEVER be published at our site, so comment without worrying about your email address showing up here.
August 18, 2010
- 5 Easy Ways to Save $1,000
How you can easily save an extra $1000 in time for the holidays.
Have more ideas on ways to save money so you'll have more come holiday time? We'd love to hear your ideas. Just click the comment link below and tell us about it.
August 17, 2010
- Credit Scores: Ways to Improve Yours
Credit scores are especially important when applying for a mortgage. With funds getting tighter and people cutting back, a strong credit score shows you are fiscally responsible and serious about your finances.
Mortgage lenders and banks are not the only ones who look at your credit score. Insurance companies look at it to determine premiums or [...]
August 16, 2010
- Closing Costs: 4 Ways to Save
The interest rate on your home loan isn't the only thing you need to be concerned with. It pays to negotiate on all your home loan terms.
Closing costs for a home average 3% of the purchase price, and could go as high as 6% in higher-tax areas. Plus, you still have to come up with [...]
August 15, 2010
- How to Hire a Real Estate Agent
You have to pay thousands of dollars to hire a real estate agent to sell your home. Is it worth it? Make sure you hire the RIGHT agent. Stacy Johnson explains…
Have questions or comments? Use the comment link below and sound off. Remember, your email address will NEVER be published with your comments for your [...]
