Seniors Helping to Drive Sales of Small Businesses
Baby boomer business owners preparing for retirement are driving a surge in the sale of small businesses, as they find more and more buyers confident enough in the improving economy to expand their own businesses through acquisitions. In the first three months of this year, the number of sales that closed jumped 56 percent from … Continue reading
Claiming Disasters on Your Taxes
2012 was a tough year for homeowners– from landslides in Alaska to Hurricane Sandy on the East coast– who, across the country, saw 112 natural disasters. If you have been affected by a federally declared disaster, you can claim losses to personal property not covered by insurance. If you are claiming, you should write the … Continue reading
Do I Need to Be Pre-Approved for a Mortgage to Work With an Agent?
It definitely helps to be pre-approved to have an experienced broker work with you– it will show that you are experienced and ready to buy a home. When applying for a mortgage, make sure that you only take out as much as you are financially comfortable paying back. Too many homeowners overextend themseleves. Be comfortable … Continue reading
Six Hidden Costs of Owning a Home
Everyone knows that homeownership is a big responsibility, from monthly mortgage payments to maintenance. But owning a home also comes with unexpected costs. The best way to prepare for those costs? Have some money saved for surprise costs and never go out of your comfort zone when buying a home. 1. Property tax increases: talk … Continue reading
New Foreclosure Alternative Gives Homeowners a Second Chance
Bank of America recently announced a pilot program that would allow homeowners at risk for foreclosure to give the bank the deed to their house and signing a lease to rent at the market rate. The program, dubbed “Mortgage to Lease,” will be tested on 1,000 at-risk owners in Arizona, Nevada, and New York. This … Continue reading
What’s in a Millionaire’s Basement?
In some states, a restriction on the size of an above-ground home has forced millionaire home owners to be more creative. Many are spending their money on lavish, underground spaces with ornate spas, modern art galleries, or pristine pools. Other subterranean projects include bowling alleys, bars, virtual golf courses, and skate parks– builders are trying … Continue reading
In Metropolitan Areas, Foreclosure Rates on the Rise
A report filed by RealtyTrac, an organizations measuring nationwide foreclosure statistics, found that foreclosures both declined and rose in February 2012. While February had 8% fewer foreclosures than one year ago, experts say that foreclosure rates are rising in major cities. In fact, some twenty one states reported an increase in foreclosure rates between January … Continue reading
Top Ten Ski Homes
This winter brought huge disappointment for Buffalo’s winter folk– sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and snowman-making were a rarity in the region. In anticipation for a much better winter next year, here is a link to the nation’s top ten ski homes. The homes are stunning and rustic, perfectly warm for freezing winter days. They feature all … Continue reading
Estate Sales Part 2 of 4 – Methods of Liquidation
If an estate sale is held to pay off debt, it is a liquidation sale. Other methods—estate sales, auctions, consignments, garage sales, dealers—each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to realize that like many other things the quickest and easiest solution is likely to return the lowest amount of cash for the person … Continue reading
Higher Gas Prices Influence Real Estate Buying Decisions
With gas being at an average price of $4.040 in Buffalo, NY and as high as $4.328 in Chicago, IL it is becoming a burden for people to have to drive their cars. When looking as Gasbuddy.com, a Website that shows the average gas prices per state and city, New York is currently 7th with … Continue reading
Buffalo New York Real Estate 