Buying a house in cash: closing costs and fees. The expenses are slightly different when you buy a house in cash instead of taking out a mortgage. Q: Thanks for your recent article in my local paper titled "Is it better to buy for cash or take out a mortgage." You imply, if not suggest [...]
Coronavirus 2020: home buying, selling and the real estate market. Answering reader questions about how COVID-19 will impact the housing market. In the past few weeks, we have begun to receive questions about COVID-19 and how the coronavirus pandemic has affected local real estate markets. Many buyers and sellers are worried about making a [...]
1031 exchange rules and limitations. This reader wants to know if they can use a 1031 exchange to buy a new investment property with other investors. Q: Are there options for a 1031 Exchange where you would be a property owner with other people? For example, if you bought an office building, retail center or [...]
Coronavirus homeowner relief resources 2020. How lenders are helping homeowners who can’t make their mortgage payments because of the coronavirus. Coronavirus Homeowner Relief Resources 2020 This week, the government took steps to try to ensure millions of Americans wouldn’t lose their homes, cars, and credit due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, [...]
4 ways to prepare for a recession. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic points to signs of a global recession and now is the best time to prepare your finances. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused financial stress to go through the roof, with all signs pointing to the start of a deep, prolonged global recession. The [...]
How will the coronavirus impact the real estate market? How will COVID-19 impact home buying, selling, real estate closings and the housing market? We’re only getting one question this week although it comes in many forms: How will the coronavirus, COVID-19, impact the real estate market? At this point, buyers are still buying homes and [...]
How do I prove I paid off my mortgage? What documents do I need to prove I paid off my mortgage loan and can I shred the rest of the paperwork? Q: I got your email from your Expert Real Estate Tips YouTube channel. I have a small condo which I just paid off. After [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
