Whether due to the sluggish economy or anxiety over job security, many consumers have been putting off large purchases. But as stock and home prices have started to recover and unemployment has continued to improve in a baby-step fashion, these same consumers are spending again. Many consumers are now looking to purchase new vehicles to [...]
Marketing your small business is about more than just collecting business cards—it’s about creating connections. Savvy networkers know how to build a network of colleagues with similar or complementary interests. True networking does not have short-term actions in mind. Instead, it seeks to establish strong, meaningful relationships. Networking is ongoing and reciprocal; it is a [...]
Ilyce Glink Show on WSB Radio: Will rising interest rates effect real estate investment, and should I buy investment property now? On this week’s Ilyce Glink Show on WSB Radio, Ilyce discussed how mortgage interest rates are rising and whether it will have an effect on real estate investment. Ilyce said buying investment property is [...]
Drug activity in rental property will affect the neighborhood. You need to report the issue. Tenant illegal activity can lead to eviction. Q: If you are thinking of investing as part of a slumlord real estate investment group, please don't. The neighbors will pray for your painful demise. We have the misfortune of living next [...]
Need mortgage rate lock advice? Check with your loan officer to make sure it's locked before mortgage interest rates rise. Q: We started working with a loan officer at a bank because he was recommended by our real estate agent and also participates in a program with my employer to help get employees lower interest [...]
Considering expensive home upgrades? Expert tips on spending and saving money wisely, including paying off a mortgage and saving for retirement. Q: I have a $138,000 mortgage at 3.75 percent on a 15-year term with 10 years left to pay. The property is appraised at $300,000. I have $130,000 cash reserve. My wife wants to [...]
Should I refinance my adjustable rate mortgage into a fixed-rate loan? Refinancing your ARM now could increase your interest rate. Q: I owe more on my mortgage than what my house is worth. And, unfortunately, my loan isn't owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, and it is an adjustable rate mortgage. What are my [...]
We all like to feel normal, and nothing helps you feel normal like having the same stuff as your neighbors. Having the same gadgets and cars lets you feel like you fit in with your neighbors, and there is also a status component—having what others have can trigger feelings of success. Unfortunately, all that stuff [...]
In a perfect world, we would all have friendly, responsible, and reasonable neighbors. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and our firm frequently receives calls from our clients about damage their neighbors have done to their properties. Often, those neighbors do not have proper insurance coverage. The complaints we receive cover a wide range of [...]
Learning that you’re a victim of identity theft is devastating, and fighting the damage done to your credit report and financial life is incredibly time consuming. Clients tell me that they’ve spent anywhere from 20 to 100 hours trying to prove to the IRS that they’ve been victimized. According to the IRS, you may learn [...]
