Archives for Finance News

What’s the Fastest Way to Improve a Credit Score?

What’s the Fastest Way to Improve a Credit Score?

27th February 2020 | Comments Off on What’s the Fastest Way to Improve a Credit Score?

Buyers may be able to boost their credit scores by 15-20 points in only a few months by paying bills on time and lowering their credit card balance. NEW YORK – The higher your credit score, the better your chance to snag a lower mortgage rate and potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. But one missed payment or a default can instantly bring a credit score down. “Depending on your credit history, a 15- or 20-point shift could mean the difference between being approved or declined – or better terms or higher costs,”
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Mortgage Rates Decline; 30-Year Loan at 3.45%

Mortgage Rates Decline; 30-Year Loan at 3.45%

27th February 2020 | Comments Off on Mortgage Rates Decline; 30-Year Loan at 3.45%

The coronavirus outbreak spooked markets and investors’ move to bonds pushed long-term mortgage rates lower this week. One year ago, the average FRM was 4.35%. WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. long-term mortgage rates declined this week as growing concern over the economic impact of China’s viral outbreak spurred a steep downturn in global stock markets. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.45% from 3.49% last week. Rates are far below year-ago levels: the benchmark 30-year loan averaged 4.35% a year ago. The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage slipped to
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Dear Anne: I Lost My Arbitration – Now What?

Dear Anne: I Lost My Arbitration – Now What?

27th February 2020 | Comments Off on Dear Anne: I Lost My Arbitration – Now What?

By Anne Cockayne Most commission disputes involve two agents who are absolutely certain they deserve the money – but one must lose out. What happens next? Can a local board ask for the funds? Does a procedural review give the losing agent a do-over and new chance to keep the money? ORLANDO, Fla. – Dear Anne: I sat through a four-hour arbitration with my broker and, to my shock, the arbitration panel found in favor of the cooperating agent. I was the listing agent on this deal, and I am the procuring cause of the sale. You would think a
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Fla.’s Attraction: Is It the Sunshine or Tax Advantages?

Fla.’s Attraction: Is It the Sunshine or Tax Advantages?

27th February 2020 | Comments Off on Fla.’s Attraction: Is It the Sunshine or Tax Advantages?

  SW Fla. professionals say they’ve noticed an uptick in the number of people who cite state lower-tax advantages as a reason for relocation. NAPLES, Fla. – The Sunshine State can offer more than just sunshine for prospective homebuyers. While the climate has always been a big draw for new residents, another element has led many in recent years to relocate to Southwest Florida: taxes. Local professionals say that the Southwest Florida real estate market has seen a significant boost thanks to people migrating from northern states with much harsher tax environments. Residents who have lived for decades in states
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Don’t Let Sellers Leave Tax Breaks on the Table

Don’t Let Sellers Leave Tax Breaks on the Table

27th February 2020 | Comments Off on Don’t Let Sellers Leave Tax Breaks on the Table

  Remind sellers to ask their financial advisers about tax deductions they’re eligible for in a home sale. One of the potentially big ones: selling costs. CHICAGO – Remind sellers to ask their financial advisers about tax deductions they’re eligible for in a home sale. One of the big ones they may qualify for: selling costs. As long as a cost is directly tied to the sale of a home, it qualifies for tax breaks. Also, sellers who have lived in their home as their principal residence for at least two out of the five years prior to selling it
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