realtor: Are You Missing Out On Tax Benefits You're Entitled To?
- 12/27/11 05:14 AM
The new year is almost here, and soon after that we'll be heading into tax season. Most people look at March and April as tax season, but the sooner you dive in the sooner you can finish...and the more likely you are to not miss out on any potential tax benefits you're entitled to because you're not waiting until the last minute:) Here are some of the most commonly overlooked benefits: 1) Support for Relatives: Housing or financial support for a relative may make you eligible for a more favorable head-of-household status. Alternately, you might be able to simply claim them … (0 comments)
realtor: "Supply and Demand" or "Greed and Need"?
- 09/21/11 01:50 AM
There was an article at the end of July in the Orange County Register that I'm revisiting because it's the completion of a circular chain reaction that is important to understand whether you're currently a Beach Areas home buyer, a home seller or are a home owner wanting to keep up with the market climate. The article is titled "Apartment Rents To Rise For Many Years" and features an interview with the CEO of Steadfast Cos. in Irvine. The article approaches the subject of rising rents in the face of only modest employment growth. In response to the question of what … (1 comments)
realtor: Home Buying On The Rise Again In Orange County
- 09/02/11 03:43 AM
Signs are pointing to a rise in homebuying in Orange County and an end to the slump we've experienced in 12 of the past 13 months. Two recent articles in the Orange County Register present some encouraging statistics as well as some points to keep in mind for both buyers and sellers. Here are some highlights: 2,593 homes closed in the latest period, up 1.7% from a year ago. Median selling price for homes is down 0.7% from a year ago ($437,000) Sales are up 1.7% for the county 15 Orange County zip codes had an increase in sales and prices … (1 comments)
realtor: What REALLY Adds Value To Your Home?
- 07/11/11 12:24 AM
There are many misconceptions about what truly adds value to your home and can make it sell for a higher price. Some sellers have found out the hard way that modifications they perceived as adding value actually do the opposite, especially in today's market. In past years, the big culprit has been the addition of a swimming pool. NAR has released reports over recent years that clarify what adds value and what doesn't. Here is a checklist of some of the results. Central AC can add up to 12% to the price of a home. Remodeling to add additional living area … (0 comments)
realtor: When Is The Best Time To Sell At A Loss
- 06/27/11 12:30 AM
While I truly wish no one ever had to ask this question, some of you are wrestling with it right now. Homes are staying on the market longer than in years past and many sellers are having to come down on their price more than once to get the deal done. Other sellers are standing pat on their price, hoping that the market will rebound enough for them to turn a small profit or at least break even. The problem is (as shown on the chart I posted a few weeks back) that prices still have not bottomed out in … (6 comments)
realtor: Mortgages At Lowest Point - Be Prepared
- 06/03/11 04:31 AM
According to Freddie Mac, fixed-rate mortgages are at their lowest point of the year. For the fifth consecutive week, mortgage rates declined with borrowers paying approximately 0.7% of the loan amount up front (lender fees) to get these rates: 15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage: 3.80% 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage: 4.61% Keeping in mind that this comes in the midst of mixed data economy-wise and housing-wise, the important thing to remember is the old Boy Scout motto of "Be Prepared" if you're on the market to buy. The rates are certainly great, but they don't mean anything if you haven't done your homework … (2 comments)
realtor: How Is Your Mental Accounting?
- 04/18/11 01:38 AM
The foreclosure situation of the past few years has some people taking inventory of how they're handling their finances like never before. Have you thought about how you spend your money? Have you thought about how you spend some money as opposed to how you spend othermoney? I saw a great article by Tara-Nicholle Nelson that makes some great points about how we spend our money and how that has contributed greatly to today's economy. A mindset was created where people thought they had money when they didn't...and borrowed against it. It's what Nelson calls "mental accounting," which is how we each intuitively look … (3 comments)
realtor: Which Is Right For You...Condo or Single-Family Home
- 03/01/11 12:57 AM
Many people looking to buy a home find themselves pondering the question, “Does a single family home or a condo suit me/us better?” Owning a condo is perfect for you if you have a busy lifestyle, travel a lot and/or have little or no interest in landscaping or home maintenance. Consider these pros and cons when deciding between a condo and a single-family home: Condo:· Typically less expensive than a single family home.· You own the space within the walls.· Fewer maintenance requirements. · The building exterior, landscaping, surrounding roads and driveways, and common areas are typically all owned by … (0 comments)
The new year is almost here, and soon after that we'll be heading into tax season. Most people look at March and April as tax season, but the sooner you dive in the sooner you can finish...and the more likely you are to not miss out on any potential tax benefits you're entitled to because you're not waiting until the last minute:)
;)
;)
