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Mortgage Forgiveness

During the mortgage meltdown that caused the Great Recession a decade ago, some homeowners lost their homes to foreclosure or constructed a short sale to get out from under the debt. In most of the cases, the lenders forgave all or part of the debt owed them. Similarly, in the early 90’s after the failure … Continue reading Mortgage Forgiveness →

Convenience at a Cost

The convenience of selling your home without the hassle of getting it ready, putting it on the market, showings, open houses, negotiations and repairs comes at a cost … a significant part of your equity. The companies, referred to as iBuyers, that buy homes from sellers are for-profit organizations. They expect to make a profit … Continue reading Convenience at a Cost →

It Starts Before the Statement is Sent

The deadline for challenging your property tax assessment this year may be later than normal due to the stay at home orders but when you are notified, you’ll want to be ready to decide whether you can save some money on property taxes this year. There are two elements that determine the amount of property … Continue reading It Starts Before the Statement is Sent →

Check This Off Your LIst

Everyone knows someone it has happened to or has heard a tragic story. It could have been a fire, a flood, a burglary or some other disaster but to file a claim on their insurance, they need the receipts or a list for what is being claimed. Since you’re at home anyway and may even … Continue reading Check This Off Your LIst →

Mortgage Closing Scams

The American bank robber, Willie Sutton, was asked why he robbed banks and his answer was “because that is where the money is.” During his 40-year career, he stole about $2 million but Internet scammers are stealing many times that amount in phishing schemes preying on unsuspecting home buyers. These crooks know where the money … Continue reading Mortgage Closing Scams →

What Buyers Can Do While Staying at Home

While you’re isolating at home, there are things you can do to help buy a home now or in the near future. Instead of spending time surfing the Internet looking at homes, do the groundwork necessary to be able to purchase the home that you find. There is a lot of documentation necessary to qualify … Continue reading What Buyers Can Do While Staying at Home →

Showing Procedures During Covid-19

During these unsettling times, sellers and buyers are concerned about staying healthy and virus-free as we all are. To keep all parties safe, new procedures should be considered regarding the procedure for showing houses. Agents are reporting that they are selling homes where the buyers have not physically been in the home and base their … Continue reading Showing Procedures During Covid-19 →

Why have a mortgage during retirement?

You don’t have to watch TV for long before Tom Selleck, Henry Winkler or Robert Wagner will tell you why seniors should consider a reverse mortgage. However, there are a seniors who are resisting the conventional wisdom of having their home paid for and opting for a mortgage with payments on their home. In some … Continue reading Why have a mortgage during retirement? →

Shopping for a Mortgage

A lower rate will not only result in a lower payment, it will amortize the loan quicker. A $250,000 mortgage at 4.5% for 30 years will have a $1,266.71 principal and interest payment. At 4%, the same loan will have $1,193.54 payment saving $73.18 a month and the unpaid balance would be $1,776 lower at … Continue reading Shopping for a Mortgage →

Get Ready to Garage Sale

A well-planned garage or yard sale can give you extra space in your home, get rid of unused items and make some money but it needs some of the same considerations that any business needs to be successful. Start early to research and plan Promotion is key Display items attractively Price items right Organize checkout … Continue reading Get Ready to Garage Sale →