Disadvantages Of Selling Your Home All By Yourself

By Ras Reed

The reason why some folks prefer to sell their homes alone without the alimony of a real estate agent or broker is to save money. An amount of nine thousand dollars has been estimated to be bulk of money that you can save if you decide to sell your house by yourself. With that amount of money as savings on home sales, who would want to use a real estate broker?

Despite the rewards of selling your home by yourself, there are the downsides that you should be attentive to;

When you sell your home by yourself, you actually limit the number of human beings that you can reach with the information that your home is for sale. A real estate broker is trained to tap into the network of potential real estate buyers and can therefore pass the information across to a large number of folks.

However, working alone to sell your home can be limiting unless you are creative with the marketing technique you employ. Also, working alone in the sale of your home can slow down you from possessing access to the multiple listings service. Only those who use a real estate broker can be listed on this service.

If a buyer is aware that you are selling off your home by yourself, he or she may try to negotiate the price of the house. If you are not skilled in negotiating, you may end up selling the house for less the price that it should be. Buyers are most hesitant to negotiate price when a real estate broker is present.

In addition you may actually hinder the sale of your home if you are the one taking the buyers on a tour around your home. They may feel like they are intruding.

Lastly, any mistake you make is solely yours. That can be frightening especially when it is a costly mistake.

About the Author:

Ras Reed gives more revealing information about How To Sell A House and even How To Sell A House on his resourceful website.

Useful Credit Card Consolidation Information

By Ras Reed

The line of having a credit card can blind you to the threat that come with it if you are less careful.

Credit card debt is the most common weakness of holding a credit card. Credit card debt can wreck your prospect of getting a large sized loan and can even mess up your chance of landing a good job. It is necessary that you stay away from running into credit card debt.

If however you are already in a battle to put your head above the waters of credit card debt, there is a way out for you. It's called credit card consolidation. Uncountable economic advisers would advocate you to consolidate your credit card consolidation.

This simply refers to the process whereby you move your credit card debts from one credit card or cards to a new set of credit cards in order to scratch the old bad credit history and attempt a clean slate.

The transfer of the credit card debt has to be done with the Annual percentage rate of the receiving credit card in mind. Usually, credit card debt happen as a final result of your inability to dispense with your monthly credit card bills.

A credit card or a set of credit cards that has a high APR can make you go into credit card debt speedier than a credit card that has a low APR. The APR is a very significant factor to consider if you are going to transfer your credit card debt to a new set of credit cards.

Never consolidate your debt on a credit card that has a high APR. Go for credit card with the lowest Annual percentage rate possible. Make sure that the APR of the new credit cards is lesser than your old credit cards. Most credit cards that are involved in debt consolidation plans may offer you a low or Zero APR initially to pull you in. However most of them have short APR terms that usually expire after a maximum of twelve months.

You should be vigilant about which credit card to consolidate your credit card debt on and make certain you target the one that still has a considerable low APR even after the twelve month short APR term is over.

About the Author:

It doesn't matter how much you think you are aware regarding Credit Cards information such as resources about Online Credit Card Payment , or 0 Apr Credit Card Balance Transfer , see Ras Reed's site and be thrilled with really revealing information.

Anyone Can Learn To Spend Less On fuel

By Barb Wolfe

In recent years, the increasingly large cost of fuel has put an economic strain on a lot of people in the United States. This factor is something that has caused problems with people from all types of background, and has even given those who normally do not think about the price of gas a moment's pause when they are filling up their tanks. This has led a lot of people to think about what the best way is to get the most out of their money when they are dealing with fuel costs. The need to find a good way to prolong how far a car can go without having to fill up has caused some people to try and find new means of accomplishing this task.

In fact, there are plenty of ways in which you can easily increase your gas mileage and some of them are easier than you might have thought possible. For example, just by taking the following small steps, you can lower your monthly fuel bill. Removing any excess weight from your vehicle's trunk, keeping the appropriate level of air pressure in your tires, taking your car to the mechanics for routine preventative care and regular tune ups, keep the air conditioner off unless it is absolutely necessary, follow the posted speed limit and guideline signs when possible. These may not all be things you can do on a regular basis, but trying to do as many as possible in combination with each other will certainly help to increase your mileage in a day to day driving situation.

If you drive a diesel car or truck, then you should check into alternative fuel sources that can assist you in lowering the cost of your gas. Some of these alternative fuel systems are not just effective, they are also extremely cost efficient and you can use them to make sure you don't pay as much at the pump (or in some cases fill up as often). And, if your vehicle continues to get good gas mileage on the new fuel, then you have very effectively reduced the cost you are paying per mile that you drive. One example of a popular alternative fuel is biodiesel. Its popularity is tied in with the fact that is has been said to get better mileage than more traditional forms of diesel, and it burns cleaner so it is healthier for the environment. Many filling stations that have diesel will also offer the biodiesel at lower prices. This can be accomplished because of the government's aid and subsidies that are intended to help break out dependence on foreign fuel supplies.

If you are still thinking about how you can work to increase your gas mileage, then you might look into putting a fuel additive like FuelBoost Diesel Additive into your vehicle. This can help your car use the fuel that it has more efficiently and in a cleaner manner than traditional fuel normally would. Adding FuelBoost to your vehicle should be considered to be a part of your routine maintenance, because it can help you achieve the maximum fuel efficiency possible in your vehicle. Plus, in the long run it will help to cut down on expenses such as fuel system flushes and fuel filter replacements, which makes the money that you spend on FuelBoost more than worth the investment.

Although it may appear as if these are all just ways in which you can save a few dimes at a time through fuel mileage conservation, it's important to remember that if enough people in the world worked to save a few dimes here and there on their fuel consumption, the global savings would add up very quickly. If you take into consideration how often you personally are filling up at the pump and add up the total sum of those savings each month you might be pleasantly surprised to find out that you are actually saving a significant amount. This is especially true for those who rely on their vehicles for work, and before long that small stack of dimes could add up to large savings.

About the Author:

People are always asking the wrong questions when it comes to saving fuel. Instead of asking, does the tornado fuel saver work, they should be asking, how can I change my driving habits. It really is just that simple.

Re-Mortgage your Home to Save Money

By Denzel Abintenk

Credit card companies are trying harder than ever to attract new customers, if you have fairly reasonable credit then you will probably be used to the array of junk mail which lands on your mat every day. There are many different companies offering these credit cards, some of which we know very well. You will no doubt receive lots of junk mail from GE Capital, however it is worth bearing in mind that just because they use these big names it doesn't necessarily mean that they are part of that company.

This company may of started with the large company but spun off many years ago forming its own company. It is also possible to make your life easier by consolidating some of your debts, however you must be very careful when doing this otherwise you could make your financial situation worse than it already is. Many credit card companies make the idea of consolidating credit card debt very easy, however that may not always be true. Just keep your wits about you, if anything seems too good to be true, then it almost certainly is.

You will probably be aware of the checks that you get sent through he post for large sums of money, this may make it seem like a very good option for eliminating debt from your life. However these checks are really only an advertising gimmick, they are just offering you a way to consolidate the debts that you have on credit cards by using the equity in your home as collateral.

It's a good idea to avoid equity lines of credit if you are consolidating your credit card loans, as this can put your property at risk for a fairly small loan. Lines of credit should be used for more expensive things like remodeling your home, or sending your children to college. You don't really want a short term debt held on a credit card to turn into a long term debt added onto your monthly mortgage repayments. It's best if you throw all of these 'brilliant' offers away as soon as you get them!

Refinancing

If you own your home then it might be a good idea to consider refinancing it in order to write off your credit card debt. This is one of the most extreme things that you can do to reduce your credit. This will mean that you have to continue paying mortgage repayments for longer than you otherwise would have. If you don't mind the idea of increasing the length of your mortgage then I suggest you go for it. You will be financing a much smaller portion of the house than when you originally purchased it. Mortgage repayments will probably be much lower than your current credit card repayments.

Credit card debt can be a major problem which can affect every aspect of your life, you should do everything that you can do in order to reduce your credit card debts and potentially write them off. If you are clever then you will be able to find a way to cope with your credit card debt.

About the Author:

Denzel Abintenk wrote normally for http://www.debtania.com , a web publication on the topic of what is financial planning . On his site you can find his contributions on what is financial planning and short term financial planning.

Pick The Right Finance Accounting Software For Your Needs

By Steve Russell

Whether you are running a large business with many employees or just want to keep your personal monthly finances in order, so that you know what you are spending each month you are sure to find finance accounting software that will suit your needs.

If you are looking for home accounting software, you will probably be okay with the more basic programs, as these will enable you to add in figures for all of your expenses, make a note of when you pay them, keep a check on any monies you earn and any other basic accounting you may need.

For the small business you will want some reporting facilities available within your finance accounting software. However,you will find that even the lower cost basic packages have some reporting availability.

Basically for the smaller business you will want your finance accounting software to have options to keep control of your bank accounts, to issue invoices for work you have done so that you can be paid, to be able to keep a record of which bills you need to pay, and when you need to pay them. There are many home accounting software options available to you, and these will possibly have all the functions needed for a small business, especially if you are working from home.

The basic accounting package should have these core elements, with the more advanced packages having the core elements as well as extras.

If you run a business that employs staff, then if you look at the more professional accounting software packages like Peachtree or Quickbooks you will find that you can keep records of salaries that your staff have been paid, together with all the necessary deductions that are made.

An added bonus with accounting software is that you can keep a close eye on your finances. At any time, with just a few key presses, you should be able to see just how your business is doing. You will be able to pull up all invoices issued but not paid so that you can keep track of the delinquent accounts. You will also be able to see what bills need to be paid so you can make sure you keep all your payments correct and keep your suppliers happy.

If you are in the retail business then the more professional software packages for accounts will enable you to keep your stock levels recorded, which is especially useful for your business.

Business accounting software will of course come with all of these functions and more. So if you are doing the bookkeeping yourself you should find that any accounting software will make your life easier and you will have less hassle when you go to do the month end procedures. Likewise if you get your bookkeeping sourced by someone else you may be able to look into doing it yourself with the help of an accounting package and save yourself some money.

Do not let the thought of doing this yourself intimidate you. There are plenty of accounting books that will provide the training that you need. Two of the largest suppliers of business and home software, Sage and Intuit, provide very good manuals that are easy to understand. You should also be able to find separate training courses for a very reasonable price, so learning the accounts package you choose should not really be an issue.

About the Author:

For both your business and personal needs visit Finance Accounting Software for practical tips on professional accounting software as well as home accounting software.

Dallas Condos

By A. Kim

With the federal government offering $15,000 in tax credits for first time home buyers, coupled with the lowest interest rate in recent times have many looking at Dallas condos. The recession has created distressed properties in greater Dallas area for condos. Many Americans are replacing their single family homes with these convenient condos. They have plenty of options because of the building boom of the early and mid 2000's.

The easy maintenance has fueled a building booms in Downtown Dallas and it vicinity to be filled with available condos. The price of these condos are very affordable and the prices have come down from it's highs of year ago.

May in the boomer generation has been choosing to sell the larger homes or these easy to maintain condos, it takes much less keep ups than single family homes especially the larger ones that we have been accustomed to in recent years. WithDallas condosstarting around $150,000, it offers some financial benefits as it reduces the mortgage that one has to pay.

Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area had grown tremendously in the past couple of decades, bringing in more people causing high traffic times in the city. One of advantages of having a downtown condo is less commute time, coupled with lots of attractions and entertainments.

Also, a huge transformation has happened to the downtown Dallas area, as many new upscale shops, restaurants, and bars have moved in to cater to new condo owners. Many young professionals have flocked to areas like West Village and Mockingbird Station.

Some of the higher end condos start as high as $1 million, but you can get a nice high rise for about $300,000 or less if you do your due diligence. So think about buying aDallas condos, so that you can enjoy the balance between life and work.

About the Author:

If your thinking of buying a Dallas condos, please review Dallas Condos, and Dallas Condos

Financial Institutions Offering Credit Cards

By Denzel Abintenk

Credit card companies are trying harder than ever to attract new customers, if you have fairly reasonable credit then you will probably be used to the array of junk mail which lands on your mat every day. There are many different companies offering these credit cards, some of which we know very well. You will no doubt receive lots of junk mail from GE Capital, however it is worth bearing in mind that just because they use these big names it doesn't necessarily mean that they are part of that company.

This company may of started with the large company but spun off many years ago forming its own company. It is also possible to make your life easier by consolidating some of your debts, however you must be very careful when doing this otherwise you could make your financial situation worse than it already is. Many credit card companies make the idea of consolidating credit card debt very easy, however that may not always be true. Just keep your wits about you, if anything seems too good to be true, then it almost certainly is.

You will probably be aware of the checks that you get sent through he post for large sums of money, this may make it seem like a very good option for eliminating debt from your life. However these checks are really only an advertising gimmick, they are just offering you a way to consolidate the debts that you have on credit cards by using the equity in your home as collateral.

It's a good idea to avoid equity lines of credit if you are consolidating your credit card loans, as this can put your property at risk for a fairly small loan. Lines of credit should be used for more expensive things like remodeling your home, or sending your children to college. You don't really want a short term debt held on a credit card to turn into a long term debt added onto your monthly mortgage repayments. It's best if you throw all of these 'brilliant' offers away as soon as you get them!

Refinancing

If you own your home then it might be a good idea to consider refinancing it in order to write off your credit card debt. This is one of the most extreme things that you can do to reduce your credit. This will mean that you have to continue paying mortgage repayments for longer than you otherwise would have. If you don't mind the idea of increasing the length of your mortgage then I suggest you go for it. You will be financing a much smaller portion of the house than when you originally purchased it. Mortgage repayments will probably be much lower than your current credit card repayments.

Credit card debt can be a major problem which can affect every aspect of your life, you should do everything that you can do in order to reduce your credit card debts and potentially write them off. If you are clever then you will be able to find a way to cope with your credit card debt.

About the Author:

Focusing on the area of what is financial planning, Denzel Abintenk is writing principally for http://www.debtania.com . His publications on short term financial planning can be found on his site .

Refinancing your Home to Write off Your Credit Card Debts

By Denzel Abintenk

Credit card companies are trying harder than ever to attract new customers, if you have fairly reasonable credit then you will probably be used to the array of junk mail which lands on your mat every day. There are many different companies offering these credit cards, some of which we know very well. You will no doubt receive lots of junk mail from GE Capital, however it is worth bearing in mind that just because they use these big names it doesn't necessarily mean that they are part of that company.

This company may of started with the large company but spun off many years ago forming its own company. It is also possible to make your life easier by consolidating some of your debts, however you must be very careful when doing this otherwise you could make your financial situation worse than it already is. Many credit card companies make the idea of consolidating credit card debt very easy, however that may not always be true. Just keep your wits about you, if anything seems too good to be true, then it almost certainly is. Short term financial planning is key to turning your finances around.

You will probably be aware of the checks that you get sent through he post for large sums of money, this may make it seem like a very good option for eliminating debt from your life. However these checks are really only an advertising gimmick, they are just offering you a way to consolidate the debts that you have on credit cards by using the equity in your home as collateral.

It's a good idea to avoid equity lines of credit if you are consolidating your credit card loans, as this can put your property at risk for a fairly small loan. Lines of credit should be used for more expensive things like remodeling your home, or sending your children to college. You don't really want a short term debt held on a credit card to turn into a long term debt added onto your monthly mortgage repayments. It's best if you throw all of these 'brilliant' offers away as soon as you get them!

Refinancing

If you own your home then it might be a good idea to consider refinancing it in order to write off your credit card debt. This is one of the most extreme things that you can do to reduce your credit. This will mean that you have to continue paying mortgage repayments for longer than you otherwise would have. If you don't mind the idea of increasing the length of your mortgage then I suggest you go for it. You will be financing a much smaller portion of the house than when you originally purchased it. Mortgage repayments will probably be much lower than your current credit card repayments.

Credit card debt can be a major problem which can affect every aspect of your life, you should do everything that you can do in order to reduce your credit card debts and potentially write them off. If you are clever then you will be able to find a way to cope with your credit card debt.

About the Author:

Denzel Abintenk is writing mostly for http://www.debtania.com , a web page on the topic of what is financial planning . His work on short term financial planning can be found on http://www.debtania.com/finplan.html .

Right Time to Purchase Dallas Condos

By A. Kim

With the federal government offering $15,000 in tax credits for first time home buyers, coupled with the lowest interest rate in recent times have many looking at Dallas condos. The recession has created distressed properties in greater Dallas area for condos. Many Americans are replacing their single family homes with these convenient condos. They have plenty of options because of the building boom of the early and mid 2000's.

During the building boom, many developers have begun construction in downtown Dallas and its surrounding area called Dallas Fort Worth area. There are an over supply of inventories of these condos due to the expansion in early to mid 2000's. Many of these prices have come down due to more inventories of available homes than home buyers as American's are loosing their jobs.

May in the boomer generation has been choosing to sell the larger homes or these easy to maintain condos, it takes much less keep ups than single family homes especially the larger ones that we have been accustomed to in recent years. WithDallas condosstarting around $150,000, it offers some financial benefits as it reduces the mortgage that one has to pay.

In Dallas, one of the reason for people opting for these condos are the long commute into Dallas Forth Worth metropolitan area. Dallas's growth in recent years has caused a high traffic coming into the city from the suburbs. The though of long commute and traffic makes it attractive for busy lives as they are closer to their workplaces.

Also, a huge transformation has happened to the downtown Dallas area, as many new upscale shops, restaurants, and bars have moved in to cater to new condo owners. Many young professionals have flocked to areas like West Village and Mockingbird Station.

Some of the higher end condos start as high as $1 million, but you can get a nice high rise for about $300,000 or less if you do your due diligence. So think about buying aDallas condos, so that you can enjoy the balance between life and work.

About the Author:

If your thinking of purchasing a Dallas condos, please review Dallas Condos, and Dallas Condos

Bankruptcy Chapter Seven Exemption - Why is it important

By Robert King

Do you have debts that are hard to pay? If so, you may not have any option other than filing for bankruptcy. Many defaulters choose to file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is a 'liquidation' of all the non-exempt assets which would be an avenue to pay all your debts. The process is fully supervised, and the court will appoint a trustee to get sales from all the non-exempt assets of the debtor and use the sales proceeds to pay off the various creditors. Bankruptcy chapter 7 exemptions means that there are assets that the courts will not touch when chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed. Although chapter 7 is the least favorite method of bankruptcy, with the help of exemptions, you can effectively reduce your personal damage and you don't have to sell everything.

The debtor will review the state exemption list given to the debtor and learn which property to keep. This list is found in the Federal Bankruptcy Code. All the property of the debtor will be divided as exempt or non-exempt when the state trustee files a property exemption report. The exemptions are not across the board and the law can be very different in some states, but the basic laws should remain unchanged.

Debts that are classified as secured debts will be paid first. As for debts that are unsecured, there is a chance that the creditors may not get paid at all. The trustee is authorized to decide who gets the payment first, based on the law. One thing to note, if you want to file bankruptcy chapter 7 exemptions, the debtor must file the case in the state where he/she resides for a period of 730 days before he/she can file for this type of bankruptcy. Alternatively, the defaulter may also file the case in a state where he/she has previously lived for more than 180 days, up to 2 years.

There are some Federal exemptions and they can include retirement benefits, death disability benefits, survivor's benefits and miscellaneous. Take note that not all the benefits are available in all states.

Bankruptcy is probably the worst scenario, your credit score may take a major hit because of a filing of bankruptcy. Not only you will lose all your personal belongings and you need start all over again in your life. Always consider other options before you look at bankruptcy.

If, unfortunately, you have no other options, then get to find out more about bankruptcy chapter 7 exemptions as it can help you reduce your personal loss of assets and get to pay off your debts as soon as possible.

About the Author:

Thinking of declaring under the bankruptcy chapter 7? If so, find out more information on bankruptcy chapter 7 exemptions. You can minimize the loss from the exemptions! Find out more now!

Personal Finances in Trouble? Consider These Options

By Daniel Atolben

Are you deep in debt and looking for a way out? Are you living paycheck to paycheck, paying bills late and barely scraping by? Managing your personal finances can be tough and there are many people in your same situation. There are some things you can do to help relieve your financial stress.

First off, you should try to repay your debts as you have agreed to. Work out a budget, limit your spending and as you pay off your credit cards, don't spend on them. If you've maintained good credit then see if you can ask for a lower interest rate or transfer your balance to another credit card that has a lower interest rate. Some may offer you a limited time at a low or zero interest which may be what you need to get ahead of your payments.

Look at ways to increase your income. Think about taking up a temporary job to supplement your income. Consider downsizing your lifestyle so you can have more spending money. If you're making payments on your car, then think about selling it and buy a used, dependable one. Think about getting a roommate or moving to a smaller apartment. If you can generate just a few hundred dollars a month then you can bring down your debt in no time.

Getting a debt consolidation loan is an option that is attractive even if you're not in financial peril. This type of loan will pay off your other debts, offer you a lower average interest rate and give you one monthly bill. A debt or credit consolidation loan can be fairly easy to get if you have equity in your home and have a decent credit history.

Another, less desirable option is debt negotiation. With debt negotiation, you or a third party negotiates with your lenders for a lower interest rate, extended payments, and/or lower monthly payments. By doing this, you can afford your monthly bills and you'll have fewer worries. This comes at a price, however. Your credit cards will be frozen until your debt is clear and your credit report will be adversely affected.

There are debt negotiation services available to help you. They usually charge you a monthly service fee but they can help you get your debt under control. They advertise in the phonebook and on the internet. Be wary of ones that sound too good to be true. No one can just erase debt with no repayment unless it's through bankruptcy.

If you don't know the best option for your financial situation then get help from a credit counseling service in your area. They are usually non-profit or not-for-profit so their fees are nominal and they offer you a free consultation. Not only will they help negotiate debt settlement but they can also help you plan out a budget. You can soon be on your way to relieving debt and ending your financial burdens.

About the Author:

Daniel Atolben often produces publications on issues associated with how to negotiate debt settlement with creditors and how to negotiate within creditors. His articles on negotiating settlements amongst creditors are found on his website .

Get Cautious Debt Reduction Scammers Are All Around

By Frank Froggatt

There are honorable debt consolidation companies who will do everything they can to help you become debt free,but there are likewise numerous scam artists out there therefore you need to be heedful of how to distinguish the difference.

There are 2 ways you can be victimized by debt consolidation companies. One way to get scammed is the company will need your money and not give the requitals for you. Even though you can readily find out to determine if your lenders are taking in your payments, some people just assume that because the party received the payment that they also made the payment.

Another means to get defrauded is by debt companies that induce you to miss a certain quantity of payments and then you will acquire a settlement deal. Frequently these individuals take your money to save it for the settlement, which may be calendar months away, but when it comes time for the resolution the party vanishes with your funds.

Of course there are trusted parties that do what they promise, you simply must be cynical. Cautiously explore each prospect before opting. Be sure that any you are interested in are certified with the Better Business Bureau and don't own any ills logged against them. Research Google or Google Blogs to discover what others have experienced with them. In your research make sure that you can speak to a genuine soul on the telephone. As Well your charge card parties and credit guidance services can recommend good companies to you to keep off getting shafted by those who aren't.

You should also make sure that you've chosen a debt consolidation company as apposed to a debt reduction company. They are not alike and debt reduction will wipe out any sound credit you could possess. They stimulate your creditors to square up for less than what you owe but your credit is blasted as a result.

Just make sure you get all that is stated in writing, and you know what is happening. Make sure you are keeping tabs of the parties receiving your requitals, and do your expectable diligence before picking out a place to execute your debt consolidation plan. If you pick out a great party you should be able to get access to a debt instruction program so you can discover how not to make the same debt again.

While debt consolidation is not invariably the most beneficial selection, it is usually better than debt reduction and there will be less concern about being conned. Just don't give up searching for the optimal spot to represent your business and you will discover the respectable parties out there that desire to help you.

About the Author:

This article was put together by Frank Froggatt, an expert on Bad Credit Debt Consolidation. You can clear up a lot of your confusion about this topic while sitting at home in your easy chair by visiting mydebtconsolidationsite.us

Give these Items to Appraiser at Inspection

By Marten W. Davis, SRPA

When your appraiser comes to do his/her physical incpection, it is important that you have things ready. If you have some important items ready for the appraiser it will make his job much easier.

Have ready all items that you find. They will be extremely helpful to your appraiser.

These items that you should look for are: Mortgage Survey which is a small piece of paper with a drawing of the lot with the building outline. This document is usually prepared by a surveyor and has his stamp on it. The information on this document includes the specific measurements of improvements and lot, the legal description and the flood zone specifics.

Previous appraisals are helpful for physical characteristics information. If the dwelling is newer, any floor plan drawings (blueprints) is extremely helpful to the appraiser.

If you will list your recent improvements, date and cost, this will be helpful to the appraiser. These will be helpful to itemize those items that have been upgraded and modernized. If you have a recent home inspection report, that would also be very helpful.

Any current listing information such as listing agreement, any easements for items like shared driveways, etc.

If you present these items to your appraiser, they will be very helpful to him/her and will assist the appraiser in getting the specifics of the property detailed.

Marten W. Davis, SRPA

About the Author:

Items to give to your appraiser at time of physical inspection of your property. Marten Davis, SRPA serves the St Petersburg and Tampa Bay FL Market Area.

Reverse Mortgage: Advantage and Disadvantages

By Matthew Sanz

Reverse mortgage is common in most home all over the country today. At the same time, house prices are also soaring while interest rates are at their record lows. Let's take a look at the reasons why despite the bad publicity that reverse mortgages had, they have managed to stay in the industry all these years to become the "in" thing for many borrowers today.

It used to be called predatory loans. The name reverse mortgage took more beating when it was embroiled in scandals. But in the last decade, it has earned more credibility after legislation required more upfront disclosures of costs.

This mortgage is designed specially for homeowners which are aged 62 and older. Through this product, seniors can receive a loan against their home in the form of a lump sum, regular monthly checks or a line of credit. The loan is typically repaid with interest when the borrower sells the house, permanently moves, or dies.

Here are some of the reasons that borrowers resort to a reverse mortgage.

To Pay Down Remaining Mortgages - Homeowners use a reverse mortgage to pay down their remaining debt on their traditional mortgages and use the remainder to fund other retirement costs.

Unaffected Ownership - When the loan is accepted, the ownership of your house is not affected and you will still retain title to your home.

- The majority of the costs are paid for through the reverse mortgage loan.

Payment Period - Compared to a traditional home equity line of credit, a reverse mortgage allows debt payments, including interest and other costs, to be stalled until a later date, typically when the owner dies.

Price Changes - The debt can never go beyond the value of a home at the time that the loan is already repaid. This means that when soaring housing prices begin to drop, borrowers won't be held responsible for paying back a higher amount.

However, as more people become informed of the potential benefits that the reverse mortgage offers, they should also become aware that it has negative aspects.

Variable Rate - A reverse mortgage tends to be a variable rate mortgage loan that entails substantial front-end expenses to compensate for expenditures if ever the borrower exits early.

Old Borrowers - The loan will be bigger for pricier homes and older borrowers.

Complicated - According to advocates and financial planners, a reverse mortgage can become expensive and complicated. Therefore, seniors who are interested in applying for a reverse mortgage should first learn how it works. Before they look for a lender, they should be ready to receive independent counseling.

Higher Rates - Borrowers who choose to take the lump sum are slapped with higher interest payments compared to those who settle for installment checks or a line of credit. The reason for this is that, with the two latter choices, interest is only computed on the portion used.

While financial planners recommend that seniors only take a reverse mortgage if they plan to stay longer in their homes, evaluating the product's options may still be confusing. Before you apply for a reverse mortgage loan, make sure that you get impartial counseling first to help you decide if the product is right for you.

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Know more concerning the advantages and disadvantages of reverse mortgage. Find an online home loan equity mortgage calculator.