ThinkGlink

Repaying the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Ilyce Glink and Samuel Tamkin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:26:34 +0000

If you took advantage of the first time homebuyer tax credit on your tax return for 2008 filed in 2009 and sell your home, you may have to repay the balance of the tax credit. Q: I am 29 years …

Condominium Insurance Requirement Set By The Board

Samuel J. Tamkin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:10:33 +0000

If you live in a condominium building, you should have insurance coverage for your personal property and for the interior of your condominium. Requirements are usually set by the board of your condominium association. Q: We live in Virginia and …

Foreclosure Settlement Between States and Mortgage Lenders Totals $25B

Allison Adler — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:20:20 +0000

The federal government and 49 states have reached a landmark $25 billion foreclosure settlement with the nation’s five largest mortgage lenders, the Department of Justice announced Thursday. The joint agreement is the largest federal-state civil settlement ever obtained. U.S. Attorney General …

Home Value Forecast Predicts Slower Decline in 2012

Allison Adler — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:23:20 +0000

Did your home value decline this year? You’re not alone. Home values receded at a faster rate in the last quarter of 2011, but things may begin to slow down in 2012. According to Zillow’s Home Value Forecast, U.S. home …

Home Design: 5 Ways To Maximize Space And Style

Adam Guerino — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:54:22 +0000

Home Design tips for small homes. Choosing the best furniture and arrangement, with multifunctional options. Futons, hangers, painting walls. If you live in a small space, it can be difficult finding the right balance of style and affordability for your …

Budgeting After Divorce

Becky Sarwate — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:50:43 +0000

Budget adjustment after divorce can be painful. Divorce is number two on the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale with good reason and usually results in the couple readjusting their budget after a divorce. Anyone who has been through a divorce …

Hispanic Homeownership Rate May Influence the Housing Market

Samuel J. Tamkin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:51:55 +0000

Hispanic homeownership rate projections rise: influence the housing market and may become a source for economic growth in the housing market. For many Hispanic families, owning a home has not been in the cards; renting is closer to the norm. …

Ilyce Glink Show – Facebook Goes Public – February 5, 2012

Ilyce R. Glink — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:00:08 +0000

This week, Facebook goes public, but is the social media site really worth $100 billion? Also job growth was unexpectedly strong for January. And as usual, providing personal finance advice, real estate advice and consumer advice on the Ilyce Glink …

NY Foreclosure Lawsuit Names Bank of America, Other Big Banks

Ilyce R. Glink — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:37:04 +0000

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman intends to hold some of the nation’s biggest banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase accountable for what he calls “deceptive conduct” in the foreclosure crisis. The lawsuit was filed Friday …

Time to Refinance from ARM to Fixed Rate Loan?

Ilyce Glink and Samuel Tamkin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:51:59 +0000

This may be a good time to refinance to a fixed rate mortgage from an adjustable loan if you think your ARM interest rate will go up soon. Q: We have a first mortgage which is a 5/1 adjustable rate …