There is a lot of talk right now about how now is a good time to buy a home. If you hurry, you might be able to squeeze in a home buyer tax credit. You have to have a home under contract by April 30, though. And you have to be or first time home buyer, or you have lived in your home for five of the last eight years to qualify. Since I don’t fit either requirement, I’m in no hurry to rush into getting something that I might not really want. But my husband and I are looking — tentatively — for a new home. We’ve been in this one for three years, and with my husband finishing his Ph.D., we might look for an “upgrade” if he gets a job in this area.>>> [Read More]
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When you are in financial trouble, it can be difficult to decide which obligations to pay, and which to let slide. In a perfect world, of course, you wouldn’t have to make this decision. But many are finding themselves in this heart-wrenching situation — even if they made all the right moves before buying a home. The economic climate has led to a lot of reductions in income due to fewer hours, fewer benefits and even outright job loss. As emergency funds (for those who have them) run low, and as the bills pile up, which of those bills to pay becomes a matter of serious thought. One thing to consider, though, is that you should put your mortgage payment near the top of that list.>>> [Read More]
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