December 19, 2011
- Bank vs Laguna Woods Homeowner - When Does A Short Sale Benefit Both
A question being asked frequently in the Laguna Woods real estate market is, "What is a short sale?" Short sales used to be an infrequent type of real estate transaction, but with current economic conditions, more and more homeowners are opting for this type of sale. A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their [...]
December 8, 2011
- Laguna Woods Housing Recovery: 2012 Could Be The First Year
From peak levels five years ago, home prices are down more than 30 percent, combined sales of new and existing homes are nearly 40 percent lower, and new home construction has plunged more than 70 percent.
However, several factors are falling into place that will support gradual progress in the coming year as long as the [...]
November 23, 2011
- Saving The Down Payment For a Laguna Woods Home
You've been watching the Laguna Woods real estate market for some time, and have decided you want to start thinking about buying your own home. Now what?
The first step is to get pre-qualified for a mortgage to give you an estimate of how much you can afford. Once you have an idea, you need to [...]
October 9, 2011
- Laguna Woods Foreclosure Bidding Strategies
There is a huge difference in investing in a pre-foreclosure home and a foreclosed home in the Laguna Woods area. Once the banks have purchased the home back and are setting up the bidding wars, there are certain things you must keep in mind in order to increase your chances of winning the housing bid. [...]
September 28, 2011
- Buying a Laguna Woods House vs Condo
There are many things potential buyers need to consider when they are ready to invest in Laguna Woods real estate. For one thing, they have to consider whether this purchase will interfere with their current lifestyle because of the high payments that could come through mortgage payments, insurance coverage, taxes and so on. Furthermore, it's [...]
September 26, 2011
- Historical Laguna Woods Homes: Things to Know Before You Buy
Historical Laguna Woods homes can be fascinating. The ones that have survived for many years can hold secrets and stories passed down for generations. One may decide to buy a historical house for many different reasons, from personal living to renovating for historical tours. When choosing a historical home for any reason, there are some things [...]
July 10, 2011
- Moving With Small Children: Making The Transition Easier
Moving is one of the most upsetting and tiresome activities you can take on. It can be tough not only for grownups, but for children as well. After being told they will be relocating, children often feel scared and confused. In deciding how to break the moving news to your children, think about an approach [...]
May 8, 2011
- Real Estate Flipping Tips: Upgrades That Matter
When you’re rehabbing properties, it can be tough to decide which upgrades deserve the time and money and which ones don’t matter. From flooring to walls, there are some upgrades you simply can’t skimp on.
Next time you’re rehabbing properties, follow these real estate flipping tips to ensure you’re making upgrades that will increase the property [...]
April 3, 2011
- Real Estate Market Being Helped by Investors
A new program is giving some investors the first shot at homes in need of rehab instead of them becoming a burden to their communities…
Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you. Just click "comments" below and sound off.
March 26, 2011
- How to Avoid Identity Theft
Identity theft has become the number one consumer complaint fielded by the FTC, with over 11 million victims last year! Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming the next identity theft victim…
Have you or someone you know had their identity stolen? What did you do to fix the mess? We'd love to hear [...]
March 24, 2011
- Women and Money - 5 Myths
To celebrate Women's History Month, let's explore some common myths when it comes to women and money.
Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you.
March 22, 2011
- 3 Reasons Not To Like Buy Back Plans
Are you someone who upgrades your gadgets every year? Well some companies are offering to buy them back. Are these plans a good idea?
Have you purchased a product on this new buy-back plan? We'd love to hear your thoughts. What made you go for the plan? Are you happy with the plan? Just use our [...]
March 15, 2011
- Why 2011 May Be the End of the Housing Crash
Simon Constable explains to Kelsey Hubbard how rising affordability of housing will be a key to a turnaround. Plus how to invest in housing without buying a home.
Any thoughts or questions on this video? Use the comment link below to sound off. We'd love to hear from you.
March 10, 2011
- Free Credit Scores Are Not Really Free
If you spend any time on the Internet, you have surely seen the many ads offering free credit scores. It sounds like a good deal, except credit scores are never really free. You will pay one way or the other. To get your rating from one of these companies, you will have to sign up [...]
March 7, 2011
- Bankruptcy Filings Ticked Up Last Month
Consumer bankruptcy filings ticked up in February, but so far the rise has slowed from 2010.
The number of personal bankruptcy filings rose 11% to 102,686 in February compared to a month earlier, the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Bankruptcy Research Center reported recently.
“Though consumers are striving to reduce their debt burden, high unemployment and [...]
March 5, 2011
- How to Avoid Credit Repair Scams
Knowing how to avoid credit repair scams can save you a lot of time and money. There are some legitimate companies that can be helpful, such as credit counseling services, but if you end up with a fraudulent company, you’re bound to be out quite a lot of cash. In reality, [...]
March 4, 2011
- Military Mortgages Under Water - Foreclosed On While Serving
Should we be doing more to help our troops fighting for freedom? Sure seems illegal to have this occur for those serving. Some people take a "strategic default" while others lose their homes defending the rights of the "defaulters."…
Have questions or concerns about this growing problem of military mortgages underwater and being [...]
March 3, 2011
- Housing Affordability Best in Years
Economists at Moody's Analytics say homes in many parts of the country are at their most affordable levels since before the housing boom took off in 2003, the Wall Street Journal reports.
According to the Journal, housing affordability - comparing home prices to household incomes - has returned to its average levels from 1989 [...]
March 2, 2011
- Do You Cheat on Your Taxes?
The IRS says 87 percent of Americans would never think of cheating on their taxes, but they may be wrong…
Have you ever cheated on your taxes? Tell us about it. Was it intentional, or did you just know know something was supposed to be reported as income, that you didn't? (Don't worry, your identity [...]
February 28, 2011
- 5 Tips for Choosing Homeowners’ Insurance
Finding the right homeowner's insurance is a tough job. Here are some basic tips to make choosing homeowners’ insurance an easier task:
Get past the advertising fluff. When selling your home and buying a new one, your mailbox can fill with solicitations—and one of the front-line offenders are homeowners’ insurance companies. Our quick scan of the [...]
