Forget the upscale remodel. You can get a whole new look for a few thousand dollars.
By Josh Garskof, Money Magazine contributing writer June 25 2007: 11:06 AM EDT
NEW YORK (Money) -- You're longing to replace those dark oak cabinets, avocado appliances and worn countertops in your kitchen. But the $50,000 to $100,000 price of a high-end renovation and the thought of living on kung pao for three ...
The lowdown on getting a low down payment loan
It's not easy for anyone to get a loan these days, but the Federal Housing Authority is still offering 3.5% down loans to borrowers who qualify. Here's how it works.
By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer January 20, 2009: 6:51 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The credit crunch has made it hard for anyone to get a loan these days - and borrowers ...
Should You Buy a Home in Today's Market? (May 2007)
Before we start, let us give you one reason to not buy a new home right now.
How long do you intend to live there?
A rule of thumb is that it rarely makes sense to buy if you expect to move within two years. That's because when you do sell, there are costs associated with selling. We're not just talking about sales commissions to the buying ...
How to find a contractor you'll love
To nab a good home improvement professional, look for these signs of excellence (or trouble).
By Josh Garskof, Money Magazine contributing writer March 28, 2008: 6:06 AM EDT
(Money Magazine) -- One upside to the popped real estate bubble is that hiring contractors has suddenly become a lot easier. A couple of years ago, it seemed like you had to be an A-list ...
Mortgage rates dip to new all-time low
The 30 year fixed rate fell to 5.01%, its lowest level since Freddie Mac started conducting its survey in 1971.
By Larissa Padden, CNNMoney contributor Last Updated: January 8, 2009: 11:32 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Mortgage rates fell to another all-time low, declining for the tenth consecutive week.
Government sponsored mortgage lender Freddie ...
Mortgage help gains momentum
Hundreds of billions will be spent to spur the economy. The elephant in the room - foreclosure prevention - hasn't gotten much notice. That is changing.
By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer Last Updated: January 9, 2009: 1:04 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- There are many ways to spend $800 billion to revive the economy. In recent days, President-elect Barack ...
Background: A real estate transfer tax is a state and local tax assessed on real property when ownership of the property is exchanged between parties. All types of real property, including residential, commercial, and agricultural, are subject to the transfer tax. Although the tax is generally levied on the value of the property, it is assessed only on the sales transaction instead of on an annual ...
In these tumultuous and uncertain times, we at the Todd Polinchock Group hope that you take a moment to look around you and recognize your blessings. Sometimes in our hectic day-to-day lives we don't hesitate to "smell the roses". We hope that this holiday season, as you celebrate with family and friends, you do appreciate that the "roses" are all around you. We wish you wonderful ...
Taxpayers: Furious over homeowner bailouts
Many Americans are outraged that their money is being spent to rescue irresponsible mortgage borrowers. Still, that probably won't stop government officials.
By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writerLast Updated: December 5, 2008: 10:03 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Ask most Americans whether they're in favor of spending taxpayer dollars to help delinquent ...
What is a Short Sale?
A short sale is when a lender accepts a discount on a mortgage to avoid a possible foreclosure auction or bankruptcy. Instead of buying from a seller, you are purchasing the property directly from the lender for a discount. For example: A homeowner, who is facing foreclosure, has an existing first mortgage of $300,000. You write an offer to the lender for $220,000, which is ...