Big Stick

Selling a house or other Austin, TX real estate with owner financing may be unfamiliar territory for many, but anyone who plans to sell property against the current background of tough lending conditions may want to brush up on the basics.

Understanding the concept of owner financing is easy: the seller assumes the role of a bank and finances the buyer’s purchase.

The decision to provide owner financing, however, can be much more difficult; although providing owner financing could mean the difference in being able to sell a house, it could also mean a great amount of risk for the seller if the buyer eventually defaults on the loan.

As the U.S. struggles with a sluggish real estate market, owner financing presents a way for buyers and sellers to close deals that might not be possible with conventional financing.

There are some deals that just simply cannot get done (with conventional lending) because the credit markets are too tough for a particular buyer to qualify or because the type of transaction is perceived to be too risky.
There could also be a situation in which a buyer may not have sufficient capital for a down payment. Partial owner financing, in that case, can help fill in the gaps in closing a deal.

In addition, the benefits of owner financing can appeal to sellers who are trying to unload property. Closing a deal on a house, for example, may take considerably less time with owner financing than with conventional financing. While a conventional lender will scrutinize the collateral property to determine the level of risk, a seller who is already familiar with their property can form his or her own risk assessment relatively quickly.

Owner financing may also be an attractive choice for investment, potentially offering high rates of return. A seller can negotiate an interest rate that the buyer will pay them that is more favorable than would be available for other sorts of investments.

Furthermore, seller financing can provide some tax benefits by spreading out a large gain over time (check with your accountant or CPA).

Selling a house or other Austin, TX real estate with owner financing may be unfamiliar territory for many, but anyone who plans to sell property against the current background of tough lending conditions may want to brush up on the basics.

Understanding the concept of owner financing is easy: the seller assumes the role of a bank and finances the buyer’s purchase.

The decision to provide owner financing, however, can be much more difficult; although providing owner financing could mean the difference in being able to sell a house, it could also mean a great amount of risk for the seller if the buyer eventually defaults on the loan.

As the U.S. struggles with a sluggish real estate market, owner financing presents a way for buyers and sellers to close deals that might not be possible with conventional financing.

There are some deals that just simply cannot get done (with conventional lending) because the credit markets are too tough for a particular buyer to qualify or because the type of transaction is perceived to be too risky.
There could also be a situation in which a buyer may not have sufficient capital for a down payment. Partial owner financing, in that case, can help fill in the gaps in closing a deal.

In addition, the benefits of owner financing can appeal to sellers who are trying to unload property. Closing a deal on a house, for example, may take considerably less time with owner financing than with conventional financing. While a conventional lender will scrutinize the collateral property to determine the level of risk, a seller who is already familiar with their property can form his or her own risk assessment relatively quickly.

Owner financing may also be an attractive choice for investment, potentially offering high rates of return. A seller can negotiate an interest rate that the buyer will pay them that is more favorable than would be available for other sorts of investments.

Furthermore, seller financing can provide some tax benefits by spreading out a large gain over time (check with your accountant or CPA).

Anytime of year can be the right time to get your car in tip-top shape. Experts know that a top-notch pit crew can make the difference between winning or being an also-ran-even if you’re just getting ready for the next family trip. That’s why it’s important to remember that not all auto repair technicians are created equal.

Just ask Todd Berrier, crew chief for Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevy Monte Carlo SS. “It’s my job to make sure Kevin (Harvick’s) car is in perfect working condition at every race,” said Berrier.

He recommends having a trained technician “sweat the details” like he does and inspect the following before you hit the road:

• Tire pressure: About 20 percent of cars inspected in check lanes during National Car Care Month have underinflated tires, which can result in blowouts and serious accidents. Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). In addition, low tire pressure can reduce gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.

• Wipers: Generally, wipers should be replaced every six months, ideally in the spring and fall, making now the perfect time to take a look at them. Also, make sure the windshield washers work properly and keep the washer fluid reservoir full.

• Lubricants and Fluids: Nearly 30 percent of vehicles failed inspections as a result of too little, too much or dirty motor oil, and 26 percent had low, overfull or burnt transmission fluid. Twenty-one percent had low or dirty power steering fluid, 23 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid, and 18 percent failed the washer fluid inspection. Improper fluid levels affect your vehicle’s safety and can damage vehicle components.

• Parts: It is important to have items such as belts and hoses regularly inspected and replaced with the right parts when needed. Genuine GM replacement parts, for example, are manufactured to the same specifications of the company’s vehicles. A broken belt or ruptured hose can cause costly engine damage and travel delays.

“Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections can help improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, achieve peak performance and even help avoid major repairs down the road,” said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations.

Lord also emphasizes the importance of technician training when it comes to getting superior maintenance.

Below are some questions about jewelry and these questions always will be asked when someone shopping for jewelry…

What is The Most Appropriate Way to Clean My Jewelry?

If you take proper care of your jewelry, it can remain looking new. Remove your jewelry at night and put it in a safe place where several pieces will not rub against each other. Also, avoid contact of your jewelry with substances such as perfume, bleach, cosmetics, soap, hairsprays, etc. Gold jewelry may be cleaned in a bowl of water containing any mild liquid detergent. Use a soft brush to create lathers around the jewelry. Rinse the piece off – not over the drain, in a metal or plastic strainer. Dry your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth. More guidelines to cleaning your jewelry can be found in our jewelry care section.

What Points Stand Out when Viewing Jewelry Quality?

Unique care is required by some gemstones; however there are certain basic guidelines and characteristics that finely crafted jewelry have in common, regardless of the manufacturing method that was used to produce them. The jewelry shouldn’t have any pits, bumps, scratches or holes. All components of the jewelry should have a smooth finish. If the surface of the jewelry is supposed to be brushed or have a matte finish, it should also be smooth and uniform. The shine should resemble a mirror on every surface if it is polished.

What Makes White Gold White and What is It?

Gold with 100% purity is too soft for use in jewelry, so it is usually mixed with other metals or “alloyed” to make it harder. White gold is produced from the mixing of gold, copper, palladium, and zinc. Various shades of yellow gold can be created from the mixing of gold, silver, copper, and small amounts of zinc.

Why do Pieces of Jewelry that Look Nearly the Same Differ so Much with Price?

Several features can affect the value of gold jewelry. One-of-a-kind designer jewelry can be very costly. Different finishes can alter the value, such as matte or sandblasted. Also, heavier pieces can be more costly than lighter ones, as gold is often sold by weight.

Why 14K Gold Jewelry Worth Less Than 18K Gold Jewelry?