Loannetter

Every Spring the rates and property values do a little dance: The cool headed investor or buyer keeps the hype in perspective . Get a second opinion: If somebody tells you rates are rising to get you to sign on the dotted line--chances are they are pressurng you to seal the deal. Rates have consistently risen and fallen (as they do) from 1/8th to half a percentage point during all the 'talk' of rises. Funny how they don't report drops! You can still get decent Fixed Rates that beat the Adjustable Rates if that suits your needs. Avoid predatory lending practices by investing time to find out if the loan you are applying for is the loan you get. For more on that subject visit the Washington State Department of Finance and Industry site: http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/predlendwp.htm Check out your Lender :  A sk a few leading questions and note how that person responds to your needs. If they are selling rates before they hear about you and your goals....exit stage left. You ne...

Save Money with Your Home Mortgage For most people, deducting your home mortgage interest payments from your taxable income is your first reward of home ownership! Of course this depends entirely on your income and other financial issues, so before you leap into any financial program, speak to your personal accountant. There are several ways to save money with your mortgage: EASY Tax Savings: Pay AHEAD on your mortgage at year’s end by one payment (or more). Most mortgages allow you to pay an additional 20% each year without penalty. By making an extra payment this year, you may be able to deduct the interest from your tax bill. Your accountant can advise if you will qualify for this additional deduction. Your bank must receive your payment by December 31 of the year you are making the extra payment. Your bank will provide your Federal Form 1098 before January 31 of the year you are filing your taxes (for the previous year). And all of the interest you paid in the previous year will be...