Real Estate

(Michael Schwartz) - Remember the movie The Money Pit where a young couple struggles to repair a hopelessly dilapidated house that literally falls in around them? That 1980s slapstick comedy may not be funny for many first-time homebuyers dealing with unexpected bills that squelch the joys of home ownership. To avoid surprises that could move you from your dream house into the poor house, follow these suggestions:

Read the rest of this entry »

(Rick Willoughby) - TIC properties are best known as replacement property in a 1031 exchange. Many investors also use these acquisitions for cash and IRA investments.

Read the rest of this entry »

(Rick Willoughby) - This was a very common statement in 2001, and still is in many parts of the country. Is this just a fringe real estate investment? Well not anymore! Total raised in 2001 was a paltry $166 million. Then a few years with growth of about 80% annually finds us with a 2007 forecast of $4.5 billion for the industry *.

Read the rest of this entry »

(Lee Siler) - Stocks rallied hard as the Nasdaq moved further above its 200-day moving average on news that Cisco Systems would replace GM in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. This was a broad based rally that moved the S&P 500 also above its respective 200-day moving average, which is a positive technical indicator. Still lagging, is the Dow Jones. However, the addition of Cisco and Travelers could help that index keep up with its peers.

Read the rest of this entry »

(Lee Siler) - Stocks took a significant hit yesterday, as news of the likely GM bankruptcy made its way through the investing public. The market started out with a slight rally before getting pelted late in the day. Although the Nasdaq went down less than its S&P 500 and Dow Jones counterparts, the Naz volume swelled to mark another distribution day, the fifth in recent weeks.

Read the rest of this entry »

(William Garrett) - Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden, and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is your need to invest for retirement, your child’s college [...]

Read the rest of this entry »

(Money Manager) - There are many financial and personal reasons why you should own your own home rather than rent. The obvious reasons include pride of ownership, building your own equity instead of someone else’s, no more landlords, and of course the tax benefits you reap. There are a multitude of other reasons why owning your own home can make your life better.

Read the rest of this entry »

(Money Manager) - Most people only sell a small number of homes in their lifetime. With such limited experience, how do you expect to be capable of maximizing your profits from your home sale? Many sellers make the mistake of assuming that all real estate agents are the same and list with the first agent who comes along. Not taking the time to research the agent who will list your house could cost you thousands of dollars.

Read the rest of this entry »

(Money Manager) - You’ve signed the contract and are looking forward to moving into your new home, but there are a few steps that cannot be overlooked. By following these easy steps, you will ensure yourself a smooth move into your new home.

Read the rest of this entry »

(Money Manager) - Self-employed borrowers present one of the most challenging areas of mortgage underwriting. Qualifying self-employed people often requires time, energy, and patience. A fair and honest qualification requires a special set of skills.

Read the rest of this entry »