Persevere, Don't Abandon Your Dreams

Are you letting global uncertainty extinguish your real estate dreams without full consideration because money is an issue? Sometimes balancing livable compromises against researched options can help you achieve more than you may have believed possible.

Your future should not be entirely defined by what is affordable. When it comes to where you’ll live and how, concentrating on finances alone may short-change you in the long run.

One long-time reader is living proof that adapting your finances to achieve your dreams is a powerful alternative to designing your life around a lack of money.

When two people close to Tina Lowe (identity protected) died prematurely, Lowe promised herself she would not to spend her life sitting at a desk. She wanted to retire at 60 and start enjoying life.

“Friends and family couldn’t understand how I was doing it, but I did it anyway because that is what I wanted to do,” said Lowe, explaining how she achieved home ownership and early retirement without the million dollars that pundits say is essential to a successful future.

Lowe was almost 50 when her 30-year marriage ended, leaving her financially vulnerable. For a few years, Lowe held down two jobs to make ends meet. Eventually, a move to a small, less expensive apartment on the outskirts of town allowed her to quit the part-time weekend job.

Lowe invested time and effort in learning about money. She took advantage of her employer’s shared-contribution program and a loan from a friend to build up her Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). She also invested time in learning all she could about pensions, indexing, RRSPs, and, later, Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA). From company seminars to reading anything she could find on the principles of investing, Lowe made sure she fully understood how money made money. By the time Lowe left work at 60, her RRSP fund totaled almost C$50,000.

Economic volatility did not shake Lowe’s determination to leave work on schedule. Meticulous planning and appreciation of the rewards of a simple lifestyle maintained her commitment. Creative back-up plans added security.

When Lowe noticed an advertisement for a condominium that could be carried for about what she was paying in rent, she revived the dream of home ownership that had been abandoned in favour of early retirement. Once again Lowes began researching diligently. She learned how condominiums work and what gave them sustainable value. When she discovered that prices increase with the number of amenities, square footage, and the higher in the building you are, she decided to buy at a smaller unit on a lower floor and in a less “lux” building. Lowe bought the location and neighbourhood she loved and saved thousands of dollars. Lowe discovered a south-facing, self-contained fifth-floor, 344-square-foot unit with a balcony. Since the small building was free of fancy amenities, monthly maintenance fees remain affordable. The unit increased in value over her pre-construction purchase even before she moved in.

“It will be tight because it has been since day one, but I’m doing it,” said Lowe emphasizing that not smoking or owning a car stretches her income further. “It is important not to let anyone put you down or discourage you. When I first found this place, I had been to [a] real estate seminar and they got me going. Then I had one family member really put me down. Finally, a friend who is an accountant thought it was a good idea and encouraged me, and I thought, ‘I can do this.’ You must use knowledge to survive. It is very tight—I am not going to kid anyone, but I am still very happy I retired at 60.”

Knowledge is power. Take the time to understand which costs may become a challenge in the future. You may decide a part-time job will supplement investment or pension income. Consider housing like co-operatives where contributing skills and “sweat equity” may make the important affordable difference. Perhaps teaming up with friends or relatives will increase your buying power.

Continuing with income-generating projects will be increasingly commonplace, both out of interest and necessity.

• Developers realize that they are creating new communities within the subdivision or high-rise they build. Some perceptive developers create work-live options that will provide services for residents while creating income streams for owners.



• Churches, legions and other non-profit organizations have become community-builders in a “bricks and mortar” sense of the word by developing housing for their congregations, members and neighbours. Often this housing is below market value.

Communities involve varying numbers of people, but their strength lies in individual resilience, self-actualization and freedom. Property ownership is one outward symbol of these marks of individuality since no two properties – even condominiums, row houses etc. – are identical.

Over the past 20 years, the national home ownership rate has risen steadily. Although low interest rates, increasing disposable incomes, and stable employment conditions are credited with that improvement, the future still holds potential for growth. The wish for continued control over one’s home and life keeps increasing numbers of Canadians intent on investigating their all their options.

Waiting for great times to return is not a strategy, it’s a tragedy. Put your money to work for you in even the smallest ways. Think before you spend—“What else could I do with that money?—so you keep more of what you earn and continually move dreams closer to reality.

Remember, the impossible may take a little longer, but you can make it happen with perseverance.

Written By PJ Wade
October 18,2011

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Is a Smaller Home for You?

Studies over the past few years have shown a solid trend regarding home sizes. Buyers today want smaller homes with smaller price tags. During the boom era in the mid-2000's, homeownership was about McMansions and spacious sprawls. The recent recession and continued ailing recovery have made many families rethink their budgets and lifestyles. A 9.1 percent unemployment rate hasn't "helped."

So, this question is posed. How much space does your family really need? This isn't a simple cut and dry question. Every family has different needs and dynamics.

Let's put things into perspective, though. Having a large, show-stopper home doesn't equate with family happiness. Many families in centuries past lived happily in one room cabins and small-scale homes.

There are social benefits to sharing tighter quarters. Some families feel that smaller homes forces more together time, which means more time for bonding and strengthening relationships.

Smaller homes mean reduced costs across the board. Let's examine these for a moment.
Property taxes are based on the value of your land and home. While more prestigious neighborhoods and homes within city limits typically pay higher taxes, remember that a smaller home in that same prestigious neighborhood will pay a smaller dollar amount in taxes each year. Maintenance costs are also lower. It costs much less to replace a roof on a 1,000 square foot house than it does on a 6,000 square foot one!

The same goes for home insurance and, let's not forget, the actual purchase price of the home. Reduced size means reduced costs.

Perhaps the most important item is reduced energy costs. Smaller homes take less energy (and money) to heat and cool. Plus, there are fewer rooms and that means fewer lights to be left on!
Today's standard home, according to recent statistics from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, is 2,150 square feet. This is down considerably from the boom era seen just 5 or 6 short years ago.

These standard houses have 2.5 baths and 3 bedrooms. Can your children share a bedroom? You bet. It can teach responsibility, sharing, and how to get along with others. These are all great lessons to learn as a child.

These standard houses also feature a garage, central air, a fireplace, separate dining room, and three miscellaneous rooms. This doesn't sound like a one room shack! It's simply an adjustment from the McMansions that boasted media rooms, exercise rooms, 5+ bedrooms, and a bathroom for every member of the family.

Just 60 years ago, when many people's grandparents or parents were first entering the housing market, the average home was just 1,000 square feet. Quaint and charming, these houses made warm and loving homes.

If you're thinking of entering the housing market and are feeling trapped by shrinking budgets, just remember that smaller houses can be just as charming, functional, and full of love!

Written by Carla Hill
October 20, 2011

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The Joys of Homeownership

Today's experts spout off the latest statistics about long-term wealth, home values, and interest rates, yet there's a much more sentimental side to homeownership. In fact, many home buyers are drawn to homeownership for these warm and fuzzy reasons.

Owning a home allows you to put down roots, both figuratively and literally. On one hand you become part of a neighborhood and community. When you rent, neighbors come and go as quickly as leases renew. Homeowners, however, tend to stay put longer.

What does this mean for you? You can develop, many times, lifelong relationships. This also means your home will see you through many of life's important milestones.

It makes sense. Many people enter the realm of homeownership as young couples looking to build a nest. They plan on starting their own family and need room to expand and grow. These family homes will see many firsts and will be the container of countless memories. Additionally, homeownership gives families more room to entertain and this means extended family will also share in building memories.

It's not just young families, though, that seek homeownership. Families with teenagers seek larger homes to room their growing brood. Retiring adults may wish to start a new phase and new memories, seeking out warmer climates or smaller, more manageable homes.
These little moments are what life is all about. Memories from Christmas mornings and summer vacations will fill minds for years to come.

On the other hand you literally can put down roots by planting trees and shrubs! Renters are rarely afforded the luxury of gardening. In fact, digging up the landlord's yard is frowned upon. As a homeowner you are able to create your own green oasis, including trees that will mature alongside your children and gardens that will feed your hungry pack.

There is a certain pride that comes with homeownership. This little piece of property and land is yours. There's no one that can evict you or take it away. This security allows people to form deep attachments to both the land and home.

This pride of ownership spurs many owners to make improvements and additions, both to keep the home in working order and to make it more comfortable and usable, which in turns improves neighborhood values and overall curb appeal.

Why do people buy? They may be initially motivated by changes in circumstance, such as a new job or a new family, but they buy based on emotional responses. People want a house that can become their home, where they'll fill it with good times and memories. Be sure to remember this sentimental side of homeownership the next time you read about stocks, bonds, and housing woes.

Written By: Carla Hill
October 11, 2011


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Time to Move Up?

The market if fraught with scary headlines and ominous news reports. Could the economy slip once more into a recession? Will home prices fall even further? It's enough to make even the bravest buyer a little squeamish.

The truth of the matter is that now is a fantastic time to buy. Interest rates are wonderfully low and affordabilty rates are at record highs. Not only that, but there is an oversupply of homes on the market. Now is a great time to move up if you play host to the right set of circumstances.
In order to evaluate if now is the time for you to buy, consider these five issues.

1. Interest Rates: Low rates translate into smaller monthly payments and less money over the long-term. The Federal Reserve has promised to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future, but in the next few years we could see rates climb back upward. If you have excellent credit, you'll likely qualify for an exceptional rate. Better yet consider doing an all-cash purchase (like the nearly 30 percent of the market) and avoid interest rates altogether!

2. Why are you buying?: This is an important question to spend some time pondering. Don't move on a whim. What is the real need to move? Many move-ups need more space, want to claim a more prestigious address, or are ready to settle down for good and want to be exactly where they've always dreamed. Perhaps your current home is unable to be remodeled to accommodate your wants and needs. Regardless of the reason, be sure to spend ample time thinking about what move is best for your family.

3. Equity: Home values have fallen across much of the country and this could mean that equity you had built over the past few years is gone. Talk to a local real estate agent about the current market value of your home before deciding if now is a time to buy. Most sellers aren't willing to take a loss on their home. The good news? If you've owned your home for many years (at least five) then chances are you do indeed still have equity.

4. Financial Stability: There's a 9.0 percent unemployment rate that doesn't appear to be going anywhere fast. Moving up can mean bigger payments or heftier bills (energy costs, property taxes, etc). Are you ready to take on this new responsibility? Be sure that you have steady employment, adequate retirement savings, an 8+ month emergency fund, as well as savings for downpayment and other closing costs.

5. Family Concerns: There are many different stages to life and at each of these stages one must consider how actions will affect family members. A family with young children will need to consider school districts, sports teams, and friends. A couple nearing retirement may want to consider the needs of children or grandchildren that live nearby. Buying a home is about much more than making a sound financial decision, it's about creating the sort of life you desire.

Moving-up can be part of the fulfillment of a life long dream. Many couples simply can't wait for the day they step inside their perfect home. Now is a great time to make those dreams a reality, just be sure to toss in a little sensibility with your dreaming.

Written by: Carla Hill
October 6, 2011

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Mortgage Rates Fall, Housing Opportunities Getting Better

For four weeks in a row, mortgage rates are seeing historic lows. The 30-year fixed average interest rate fell from 4.09% to 4.01% in the end of September. This marks the lowest rate since 1951.

Also, economists call the 15-year fixed mortgage drop to 3.28% the lowest ever for that loan. It appears they could go even lower as the Federal Reserve announced that it will push long-term rates down further.

These historically low mortgage rates aren't necessarily rapidly selling homes. Across the country contract signings have been down. According to USAToday.com, “July's index fell 5.8% in the Northeast, 3.7% in the Midwest and 2.4% in the West. It rose 2.6% in the South.”

The index of sales agreements, tracked by the National Association of Realtors, showed a 1.2% drop down to 88.6 (100 is considered healthy).

Still the opportunities for homeownership keep getting better. Some markets are more affordable than ever; prices have been cut in half in some metro areas.

Of course, getting a loan can be part of the barrier to entry in the housing market. These days, to qualify for a loan a 20% downpayment coupled with a high credit score are required by some lenders.

Now, a new credit score service being introduced in November claims it will give lenders a more accurate picture of a borrower's outstanding debts. The company's website has a countdown to the release of CoreScore (credit report from CoreLogic). It touts the system as a way to “see borrowers as you've never seen them before.”

Some lenders are being extremely strict because they have difficulty determining previous credit behavior. But according to CoreLogic, everything will soon change. The CoreScore credit report is a supplement, not a replacement for the current credit reporting systems.

According to the company, “The supplemental information the CoreScore credit report provides will expand your view of borrower credit profiles and deliver important insight into unseen risk and opportunities.”

Among the information that the CoreScore report will deliver to lenders are the following:

1. Properties owned—with and without debt obligations Mortgage obligations with companies that may not report to traditional credit reporting agencies

2. Property legal filings, such as notices of default

3. Property tax amounts and payment status

4. Estimated market values on all U.S. properties owned

5. Rental applications and evictions

6. Inquiries and charge-offs from pay-day and online lenders

7. Consumer-specific bankruptcies, liens, judgments and child support obligations

With mortgage restrictions tighter than ever and more supplemental information being offered to lenders about borrowers' debts and credit behavior, it's vital for borrowers to understand the most important qualifying factors that influence lenders.

The chief concern is the ability to repay the loan followed closely by the willingness to repay.

Borrowers can place themselves in better standing with lenders by doing two key things: paying off as much debt as possible before applying for a mortgage. This is always good as it lowers the debt-to-income ratio. Secondly, lenders examine borrowers' track record of repayment to determine how they will behave if they are issued a loan. Making sure that credit behavior is monitored and any discrepancies are handled before applying for a loan will help borrowers have a cleaner record and increase the chances of qualifying for a mortgage.


Written by Phoebe Chongchua
October 7, 2011

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Choosing a Condo

Not all home buyers have dreams of spacious lawns, rambling rooms, and secluded properties. Many buyers, rather, are on the search for a home that will be easy to care for and will give them plenty of chances to be active and social.

From first-time buyers to down-sizing retirees, condos offer a wealth of opportunity. Many come equipped with clubhouses, gamerooms, gyms, and common outdoor meeting areas. Others go above and beyond with organized mixers, dances, movie nights, and more!

Condos can be a great choice for single homeowners looking to socialize. They can be a wonderful choice for older adults who are fully capable of caring for themselves, but wish to cut back on home maintenance.

Typically, owning a condo means you no longer have to worry about mowing your yard, maintaining landscaping, cleaning or scooping sidewalks, or making large-scale repairs. You pay a small fee each month that pays for your portion of this upkeep. Your condo association should also have a reserve fund that is held for large repairs, such as roof replacement, when the time comes.

The operative word is "should." Not all condo associations are the same. Before you buy, be sure to check into how diligent the association is. Are they up-to-date on reserve studies? How often in the last 10 years have they raised fees? Do they have an lawsuits pending?

Additionally, not all condo communities are equal when it comes to amenities. When you set up a showing, be sure to visit all that will be available.

This next upside has a catch. Condos generally come with an extensive set of rules. This means the condo government says what you can do to your home and what you can't. They can prohibit improvements, pets, home-based businesses, and subletting. The positive side of these rules is that your condo community should stay uniform, updated, and in good order. If you have an issue with a neighbor, you can easily lodge a complaint, for they are liable to the condo rules.

As every up has it downs, there are some drawbacks to owning a condo. One primary negative is the overall lack of storage. Generally, you have no garage, attic, basement, or backyard storage shed to house those Christmas decorations and other treasures.

Another hefty downside is the monthly HOA fees. For the entire time you own the condo, you will be expected to pay fees. While these go towards upkeep and amenities, it is an added financial burden that one must consider on top of purchase prices. Additionally, you are still responsible to pay your monthly fees even if your condo is entirely paid off.

Finally, while owning a condo means you have many comparable homes on hand for pricing comparison, it also means you have lots of competition on hand for units that are just like yours.

Condos can make ideal and happy homes. Be sure to do your due diligence when researching what community is right for you!


Written by Carla Hill
October 12, 2011

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Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Mixed News Keeps Low Mortgage Rates Stable

For the past week, mixed economic news that continues to lead the headlines has helped to keep low mortgage rates stable. Financial troubles in Europe has left investors busy each day waiting to see if Greece will default or a rescue plan will be implemented. Here in the U.S., even a negative report that is not considered terribly bad is spreading optimism to the markets making any predictions unreliable.

Although seesawing market movements can be stressful for watchers, Freerateupdate.com's daily survey of wholesale and direct lenders show that the back and forth actions of investors is actually keeping mortgage rates at the same level. Current 30 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.875%, 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.250% and 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 2.625%. If you have been watching mortgage rates and their fluctuations, then you are aware that mortgage rates have reached historic lows.

Not knowing what direction they will head is probably the best incentive for borrowers to get their mortgage application in motion. With good credit, borrowers can obtain these low mortgage rates with 0.7 to 1% origination fee. Of course, income will need to be verified and other documentation will need to be checked to receive lender approval. Whether you are buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, there has never been a better opportunity to receive the lowest mortgage rates available.

FHA has been keeping busy especially with first time home buyers. First time home buyers turn to FHA because no other mortgage loans offer a down payment of 3.5%. Even with credit as low as 500, FHA will accept a down payment of 10%. Then there are the low FHA mortgage rates that are offered and are not based on credit scores. Current FHA 30 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.750%, 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.500% and FHA 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 2.750%. FHA does have higher closing costs (APR) because of the upfront mortgage insurance premium and other FHA fees. To help with this issue, FHA mortgages allow seller concessions, gifts and housing grants to be part of the mortgage transaction. FHA mortgages have been leading in mortgage applications even when overall mortgage application activity has decreased.

After almost two weeks into the decreased conforming loan limit, low jumbo mortgage rates are doing just fine and have been somewhat stable, along with other mortgage rates. Jumbo 30 year fixed mortgage rates continue to fluctuate and are currently at 4.750%. Jumbo 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 4.375% and jumbo 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 3.250%. With more properties now falling back into the jumbo mortgage market, it is important that borrowers have these low jumbo mortgage rates still available. Borrowers will need to have excellent credit to obtain these lowest jumbo mortgage rates with 0.7 to 1% origination point. Jumbo mortgages are not government insured so lenders want to be sure that borrowers are well qualified.

Recent volatility has been keeping markets extremely busy for the past week. MBS prices (mortgage backed securities), which move mortgage rates in the opposite direction, have been on another roller coaster. With daily increases and decreases, no major changes have occurred with mortgage rates which have ended up just sitting still. This week, Fed Chief Ben Bernanke told lawmakers that the Feds are prepared to put in additional help to aid the economic recovery. Investors saw some light at the end of the tunnel after the Institute of Supply Management reported an increase in the service sector work force. Jobless claims rose to 401,000 for the week ending October 1st which was right around what was expected while the Labor Department reported that 103,000 jobs were added in September. This was all positive news for investors who have also been watching the Euro zone crisis closely. Friday's downgrade of Spain and Italy only added more concern about Europe's financial problems. Despite what has been going on, stocks have seen some needed increases while, at the same time, mortgage rates have remained low. Coming up this week, third quarter earning reports will begin to trickle in and, again, may cause a lot of volatility.

Published by Realty Times
Written by Ed Ferrara
October 12, 2011

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Mortgage Rates Fall, Housing Opportunities Getting Better

For four weeks in a row, mortgage rates are seeing historic lows. The 30-year fixed average interest rate fell from 4.09% to 4.01% in the end of September. This marks the lowest rate since 1951.

Also, economists call the 15-year fixed mortgage drop to 3.28% the lowest ever for that loan. It appears they could go even lower as the Federal Reserve announced that it will push long-term rates down further.

These historically low mortgage rates aren't necessarily rapidly selling homes. Across the country contract signings have been down. According to USAToday.com, “July's index fell 5.8% in the Northeast, 3.7% in the Midwest and 2.4% in the West. It rose 2.6% in the South.”

The index of sales agreements, tracked by the National Association of Realtors, showed a 1.2% drop down to 88.6 (100 is considered healthy).

Still the opportunities for homeownership keep getting better. Some markets are more affordable than ever; prices have been cut in half in some metro areas.

Of course, getting a loan can be part of the barrier to entry in the housing market. These days, to qualify for a loan a 20% downpayment coupled with a high credit score are required by some lenders.

Now, a new credit score service being introduced in November claims it will give lenders a more accurate picture of a borrower's outstanding debts. The company's website has a countdown to the release of CoreScore (credit report from CoreLogic). It touts the system as a way to “see borrowers as you've never seen them before.”

Some lenders are being extremely strict because they have difficulty determining previous credit behavior. But according to CoreLogic, everything will soon change. The CoreScore credit report is a supplement, not a replacement for the current credit reporting systems.

According to the company, “The supplemental information the CoreScore credit report provides will expand your view of borrower credit profiles and deliver important insight into unseen risk and opportunities.”

Among the information that the CoreScore report will deliver to lenders are the following:

1. Properties owned—with and without debt obligations Mortgage obligations with companies that may not report to traditional credit reporting agencies

2. Property legal filings, such as notices of default

3. Property tax amounts and payment status

4. Estimated market values on all U.S. properties owned

5. Rental applications and evictions

6. Inquiries and charge-offs from pay-day and online lenders

7. Consumer-specific bankruptcies, liens, judgments and child support obligations

With mortgage restrictions tighter than ever and more supplemental information being offered to lenders about borrowers' debts and credit behavior, it's vital for borrowers to understand the most important qualifying factors that influence lenders.

The chief concern is the ability to repay the loan followed closely by the willingness to repay.

Borrowers can place themselves in better standing with lenders by doing two key things: paying off as much debt as possible before applying for a mortgage. This is always good as it lowers the debt-to-income ratio. Secondly, lenders examine borrowers' track record of repayment to determine how they will behave if they are issued a loan. Making sure that credit behavior is monitored and any discrepancies are handled before applying for a loan will help borrowers have a cleaner record and increase the chances of qualifying for a mortgage.

Published by Realty Times
Written by Phoebe Chongchua
October 7, 2011

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Falls Below 4 Percent

MCLEAN, Va., -- Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing the average rate for the conventional 30-year fixed mortgage dropping below 4 percent for the first time in history amid increasing global economic concerns. The 15-year fixed, a popular refinancing option, also fell to the lowest level on record for the sixth consecutive week.

30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.94 percent with an average 0.8 point for the week ending October 6, 2011, down from last week when it averaged 4.01 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.27 percent.

15-year FRM this week averaged 3.26 percent with an average 0.8 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.28 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.72 percent.

5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.96 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it also averaged 3.02 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.47 percent.

1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.95 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.83 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 3.40 percent.

Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist at Freddie Mac, reports, "Average 30-year conventional fixed mortgage rates fell below 4 percent for the first time in history this week following a sharp drop in 10-year Treasuries early in the week as concerns over a global recession grew. Average 15-year fixed rates fell to a record low in the PMMS as well. Interest rates for 1-year ARMs, however, rose, as the Fed began replacing $400 billion of its short-term Treasury securities, which serve as benchmarks for many ARMs. Also, in his testimony to Congress's Joint Economic Committee on Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke said the recovery is close to 'faltering' and stressed the need for lawmakers to act."

"Meanwhile, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported consumer spending inched up 0.2 percent in August, while personal income fell 0.1 percent, the first decline since October 2009. Also, pending home sales declined for the second consecutive month in August, with some of the decline attributed to Hurricane Irene."

October 7, 2011, Published by Realty Times

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Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Top 5 Home Finance Blogs

If you’re getting ready to decorate or buy your first home, get your financial house in order first. To approve you for a loan, banks want to see credit scores, bank statements, credit history and more, so it helps to have a clean path for a lender to navigate.

Whether you are drowning in debt or a millionaire looking for a summer home, the following blogs will help you get on the right track toward home ownership – or at least provide some humorous or insightful input while you navigate your own journey.

My Open Wallet

What: An anonymous 40-year old single woman living in New York is quite honest in her personal finance life on My Open Wallet, from what she makes to what she spends to how her net worth changes. She’s been blogging since 2005, so she’s seen the economy through all highs and lows.

Look for: Her 20 rules to getting on track financially are easily found on the right-hand side of the page, and labels such as “Best Don’t-Buys,” “Get Rich Quick” and “Weird” separate her from the rest.

Get Rich Slowly

What: Blog author J.D. Roth tells his story of conquering $35,000 in debt from consumer and home-equity loans on Get Rich Slowly and now has regular guest bloggers.

Look for: Get Rich Slowly offers up-to-date CD rates and mortgage quotes, as well as tips on lowering your utility costs, living on less in other countries, renting out your home and making drastic changes to afford what you want, including financing a house.

2million’s Personal Finance Blog

What: With a goal of having a net worth of $2 million, Brian, a 34-year-old IBM engineering manager, chronicles his net worth’s ups and downs.

Look for: Find Brian’s spreadsheet breakdown of exactly how much a baby costs pre-birth (including 529 plan contributions), what’s financially involved when you marry someone and how to buy, sell and refinance your home on 2million.

LearnVest

What: Live. Earn. Invest. LearnVest’s mantra came to be in 2008, when Harvard Business School attendee Alexa von Tobel created an online platform to help women gain control of their finances. She was frustrated that she was in line to become a Wall Street fund manager and had never taken a single finance class in school.

Look for: If you want to get financially fit in a disciplined hurry, LearnVest’s boot camp programs get you on the road to learning personal finance basics, getting out of debt, cutting costs or building wealth within 15 to 17 days.

Bargaineering

What: Noted in The New York Times and Business Week for its financial savvy,Bargaineering is the brain child of Jim Wang, who began the publication as a 20-something university graduate who knew nothing about managing money. In the five years since its inception, the blog has covered credit cards, CDs, high yield savings accounts, tax brackets, banking and frugal living.

Look for: The Bank Deals section of the sites lets you know how to make a quick $100 to $150 through current bank promotions, and the Frugality section offers tips on how to overcome frugal fatigue and encourages new savings-habits inspiration.

Published by Newhomebuyingblog.com

Written by admin on May 13th, 2011

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Homeownership's Amazing Benefits

Homeownership brings with it a host of amazing benefits. It's the American Dream for good reason. From health to wealth, it stands out as a great long-term investment, and that's why 67 percent of American households are owner-occupied.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) knows a little something about how homeownership affects American lives. And that's why they are getting the word out about why you should be a homeowner. According to NAR:

• Homeowners are happier and healthier and enjoy a greater feeling of control over their lives.

• Homeowners pay 80% to 90% of federal income taxes, contributing to federal programs that benefit all Americans.

• Most homeowners enjoy stable housing costs—a fixed rate mortgage payment might not change for 15 or 30 years while rent typically increases 3% a year.

• Children of homeowners … are more likely to participate in organized activities and spend less time in front of the television.

• People who own their own homes … volunteer more and contribute more to their neighborhoods.

• Home owners do not move as frequently as renters, providing more neighborhood stability. In turn, this stability helps reduce crime and supports neighborhood upkeep.

• Children of home owners do better in school, stay in school longer.

Many economists have been touting a jobs recovery as the key to the housing recovery, but perhaps it is the other way around.

Recent data indicates that housing makes up more than 15 percent of our Gross Domestic, and for every home purchased, up to $60,000 is pushed into the economy over time in improvements and furniture.

Additionally, each home sale touches 80 different occupations!

According to the NAR, "America needs jobs. Housing creates jobs. That's one of the many reasons home ownership matters to people, to communities, to America. Strong federal government support of home ownership equals strong support for American jobs. We urge the Obama Administration and the U.S. Congress—as they debate the new federal budget and reform proposals for the nation's mortgage finance system—to continue federal support for home ownership."


Written by Carla Hill
Published by Realty Times

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