What are you worth in like and death?  Financial experts agree that the new laws will hurt the middle class. What can you do? Read this, contact your local legislators (it’s not  to late), and be proactive. Little is much for the love ones left behind.  http://usat.ly/bJhHhy

Here’s a quick summary: As of October 2010, Congress still hasn’t restored the federal estate tax despite predictions they would reinstate it retroactive to January 1. Now, many experts are saying that Congress isn’t likely to pass a retroactive estate tax this year. The 2011 status remains a mystery. With such a heavy focus on financial legislation in a significant mid-term election year, here’s a handy guide to what’s happening with the estate tax, energy tax credits, and flood insurance.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/estate-tax-tax-credits-flood-insurance-update-tax-issues/#ixzz16dn1UBxD

SHORT SALES are everywhere. There are a painful process for Realtors and sellers. Buyer’s do not always come out on top either. If this is your only option, better read this… http://bit.ly/dbIEcj

Should You Move or Remodel? When your house no longer suits you, you can      move or remodel. Find out which big change is the right investment of your housing dollars. The decision may be more complicated than you think. Click to read more… http://bit.ly/bv9TAF

Organizations all over the country are pitching in to help solve the foreclosure crisis. They use different strategies, but they share a common goal: helping homeowners in financial distress keep their homes. Phone a foreclosure counselor: The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (http://www.credability.org/en/get-started/foreclosure-prevention.aspx), Minneapolis, takes calls 24/7 at its HOPE™ Hotline at 888/995-HOPE. They can link you up with a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-certified counselor. Go online for foreclosure help: Consumer Credit Counseling Agency of Atlanta’s CredAbility live chat program, (www.995hope.org) which helps borrowers anywhere in the United States. NeighborWorks® America alliance offers foreclosure counseling workshops, one-on-one counseling sessions, and other home ownership services designed to help you buy a home or keep the home you have despite financial challenges. HouseLogic, Oct. 18, 2010

Procedural difficulties have led to a nationwide foreclosure moratorium. If you’re a home owner in foreclosure, use this time to prepare for the next step—or possibly end the foreclosure altogether. What does this foreclosure moratorium mean?  As banks work through this issue, they may be more receptive to approving alternatives to foreclosure, such as a loan modification, if you can prove you’re able to begin making mortgage payments again. If you can’t show income, the bank may be more receptive to a short sale, where you’re allowed to sell your home for less than what you owe the lender.  These options are more likely possibilities in the early stages of the process. Once the bank has proceeded with the foreclosure, it may be less likely to be open to negotiation. (NAR, Houselogic, 10/10)