As you calculate your tax returns, consider each home tax deduction and credit you are—and are not—entitled to. Running afoul of any of these 10 home-related tax mistakes—which tax pros say are especially common—can cost you money or draw the IRS to your doorstep. #1: Deducting the wrong year for property taxes Enter on your …
Continue reading ‘10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes’ »
Home affordability returned to pre-bubble levels in a growing number of U.S. markets over the past year as price declines laid the groundwork for a housing recovery. Home values in the United States posted their largest quarterly decline since the first quarter of 2009, falling 2.6 percent as the temporary stimulus of the home buyer …
Continue reading ‘Home Affordability Returns to Pre-Bubble Levels’ »
New lending guidelines being rolled out by Fannie Mae will make securing a mortgage a lot easier for some borrowers but harder for others. The rules, effective on Dec. 13, will allow buyers to use gifts and grants from nonprofit groups for their minimum 5 percent down payment, which is the threshold set by Fannie …
Women typically earn less yet live longer than men, which suggests they need a different financial plan. Here are 13 strategies to ensure a comfortable retirement: Family finances: Cut off your kids Sure you want to help your children. But women too often lend a hand at the expense of their own long-term security: Half …