Price realistically, make minor repairs and accept the reality that houses are worth less today than they were a few years ago. That’s the consensus of real estate agents in and around the District, who say a three-year slide in housing prices, low mortgage rates and a new $8,000 federal tax credit has shifted power from home sellers to potential buyers. From quick sales and bidding wars, the market has slid into one of the worst declines since the Great Depression. The large supply of unsold homes, tighter lending standards, record mortgage foreclosures and a crisis of confidence has taken a toll on home prices. And the end is still not in sight, one of the property market’s best-known economists said. Read more…
Feeling Fat? Get Some Sleep
Sleep may be as essential as diet and exercise as a key to maintaining a healthy body weight. New research concludes body mass index (BMI) is linked to length and quality of sleep in a surprisingly consistent fashion. As part of the Integrative Cardiac Health Project at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, researchers analyzed the sleep, activity and energy expenditures of 14 nurses who had volunteered for a heart-health program at the Walter Reed, where the nurses were employed. The program included nutritional counseling, exercise training, stress management and sleep improvement. Read more…
Degrees of Debt: College Students Overusing Credit
More college students are using credit cards to pay for everything from tuition to food, leaving many increasingly anxious about their growing debt. A new study just released by Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading provider of college loans, shows the number of cards, the amount of debt and extent of concern are increasing. At the same time, the numbers of students paying their balances in full or showing complete financial understanding are decreasing. Read more…
Few Parents Teach Teens Money Management
Teens are experts at spending money, but far fewer apparently know how to manage it. Blame it on their parents. According to a survey by Charles Schwab & Co., most parents admit they could do a better job teaching their kids about money management. Only a third have taught their teens how to balance a checkbook and even fewer–29 percent–have explained credit card interest and fees. Read more…
Cut Costs, But Not Health Care
Taking care of your health is never a luxury. Even if you lose your job or your health insurance, it’s important to keep taking your medicine and get routine care. So keep taking your prescribed medications. But ask your doctor about the possibility a cheaper generic option or prescription drug assistance. You can find out if you qualify for free or low-cost medicine through RXAssist. Read more tips from the Institute for Good Medicine.
Online Property Scam Raises Questions
Technology has changed the way properties are bought and sold. But it’s also created a world of opportunity for fraud and scams. Just recently, the National Association of Realtors warned that its name is being used as part of a property rental scheme. Rental property is offered to consumers, who are led to believe that NAR is functioning as an intermediary for rental deposits from prospective tenants. Read more…
Wrong Info Boosts Car Insurance Rates
Auto insurance can take a big bite out of many budgets. So it’s not surprising when consumers switch carriers to take advantage of lower premiums. Unfortunately, the rate you ultimately pay may be significantly higher than the low quote you initially receive–and the increase could be the result of wrong information. Read more…