Financial Regulatory Reform Bill Enacted- Implications for all
July 27, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
Financial Regulatory Reform Bill Enacted-Implications For All
By Steve Cook, With Permission
The financial regulatory reform bill signed into law this week could result in more accurate home valuations, higher appraisal costs, faster closings, more completed transactions and maybe even higher prices, according to critics of a controversial quasi-governmental regulation that the legislation eliminated.
Enacted a year ago [...]
Are points & Origination Fees Tax Deductable
July 26, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
We finally found the answer to a commonly asked client question that very few can answer with 100% certainty. We’d like to share it with you today.
Are the points and origination fee paid as closing costs to obtain a loan a tax deduction? Most of us are not tax professionals to provide our clients tax [...]
Can a new Garage Door increase a Home’s value?
July 14, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
The garage door probably isn’t high on your list of priorities when preparing to sell your home. Indeed, many homeowners spend time and expense repainting walls, repairing leaky faucets, and more. But the garage door plays a large part in your homes curb appeal and in selling your home. If your home doesn’t look appealing [...]
Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010-”Cash for Caulkers”
June 29, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
Cash for Caulkers – The Definitive Guide To The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 By: Houston Neal
“Cash for Caulkers” is nearly here. Last month the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5019 – also known as the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of [...]
How About Spreading Mortgage Payments Over 50 Years?
May 21, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
How About Spreading Mortgage Payments Over 50 Years?
A Loan That Can Last
Five Decades
Think a 50-year mortgage is highly unlikely? Think again. Banks in California and other parts of the country where home prices are relatively high are offering 50-year loans, developed to meet the needs of cash-strapped homebuyers. [...]
Home Star Legislation Moving in Congress- What’s In It For You?
May 20, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
Home Star Legislation Moving in Congress- What’s In It For You?
The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, legislation that will incentivize home energy retrofits and increase employment in the energy related construction segment of the economy. The legislation is moving rapidly in the Senate and is [...]
Tax credits for San Diegans
May 1, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
If you’re a homeowner, it’s a given that you claim the mortgage interest deduction on your tax returns. If you are a green-minded homeowner, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit if you purchase or have purchased (keep those receipts) an energy-efficient product or a renewable energy system for your home.
These credits apply [...]
Basics of Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage in San Diego and Southern California
April 30, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
Keep in mind these basics when thinking about homeowners insurance coverage:
1. Determine how much
Insure your home for its replacement value, not what you paid for it. You want your insurance coverage to reflect what it costs to bring materials to the site and rebuild the home if it’s damaged or destroyed, says Sean [...]
San Diego Neighborhood Watch…time to get it going
April 25, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
San Diego Neighborhood Watch…Time to get it going
Decades ago crime rates across the U.S. increased at an alarming pace. Citizens and law enforcement agencies focused on developing crime prevention programs to help reduce this growing trend. In 1972 The National Sheriff’s Association organized the National Neighborhood Watch Program. This pilot program was [...]
New EPA Lead Based Paint Regulations In Place This Week
April 23, 2010 by fgregory · Leave a Comment
New EPA Lead Based Paint Regulations In Place This WeekContractors working at properties where lead-based paint is likely will soon have to abide by The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule goes into effect Thursday and is geared at protecting individuals from harmful lead-based paint. (See EPA info on dangers)
The new rule was enacted after a [...]
