Home

Panic misses Main Street

By Lou Barnes, Friday, October 3, 2008.

Mortgage rates are stuck just above 6 percent, but at least they're not blowing up or shut down along with the rest of the credit world. We and our peers are operating normally.

Passage of the rescue bill has pushed up long-term Treasury rates, as markets anticipate large sales of new Treasury bonds to raise bailout cash. The stock market has stopped nauseating freefalls twice this week. These moves also reflect hopes for coordinated global central bank rate cuts over the weekend and a Euro-zone version of our rescue package.  more...

Deck railings become fun and exciting

By Paul Bianchina, Friday, October 3, 2008.

Deck railings can do a lot for the appearance and especially the safety of any outdoor deck. So when designing and building your new deck, there are a number of things to take into consideration.  more...

Seller 'gift' may disguise problem Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Friday, October 3, 2008.

It's common for buyers to ask for appliances or other personal items when they purchase a property, but what about the seller who voluntarily leaves personal items as part of the sale?

There are numerous pitfalls when it comes to dealing with personal property included in a real estate sale. The lender can deduct the value of the personal items from the appraised value of the property, which results in a reduction in the loan amount. Furthermore, many states require sellers to transfer personal items with a "bill of sale" calculated and reported separately from the real estate sale.  more...