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FACT SHEET: U.S. Treasury Department Office of Public Affairs releases Examples of How the Economic Growth Act of 2008 will Benefit Americans
See how the stimulus package will impact you...
From the Desk of Tom Carmody
Chairman of AHAA
“Housing Hits Trifecta of Bad News”
I certainly am aware that we are the midst of the worst housing situation in America since the early ‘90s, and one that may be the worst since the depression era. USA Today highlighted the problems on the front page of its Money section: high foreclosure rates, falling prices and vacant homes. Miami leads the way in falling prices, Nevada in foreclosures and vacant homes for sale across the nation are 800,000 than would be the case in a normal market. Most every market has suffered, and will continue to do so it seems.
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Introducing AHAA's most recent feature:
Practical information and advice for homeowners! Learn more...
Legislative Action Center
Congress set to modernize FHA
Congress holds the key to helping hundreds of thousands of homebuyers.
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Home Finance
Good credit helps make sure that when you borrow money you pay the lowest possible interest rate and fees. To keep good credit after you buy a home you must pay your bills on time, including your mortgage payment, electric and heating bills, credit cards and other consumer debt. A realistic spending plan can help you make sure you have enough money to do this.
Importance of Money Management
For many people, home is more than shelter: it is their biggest investment and a considerable financial asset. Even though you may have made only a small down payment, over time the value of your home may grow. As you continue to live in your house and make mortgage payments, your loan balance decreases. Home prices in the area may increase. You may remodel and add value. The difference between what your house is worth and the amount you owe is called your equity.
Like all investments, the value of your house can also go down. This would give you negative equity. The loss of value is not a problem if you don’t need or want to sell. You should consider your home a long-term investment. Real estate prices do go up and down. If you stay in your home long enough, the value will probably go back up again. There are many ways to protect and use your equity. Maintaining good records, paying your taxes on time and making sure you have enough insurance are all ways to protect and build the value of your home asset.
Want to know more? See below:
- Creating A Budget
- Debt Warning Signs
- Strategies for Managing Debt
- Survival Tips for a Tight Budget