hot topics

Estate planning pyramid to ensure the best estate plan

Estate planning pyramid to ensure the best estate plan

Estate planning is the legal structuring of current and projected assets for future disposition. The process assures estate holders that all their assets and properties would be in safe hands after their demise, only to benefit their families and loved ones. A mulled-over estate plan helps a person to minimize taxes imposed on all the assets after his or her death. Additional advantages brought to the table by an efficient estate plan includes providing benefits for survivors and determining the flow of assets. The estate planning pyramid is to ensure you have an effective estate plan in place. Estate planning pyramid The estate planning pyramid, consisting of six distinct levels, aids in developing a precise estate plan. Each level in the estate planning pyramid addresses a different necessity. Level 1 Aimed at providing basic protections, the first level is ideal for singles with few assets and no successors. A typical level 1 estate planning pyramid includes: Anatomical gift instrument – This allows a hospital, charity or a non-profit organization to use organs and other body parts. Health care proxy, a.k.a. medical directives, or medical powers of attorney – It allows the appointment of people who can make health care decisions when the person is not capable of doing so himself.
Benefits of buying repossessed mobile homes

Benefits of buying repossessed mobile homes

There are many benefits when it comes to buying repossessed property. When a property owner makes any default while making payments to the creditor or bank who has provided the funds to purchase said property, the bank has a right to take ownership of the same. If the owner is unable to repay amounts due, the bank or creditor can utilize the said property to recover the value of the loan given in whichever way it deems prudent. This situation is known as repossession. Some people might be skeptical when it comes to considering mobile homes repos deals. However, the following points might just change your mind about purchasing repossessed mobile homes. Price of repossessed homes: Mobile homes which have been repossessed will be sold at the principal amount or at the amount which bidders predict at auctions. Either way, you will be able to get a great deal which will save you at least thirty to even fifty percent of the original price of the property. Undervaluation of the property is one of the biggest advantages of repossession which will get you one of the best mobile homes repos deals you can take advantage of in the current economy and market.
Should you opt for AARP reverse mortgage

Should you opt for AARP reverse mortgage

A lot of people these days are choosing reverse mortgage to pay their loans and debt. Should you opt-in for it too? For that, you must first know all the essential AARP reverse mortgage information. A reverse mortgage is a loan you take against your home property, which you don’t have to pay if you own the house. In this, you will be using your home as collateral for the loan you wish to take. Though it was originally invented to help the senior citizens who had a property and wanted to take a loan, today you will see a lot of young people drawn into this scheme. The retired crowd and a lot of people who are on the verge of their retirement are these days opting for the reverse mortgage. This is because they cannot afford to pay their bills or their loans, and keeping their house as the collateral seems to be a decent option. Read below to get proper AARP reverse mortgage information. What is the AARP reverse mortgage information you should be aware of? When a person takes a reverse mortgage, he agrees to keep the house as collateral for his loan payment. He or she must pay no money until and unless he or she owns the house.
4 essential tips for first-time home buyers

4 essential tips for first-time home buyers

Buying a new house can be an enthralling and a nerve-wracking experience especially if you are a first-time home buyer. There are so many things you need to take care of while buying a new house; everything, right from applying for the loan to ensuring that you choose the right home for you and your family has to be taken care of. However, even though the process of buying a home can be challenging for first-time home buyers, there are certain tips that can ensure that you go about this process without facing many obstacles. Know your financial strength: Before you browse through the online listings or start visiting realtors to buy your dream home, ensure that your financial health is at its peak. You wouldn’t want to risk losing your dream home because you didn’t plan your finances appropriately. It is imperative that, as a first-time home buyer, you audit your finances. You will have to check your savings account, and only if you have three to six months of living expenses saved is it advisable to contemplate buying a new home. Also, it is imperative that you keep a tab on your monthly spendings since it will give you a fair idea of how to manage your monthly mortgage.
4 major mistakes every first-time home buyer must avoid making

4 major mistakes every first-time home buyer must avoid making

Buying a new house requires you to put in a lot of effort; right from visiting different relators to applying for a loan requires, the entire process has to transpire smoothly. The process of buying a house is difficult, and if you are a first-time home buyer, the entire process becomes more overwhelming. Without the right guidance, there are high chances that a first-time home buyer will end up making certain mistakes that can cost them dearly. In a bid to keep tabs on online listings and ensuring that your dream home doesn’t slip away, people often end up making certain mistakes, and these can be easily avoided if you are appraised about the same. Here are some common mistakes that first-time home buyers usually make. Not prioritizing the credit report: It is common knowledge that our credit report can make or break a deal. So, for a first-time home buyer, the credit report is that ace which can help them secure the desired loan. However, many first-time home buyers often overlook the importance of keeping tabs on their credit report; a slight error on the part of the credit company can cost you your new home. To keep track of your credit report and devise ways to improve your credit, you can check your credit report for free from each of the three credit report agencies:
Here’s how one can increase the value of their home

Here’s how one can increase the value of their home

Almost 70% of the homeowners believe that their residential property is their biggest asset. Therefore, maintaining it well in a competitive real estate market is a top priority for many. However, to enhance the value of a property for building equity or getting a better sale price, several owners end up splurging on unnecessary amenities or installations. So how can you decide what works? Continue reading to find out! First impressions might not be accurate; however, in real estate, they can definitely be a game-changer. Homeowners should ensure that their space doesn’t deliver an outdated vibe, particularly the areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. Focusing on the aesthetics of the home doesn’t mean one indulges in luxury kitchen remodeling or upgrading media rooms. In other words, one doesn’t need to dish out on an extravagant kitchen remodeling consisting of stone countertops, custom cabinets, or commercial-grade appliances to make the cut. A kitchen remodeling capable of holding modern amenities or having the potential for customization would simply suffice. The same approach is to be taken for the bathroom. Adding decent flooring and upgraded fixtures can go a long way than fancy embellishments like designer fixtures or heated flooring. Prospective homebuyers also desire their new homes to be smart as well as secure.
Factors to consider before signing a timeshare contract

Factors to consider before signing a timeshare contract

Timeshare is a unique concept that lets vacationers own a fraction of a property anywhere in the world instead of buying or renting the entire property. You simply pay for the duration of the vacation while exploring your favorite destinations. With timeshare, you can own multiple properties in some of the most exotic vacation destinations around the world. It is the most economical way to own a vacation home. You get to enjoy the entire home for the allotted time, but you pay only for a fraction of it ownership and simply share the available space with the co-owners for the rest of the year. Here are a few things you must know to make the most out of your timeshare purchase. Types of timeshare Fractional ownership is the cheapest and easiest way to enjoy accommodation rights to a vacation property without having to outrightly buy it. But you can also check out timeshare resale offers that let you own the entire property for a lower retail value than the market price. Alternatively, you can own the place for a fixed week each year (like for Christmas or Thanksgiving) or opt for floating week ownerships during a season (say summer or winter).
Best websites for land sale options in the country

Best websites for land sale options in the country

Getting hold of the best website for land sale options in the country can be a bit challenging. Whether you are on the lookout for selling land for making more investments or for the sake of accumulating some money, there are several property websites that can help you in getting your job done in a very short span of time. There are basically two types of websites that can be used for getting the best options for the sale of property and these include agency-specific sites and search engines. The search engines, specifically aimed towards real estate sales and investments, display different options put up for sale by brokers and owners. These sites also come with different resources and tools for helping the sellers in making informed decisions. These sites generally have a great database of land sale options, connecting users with the company’s very own partner agents and realtors. Here, we are presenting two top websites that can prove to be useful when it comes to getting different options of land sale in the country. LoopNet This site allows users to search for commercial properties available for lease and for sale. It maintains an extensive inventory of properties worth investing.
5 steps to sell your house faster

5 steps to sell your house faster

If you have decided to sell your house, it is best to get done with most procedures as quickly as possible. However, once you start the process of finding a buyer, you may realize it is not as easy as you thought. To sell your house faster, there are certain things you need to know. Some of the tips to help you sell your house fast are: Declutter the house and make it show-worthy Think like a buyer before you start the process of selling your house. Ask yourself if you would buy your house. Your honest answer will help you keep the house clean and worthy enough to show potential buyers. Seek help, if needed, to clean your house. Understand that the lesser stuff you have in your house, the more it will appeal to the buyers. Clear spaces help people imagine their belongings in the house, which makes it easier for them to make a decision. Take professional photographs of the house Photographs of your house are just as important as keeping your house clean. The buyers will only approach you if the pictures of your home appeal to them. Don’t be afraid to spend some money on professional photographs as they can help you find a potential buyer.
5 simple ways to sell your timeshare

5 simple ways to sell your timeshare

Any property in the world that comes with a shared form of ownership is a timeshare. This means you can pay for just the unit you plan to own for a fixed duration. A fixed maintenance cost is chargeable for timeshare properties that is payable irrespective of whether you plan to stay or rent it out. However, uncertain market conditions can make it expensive to own a timeshare at times. So, here are a few ways through which you can sell your timeshare property along with some tips to keep in mind before reselling. Three key points to consider Do your research Spend time on the Internet and find out everything there is to know about the different ways to sell a timeshare. Compare brokers, read reviews about listing companies, check for hidden costs, and avoid paying any amounts in escrow. Do not deal without representation Representation is a sign of guarantee. Legitimate timeshare agents and companies will never contact sellers unsolicited. Due to the legalities involved in transfer of ownership, title deeds, and payments, legal representatives will reach out to sellers only after confirming an appointment. Don’t pay anything in advance Scammers are always on the prowl for charging fees or upfront costs without providing sufficient explanation for those costs.
5 popular low-cost apartment hotels

5 popular low-cost apartment hotels

Low-cost extended-stay or apartment hotels are an ideal option if you are short on finances or your housing applications lack some essential criterion. You can get their rooms on rent until you arrange for a permanent accommodation. Apart from affordable rooms on rent, apartment hotels require no credit check, leasing contract, and utility bills. Moreover, you can get access to some useful amenities without exceeding your budget constraints. If you are on a quest for a weekly or apartment hotel that offers inexpensive rental deals, then check out the following options. Budget Suites Founded in 1987, Budget Suites functions in the states of Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. They have fully furnished apartments, which include amenities such as free premium cable television, free local calls, and voicemail, laundry services, a full-size kitchen with appliances, parking, spas, and pools. The room’s rent will be based on the kind of room and facilities you choose. Crossland Economy Studios Scattered over 60 locations, Crossland Economy Studio offers spacious rooms and facilities like internet connection, on-site laundry services, and kitchenettes with essential appliances. Moreover, they also have pet-friendly rooms, so you don’t have to find a separate accommodation for your furry friend. Currently, they offer their services in 24 states, mostly in the West Coast, Midwest and Southern part of the country.