Since the start of the Great Recession, most people have questioned the validity of their financial plans. Some have made aggressive shifts in their spending and investment allocations while others have stopped opening their financial statements altogether.

No matter where you find yourself along this continuum, you owe it to yourself to consider the role of your mortgage in your financial future.

That's why I wrote a free planning guide based on my "Start With The House" philosophy.

I included case studies to demonstrate how folks in different stages of life can make optimal financial choices. You'll find yourself in one of them, guaranteed.

It's an easy read (if I say so myself) and includes a worksheet to use when devising your mortgage strategy and revisiting your financial goals with a qualified financial advisor.  

When deciding whether to rent or buy a home, there's a lot to consider.

Everyone looks at the monthly out-of-pocket difference.  Most people will remember to take a look at the payments in after-tax dollars, and when you do, buying usually looks pretty good.

But with a nod to those corny TV ads, I have to say, "but wait, there's even more" when you look at the difference three and five years later. At this point you can really see the effect of accumulated home equity and appreciation.

Here's a link to an video analysis for easy-to-follow example of a couple with a combined income of $60,000.

You shouldn’t buy a house based on generic news like "Rates are Low" and "Maximize your Tax Break" -- get a custom analysis like this to make a better decision.  Give me a call for a free custom analysis for your situation. Yes, it's free.

On Nov 6th, the President signed an extension of the First Time Home Buyer’s $8,000 tax credit and added a new benefit – a $6500 Tax Credit for homeowners that are buying a new primary residence between Nov 6th and May 1st.

Here are the highlights of the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers:

 Who: Someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase, who earns less than:

• From Jan 1, 2009 through Nov 5th, 2009: $75,000 Filing Single or $150,000 Married, Filing Jointly
• After Jan 6th, the income limits are increased to $125,000 Filing Single or $225,000 Married, Filing Jointly

How Much: The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000. The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.

 When: The closing of the sale must occur between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, however, a binding purchase contract must be signed by April 30th, 2010

I've said before and will say again, before you fall in love with a house, get a mortgage strategy and pre-qualify for your loan.

Call me for a free planning consultation.