Tax Assessment/Appraisal: How Do I Know What My Home is Worth?
If you are in the home buying or selling market, its important to understand the difference between tax assessment and appraisal value. Concentrate on the appraisal value because this determines your asking price.Understanding Tax AssessmentThe tax assessment is a tool local governments use to ... more...

Rental Property Tax Deductions
Own residential rental properties? This article discusses how income from those properties impacts your taxes.What Constitutes Revenue?Generally, rental income is defined as any revenue you receive from the occupancy or use of residential property. Rent, obviously, is included in that revenue. Many ... more...

What is a Federal Tax Lien?
A Federal Tax Lien (FTL) is a legal instrument that secures the claim of the United States in the right, title, and interest of a debtor taxpayer's assets. It is a public document and is recorded at the County Clerk's office or the Secretary of State, depending on local law. This is done to serve ... more...

Are You Tired of Tenants, Toilets, and Trash?
Wouldn't you rather go to Tahiti? Are you a landlord with rental property whose value has significantly appreciated? Are you ready to cash in those profits and take that trip to Tahiti?Before selling your property, check with your accountant who will tell you that you will be paying $60,000 in ... more...

Empty Nesters Flock To Inner City
Babyboomers whose children have left home, commonly known as "empty-nesters" are buying inner city apartments in record numbers.Director of Acton Special Projects, Marc Drexel says the trend is towards quality rather than mass developments."The empty-nest market is growing and expanding with people ... more...

Setting Up A One-Person LLC
The LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is the new entity of choice for both experienced entrepreneurs and new start-ups. The one-person corporation is being replaced by the one-memnber LLC.An LLC combines the liability protection of a corporation with the flexibility and ease of filing as a sole ... more...

13 Extra Costs to be Aware of Before Buying a Home
Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial ... more...

10 Important Tips to Successful Real Estate Investing
When it comes to investing, everybody has certain goals and aspirations. However, we have found that there are certain guidelines every aspiring real estate investor needs to know:1. Compare Property Values and RentsFinancial statistics only go so far; the best measure of a property's market value ... more...

Bankruptcy, Is It A Way Out
Negotiations with creditors have failed. Repossession is imminent and foreclosure proceedings have begun. Your income is simply not sufficient to pay your bills, no matter how low the payments are. It may be time to consider bankruptcy.Bankruptcy law evolved as a reaction to the abuses surrounding ... more...