Will mortgage rates continue to drop in 2020? Should you refinance your mortgage now or wait and see what happens with the real estate market next? The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on the global economy, but there is one bright spot here in America. Thirty-year mortgage rates in the U.S. dipped to 3.29 percent earlier [...]
How do I avoid capital gains tax on the sale of a second home? This reader sold their second home and wants to know how to reduce capital gains tax. Q: I sold my second home last year. I had owned that home for many years. I bought a new one at a higher price. [...]
Should I pay cash or get a mortgage? This home buyer wants to know if it’s better to pay in cash or get a mortgage to take advantage of low rates. Q: We are considering purchasing a new home in a national home builder’s development. We could go through their loan people or pay cash. [...]
One of the most common credit misconceptions is that every individual has a single, unique credit score. However, if you’ve been following past articles in our Credit 101 series, you already know that isn’t the case. What’s the purpose of multiple, different credit scores? And why do credit scores often vary from one source to [...]
In a 5-part series, Credit 101, Ilyce Glink, an award-winning personal finance columnist and CEO of the financial wellness platform Best Money Moves, details important information you need to know about your credit reports and scores. Create a myEquifax account (at www.myEquifax.com) to receive six free Equifax credit reports every 12 months. Watch [...]
Splitting mortgage payments with parents. This reader wants to know how to minimize tax implications and how to protect their later inheritance. Q: I have been discussing assisting my father with his mortgage now that he is retired. We have decided on a 60/40 split of the monthly payment, and I’ll pick up the larger [...]
Building your retirement home. How to go about selling your current home and renting while your retirement home is built. Q: We live in Alaska. We have property in Washington that has a large shop on it and we also want to put a house next to it. We are selling our Alaska home and [...]
What do you need a permit for? Home improvement projects you need permits for, how to get them and what could happen if you get the work done without one. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the snow is finally melting — and it’s the perfect time to start planning your next home [...]
Will banks lend to an LLC? How the commercial lending process, interest rates and costs differ from residential real estate loans. Q: Are there any lenders that will loan money to a limited liability company that wishes to put up free and unencumbered land as collateral at less than 50 percent loan to value? I [...]
Which debt to pay first when improving personal finances. Which debts to pay down first to improve your credit score and start building your savings. Q: I am "getting back on my feet" financially and would like to know how I should continue to improve my personal finances. Is it better to prepay my mortgage, [...]
