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How does FICO score impact real estate refinance?

By Tom Kelly, Wednesday, November 9, 2005.

Are you still steaming because an inaccurate credit report has sent your FICO score spiraling downward, causing major problems with your efforts to refinance your home?

Join the club.

A few months ago, we became victims of credit-card fraud. Some clown got access to our account and charged thousands of dollars of computer equipment on our card, via telephone, at a popular outlet in the San Francisco Bay area. We discovered the bogus charges after we had returned from a short vacation and quickly informed the bank that issued our card.  more...

Doors make a good first impression

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Wednesday, November 9, 2005.

Q: I have an oak front door that has been stained a reddish color. It is covered with shellac that has been peeling. I removed most of the shellac with a razor and discovered scratches on the door. Most of these scratches are not deep and would probably disappear with sanding. What grade sandpaper should I use, and will it alter the stain color? Also, what should I use to protect the door after sanding?

A: The front door is the gateway to your home. A well-maintained one leaves a first and lasting impression of either "wow" or "yuck."  more...

Will refinance lessen homeowner's real estate tax deduction?

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, November 9, 2005.

DEAR BOB: I own a townhouse condo that I bought in 1993 with a 6.5 percent interest rate, 30-year FHA mortgage. My monthly FHA mortgage insurance fee is $47. My purchase price was $130,000. Today, the condo is worth around $380,000. I have never seriously considered refinancing, although my lender periodically sends me advertisements about no-closing-cost refinances for 15 or 30 years. The interest rate would be slightly lower than my current interest rate for 15 years with a slightly higher monthly payment, but I would avoid that unnecessary $47 FHA fee.  more...

Tax lien confusion bars IRS from property grab

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, November 9, 2005.

On Dec. 3, 2003, a property was sold at a foreclosure sale for $39,900. The trustee conveyed the title to James Douglas Ellis.

But on April 19, 2004, the Internal Revenue Service delivered to Ellis its check for $40,717 under its Certificate of Redemption for a recorded IRS tax lien against the foreclosed property owner and the property.

Purchase Bob Bruss reports online.  more...