Beware the Buzzwords. I had a recent experience with my current mortgage holder that makes me wonder if consumers are accepting "deals" from banks that are not "deals" at all. First, to be clear: I have equity in my home and I don't need a loan modification. I'm just in the market to refinance be
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04/20/2009
Many "FREE" credit reports turn out to not be so free at all. Some people get charged a processing or handling fee, others get signed up for credit monitoring or other unwanted recurring services. The Federal Trade Commission sets things straight on their website. See: http://www.ftc.gov/freerepo
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04/16/2009
A recent ABC4 news report points out some reasons why Utah is weathering the economic storm better than other states. Diversification seemed to be the main theme. All of Utah's eggs aren't in one basket. Here are 5 of the examples given: International Exports Tourism Alternative Energy Research &
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04/13/2009
Demand for rental homes and units in many parts of the country is on the rise as many homeowners who are unable to refinance their mortgages to today's lower rates because their property values have declined have sold their homes "short" or left them altogether after foreclosure. Increased restri
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04/09/2009
Earnest Money is applied as a credit to you at Settlement. The settlement sheet is basically a balance sheet. The money you owe is on the top of your side (purchase price, closing costs, your portion of property taxes, etc.) All the money paid on your behalf (loan proceeds, earnest money, the sel
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04/08/2009
Many homeowners are tempted to refinance at interest rates that haven't been this low since the 1970s. Well, should you? Or shouldn't you? The general rule of thumb has been to refinance if you can save more than 1% on the rate (with no points or fees other than an appraisal, Title Insurance, and
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03/25/2009
Utah once again ranked as the Best State to live in overall based on a Forbes.com report of a recent Gallup-Healthways poll. Utah ranked first for both Well-Being and Work Quality, and ranked second for Life Evaluation. It also ranked in the top 10 for Physical Health, Emotional Health and Basic
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03/23/2009
The State of Utah is offering purchasers of new construction a $6,000 grant that does not have to be repaid. You do not have to be a first time home buyer to qualify, but there are a few limitations. Here are the basics of the "Home-Run" grant: Does the amount of the grant vary? Is it up to $6,0
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03/20/2009
Just adding my blog to technorati. Pay no attention to this post. Technorati Profile
03/19/2009
Great Article in the New York Times Friday, featuring a good friend and colleague of mine, Ira Freireich of Long Island, NY. The article points out how many homebuyers are becoming more savvy and aware of how they can get the best level of representation in the real estate transaction: Exclusive
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03/16/2009
