Is it a Good Time to Invest in a Rental? If you've been watching the housing market's long-term slump, you've probably wondered if it's time to pick up an investment property. Here are the things you need to check before you make that commitment: 1. Your finances are solid and your emergency fund is in place. You have cash on hand to cover unexpected repairs. You're either paying cash for the property or your credit is sound enough to get a good loan... Read More   Positive Housing Market Trends Mortgage rates have hit record lows, which means housing affordability is at an all-time high. But are home buyers taking advantage of this opportunity? The latest real estate news suggests that potential home buyers are becoming actual home owners. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pending home sales for November increased 7.3 percent to the highest level in 19 months. The Pending Home Sales Index assesses the health... Read More   Tax Resolutions for 2012 Courtesy of ARA Content Many people resolve to be wiser with their money in the new year, and it just so happens that being smart about your taxes is a good way to get started. Whether it's your only resolution or just one of a few, sticking to your new year's tax resolutions throughout the whole year is the trick to being successful. And just like resolving to be healthy during the year will have you in better shape for the future, following your financial resolutions... Read More     Four Simple Ways to Raise Your Credit Score Raising your credit score can improve your life in many ways. You'll have access to cheaper mortgage rates, you'll pay less for insurance, and you may even have a better shot at your dream job. Here's how to proceed: 1. Know what's going on. Annual credit report.com allows you a free report from all three credit bureaus once a year. (Avoid other "free credit report" sites, which are really attempts to sell you something.) You're also entitled to a free report if you're turned down for credit. Dispute any misinformation that negatively impacts your score. Creditors have 30 days to verify their report or they must remove... Read More   Removing Popcorn Ceilings: Should You DIY? Popcorn ceilings were wildly popular in the 1960s -1980s, at least among residential contractors. Left untouched for years they become unsightly, but removing the material can be expensive and, sometimes, hazardous. The bad news: Popcorn ceiling material may contain asbestos. When disturbed (sanding, scraping), asbestos fibers release into the air. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the risks... Read More The Latest Mortgage News From Monique Lavallette Can you still get rid of PMI despite being underwater on your mortgage? The answer may surprise you. PMI, or private mortgage insurance, is what you have to buy if you put down less than 20 percent on your mortgage. It enables your lender to recover some of its losses in the event you default and is typically billed as part of your monthly mortgage statement. It's not cheap. The cost is typically equal to about an additional half percent in interest on your mortgage, so it's no surprise that homeowners seek to get rid of it as soon as they can.  read more Regina Gelzer Esq. Helps To Make Closing Your Real Estate Transaction A Breeze Regina L. Gelzer, Esq. has been practicing law in Ocean and Monmouth Counties since 1988, including several years as an Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor. She focuses her practice in real estate, bankruptcy litigation, small business collections, and distressed property transactions. She is one of the few attorneys in New Jersey to successfully recover title in a mortgage foreclosure rescue scam. Ms. Gelzer has appeared on WABC-TV and Fox's "Morning Show with Mike and Juliet", as well as having been consulted by ABC News and the Federal Bureau of Investigation ... read more Vic Hatami Insurance Agency Offers The Insurance That You'll Need Whether you are a first time homebuyer or trading up, some insurance coverages are required while some are highly recommended. Homeowners Insurance will be required if you are financing your home while life insurance is a must-have to protect those that you love. read more