Don’t worry, just like last week I am not actually writing your latest tips from Matt on the holiday, the miracles of technology allow me to keep you informed and still enjoy the New Year Celebrations here in Lancaster County PA! Read on after the jump for the final tips on fireplace and chimney inspections/maintenance!
I know, very dramatic. Maybe even a little uncalled for. On the other hand, there is really no other way to describe how potentially dangerous the policy changes that HUD Secretary Donovan is proposing this week. What are those changes?
This past Friday, President Obama signed into law H.R. 3548. This bill, at it’s heart a bill to extend unemployment benefits {which, by the way, is being completely overlooked as the critical step it was to help the unemployed workers in this country, but that’s a topic foranother day(see, I’m overlooking it too!)} contained a roundly supported amendment to Extend and Expand the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit that was set to expire this month. Unless you were hiding under a rock, by now you’ve no doubt heard countless talking heads telling you that this bill will either (A) Save the US Economy or (B) Leadthe US Economyinto a head on Collision with the ever growing Mountain of National Debt.
Well, if you were looking for someone to supportChoice (B), you should probably look elsewhere. But if you were looking for someone to explain just why this bill is critical to the recovery of the nation’s housing market and just may save our entire economy, then keep on reading!
Fees. It’s an interesting word and many people don’t know just how many fees are involved in a real estate transaction. Lender fees, title fees, inspection fees, notary fees, administrative fees, recording fees, if you’ve ever looked at a settlement sheet you’d be amazed at just how many there are. Why so many?