U.S. home prices keep rising, but homeownership is down

Steep home price gains in certain U.S. markets, including Brooklyn, have some economists worried that the increases are unsustainable for a healthy housing market, forecasting another real estate bubble as Bloomberg News reported.

As a matter of fact, The two trends underscore the nature of the housing rebound: Gains ...

Down Payment Rules Are at Heart of Mortgage Debate

As mortgage rates fall to absurd-like levels, the cost of home ownership drops, too. Mortgage payments are 18% less expensive today as compared to one year ago.

For today's home buyers, though, "making mortgage payments" may not be a concern -- it may be making a downpayment. Thankfully, a bevy ...

Beaufort County: Mail solicitation overcharging for property deeds

Many home owners are receiving official-looking letters as though they are from the County or a mortgage lender urging them to request an “official” copy of their Grant Deed in order to prevent foreclosure, prove that they own their home, and to be in compliance. The catch: you have to ...

Rates shock, spark outrage

Who wouldn't want a hurricane-proofed home? Especially when your abode is within the hurricane prone vicinity. Nobody wants to see their hard earned shelter shatter into logs or like morsels everytime a feisty disaster strikes. That is why, In 2003, Geraldine and Tony Luppino built a home on a ...

Easy Fixes for 7 Common Household Glitches

Little household annoyances, like a window that sticks, can ruin your sense of peace and quiet. From California handyman Jim Peterson come these seven easy fixes for banishing some minor but common problems around the house:

Stained tub - Combine equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough ...

Make Your Yard Picture Perfect

It takes more than just mowing the lawn to get a great looking yard. In addition to making sure you have healthy, well-cut grass, there are some finishing touches you should add so that your yard goes from so-so to something you can be proud of.

Trimming and Edging the ...

Three Stress-Free Tricks to Refresh Your Home from Floor to Ceiling

Spring is the time of year for renewal. So, it's no surprise that springtime finds most people planning to rejuvenate their spaces. Four out of five Americans have a room in the home in need or redecorating, according to a 2013 study by Homegoods. Unfortunately, all too often the ...

Make Your Home Green and Beautiful

(Family Features)—When it comes to improving your home, it's easier than ever to make eco-friendly choices that save you money, are better for the environment and make your home more beautiful. Here are a few easy ways you can go green all over the house.

Light it Up ...

Maintaining Comfort

Some people refer to the heating and air conditioning systems as the "comfort systems." If you've ever had to be without one in the dead of winter or the heat of summer, lack of comfort may be an understatement. Simple maintenance with a HVAC checklist is something that every ...

Your Deduction...Your Choice

Taxpayers are allowed to decide each year whether to take the standard deduction or to itemize their deduction when filing their personal income tax returns. Roughly, 75% of households with more than $75,000 income and most homeowners itemize their deductions.

 

 

The 2012 standard deduction, available to all taxpayers, regardless ...