Real Estate
The 10 Worst Places You Can Retire
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 11, 2010
Lists of “10 Best” or “10 Worst” places to live are often nothing more than thinly veiled attempts at media attention. That being said, like a car wreck, it’s kind of hard not to look.
Foreclosure Rip-offs – First the Banks, Now the Lawyers?
Stacy Johnson CPA on November 7, 2012
In prior stories, we’ve covered blatant rule violations by lenders and the lawyers they hired to process foreclosures. Turns out some of the lawyers defending hapless homeowners may also be more interested in money than justice.
A New Economic Indicator: Christmas Decorations
Michael Koretzky on December 19, 2011
Is the economy recovering? Is the recession double-dipping? Here are a few holiday studies that contain some good cheer.
Ask Stacy: Pre-Qualified for a Refinance – Should We Bite?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 31, 2018
What would you do if you got unsolicited mail saying you’re qualified for a special government program and pre-qualified for a special mortgage rate? Here’s what I’d do.
Economists’ Prediction for 2011? Not Great, But Not Bad
Stacy Johnson CPA on November 18, 2010
If you’re worried about a double-dip recession next year, don’t. But if you’re expecting a big recovery, you might be disappointed.
How Countrywide Profited on Foreclosures
Stacy Johnson CPA on November 7, 2012
If you don’t understand why so many on Main Street are so angry at Wall Street, check out this story.
How NOT to Sell a Timeshare – Pay Money Up Front
Stacy Johnson CPA on November 11, 2010
If you’re trying to sell a timeshare, being asked to pay money up front should raise red flags. Don’t do it – ever.
Ask Stacy: Should I Refinance My Mortgage?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 31, 2018
While deciding whether to refinance your mortgage may seem mysterious, when you boil it down, it’s just simple math.
Fannie, Freddie Yank Foreclosures From Firm Investigated by Money Talks
Stacy Johnson CPA on November 3, 2010
We were one of the first news organizations in the country to disclose the ongoing foreclosure fiasco. The firm at the heart of our story is now losing a ton of business.
Foreclosure Mess: More Shoes to Drop?
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 22, 2010
Robo-signers attesting to foreclosure lawsuits they haven’t read is a serious problem. But that could be the tip of a very big iceberg.
Tired Robo-Signers Let Other People Sign Their Names
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 20, 2010
Feel sorry for the poor robo-signer who had to sign 1,000 foreclosure files a day? Then here’s some good news: allegations are now surfacing that at least one robo-signer got help from co-workers.
The Mother of All Foreclosure Mistakes
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 20, 2010
Imagine standing in your front yard and watching as a car pulls up. A stranger gets out, walks up to you, verifies your identity, then serves you with foreclosure papers. Now imagine that you’ve never missed a mortgage payment in your life.
Big Banks Use Back Taxes to Seize Homes
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 19, 2011
Buying property by investing in back taxes has been around for a long time. But should big banks and hedge funds be allowed to use this method to separate homeowners from their homes?
The Foreclosure Freeze – What It Means and Why It Matters
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 20, 2010
You’ve seen the headlines about banks stopping foreclosures – but if you haven’t yet realized the implications for every American, this is a story you don’t want to miss.
Website Says It’s OK to Walk Away – No It Isn’t
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 17, 2010
Some people seem to think they can morally justify walking away from a mortgage they could afford to pay, simply because their house went down in value. Time to man up.
Ask Stacy: Why Do Good Borrowers Get Punished?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 31, 2018
Sheila makes all her mortgage payments, but nobody will allow her to refinance her underwater mortgage. How come there’s no help for people who do the right thing?
My 10 Dumbest Money Moves — and How You Can Avoid Them
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 26, 2021
Most of what I’ve learned about money I didn’t learn in books, or by being a CPA, stock broker, or financial reporter. I learned it the hard way – by making stupid decisions and missing major opportunities. Here are mistakes I’ve made and you should avoid.
How to Replace Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Personal Paperwork
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 4, 2012
A comprehensive list of what to do and where to go to replace everything from your drivers license to your birth certificate.
UPDATE – Congress Acts to Outlaw Home Resale Fee
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 1, 2010
How would you feel if you had to pay your home-builder 1% of the sales price of your house – 99 years after it was built? If you own a home – or think you might some day – read this.
New Program Helps Underwater Homeowners – Followup
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 19, 2011
If you’re one of the estimated 11 million Americans who owes more on their home than it’s worth, read this post.
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