California is a state designed for the automobile as it’s main form of mass transit. Years ago the automobile with it’s internal combustion engine was the dream solution for personal travel. You could just get in your car and drive it wherever you wanted to go, whenever you wanted to. Cars were cheap enough to be within reach of the average citizen, who had little control over larger transportation projects. Today, with pollution, gas prices, and the cost of just […]
Some of us remember the days when TV was free. All we cared about was the cost of the TV itself and when our favorite shows were on. Today the big cable and satellite TV providers would like us to forget all about that and continue to pay the slowly but surely rising rates for there television services. Oh sure, they offer hundreds of channels, but who really watches all that. Most people end up watching only a fraction of […]
In these days of ever increasing crime rates it is even more important to be aware and at least do the minimum to make your home a little more secure. While it is probably impossible to stop every kind of home intruder, it makes sense to at least make your home a little less vulnerable and maybe convince a thief to move on to an easier target. Here are some tips to help you make your home just a little […]
Although the timing is on target for income property investing, not everybody is suited to be a landlord. Here are a few reasons why you may want to pass up this profession. Real estate is not liquid. Even in a hot seller’s market may take several months to complete a sale. Your mortgage may be fixed, but there is no guarantee that taxes will not rise faster than you can increase rents, or that insurance premiums won’t increase too. You […]
Buying rental property to create a positive stream of income and long-term capital appreciation in today’s marketplace has not been more favorable, unless you jumped in and purchased the property at the bottom of the 2008 Recession. And, the tax code is stacked in favor of real estate ownership even beyond home ownership. The positive point of investing in our current market continues with mortgage interest rates in the range of 3.75% – 4.25% and, locked in at those low […]
There are two appliance options for reducing household trash; installing a garbage disposal unit or a trash compactor. Though they are often referred to by similar names, they are two totally different appliances with their own distinct operational functions. The Garbage Disposal was invented in 1927 and now more than 50% of US homes have a disposal unit in their kitchens. Yet, many people either under utilized their disposal or continue to use the trash can method. Garbage or food […]
The kitchen should be the first room to be unpacked and organized primarily because it’s the one area of the home where most things happen, including meal preparation and family get-togethers. This can be difficult for small kitchen spaces or for larger areas that have little counter space or few storage areas. Here are a few quick ideas: The items you should unpack first? Pots, cutting boards, knives, silverware, dishes, dish towels, spices, etc… These are the heart of the […]
To avoid becoming an identity theft statistics, here are a few recommended tactics of prevention and monitoring. Take note of this information and keep your accounts safe. Secure Your Mail – Get a mailbox with a lock or use a post office box. Limit Your Incoming Mailed – Get online accounts for all bank and credit cards. Never Leave Personal Information in Your Car – Nineteen percent of Americans 18 to 49 admitted they have left their wallet or purse in […]
Do you have kids? Stay up to date with the tax benefits and deductions you may qualify for. Here a few to consider. From the year your child was born in most cases, if under age 19 or under age 24 if he is a full-time student you can claim your child as a dependent on your tax return. For each dependent child under the age of 17 you may be eligible for up to $1000 tax credit. If you […]
When your purchase a home the residential agreement allows you the option to accept or waive the opportunity to have your new home professionally inspected. This is an important decision to consider. Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To diminish nasty surprises and unexpected problems, you should want to learn about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may isolate major repairs or builder oversights, including the […]