Bob's Properties

In order to help steady the economy, the Feds took positive action which kept mortgage rates at historic lows. Many felt this would be a short term policy, and once stopped, would result in rates returning to previous averages of 6 to 7%. Yet the government has continued to hold up lower rates … [Read more...]

Realtors and the “NAR appreciates remarks made by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in support of homeowners and the struggling housing market in testimony today before the House Budget Committee. “We fully support Chairman Bernanke’s comments that the lack of available and affordable … [Read more...]

Advantages of investing in real estate (homes) versus traditional options such as IRA’s, bonds or stocks: With your IRA, you cannot live in it When purchasing a home, money is still available for other investments.  For example, one would be exchanging one housing expense (i.e., rent) with … [Read more...]

I have long been a proponent of referrals when choosing whom to do business with. But even with a referral, you owe it to yourself to do some homework. In terms of a mortgage, you have always had the Better Business Bureau and local regulators (like state banking departments) that you could … [Read more...]

A HouseLogic survey found that employment and the real estate market will be the two most important issues for voters in the 2012 election process. 54% of the people who took part in the survey said lowering the unemployment rate will be the top issue when they head to the polls next November, and … [Read more...]

NAR appreciates remarks made by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in support of homeowners and the struggling housing market in testimony today before the House Budget Committee. “We fully support Chairman Bernanke’s comments that the lack of available and affordable mortgage financing, … [Read more...]

(Pennsylvania) Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Property Tax/Rent Rebate application forms and assistance are available at no cost from Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. The department is aware that a company … [Read more...]

People are delaying the decision to buy a home because they are not sure where prices are headed. If they buy and prices continue to soften, they feel that they will not have purchased at the optimal moment. They reason that, if they sit and wait, they can’t be hurt. This thinking assumes that a … [Read more...]

Closing costs deductions – The discount points and origination fees paid to your mortgage lender at closing are usually deductible. Mortgage interest deduction – If the home is your personal residence, all of the mortgage interest you owe and paid before the end of the year is deductible on … [Read more...]

We have reported that almost six million adults between the ages of 25 to 34 are currently living with their parents. That number reflects an almost 50% increase since 2003. These young adults are now being advised to jump into homeownership. Who are the people selling them on the American Dream? … [Read more...]