Home Decor: Since 1873 Kohler has led the way in craftsmanship and innovation with luxury products and services designed to make life easier. In the 21st century, Kohler has turned its lineage of stunning design and innovation to water conservation…

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There is a lot of speculation of what house prices are going to do in the next 12 months. And, when many other elements that all influence what is about to happen to the property market are considered it still does not give us a clear idea of what the future will be.

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A San Marino mansion’s fortress-like exterior shields a finely detailed interior

George Washington Smith made his name creating Spanish Colonial Revival mansions in Montecito and Santa Barbara from 1917 to 1930, but the Pennsylvania-born architect and painter also left his mark on Beverly Hills, Pasadena and San Marino.

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The reason for the rise: Buyers taking advantage of the tax credit for first-time owners before it expires next month. The median price for an existing home was $174,900, down 9% from a year earlier. Sales of existing homes surged in September as buyers raced to take advantage of the tax credit for first-time home buyers before it expires next month.

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For the first time in 35 years, it’s expected that Social Security beneficiaries will receive no cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase next year. Since the automatic COLA went into effect in 1975, beneficiaries have never failed to receive an increase, raising concerns that millions of beneficiaries will suffer a lowered standard of living since Medicare Part D (prescription plans) and Medicare Part C plans are expected to increase.

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Well, according to www.FinAid.com, you could qualify for the government’s Loan Forgiveness program, which cancels all or part of qualifying federal student loans based on your work or volunteer service.

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The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s FHA Streamlined 203(k) loan allows qualifying home buyers to finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage to improve or upgrade their home before move-in.

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Image via Wikipedia As the cliché goes, there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. But, they’re intertwined. When you go to the great beyond, the government generally wants its cut, which is just under half the size of your estate, provided it reaches a certain size. Yep: The government can be your [...]

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