Small Projects, Big Bang
Uncertainty and restraint is reflected in homeowners' ROI in remodeling projects, according to Realtors® in 80 metropolitan markets surveyed by Remodeling magazine for this year's Cost vs. Value Report.
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Fannie Mae Announces Deed for Lease
Fannie Mae is implementing the Deed for Lease Program under which qualifying homeowners can remain in their homes by signing a lease in connection with the voluntary transfer of the property deed.
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Make Taxes Less Taxing
While there is no escaping filing taxes, you can choose how you prepare your return. Hiring a tax professional to prepare your taxes could save you money in the long run on deductions you might have missed.
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A New Year. A New You.
January 1 - The new year is a natural time for you to take stock of your life and make a change for the better. Here are some suggestions to help you actually keep those resolutions.
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Cinco Charities Houses First Guest
After nearly two years, several fundraisers, and lots of legal and financial wheeling and dealing, Cinco Charities has officially housed it's first guest, and ironically his name is Lionel Sleeper.
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First Time Homebuyers Guide to Taxes
There's nothing quite like purchasing your first home. You're on your own. You have a substantial financial investment. And you now have some different tax considerations. You're probably well-aware that home ownership affords you several new ways to save on the annual Internal Revenue Service bill.
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Why You Need a Homestead Exemption
One of the greatest advantages of owning your own home is being able to take advantage of the tax deductions on your home. While taxes make up a large portion of your monthly note each month - there is a way to ease the burden. Enter Homestead Exemptions. Learn about what they are, how they can save you money, and how you can claim yours.
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Numbered lists tell us everything from how to lose weight to what not to do when planning a party. Many are fun and frivolous, but few lists are as important as one that tells you what not to do when it comes to your credit score. If you are applying for a loan, obtaining insurance or hoping for a new job or promotion, a good credit history makes a difference.

Guaranteed Credit Killers

If you would like to see your credit score tumble precipitously, then adhere to the following list of ways to make sure it happens:

• Minimize your credit history
  Lenders like to see a potential borrower responsibly manage a mix of revolving debt (such as credit cards) and installment debt (such as a car loan or most mortgages).
• Ignore credit report errors
  If you’re not aware of what's in your credit report a few months before applying for a loan, you'll have no idea how a lender will perceive you, rightly or wrongly.
• Make late payments
  Even one late payment can lower your credit score and increase the interest that you may be charged on loans. Also, people are penalized more for missing high payments than low ones.
• Have lots of low limit credit accounts
  Credit accounts with low limits suggest no experience with higher level limits.
• Max out credit cards
  This suggests that you cannot manage your spending and that you are overextended.
• Make only minimum payments
  This can cost you thousands of dollars over the life of the debt or loan.
• Have no credit history
  This is nearly bad as a poor credit history. Or, you can opt for a secured credit card if you are having trouble obtaining credit because you lack history. To find one, visit http://www.cardtrak.com, http://www.bankrate.com, http://www.cardweb.com or http://www.getsmart.com.
• Go rate shopping
  Too many inquires can damage your score. Generally, six or more inquiries within a six month period of time will scare a lender. Fortunately, multiple inquiries from auto or mortgage lenders are treated as one and have little impact on your credit score.
• Assume there’s a grace period
  If your payment is one day late, it is late. Even one late payment can negatively impact your score and remain on your credit file for seven years.
• Close long term accounts
  Closing old, unused accounts could hurt your credit score by shortening the length of your credit history. Long term accounts demonstrate a responsible history with credit. The longer you have an account the stronger your credit score.
• Cosign your credit away
  Cosigning a loan has many risks and little reward as any late payments by the primary borrower appear on your credit report. Plus, the cosigned loan could change your debt-to-income ratio, making it harder to qualify for future credit.

Of course, doing the exact opposite will go a long way toward positively impacting your credit score. Just remember that protecting your credit score takes diligence and discipline.