Home $$$ and Sense

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Don’t blame the entire market slowdown on loss of tax credits

Home $$$ and Sense
August 27, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,Do you think that the expiration of the federal tax credit has caused the 25-percent decline in home sales?

IRA money can’t pay down mortgage

Home $$$ and Sense
August 20, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,I read one of your articles where you talked about self-directed IRAs. You said that the IRAs could be used to invest in real estate.

Should income property be part of an investment portfolio?

Home $$$ and Sense
August 13, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,The recent fluctuations in the stock market have made me nervous about keeping all of my money in stocks.

Hardwood floors or laminate?

Home $$$ and Sense
August 6, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,I love reading your articles in Gold Country Homes in the Journal.

Market shift —inventory up, sales down

Home $$$ and Sense
July 30, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,I have been an appraiser in the greater Auburn area for the last 25 years. I would like to share what I have observed over the last three months.

First-timers have the home-buying fever

Home $$$ and Sense
July 23, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,I have been trying to buy a property to fix and flip for more than six months.

Understanding arbitration vs. litigation

Home $$$ and Sense
July 16, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,I had my real estate agent write an offer on a home that I intend to live in forever.

Fannie, Freddie threaten Placer’s ‘green’ growth

Home $$$ and Sense
July 9, 2010
By Sue Thompson

I was very excited about an innovative and progressive program known as mPOWER Placer.

Short sale pro offers helpful hints

Home $$$ and Sense
July 2, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Editor’s Note: Sandra Bridges, head of the Short Sale Help department at HomeTown Realtors in Auburn, shares her experiences in Home $$$s and Sense about what it takes to

Selling a home with ditch water is tricky

Home $$$ and Sense
June 25, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,My father lives in Applegate. His house is on ditch water. He had to abandon the original well because it was contaminated with mercury.

Buying a house? Then don’t go out and purchase a car

Home $$$ and Sense
June 18, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,I inherited some money when my grandmother passed away last year. I didn’t want to trickle it away so I decided to invest it my first house.

Even with spouse’s death, $500,000 exclusion available

Home $$$ and Sense
June 11, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,My wife and I have lived in the same home in Auburn for the last 18 years.

If you’re moving to the country, get the right inspections

Home $$$ and Sense
June 4, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,I am in escrow on a country property. I can’t believe that I am going to be living out one of my fondest dreams.

Investors can direct themselves to more profit with IRA

Home $$$ and Sense
May 28, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,I have been a contractor/investor for more than 10 years. I have used other people’s money to buy, rehab and resell homes.

Can’t close a short sale? Try legal help

Home $$$ and Sense
May 21, 2010
By Sue Thompson

Dear Sue,My home has been in escrow on a short sale for six long months.