ARCHIVED BLOG POSTS
2009
When you're buying a home you should have at least one home inspection that includes a look at the septic system. What's found during that home inspection depends on the caliber of the home inspector you hire. If you discover problems with your septic system after the home inspection and after yo...
02/28/2009
Andy, our expert handyman was just named HANDYMAN OF THE YEAR on Angie's List! Congratulations to him, and lucky you because you can view all of his great advice at http://www.youtube.com/user/ExpertRealEstateTips. Or click below to watch his latest step-by-step video on brass polishing. Whether ...
02/28/2009
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Why can closing costs vary so much between mortgage lenders, even if the interest rates are the same? It all depends on where you're buying the home, the amount of prepaid interest on the mortgage, size of your mortgage and your credit score. Real estate tax and insurance escrows could also play ...
02/28/2009
When you live in a community with a homeowners association you have to pay dues. If you don't pay your homeowners association dues, the HOA may start charging you fines in addition to the dues. If you fail to pay the dues and fines in a timely manner, the homeowners association can take you to co...
02/24/2009
Summary: It's important to consider the tax implications of giving your home to your children. If you give your children your home while you're alive, they'll receive the home at the cost basis for which you bought the home originally. If you wait to give the home to your children upon your death...
02/23/2009
Summary: When you're a real estate investor you may decide you want to create a limited liability company to hold your real estate assets and to protect you. When you use an LLC to hold your properties, you're limited in what kind of mortgage lender you can work with to get a mortgage. Mortgage l...
02/22/2009
Summary: It used to be that you could apply for a mortgage for an investment property if you owned up to 10 properties. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have restricted their lending rules for investment properties so you can now only have four investment properties and get a mortgage. Learn why the ru...
02/19/2009
When you own multiple rental properties you may be trying to decide when to pay off one of the mortgages. You need to consider what the impact of paying off the mortgage on the rental property will have on your cash reserves. If you pay off the rental property's mortgage you may have to start sav...
02/19/2009
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The Obama stimulus package made some changes to IRS tax rules concerning real estate, home improvements, short sales and foreclosures. If you're a first time home buyer, you'll get either a $7,500 tax credit or a $8,000 tax credit, depending on when you bought your home. In addition, the timing o...
02/19/2009
A general contractor can do a lot more than basic home repair and fix it projects. Use a contractor for home remodeling, rehab, or new construction. A contractor can recommend an architect and work with the architect you pick from the beginning. Have your general contractor help with zoning issue...
02/16/2009
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