Mar 9 2010

Short Sales – What you need to know about mortgage debt forgiveness.

With the value of properties dropping over the last couple of years many people have been forced to sell their homes for less than they owe on the property.  When this happens, the bank can require that the people who owe the mortgage still owe the outstanding balance or it can forgive the outstanding amount, [...]

Dec 11 2009

Tis the Season to Save . . . On Taxes!

Everyone hates paying taxes.  We all accept it as inevitable but look for ways to reduce our tax liability.  Luckily for us, the IRS offers incentives in the form of tax deductions.  Some common deductions include charitable contributions, interest on your home mortgage, and interest on your student loans.  While you may have no control [...]

Dec 8 2009

What is a short sale?

While the housing market and economy are gradually showing signs of improvement, there are still many people who are behind on their mortgage payments and unsure of how to proceed.  One option is a short sale. Short sales are when the owners sell the mortgaged property, with the banks approval, knowing that the house will likely [...]

Oct 9 2009

Should I consider a short sale?

Today nearly 1/3 of all homeowners owe more on their homes then the homes are worth.  If the homeowner can continue to make the mortgage payment and isn’t planning on moving anytime soon, that is not a problem.  However, if the homeowner needs to sell the home being underwater on the house can be a [...]

Aug 31 2009

Federal Housing Credit

Housing market prices are still low, rates are still very low and sales are increasing.  Is now the right time for you to buy your new home? Many people are trying to purchase a property before the $8,000 housing credit expires in November.  Currently, if a property is not purchased by the end of November, [...]

Jul 14 2009

Beware of Fraud

Since houses are worth less today than they were purchased for, i.e. the homeowner is underwater on his mortgage, some families have tried to put their homes on the market as a short sale and then have a family member purchase the house at the lower price and then sell the property back to the [...]

Jun 23 2009

Behind on your mortgage?

Many people today are falling behind on their mortgages.  Thanks to legislation the Obama administration passed this year there is hope. First you need to assess why you are falling behind on your mortgage.  Did you or your spouse lose your job, did you have some unexpected medical expenses, were you or your spouse injured [...]

Jun 17 2009

Choosing a Realtor

Looking to sell your property?  Finding the right realtor and listening and acting on that realtor’s advice can mean the difference between selling your property within a couple of months despite the down market or having your listing sit on the market for six months to a year. When looking for a realtor you want [...]

Jun 12 2009

Using a reverse mortgage to supplement income

As IRAs, 401ks and other retirement accounts have lost value due to the financial decline of the recent years, many seniors have lost a chunk of their retirement income.  Thus, their accounts and assets are worth less but their living expenses have not decreased.  This is a problem. Many retirees spend the winter in Florida [...]

May 28 2009

Purchase a timeshare in Florida or a condo?

Even in this down economy timeshare sales in Florida are bustling.  But are they a good deal?  It really depends on what you want to do and which company you go with. I recently attended a couple of timeshare presentations in New Smyrna Beach and Orlando, Florida and while the salespeople made a strong argument, [...]

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