Are Loan Points Tax Deductible?
Friday February 27, 2009
If you bought a home last year, find your HUD-1 and examine it to see if you paid loan points to get that mortgage.
For those who file U. S. ... Read More
Mortgage Tips for Falling Real Estate Markets
Wednesday February 25, 2009
It can be difficult to obtain a mortgage in a falling market.
When a real estate market falls, it’s unwise to play by the same mortgage rules as those that apply ... Read More
Here's What You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage on a Flipper Home
Monday February 23, 2009
In the past, getting a flipper home mortgage was easy. Not so anymore.
In fact, as recent as a year ago, buyers were happy to buy a home that was not ... Read More
Is It Smart to Buy Before Selling Your Home?
Friday February 20, 2009
When is it smart to buy before selling a home?
Almost one-third of the inventory in the Sacramento market where I specialize is sold vacant. Empty houses mean the sellers have ... Read More
Book Review of Real Estate the Rome Way by Elizabeth Weintraub
Wednesday February 18, 2009
When I sat down to read Real Estate the Rome Way, by Margaret Rome, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book was about more than selling real estate.
It's ... Read More
Pick Your Short Sale Price Carefully If You Want to Actually Close that Short Sale
Monday February 16, 2009
Short sales are still an unknown factor for many agents, so it's no wonder that some don't know how to appropriately price a short sale.
In Sacramento, our MLS carries three ... Read More
Like-Kind Real Estate in an Exchange Doesn't Mean Identical Properties
Friday February 13, 2009
When you hear the term like-kind real estate regarding a 1031 exchange, it doesn't necessarily mean the investor is exchanging, say, a single family home for a single family home.
Exchanges ... Read More
How to Change a Shower Head in 7 Easy Steps
Wednesday February 11, 2009
Do you believe it's difficult to change a shower head?
If so, I hope to change your mind about that. Changing out a shower head is one of the easiest ... Read More
Why Some Short Sales Don't Sell: Top 7 Short Sale Mistakes
Monday February 9, 2009
If months have gone by without showings and no offer has materialized on your short sale listing, it's possible that you have made one or more of the top 7 ... Read More
Is it Safe to Buy a Home in a Down Market?
Friday February 6, 2009
Should you wait to buy in a down market?
It's scary for home buyers and sellers when markets change. Just when you think you know what's going on in real estate ... Read More
Interview With the Queen of Home Staging: Barb Schwarz
Wednesday February 4, 2009
It’s easy to see why Barb Schwarz, the self-proclaimed founder of home staging, enjoyed such a successful career in real estate some 30-odd years ago.
She’s filled with energy, compassion ... Read More
How to Find a Short Sale Listing Agent
Monday February 2, 2009
In areas defined as falling markets, you'll find many agents who claim to be a short sale listing agent, but the trick is finding an agent who will close your ... Read More