What To Expect From Your House Appraisal
Having your house appraised can be a scary step in the moving process, especially if you dont know what to expect. Will your house pass muster or will they find some hidden defects and problems lurking in the basement and attic? Should you scrub the house clean?Dont worry this isnt a test of how ... more...

Small Business Tax Deductions for Year End 2004
As a small business owner, it's wise to familiarize yourself with some key deductions that may reduce your tax bill for 2004.Employee Benefit Plans - You may deduct contributions to employee benefit plans (such as health insurance plans and retirement plans). Depending on your circumstances the ... more...

Real Estate Terms From Appraisals to Comps
When youre selling your home or other real property on your own, you dont have to know everything about the process. It does help to have a practical knowledge of the terms that come up during the process.Keep in mind, these arent intended as be all, end all, penultimate definitions. Theyre ... more...

Taxation of Forgiven Debt: The 1099C & You
Often people fall on hard times and stop paying on credit cards. After a while the account may go to an outside debt collector who might offer a settlement of the debt for 30-40% of theoriginal sum. Once this is paid, the debtor often thinks the matter is closed, but it is not! It is very likely ... more...

Negotiating the Real Estate Contract
Negotiation is the process of communication back and forth in order to reach a joint agreement. There is no "one size fits all" strategy of negotiating a real estate contract. Many of our clients have been very experienced negotiators, and we have learned a great deal from them, as well as from ... more...

Build Your Own Dream House!
So you're thinking about building your own house, are you? Well, you've come to the right place! It's a lot of fun (hard work and eventually fun!) to build your own home and it will save you thousands of dollars(we saved over a Hundred Grand by doing it ourselves - that's pretty significant cash!). ... more...

Home Improvements Turn Average Homes into Dreams Come True
If youre thinking about taking out a home improvement loan, there are several options to consider. First and foremost, your mortgage consultant needs to know why you want a home improvement loan. Here are some factors to take into consideration. How long have you been in the home? Will the ... more...

Keeping Marketing Simple / Ten Simple Steps
1. Business CardsIt is very important to market yourself via business cards. You should be making a conscious effort to hand out ten per day at the very least. Have them on you at all times, and keep a supply in your car just in case. When doing business with someone, dont give them just one ... more...

10 Easy but Essential Steps for Home Selling Success
They say that the whole process of selling up, buying new and moving on is one of the most stressful series of events any of us goes through in a lifetime: and yet with careful planning, attention to detail and a clear focus, the whole process can be relatively stress free.While there will always ... more...

Rate Locks And How They Work
Remember, rates change all the time, and it can be one or two months between the time you apply for a loan and when your sale closes... and rates can have jumped in that time.A lock commits the lender to lend at a specified interest rate and points, provided the loan is closed within the specified ... more...

Financing the Purchase of Foreclosed Homes
Homes that have been foreclosed can be one of the most economical ways to get into a nice home without having to pay exorbitant costs. Its also a great way to get in on the real estate investment game as a beginner. Foreclosure occurs when an owner is unable to meet the financial obligations due a ... more...

Mortgage Protection Easing Your Biggest Concerns
OK, now you have a lovely new home and with it comes a lovely new mortgage. With the average mortgage advance standing at around 150,000 it's a long-term commitment to repay a lot of money. The repayments also take a fair slice out of your monthly income. What could go wrong with these financial ... more...

Mortgage Glossary - A Glossary of Mortgage Terms You Should Know
Acceleration Clause A clause in a mortgage defining that the entire outstanding balance can become due and payable should mortgage default occur. If the entire balance is not paid, the property will be foreclosed.Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Mortgage with interest rates that may be adjusted by ... more...

Mortgage and Credit Card Companies Under the Spotlight on Consumer Charging
For the first time since May 1996 reports have indicated that wage increases have risen faster than house price inflation. According to Nationwide, "The overall picture remains one of a gently softening market".The signs indicate that the housing market activity is finally starting to pick up, ... more...