3/27/2019 Checklists work because they contain the important things that need to be done. They provide a reminder about things we know and realize but may have slipped our minds as well as inform us about things we didn't consider. Periodic attention to these areas can protect the investment in
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03/26/2019
Will Points Make a Difference Lenders typically quote mortgages at a market rate but can offer a lower interest rate loan if the borrower is willing to pay points up-front which is considered pre-paid interest. These points are generally tax deductible for the year paid when the borrower pays th
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03/14/2019
For a short time after the housing crisis a decade ago, some homeowners thought the value of home is a place to live rather than an investment. A home certainly has an appeal as a place to call your own, raise your family, share with your friends and feel safe and secure. It can be more than an
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03/04/2019
When It's Important...Find the Facts2/13/2019 Most parents don't put a lot of credence in the statements "Everyone is doing it" and "No one does that anymore." They'll dig a little deeper and get the facts of the situation. Interestingly, when it comes to buying a home, similar common myths con
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02/13/2019
Here's the scenario: you have a project and need to borrow some money, but you want to do it in the most economic manner. You've got a low rate on your existing first mortgage and don't want to do a cash-out refinance and pay a higher rate. Is a home equity loan an option? Prior to 2018, home
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01/28/2019
Home Inventory Generally speaking, when you need an inventory of your personal belongings, it is too late to make one. Sure, you can reconstruct it but undoubtedly, you'll forget things and that can cost you money when filing your insurance claim. Most homeowner's policies have a certain amount
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01/21/2019
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 increased the standard deduction to $24,000 for married couples. There will be some instances that homeowners may be better off taking the standard deduction than itemizing their deductions. In the past, homeowners would most likely be better off itemizing bu
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01/21/2019
One of the first steps in a good outcome is knowing a little bit about what you're about to undertake. By being aware of some of the areas regarding homes that may not come up every year in a tax return, you'll be able to point them out to your tax professional or seek more information from IRS.
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01/08/2019
12/26/2018 Being a better homeowner is a full-time job. It's not just about making better decisions when you buy and sell; it's making better decisions throughout the time you own the home. It takes good information to make good decisions. Think of times when you need advice on financing, taxes
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01/08/2019
Eliminate FHA Mortgage Insurance Mortgage insurance premium can add almost $200 to the payment on a $265,000 FHA mortgage. The decision to get an FHA loan may have been the lower down payment requirement or the lower credit score levels, but now that you have the loan, is it possible to eliminat
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01/08/2019
