Charlie Weiblen's (archwood) Blog

Don't jump head first into a massive renovation project just to make your house more marketable when it goes up for sale.  There are plenty of cheaper alternatives that can add a crisp touch to any home. 1. Improve curb appeal. Plant colorful perennials and annuals that are inviting to guests.   ...

With only a little over a month left in the $8000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, Democratic Senators are pressing to extend the credit until March 31, 2010.  In the subsequent quarters of 2010 after March 31, the credit would drop off $2,000 per quarter so that the credit would be phased ...

A 1031 exchange is an excellent tool available to owners of investment real estate. Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code states, in effect, that upon the sale of an investment property or real property used in a trade or business, the owner can use the funds from the sold property to purchas...

When doing any type of renovation project in your home, whether it be a small upgrade or a major remodeling, it's very important to consider what type of professional to hire.   Making sure you have the right expert for the job significantly contributes to the overall cost and value of the projec...

Typically, home sales fall off starting in August and continue to slump downward until January or February of the new year.  The prime moving period is towards the end of the school year, or even more common, in the summer.  Families with school-age children prefer to keep their kids in the same ...

The first-time homebuyer Federal tax credit for $8000, record-low interest rates, and nationwide median home prices dropping to the lowest point in five years, makes this an enticing time to consider buying a home. By the way, that tax incentive isn't truly just for first-time buyers - it's defin...

 With foreclosures continuously on the rise and more homeowners facing the risk every day, the fear of being foreclosed on is a common trend.  This fear disables homeowners to step up to the plate and face their mortgage companies about possibly options.  Foreclosure can be prevented as long as t...

With a slumping economy, the feds are once again stepping in to implement a program that will help bring down your mortgage to the equivalent of being only 31% of your gross income.  Qualifying for this program isn't going to be an easy feat, however here are some tips to give you your best shot!...

Mortgage lenders are currently swamped with mortgage applications and the piles keep growing by the day.  Due to the lowest interest rates in years on housing loans, many consumers are chomping at the bit to get in while it's still a buyer's market. Julie Haviv reports on the current phenomenon i...

Have you experienced an increase on your credit card's interest rates? Are you victim of unfair fees charged by credit card companies? Has your credit line been been reduced without any explanation? These are common trends with credit card holders lately, and the credit card companies aren't prov...