Maria Smith-Alvira's (elitemd) Blog

'Thar's gold in them thar hills!' No one knows where "Thar's gold ..." was first said, but in spite of its ungrammatical content, it's as exciting today as it was in the 1800s. People are still prospecting for gold, but now they are finding it in the form of real estate bargains. Sometimes a fore...

Good prices, low interest, and many houses to choose from: These are good reasons to buy a home. But they aren't the most important ones. These are: because you want one, because you need one, because you can afford one, and because you can get the home you want right now. These reasons for buyin...

I'm a military veteran and having a difficult time making my high mortgage payments. Is there any special help available for me?Yes, indeed there is. Veterans of Iraq and other military service can take advantage of recent changes that make the VA's loan guarantee program more flexible for borrow...

Have you heard? If you are a first-time home buyer, you might be able to get an $8,000 tax credit if you buy a home this year.And this tax credit never has to be paid back. In fact, people who claim this credit will actually get a check from the government, just for buying a home.Here's how you q...

When the home you want does not have a mortgage or has one the seller is willing to carry, seller financing can be a great deal for a person buying a home.Usually, the seller will want 10 percent down, but not always. The interest rate charged could be a point above the lowest bank rate. But one ...

Some of the time-tested advice on financial security has to be changed in the current economic times. Some tips from the editors of Money magazine:* Judging risk is about making or missing financial goals. Buying stock when it's a bargain or waiting for the upturn may not be best if you will need...

Every now and again, we all run into demanding, self-centered people. If we have a few strategies, ready we can reduce stress and handle the situation much better.Author and consultant David Posen, M.D., suggests the Seven "A"s in his writing in "Corporate & Incentive Travel". 1. Avoidance. Steer...

For the economy to strengthen, Americans need to become consumers again.In the American economy, some 70 percent of activity is derived by consumers. But when consumers hunker down and quit spending, economic activity decreases.The history of America shows it has always had a tendency for action....

Everyone wants to be viewed as important, and these days standing out in this market amongst the rest is key! Here is some advice to consider in increasing your importance: 1. Get visible. Small stuff counts, such as face time. Arrive a little early, leave a few minutes later than everyone else, ...

Here is a little rundown, of the stimulus package and you, and what we can expect. The $787 billion stimulus package, signed by President Barack Obama, includes tax benefits and spending increases that will directly benefit many Americans. Reduction in income tax: The IRS is updating withholding ...