Many Real Estate Agents find themselves the position where it’s just not financially rewarding to keep their license. It is expensive to maintain a license and maintain membership in multiple REALTOR organizations along with the MLS. There are options for those who just don’t want the expense but want to maintain their license. Our real estate […]
Credit Score Myth
Many consumers are “often confused as to where their credit score comes from,” reports John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at SmartCredit.com and Bottom Line newsletter contributor. When these consumers hear the term “FICO credit score” they often think that the company Fair Isaac, the company behind FICO, creates their credit score. Ulzheimer says this […]
Private Mortgage Insurance Helps You Get The Loan
Mortgage Insurance, also known as PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy you may be required to obtain in order to get a mortgage loan. PMI is provided by private (non-government) companies and is usually required when your loan-to-value ratio — the amount of your mortgage loan divided by the value of your home — is […]
Selling a Highly Appreciated Home? Combine Two Tax Breaks
Let’s say your home has appreciated in value since you bought it many years ago. You want to sell the property and convert the equity into an income-producing investment. But there’s one problem: The amount of gain is expected to be much more than the $250,000 that you can pocket tax free under the tax […]
Merging the Money
Once you’re married, you need to decide how to merge both of your finances. If you both have similar views on financial matters, that may not be too difficult. However, those with widely different views may find it harder to merge their finances. Consider these tips. Read More
Real Estate Easements Sometimes Override Private Property Rights
Your name may be on the deed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the public can’t use part of your land. Many properties have easements, which means someone has the legal right to use part of the land. An example is when one homeowner cannot access his property unless he crosses a neighbor’s driveway. Generally, easements […]
Bouncing Back If Your Loan is Rejected
Nothing stings like rejection. But just because a lender considers you a poor credit risk today doesn’t mean you can’t turn it around. If your mortgage application is denied, the lender must provide you with information that, if used correctly, can help you become more creditworthy. Read on to find out more and to get […]
Saint Louis Real Estate Value Versus “Median Sale Price”
Nearly every day we hear about the “median Sale Price” of real estate and how it is up or down. It’s often it is used as a barometer of the real estate market. “Well there is good and bad news in the real estate market”. “The number of sales has increased, but the values are […]
S.1944 A bill to create jobs
Washington Watch- Going Down To The Wire Update: Last week it looked like the extension of the payroll tax cut from 2011 was sure to pass Congress. It’s worth about $1000-$1500 to the average taxpayer. Now there are competing bills and the usual beltway bickering back and forth as to who is on the side […]
Get to Know Section 529 Plans
Get to Know Section 529 Plans Basically, a college savings plan allows you to place money in a state plan to be used for the beneficiary’s higher-education expenses at any college or university, which include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and certain room-and-board costs. There are several significant advantages to these plans. Click link for full […]