Tips for Buying a New Home
My wife and I recently purchased a new home in Tennessee. Here are some helpful hints we picked up along the way:1. Use all of the online resources available. Almost every state and local government has a website where you can research real estate information. The data on home sales, taxes, and ... more...

How to Maximize Your Home Business Tax Deductions for 2005
Someone once said, the best way to calculate your taxes isHonestly. For 2005, add Smartly to that and youll get to keep more than you make. This April 15th is going to be the day of reckoning for every taxpayer. If you are smart enough with your accounting and keep your eyes and ears open, this ... more...

Log Homes - What's Different About Log Homes?
Newcomers to the world of log homes will notice that log homes look different than conventional "stick-built" homes. But are log homes really different, other than in appearance? If so, how?Let's take a look at some of the ways in which log homes differ from conventional homes. Log Walls - This is ... more...

Inside Insurance Protection Priorities
Protecting your homeAlthough you have no legal obligation to insure your home, your mortgage company will want to protect their investment with buildings insurance. However, it is also worth protecting your own investments, so even after youve paid off your mortgage, you should ensure youre ... more...

Finding Structural Problems During Escrow Small Rural Home Example
In rural home purchases, the transaction is often subject to a satisfactory home inspection being done. Any imperfections are usually corrected during escrow. Now and then, however, a home inspection uncovers severe structural problems. What happens then?Structural Problems Small Rural HomeWith a ... more...

Termite and Moisture Damage Not Reported
I have done so many appraisals where I saw obvious damage that was not reported by the other inspectors. The first couple of times I thought it was just carelessness. I came to realize it was the same agents who had found what I call pocket contractors or repeat business. Most buyers are not aware ... more...

Bad Credit Debt Consolidation - What Are Your Options to Reduce Your Debt With Poor Credit?
To reduce your debt with a poor credit history, you have several options. While none will solve your credit problems overnight, they can help you get on better financial ground. A debt consolidation loan can help you reduce your monthly payments, while lowering interest rates. A debt consolidation ... more...

What is Home Insurance?
Home Insurance is designed to provide you with financial protection against any damage and possible risks that your property and possessions within it may face against unforeseen events and circumstances.Home insurance is commonly taken to describe both buildings insurance, which insures the fabric ... more...

Bankruptcy: What's the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
When consumers contemplate the option of bankruptcy generally, the remedy they are specifically referring to is chapter 7 bankruptcy. The effect of the filing is to discharge someone saddled with debt from having to pay debts no longer secured with a valid lien. It also has the added benefit of ... more...

10 Steps to Creating Your Smalll Business Disaster Plan
I'm a recent Hurricane Rita evacuee and survived the evacuation and the ensuing hurricane. Running from a hurricane isn't something I've ever had to do before, nor is it something I'd ever like to do again. However, as a solo business owner, I'm quite thankful that I have a virtual business. The ... more...

How to Evaluate and Raise Your Credit Score
Why do some people get offers for pre-approved credit cards and others dont? What do car dealers know about your financial health that you dont know? The answer is your credit score.Your credit score is a number generated by a mathematical formula to estimate how likely you are to pay your bills. ... more...

Occupational Health and Safety - Stress and Workaholism at Work
There has been a lot of hullabaloo recently about the problems facing Australia in retaining talented workers and the subsequent pressure placed on those remaining behind in the workplace.The incidence in stress claims is rising and is having an impact on the economy and enterprises in general.The ... more...

Searching for CLUEs: What Homebuyers & Sellers Need to Know About Homeowners Insurance
Homebuyers and sellers should be aware about issues involving homeowners insurance and the C.L.U.E. database. C.L.U.E. stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange and is a collection of homeowners insurance claim history enabling insurance companies to access five years worth of prior ... more...