Now more than ever has this question been quite as relevant: Are you better off buying your home or renting the place where you live?

You would think declaring if someone is rich or not would be a relatively easy thing to assess. But according to a recent Gallup poll of Americans, it may not be that clear.

This is a great piece from National Public Radio (NPR) on the Silicon Valley housing market. It’s about a 5 minute interview of a local real estate builder, Realtor and other experts regarding residential real estate in Silicon Valley. And generally we know “as goes Silicon Valley, goes the greater Bay Area”. A very good and informative listen...

We may be there. According to Clear Capital, a Truckee, California-based real estate research company, the firm’s Home Data Index (HDI) Market Report indicates that 2012 will be a relatively flat year for housing appreciation (compared to a number of years of depreciation in Real Estate values) across the nation. But...

Asset Allocation and Modern Portfolio Theory are the backbone of current and prudent investment philosophy and strategies. The problem is these strategies typically will not account for your non-stock & bond investments and risks...

This is a great 4 minute interview with David Wessel, economics editor of The Wall Street Journal. Wessel talks with National Public Radio (NPR) host Steve Inskeep about the trials and tribulations of getting a mortgage despite all-time...

Often when I’m working with clients this question comes up: “who is your financial advisor?” And just as often they will answer with “Oh, yes. Our financial advisor is Joe with Joe’s Investments.” We’ll continue to talk...

There is a lot of consideration and angst that homeowners go through in considering a short sale (appropriately so). Aside from the emotional turmoil, there are some very real financial and legal issues to deal with...

I’m sure you’ve seen the ads… “No Cost Mortgage!” No closing costs, no appraisal fee, no this, no that. Free Money! Don’t be fooled. There are always costs associated with originating a mortgage...

There are over 33,000 Marin County residents who are 65 or older. Though Marin is a relatively wealthy area measured in income, net worth and home values, many seniors, and often along with their adult children, still face very tough choices in maintaining their lifestyle through their retirement years. Making the best choice is not simple...

In the event Congress does not act to extend the current set-to-expire tax benefits, individuals and families are likely to have a larger tax obligation to the Federal government. Here’s a brief list of what’s expiring...

I recently met with a couple who have a significant amount of equity in their home. After reviewing their financial situation, they asked me...

"Higher home prices could come roaring back” predicts a new report that expects higher home prices to come roaring back over the next six years.