The latest trend in identity theft is to steal social security numbers and file a false tax return. Avoid identity theft and tax fraud by protecting your social security number and personal information.
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBBonline.org) and the National Consumer Law Center (ConsumerLaw.org), home improvement scams are a big problems for consumers. Elderly homeowners in moderate and lower-income neighborhoods are the prime targets.
Late credit card statements can change your credit score, and not for the better. There are many online resources to help shop for a lower interest rate, help you budget, and help make payments on time.
A newly constructed home should be independently inspected at various points during the construction. The builder of the new construction should be aware of the home inspection and put it as a rider for both you and the builder to sign. Having a home inspection early will detect potential later problems in your new home.
Two weeks to go until your federal and state income taxes are due. Although tax brackets went down this year, many Chicagoans still feel their taxes are too high. If you haven't filed, there are some ways you might be able to lower your tax bill.
Get organized for tax time. For the basic stuff you need to create an easy filing system for your house files, check out office supply stores or warehouse stores like Sam's and Costco. To help make sense of your tax return, try online programs like Turbotax, and use programs like It's Deductible to determine the true value of your donations
A rental property owner considers selling property to buy a building closer to home. Having rental property so far away is risky because you can't check on how the property is being maintained. A 1031 exchange can help this investor sell his rental property for a new one and defer taxes.
A realtor wants to build his business as a buyer's broker. If you want people to get interested in your business, you have to give back first. If you're looking to drum up business, you have to network in the community.
A great resource for home sellers and buyers is a free comparative marketing analysis to get an estimate of a home's value. Generally, real estate agents will do comparative marketing analysis for free. But some don't understand the value of free comparative marketing analysis for potential clients.
Thanks to continuing low interest rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA) has newly revised its forecast for how much money home buyers and homeowners will borrow this year: A whopping $2.5 trillion.
