Blog entries tagged Money Matters

A New Twist On An Old Conundrum

Crystal Webster — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:16:31 +0100

As you know, I love personal finance and I love to learn about new concepts and differing points of view. I found this article on Mint.com today and instantly read it (as opposed to what I normally do; open it up in a new window and wait about 6 days until I have to shut down my computer so I read everything I have open).

With the recession the way that it is, I do believe that people need to reevaluate their housing situation to find what fits for them. What I don'Read More...

Money for Nothin' and Rental Properties For Free

Crystal Webster — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:42:41 +0100

At least it will feel like it's free. Below is an article from a personal financial blogger I follow occasionally. He puts together a very nice (and easier to follow) argument for why you should own investment properties in your portfolio.

Whether you're a first time home buyer or just looking for a second property take a look at this article. If you purchase the property properly to begin with and then have a great property manager and tax accountant on your team you'llRead More...

Thinking Green When Shopping for a House

Crystal Webster — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:49:58 +0100

The move to improve the energy efficiency of the country's homes is picking up speed. As big home builders anticipate greater demand for green homes and seek to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace, many are using green features to draw buyers.

For instance, Pulte Homes has built 10 communities that offer standard or optional solarRead More...

Plan Your Move and Save Some Cash

Crystal Webster — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:14:38 +0100

By Susan Johnston:

According to Moving.com, the months between May and August are the most popular for moving in the United States.

Whether it’s down the street or across statRead More...

Interest Rates Hit 50 Year Lows

Crystal Webster — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:29:45 +0100

Interest rates are super low these days so whether you're looking to purchase a new home or stay put for a while it may be worth a call to your bank.

Buying?

The average loan payment will decrease about $50 for every .5% the interest rate drops. That's an evening out a month you'll save!

Refinancing?

Don't jump quite yet. There are a few things you'll want to consider first:

How long do you plan on staying in your home?
Do you have the cash to pony up for Read More...

Want to Keep From Closing on Your New House?

Crystal Webster — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:30:46 +0100

Here's a great article I found on Bankrate.com about the best ways to have your home loan fall through:

Want a lender to delay or even cancel your mortgage closing? Then change your "borrower circumstances" between the day you apply for and the day you close a home loan.

Lenders have gotten stricter in response to the mortgage meltdown. The latest tightening of the screws comes from Fannie Mae. The mortgage titan's Loan Quality Initiative, which went into effect June 1Read More...

Tricks to Keep Your House Cool this Summer

Crystal Webster — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:07:21 +0100

I found this great article recently and thought I just had to share. Stay cool this summer!

By Paige Tepping

RISMEDIA, June 17, 2010--As the temperatures continue to rise this summer, so does the cost of keeping your home cool. While homeowners across the country come to depend on air conditioners to keep the temperature down during the warm summer months, there are other options that will keep you cool while keeping your energy bill low.

Fans and ceiling faRead More...

Could the Tax Credit Be Extended Again?

Crystal Webster — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:36:27 +0100

I would love to get your feedback on this one. I, of course, have my own opinions on the matter but would love to hear what others think:

The pressure is increasing on Congress to renew the homebuyers tax credits for a third time.

The first $7,500 tax credit was passed in 2008 and required first-time buyers to repay the credit over 15 years. A new months later in 2009, Congress expanded the credit to a maximum of $8,000 that didn't have to be paid back.

At the end of lastRead More...

Remember to take advantage of the Energy Tax Credits

Crystal Webster — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:17:52 +0100

Many people don’t completely understand the energy tax credits that are available to them through the end of 2010. The Kansas City Star published a nice article detailing what qualifies for the energy tax credit. And no, it’s not all furnaces and water heaters – think doors, windows, and even window coverings!

Take a look at the article here to see if the home improvement projects you completed in 2009 are eligible or befoRead More...

The Heritage Home Team Is Now Offering Property Management in Kansas City!

Crystal Webster — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:42:00 +0100

The Heritage Home Team is pleased to announce that we now offer property management services to our clients.

I discovered that, with the economy the way that it is, many people are choosing not to sell their homes when they relocate – to another area of the city or across the globe – when I was going out to discuss selling possibilities with my clients.

When I couldn’t recommend a company to manage theirRead More...

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension?

Crystal Webster — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Everyone in real estate has their mind on one thing: What's going to happen on December 1st?

Realtor.org reported yesterday that bills are pending in both the US House and the Senate to extend the current credit - but don't expect to receive more money or for it to be extended to all home buyers - if the bill is extended at all.

Everyone wants the best deal they can - on a home, on a car, even on a gallon of milk. But, did you know that by waiting for the 'bottom to drop out' of the market you can actually be doing more damage to your financial life then you think you're bettering it? Here's why:

Interest rates are on their way back up. If you wait for home prices to declinRead More...

Where to Find Your Next Mortgage

Crystal Webster — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

If you're looking to get a mortgage be ready to spend some time (and maybe headache) in the process. There are lots of options but really three main catagories of lenders: local banks, direct banks, and broker.

Local Banks: Think credit union or KC's Cap Fed, they lend their own money (using their own rates and terms) so there is no 'middleman'. These loans are normally a little more conservative then the 'avRead More...

How to Save $1,000

Crystal Webster — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0100

With more and more people looking to buy a new home the topic of a down payment comes up pretty frequently - especially with first time home buyers.

Even with the programs out there that offer low down payments and even down payment assistance doesn't mean you can come to the closing table empty handed.

Ok, maybe that’s a fib. There is no real ‘quick fix’ for a poor credit score but this little trick might help you to boost your credit score; especially if your score is right on the cusp of average and excellent (or poor and average).

Every time you receive a pre-approved credit card application in the mailRead More...

Have You Heard?

Crystal Webster — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Congress has approved a new first time home buyers tax credit. All it needs now is a signature from the President.

The credit has been increased to a maximum of $8,000 and is now a true credit with no repayment plan.

This website will continue to be updated once the President has signed the Read More...

Want to Refinance?

Crystal Webster — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0100

With interest rates the lowest they've been in quite some time people everywhere are looking to refinance their homes to get better rates, extend their repayment period, and reduce their monthly payment.

Lenders have tightened up their lending requirements. Even if you were able to qualify for the loan a year ago you may not be able to qualify for the same typeRead More...

Recovery Rebate Credit

Crystal Webster — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Did you get an economic stimulus payment from the Internal Revenue Service in 2008?

If you didn't receive a payment from the IRS or you didn't receive the full $600 per person ($1,200 per married filing jointly, $300 for each qualifying child) there is still the chance to do so.

Click here fRead More...

This Weekend...What's Going on in Kansas City?

Crystal Webster — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0100

If you're still doing some last minute holiday shopping or looking for a place to meet with friends and family while in town don't forget about Legends at Village West.

Once again, they have posted a great coupon listing. Just click here, print out the sheet, and take it with you next time you head out that way.

Last Minute Shopping

Crystal Webster — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:00:00 +0100

If you're still doing some last minute holiday shopping or looking for a place to meet with friends and family while in town don't forget about Legends at Village West.

Once again, they have posted a great coupon listing. Just click here, print out the sheet, and take it with you next time you head out that way.