Homeowners

42 posts

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel arrives at a town hall meeting on the city budget in Chicago

Chicago approves Emanuel’s property tax increase

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s $7.8 billion fiscal 2016 budget and a historic property tax increase to pay for public safety worker pensions easily cleared the city council on Wednesday. However, the plan for the fiscal year that begins on Jan. 1 still faces uncertainties in the Illinois Legislature and supreme […]

Tax Time Tips

Homeownership carries many tax benefits, so be sure you’re taking advantage of these strategies at tax time: Mortgage Interest Deduction Interest you pay on a mortgage of up to $1 million — or $500,000 if you’re married filing separately — is deductible on Schedule A when you use the loan […]

Cost vs. Value

The newest Cost versus Value report has just been released. Leading in the midrange projects in Chicago are steel entry doors, garage door replacements, deck additions and stone veneer accents. Leading upscale projects were wood window replacements, garage door replacements and siding replacement. Unlike what television may have us believe, […]

Knee Deep

Last week’s flood left many homes with damage. Even minor flooding can cause damage to not only personal property, but dry wall, framing, floors and tile. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, flooding causes $2.9 billion in losses between 2002 and 2011. Not only are residents faced damaged property, […]

FHA Premiums Lowered for Refis

FHA is lowering its mortgage insurance premiums to help borrowers refinance into lower interest rates.  Additional help to military who have been wrongly foreclosed on or denied the opportunity to refinance as well, as announced by President Obama earlier this week FHA is reducing its up-front premium to .01 percent, […]

More Refinancing Options for Underwater Homeowners

The Obama administration announced plans to expand the Home Affordable Refinance Program to make it easier for homeowners who are struggling but still making mortgage payments to refinance their homes. Changes to the program include refinancing despite how much a home’s value has fallen, reducing some fees, and eliminating the […]