Blog – Page 695 of 697

08 Feb 2013

When Can You Buy Real Estate After Foreclosure?

Personal Finance

If you lost your Solana Beach home due to foreclosure, you probably haven't given up on the dream of owning a new home. The good news is that a number of guidelines have changed which may allow you an opportunity to buy that new home sooner than you think. There are a few guidelines that lenders follow to determine when you’ll qualify for financing after foreclosure. Arming yourself with this information may help you qualify again for a mortgage. Foreclosure With Extenuating Circumstances Generally, lenders will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances surrounding the foreclosure on your California real…

07 Feb 2013

By Mark Feder

Case-Shiller Index Shows Near 6% Home Price Gain

Housing Analysis

Home prices continue their upward climb. Last week, the S&P/Case-Shiller Index showed home prices gaining 5.5 percent during the 12-month period ending November 2012, marking the largest one-year gain in home prices since May 2010. The Case-Shiller Index measures changes in home prices by tracking same-home sales throughout 20 housing markets nationwide; and the change in sales price from sale-to-sale. Detached, single-family residences are used in the Case-Shiller Index methodology and data is for closed purchase transactions only. Between November 2011 and November 2012, home values rose in 19 of the 20 Case-Shiller Index markets, with previously-hard hit areas such…

06 Feb 2013

By Mark Feder

Tax Breaks Granted By The 2012 Fiscal Cliff Negotiations

Taxes

There was plenty of discussion and debate leading up to the New Year's looming "fiscal cliff". Ultimately, the event was avoided, but not before legislation was passed which may benefit homeowners in Solana Beach and nationwide. If you have yet to file your 2012 taxes, take a minute to review the tax limitations and credit extensions, which Congress passed through the HR 8 legislation. You'll want to ensure you're paying the proper tax bill come April 15. Of course, every individual's tax situation is unique. Review your allowable deductions and credits with your tax preparer. Energy Updates The tax credit…

05 Feb 2013

By Mark Feder

6 Tips For Buying An Older Home

Personal Finance

Older Solana Beach homes sometimes offer more charm and character than the newer houses of today. They boast gabled roofs, crown moldings, hardwood floors and antique fixtures. Buying an old house is like buying a piece of local history. Its beautiful period features can give it a timeless beauty and grace that is hard to resist. However, buying a house from another era can be an endeavor fraught with potential problems. Older houses are not necessarily built to the same electrical or plumbing standards of today. Plus, if they have not been maintained correctly through the years, they can turn…