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What The Economic Stimulus Package Means To You
 Since passed by overwhelming Capitol Hill majorities in January, there has been much talk regarding the economic stimulus package. Yes, it will cost $168 billion, but what does it actually do for individuals?
The stimulus package is designed to help the country moderate the worst effects of a slowing economy and perhaps even avoid a recession. The idea is to encourage spending and with more spending to increase economic activity. While the theory looks good on paper, it will likely take months or years to know if it actually works.
From a personal perspective the
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January stimulus package has five major components that will immediately impact individuals with an interest in real estate.
1. Checks from Uncle Sam: According to the White House, taxpayers can receive rebates of up to $600
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Is Your Credit Score As
High As You Think?
 It is common to assume that paying bills on time automatically means having a high credit score. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. There are many misperceptions about how scores are calculated -- and yours could be lower than you might expect.
Credit scores are used by financial institutions to determine whether they should lend money to a potential borrower and, if so, what interest rate should be charged. A higher score means an applicant is statistically less likely to default on the loan so they get a lower interest rate.
Ignoring your credit score could be a costly mistake. As an example, let's say you bought a $400,000 house with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a 6-percent interest rate. Over the term of the loan, you would pay interest charges of $463,354. If, however, you had a lower score and your bank bumped your interest rate up to 8 percent, you would pay interest charges of $656,619. That's a hefty difference of $193,265.
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Appealing Your
Property Tax Bill
 If your property tax is aligned with or assessed based on the value of your home, a swing in property values could warrant close scrutiny of your property tax bill.
Some more progressive tax jurisdictions will make the adjustment for you -- up or down -- but most only move your rate up or they'll wait for the property to change hands before adjusting the tax. Even where adjustments are automatic, you still may not be satisfied and will need to appeal the deal.
Over valued or over assessed property is perhaps the most common and successful grounds for challenging your tax bill.
When the economy is faltering and spawning foreclosures, short sales and homeowners otherwise bailing out of homeownership, consider it a red flag -- it's time to scrutinize your property tax bill.
Many homeowners bailout, accept the foreclosure or take the short sale way out because their mortgage is more than the value of the home, which may have fallen for a variety of reasons.
The incidence of incorrectly calculated property tax bills may also warrant a close inspection of your property tax bill or an appeal.
Many errors in calculating your property tax bill also stem from clerical
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HOME AND MARKET UPDATE!
HOME JUST ON THE MARKET
Woodcliff Lake
Beautifully appointed home in the hills of Woodcliff Lake. Updated and expanded, overlooking gorgeous property with all that nature has to offer! Sit in your den with wall to wall windows with nothing but gorgeous, and wooded property. Large open eat in kitchen, with oak cabinets, full family room with fireplace, and walk out to patio, and property. This home will not last!
Park Ridge On the West Side!
Renovated 4 Bedroom Home on Cul de Sac Sparkling Home on Cul de Sac with beautiful granite kitchen with Center Island, Living room with fireplace, and family room with updated bath. Just on the Market! Price: $647,777 Under Contract!
River Vale
Truly an Exquisite Colonial on a Cul de Sac. Beautiful street, with similar homes. Large family home that has been updated, and meticulously cared for by owners, and it shows! Large Eat In Kitchen with sliding doors to deck, and private yard. Family room with Fireplace off kitchen, and sliding doors to deck as well. Second floor has large landing with beautiful Master Bedroom Suite, and gorgeous State of the Art Updated Bath, with whirlpool, double vanity, granite, marble, and separate shower. All bedrooms are generous, and spacious. Additional loft bedroom (Huge)with separate staircase to side entrance of home. Large basement with wine cellar, and magnificent storage space with high ceilings. Underground electricity on street. Truly a Special home in River Vale, and Priced to Sell.
"Under Contract in One Week!"
Bogota
Showcase home! Totally Renovated home with the best of everything! Huge kitchen with all custom tiles, and granite countertops, multi-glass backsplash with Open floor plan and detailed molding. French door leading to formal living room with huge new bay window, marble floors, electric fireplace. Master bedroom suite with cherry hardwood floors. Full bath with custom fixtures, Jacuzzi, fully tiled, even on ceiling. bowl sink with state of the art vanity, and linen closet. Full finished attic, great for teenager, and extended family member. Full finished basement with granite, and marble tile. Home has new siding, and roof, beautiful white maintenance fence, aver walk way, driveway, and professional gardens, with waterfall. Detached garage, heated, and air conditioned, electricity, cable and tile floor, being used as office. Additional shed for storage. Quiet neighborhood, and close to all transportation to all of NJ, and New York. THIS HOME HAS IT ALL!!!
Price: $447,777
Montvale
5 bedroom 2.5 bath Colonial with totally updated kitchen on cul de sac, hardwood floors, two car garage,and full finished basement.
Price: $629,777
Montvale
4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, Amazing kitchen with granite, top of the line new stainless appliances, hardwood floors throughout,
13 Amy Court of Woodcliff Lake
Sparkling 4 bedroom updated home on cul de sac, Spacious, and open floor plan, with scenic views from every room!
Old Tappan , The Magnificent Waters Edge !!!
Prime Location of Old Tappan
Center Hall Brick Colonial on almost 1 lush acre of professionally landscaped property in Prestigious Water's Edge!
25 Corrigan Way
Asking: $1,999,777
Find out about our office exclusives "Yes, I have a home for everyone" Call Today for more information! CALL TO FIND OUT WHERE OUR OPEN HOUSES ARE THIS SUNDAY.....
Call Today!
Real Estate Update
Daily News and Advice
Read about the events shaping the Real Estate market today, find current interest rates, or browse the extensive library of advice and how-to articles written by some of the top experts in Real Estate. Updated each weekday.
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