The Basics of Construction Loans: Buy Land and Build New
When it comes to buying land for the sole purpose of building a brand new home, it's important to understand the basics of construction loans before you start the process. Construction loans are offered by most banks and other...
What Is a Security Deposit?
A security deposit is a sum of money that a tenant pays to a landlord when they sign a lease. The deposit is held by the landlord until the tenant moves out and is used to cover any damages caused to the leased property by...
What Is Earnest Money? Earnest money is an initial deposit put down by a potential home buyer when submitting an offer to purchase a house. It shows the seller that the buyer is serious about the purchase and is willing to put up money as collateral to ensure the sale....
An individual’s property taxes can be a major factor in their ability to financially manage their home or business. Property taxes provide funding for local school districts, fire departments, and highway fleets, but for many people, they can also be a financial burden. You may decide to appeal your...
What Is Assessed Value?
Assessed value is an estimation of the worth of a piece of property. Many local taxing authorities refer to the assessed value of properties when determining how much money they are able to levy in taxes. Assessed value is typically determined by a government agency...
What Was the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Bailout?
In 2008, the United States housing market crashed and the government was forced to intervene and provide a bail out package for two government-sponsored entities (GSE): Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The bailout for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was part...
Will The US Ever Default On Its Debt?
The US government has accumulated a massive amount of debt over the years, making it the largest debtor nation in the entire world. With no end in sight for accruing more debt and facing a stagnant economy, many wonder if one...
In recent years, the debt and deficit have become even more prominent topics in the political arena. They have been discussed in political debates, analyzed in news articles and are often topics of discussion among everyday citizens. But, despite their frequent discussions, many people don’t fully understand the difference...
What Is Inflation? Inflation is the general increase in prices of goods and services over time. It is a core macroeconomic consideration that is often seen as a measure of a country’s economic vitality. Inflation is the compounded effect of broader economic activity and purchasing power.
When the purchasing power of...
What Is a Stimulus Check? A Comprehensive Guide
With the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the federal government announced that most Americans can expect to receive a one-time economic impact payment, usually referred to as a "stimulus check." This direct payment of...












