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In today’s real estate market, sellers may have a slight advantage as the housing market continues to improve; however, there are certain things that will drive the resale value of your home down.  For example, buyers are much more interested in the history of a potential home than ever before.  If you have had to deal with mold or you had to rebuild due to a fire, buyers may not be willing to pay as much for your home. For other factors that lower resale values read, “5 Factors That … [Read more...]

When the housing market crashed, buyers became a very hot commodity.  There were more homes for sale than there were buyers and sellers were highly motivated to attract buyers.  However, with the housing market leveling out, this is no longer the case.  Buyers are back to trying to negotiate with sellers for a lower sales price.  Sellers are not as fearful that they will never be able to sell their home. If you are in the market for a new home, here are 12 tips to help you negotiate a lower … [Read more...]

Most homeowners are looking to purchase a bigger home as their family grows or as their income increases; however, there are times when downsizing your home makes sense.  Retirement is a perfect example of why you should downsize.  Your kids have moved out and the two of you do not need as much space or the expense of maintaining a larger home.  You can save money and enjoy more things if you downsize your home. For four more reasons you should downsize read, “5 Signs It's Time to … [Read more...]

Diehard fans of the famous cupcake giant were crushed to hear that Crumbs was closing its doors and filing bankruptcy.  They rushed to the stores to buy a farewell treat and one fan even bid $255 on eBay for a Crumbs cupcake.  However, fans have a reason to celebrate.  A group of investors has stepped up and is working with the financially crippled company to secure financing so Crumbs can continue to provide sweet treats to its loyal fans. For the full story read, “Crumbs Cupcakes May Live … [Read more...]

If you are wondering why your home will not sell, you may need a new strategy.  Sometimes a home will attract many potential buyers but something keeps any of them from making an offer.  One probably is that you may have your home overpriced.  Detaching yourself emotionally from your home is difficult.  Discuss the option of lower the sales price with your realtor. For four other strategies that can help get a “Sold” sign in your yard read, “5 Steps to Sell a House That Won't Sell.” Image … [Read more...]

The question posed in the article referenced below is can I file a bankruptcy to get rid of credit card debt while protecting my 401k account.  The answer is “yes” your retirement accounts are protected by bankruptcy exemptions in most cases with very few exceptions.  One exception would be if the debtor withdrew these funds.  Withdrawing the funds from the retirement account makes them available to the trustee and your creditors. For more on this subject contact our office and read, “Is … [Read more...]

Crumbs is serving up its last delicious cupcake and putting over 800 workers in the unemployment line.  The New York City-based bakery has a total of 65 locations in 12 states; however, declining profits has pushed the company in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Citing a decline in sales, the company said that it will be “forced to cease operations” and consider its options including liquidation of its assets through a bankruptcy filing.  Crumbs reported an almost $4 million loss for the first quarter of … [Read more...]

Early summer is homebuying season across most of America.  Sellers love this time of year because they can play up the curb appeal of their home and the outside features.  However, the five words that will have buyers knocking down your door having nothing to do with what is on the outside but everything to do with what is on the inside:  open, neutral, universal, quartz and green. For a description of how each word should apply to your home to sell it faster read, “5 Words That Can Help You … [Read more...]

First impressions are the strongest.  Potential buyers may love the inside of your home; however, if their first impression is marred by a less than appealing front yard, they may never be able to get past the curb when thinking about your home.  Outdoor décor and curb appeal are very important when selling your home.  For example, if your car is in the driveway instead of the garage, their first impression may be that this house is too small for you so it may be too small for them. For more … [Read more...]

If you have made the decision to pay down debts, you may be wondering which debts to pay off first.  Randomly choosing debts to pay extra on each month may lengthen the time it takes to pay off your debts and cost you more money in interest.  Learning which debts to pay off first is one of the key elements in becoming debt free and learning how to manage your money more wisely. For help in prioritizing debts and becoming debt free read, “Which Debt to Pay Off First.” Image credit:  R/DV/RS … [Read more...]