Topic Summary: Did you know that the average U.S. home spends $2,175 on utility costs per year? That’s over $180 per month! A recent survey indicated that 86% of consumers wanted to know average energy costs they would have to pay before they move into a new home. What follows are some resources that will […]
Get a Firm Grip on our Rate by
Rates are a major consideration when you’re shopping for a mortgage. After all, you want to find the best one available. You also want to be sure that you are not only able to handle the monthly payments now, but also throughout the life of the loan. Click link for full article
Green Gifting Ideas That Save Year Round
If you are not into giving a neck tie or gift cards this year, think about these two nifty presents. First up- what $50 investment can you make that can possibly pay you back in one month? Investigate a programmable thermostat! For home owners it’s hard to save money on energy costs if you don’t […]
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 […]
Big Impact, Low Cost Remodeling Projects
Uncertainty and restraint are the order of the day in this economy, and that sense of caution is reflected in home owners’ return on their investment in remodeling projects, according to REALTORS® in 80 metropolitan markets surveyed by Remodeling magazine for this year’s Cost vs. Value Report.
Save the Historic Tax Credit
At this very moment, the Historic Tax Credit (HTC) is threatened by the Senate’s Economic Development committee substitute for SB45, which will cap the Historic Tax Credit at $150 million. Such a cap will undoubtedly substantially reduce the effectiveness of the program, which relies on freely available credits in order to function. The Historic Tax […]
Market Conditions in Perspective
This is an excellent prospective on real estate and investment. The Long View by Lawrence Yun, Vice President, NAR Research “How much have real estate investors lost due to the housing market bust?” That was the (highly loaded) question posed to me recently by a producer of one of the major evening news programs. […]