The Homeowners' Association: Angel or Devil?
When considering buying a home, HOA dues are one of the monthly expenses to consider. Homeowners' associations, or HOAs, are formal legal entities created to
maintain common areas in condominium and townhome developments, and many
newer single-family subdivisions. Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions
(CC&R's) are issued to each homeowner, and HOAs are established to
ensure that they are adhered to in order to maintain the quality and
value of the properties involved. When it comes to HOAs, are you getting what you pay for?
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Am I Better Off Renting or Buying?
Check out this tool to calculate whether buying a home is a better deal than renting for you. In some cases, renting may be cheaper than buying. For example, renting often requires a smaller monthly cash outflow than a combined mortgage payment that includes principal and interest, insurance and taxes (P+I+T+I) and, possibly, mortgage insurance. As a result, renting may free up your cash flow and allow you to invest. The calculator also calculates the tax savings you realize from deducting mortgage interest and loan closing costs. It also estimates the equity that you earn in your home over the time you own it, which boosts your personal net worth, unlike renting...
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What Are Renters' Rights During a Foreclosure?
When a rental property is being foreclosed on, often the tenant can wind up suffering some of the consequences. Learn what to watch out for, and what you can do if you find your lease broke with little or no notice. Know Your Rights |
