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Articles from Christopher Shaw | Selfgrowth.com
- First Time Home Buyers: Beware of Home Office Hidden Tax Obligations - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2010 from Christopher ShawWorking from home definitely has its advantages. There is no commute, the dress attire is comfortable, and you set your own hours. Wonderful! However, just like everything else in life, it also has its draw backs or consequences. Filing taxes for most is already a real pain and for those who ...
Views: 1648(2 votes) - Top 5 Reasons First Time Home Buyers Should Use FHA 203(k) Loan - by Submitted on Jan 31, 2010 from Christopher ShawI Guess I really can’t say this enough, today’s market is prime and ripe for the first time homebuyer. There is a surplus of homes on the market due to the overwhelming “down pour” of foreclosures. Included in that surplus are a lot of great deals, particularly “fixer uppers”. The FHA 203(k) ...
Views: 1313(2 votes) - First Time Buyers: Go Green, Recycle! - by Submitted on Jan 23, 2010 from Christopher ShawYou know, it wasn't until I saw an episode of the Oprah Winfrey show concerning the growing problem of landfills that are full of materials that will never go away, that I realized how extremely important it is to recycle. Unfortunately many things that we use on a daily basis and simply discard ...
Views: 1264(1 vote) - First Time Buyers: Honeymoon or Homeownership? - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2010 from Christopher ShawAh, love is in the air. That greatly anticipated question has been popped and answered, the invitations have been chosen and the wedding party is set! You are now preparing to embark upon a new life together. The happy couple have many important decisions to make during this time. One very ...
Views: 1211(1 vote) - First time Buyers: Play House Before You Buy The House - by Submitted on Jan 18, 2010 from Christopher ShawAre you seriously thinking about buying a home, but you’re nervous and unsure as to whether you can comfortably afford it? Then why not “try it before you buy it.” There are two experiments that you can conduct that will let you know if you are financially ready to take on the responsibility ...
Views: 1215(2 votes) - First Time Buyer: Can Full and Part Time Real Estate Agents Be Equal? - by Submitted on Jan 15, 2010 from Christopher ShawI know that I am going to step on a lot of part time toes, but I must speak on the facts. Would you want a part time obstetrician to deliver your baby? No? Then its highly unlikely that you would want a part time agent when you are buying a home. I know it may sound a little extreme however, ...
Views: 1234(1 vote) - To Rent or Buy? That is the Question. - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2010 from Christopher ShawThe decision to rent or to buy a home is not as simple as it first appears. As you may already know, buying a home definitely has it’s advantages. However, the answer has more to do with your individual circumstances. For the first time home buyer who may be nervous and unsure whether to ...
Views: 1296(1 vote) - First Time Buyers: Closing the Deal On Your New Home - by Submitted on Jan 08, 2010 from Christopher ShawAt this point, you have successfully jumped through the many hoops put before you; you’ve searched high and low for your home, the offer has been accepted, your mortgage has been approved and all the other contingencies have been satisfied! Now the finish line is in plain sight with one last ...
Views: 1296(2 votes) - First Time Buyers: How To Choose the Right Home Inspector - by Submitted on Jan 02, 2010 from Christopher ShawIn view of the fact that you are reading this article, would it be safe to assume that you have made the wise decision to hire a home inspector? Great! As you probably realize buying a home is a big investment and you need to find out everything possible about it before you sign on the dotted ...
Views: 1329(3 votes) - Making The Offer To Buy A Home - by Submitted on Dec 31, 2009 from Christopher ShawFinally, you have arrived! You've found the home of your dreams! Take a deep breathe and remain calm. You must act swiftly but wisely. Take the emotions out of it and get down to business. You and your real estate agent must now decide on the best offer to make. Most deals are negotiable! The ...
Views: 1228(3 votes) - First Time Buyers: Four Tips On How To Be A Savvy House Hunting - by Submitted on Dec 30, 2009 from Christopher ShawNow that you've been armed with a budget and a mortgage pre-approval from your lender, there are a few things that you must know before you begin hunting for that dream home. This is the time when communication between you and your agent is most critical since you must convey exactly what you ...
Views: 1254(2 votes) - In an Infants Eyes - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Christopher Shaw“Every baby born into the world is a finer one than the last one”. Charles Dickens I have had an eye opening experience this holiday season. I’ve been blessed to have my daughter and our first grandchild spend time with us. The other day my wife was quizzing me and she asked me if I ...
Views: 1400(4 votes) - First Time Buyer have You Found the Right Mortgage Professional? - by Submitted on Dec 26, 2009 from Christopher ShawFinding the right mortgage lender or mortgage broker is absolutely imperative. You are about to make one of the biggest transactions of your life, who you get to process your loan could save you money and stress. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your mortgage ...
Views: 1204(3 votes) - First time Buyers: Where To Find the Money To Buy A Home - by Submitted on Dec 25, 2009 from Christopher ShawOne of the most important things you must do when preparing to purchase a home is assessing your budget. You must be clear on where you are financially. What can you afford in a monthly mortgage? But also realize that your mortgage payment will often include other fees such as loan interest, ...
Views: 1568(3 votes) - First Time Buyers: How To Jumpstart Your Credit To Buy A Home - by Submitted on Dec 24, 2009 from Christopher ShawTis’ the season for gift giving, however, instead of spending all that time, energy and money on stacking gifts under the tree this year, why not try giving yourself the gift that keeps on giving. The 700+ credit score. Your credit history holds a very significant key to your new home. It ...
Views: 1155(3 votes) - First Time Buyers: How To Jumpstart Your Credit To Buy A Home - by Submitted on Dec 24, 2009 from Christopher ShawTis’ the season for gift giving, however, instead of spending all that time, energy and money on stacking gifts under the tree this year, why not try giving yourself the gift that keeps on giving. The 700+ credit score. Your credit history holds a very significant key to your new home. It ...
Views: 1195(3 votes) - What Every Home Buyer Should Know About Their Credit! - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2009 from Christopher ShawYour credit score is extremely important in the home buying process. It plays a huge role in how lenders view you as a borrower. Your score helps lenders determine how much of a risk you are, the lower the score the more of a risk they feel you will be to default on the loan. It also ...
Views: 1120(3 votes) - Seven Ways to Make Home Buying Simple - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2009 from Christopher ShawThe home buying process can be very stressful, time consuming and costly especially for those who have not a clue. Today’s market is definitely ripe and ready to devour for the home buyer with low interest rates and the price of homes at an all time low, now is definitely the time to buy. In an ...
Views: 1336(3 votes) - Claim Your Piece of the Tax Credit Pie - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2009 from Christopher ShawThere is great news for those of you who did not take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit previously offered first time home buyers! It is back by popular demand with a few new features. According to the Internal Revenue Service, more than 1.5 million claims were processed from individuals and ...
Views: 1327(2 votes) - A First Time Buyers Guide to Home Ownership - by Submitted on Dec 01, 2009 from Christopher ShawToday’s market has put many in an “urge to buy” kind of mood. Understandably so. It is definitely a buyer’s market with low interest rates, and the price of homes at an all time low. If you're wise you’ll want to buy now too. Since the demand for buying is high, we thought we would take ...
Views: 1456(2 votes) - Financing Can Be A Single Women’s Best Friend. - by Submitted on Nov 24, 2009 from Christopher ShawIf you read the newspapers or surf the internet you can’t help but notice the buzz surrounding the latest trend in real estate, Single Women! The reasons for this significant rise in single women buyers has many different components. This trend which is changing not only the face of ...
Views: 1269(3 votes) - Security is Priority to Single Women Buying Homes. - by Submitted on Nov 11, 2009 from Christopher ShawAs you may be aware the fastest growing demographic in real estate sales is single women second only to married couples. Previously we asked the question, “What are Single Women looking for ….. In a Home?” Well, high on the list of 10 things most desired by single women when purchasing a home ...
Views: 1561(4 votes) - First Time Buyers: Credit Tip of the Week How to Use Secured Credit Cards - by Submitted on Oct 13, 2009 from Christopher ShawFirst Time Buyers: Credit Tip of the Week Secured Credit Cards The use of a secured credit card can and will build your credit over time, it is not an overnight fix to your past credit woes. What is a secured credit card: “a credit card that is issued to a consumer that is tied to their ...
Views: 1265(1 vote) - First Time Buyers: Finding a Needle in a Haystack - by Submitted on Oct 02, 2009 from Christopher ShawWhen searching for a home it can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. With a little pre-planning you can make your house hunting a lot more productive. For starters you want to make sure you can make a day out of searching for your home. If you can’t set aside a day, take a few hours ...
Views: 1229(2 votes) - First Time Buyer -Dont put the Cart before the Horse - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Christopher ShawAs I tell all my clients don't put the cart before the horse. In other word don't go shopping until you have the cash or you've secured financing. A lot of people do this which can sometimes backfire and lead to frustration and disappointment. First of all, say you start looking and find a ...
Views: 1296(1 vote) - New Wave of Foreclosure Bus Tours Puts You First, Sale Second - by Submitted on Aug 28, 2009 from Christopher ShawAugust 2009-Investing in real estate has never been easier, nor more user friendly thanks to the newest wave of foreclosure bus tours. The Foreclosure Bus Tour offers exclusive, detailed and personal information about properties available to tour participants from real estate and investment ...
Views: 1304(2 votes) - Are you willing to Work for Free? - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2009 from Christopher ShawI am a small business owner and sometimes just to break the monotony in the hiring regiment I will ask a prospective interviewee if they would work for free. I do this because I understand that the standard resume and usual interview questions are predictable. So, when I pitch this curve ball ...
Views: 2465(6 votes) - Build Your Million Dollar Dream Team - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2009 from Christopher ShawSuccess is just a mindset; you hear this old saying all of the time or what about “Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises. Did you ever stop and think about these words and phrases as you go about your everyday life? Have you ever paused and truly thought about the ...
Views: 1448(8 votes) - First Time Buyers - To Rehab or Not to Rehab - by Submitted on Jun 13, 2009 from Christopher ShawPurchasing a foreclosed property can be a very profitable endeavor for the right buyer. The buyer should proceed with caution and consider whether he wants to purchase a rehab or finished property. There are many variables to be considered before making a decision as to which option will best ...
Views: 958 - Match Made in Heaven - by Submitted on Jun 12, 2009 from Christopher ShawI find it amazing that more Real Estate Investors are not aware of the benefits of working with First Time Home Buyers. As a successfully investor my goal has always been to find and educate the newcomer or “newbie” to the wealth of benefits that are available to home owners. Of course, the ...
Views: 940(1 vote) - First Time Buyers and Real Estate Investors Can Make a Great Team - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2009 from Christopher ShawIf you are a First Time Home Buyer, a newbie/property virgin, purchasing that initial property can become an overwhelming project. Many first time buyers have been diagnosed with “Information Overload”. It seems that everyone and anyone has an opinion and or story about what you should do and ...
Views: 866(1 vote) - Dorothy Says, "There's No Place Like Home" - by Submitted on May 25, 2009 from Christopher ShawI have been in the mortgage /real estate business for over 12 years and I agree with Dorothy, "There is no place like home". It amazes me in the different mindsets between renters and home owners. Homer owners tend to take more pride in there surroundings. It means they can paint the walls, turn ...
Views: 1402(1 vote) - Why Buying Your First Home Should Be in 2009 - by Submitted on Mar 20, 2009 from Christopher ShawIf you are a first time buyer you should be salivating at the perks available to you. Barack Obama recently passed a bill that was created to assist individuals looking to purchase there first home. The reinvestment act of 2009 guarantees that if you meet certain criteria you will rewarded ...
Views: 1049(1 vote)