08
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Homeowner Tips, ,

Four Places To Look For Tax Deductions In Your Home

Paying your income taxes each year leave your wallet a bit thin? There may be money hiding in your home that lessens your tax burden. Here are four places to look: 1. Home-Office Deduction If you work from home, you could qualify for a home-office deduction. Taking the deduction can be a bit complicated; so many people who qualify don't claim the exemption. An estimated 26 million Americans have home offices, but only 3.4 million claim them on their tax return. Perhaps that's why the Internal Revenue Service attempted to simplify the process in 2013. The write-off takes into account…
Read More
07
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 7, 2014

Last week's economic news included readings on February construction spending and multiple reports on employment data. Private sector employment was higher in March, but The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Non-Farm Payrolls for March fell short of expectations. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates ticked upward. Employment And Unemployment News ADP's payrolls report for March was higher than February's reading, with 191,000 new private sector jobs added. In February, 178,000 jobs were added. February's reading originally showed 138,000 new jobs added. While analysts were confident that private-sector employment was showing signs of stability, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics…
Read More
04
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Give Your Home An Instant Facelift, Wallpaper Is Back!

Though it can be an entirely different story for a trend shift in the opposite direction, which then requires you to get out the soaking bucket and scraping tool, wallpaper coming back into style is a home décor blessing for many. Wallpaper is back in - in a big way! - and it's making your dreams of accomplishing a fashionable living space come true much faster and easier than you could have imagined. Quite frankly, wallpaper can do the "fashionable home" trick to virtually any room in your house, adding that touch of warmth and personality you've so far only…
Read More
03
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Homebuyer Tips, ,

Millenials Have Great Homebuying Tools Available To Them

The economy seems to be finally turning, and home loan interest rates are still historically low. Real estate values are starting to climb as well, all of which makes for a growing opportunity for new homeowners to get into the market before it gets too expensive again. Millennials Don't Seem To Be On Board They represent the next generation of homebuyers, but a number of barriers can seem to be smack in the way, discouraging many. Yet there are ways around these issues. According to the Boston Globe, only 32 percent of Millennials are homeowners in 2014, either with a…
Read More
02
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

Are Interest Rates On The Rise – What’s The Next Move?

As the federal reserve continues to taper quantitative easing measures, financial experts project mortgage interest rates will climb in the next two years. Could this be the much awaited ray of light at the end of the proverbial tunnel for builders and investors or will it drive hesitant home buyers to dig in and shelter in place? Homeowners who are vacillating between refinancing for a lower interest rate and staying the course may find the time has come to make a decision. Shrinking unemployment numbers and rising retail sales figures signal that the economy is improving. Even if no one…
Read More
01
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Homeowner Tips, ,

Important Legal Tips For Homeowners

Being a homeowner is exciting. It can be financially rewarding, too. Unfortunately, it can also put you in a tough legal position. Between the complexities of owning a house, having to deal with lenders and the risk that comes from owning something valuable, keeping yourself legally protected is a good idea. Here Are Some Risks -- And Some Ways To Handle Them. HOAs. If you own a condo, townhome or other property in an association, the homeowner association is extremely powerful. Not paying their dues, violating their rules, or doing just about anything else to end up on the wrong…
Read More