Ask Carrie: Homes and Mortgages
Does It Make Sense to Buy Your First Home While You're in the Military?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
November 11, 2020
A VA mortgage can make it easier for service members to buy a first home, but it's still a complicated decision.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
November 11, 2020
A VA mortgage can make it easier for service members to buy a first home, but it's still a complicated decision.
Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
September 16, 2020
A reverse mortgage could help you "age in place," but it's essential to weigh the benefits, costs and risks.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
September 16, 2020
A reverse mortgage could help you "age in place," but it's essential to weigh the benefits, costs and risks.
Postponing Retirement? Don't Postpone Planning for It!
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
August 13, 2020
Being 65 doesn't mean you have to retire—but you do need to prepare for a smooth transition when the time comes.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
August 13, 2020
Being 65 doesn't mean you have to retire—but you do need to prepare for a smooth transition when the time comes.
Is Downsizing the Right Move for You?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
July 14, 2020
Thinking of downsizing? There can be considerable financial rewards, but that's not the only consideration.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
July 14, 2020
Thinking of downsizing? There can be considerable financial rewards, but that's not the only consideration.
Short on Cash? Carefully Consider Your Options
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
June 30, 2020
Worried about selling in a volatile market? There's more than one way to come up with cash when you need it.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
June 30, 2020
Worried about selling in a volatile market? There's more than one way to come up with cash when you need it.
Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
April 15, 2020
Falling interest rates may have you thinking about refinancing your mortgage but here's what else to consider.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
April 15, 2020
Falling interest rates may have you thinking about refinancing your mortgage but here's what else to consider.
Will You Have to Pay Capital Gains Taxes on the Sale of Your Home?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
February 18, 2020
There are generous exclusions for capital gains on the sale of a home—but timing is crucial.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
February 18, 2020
There are generous exclusions for capital gains on the sale of a home—but timing is crucial.
Can You Use IRA Assets to Purchase a Retirement Home? Should You?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
October 23, 2019
Thinking about using IRA assets to buy a retirement home? Have you also thought about the potential consequences?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
October 23, 2019
Thinking about using IRA assets to buy a retirement home? Have you also thought about the potential consequences?
Should You Tap Your 401(k) to Fund Your Down Payment?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
July 24, 2019
Is borrowing from your 401(k) the best approach when buying your first home?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
July 24, 2019
Is borrowing from your 401(k) the best approach when buying your first home?
Thinking About Taking the Plunge? Tips for a First-Time Home Buyer
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
June 26, 2019
Hesitant to buy that first home even though you've saved for a down payment? You need to ask yourself some questions.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
June 26, 2019
Hesitant to buy that first home even though you've saved for a down payment? You need to ask yourself some questions.
Is Interest on a HELOC Still Tax-Deductible?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
July 18, 2018
Interest on a HELOC may still be tax-deductible, but there are new laws and limits.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
July 18, 2018
Interest on a HELOC may still be tax-deductible, but there are new laws and limits.
Is It Better to Rent or Buy?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
December 20, 2017
Think you're ready to buy a home? Remember, it's as much an emotional decision as a financial one.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
December 20, 2017
Think you're ready to buy a home? Remember, it's as much an emotional decision as a financial one.
Planning to Rent Out Your Vacation Home? Understand the Tax Rules.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
September 20, 2017
Renting out a vacation home can help defray your costs—but the tax rules are complicated. To avoid a big IRS headache, pay close attention and keep accurate records.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
September 20, 2017
Renting out a vacation home can help defray your costs—but the tax rules are complicated. To avoid a big IRS headache, pay close attention and keep accurate records.
Is a HELOC Right for You?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
July 26, 2017
Home renovations are exciting—and expensive. Having equity in your home can help you foot the bill.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
July 26, 2017
Home renovations are exciting—and expensive. Having equity in your home can help you foot the bill.
You're Ready for That First House—But Can You Afford It?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
March 15, 2017
There are rules of thumb for how much house you can afford, but there's a lot more to consider.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
March 15, 2017
There are rules of thumb for how much house you can afford, but there's a lot more to consider.
Does It Make Sense to Pay Off Your Mortgage?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
June 01, 2016
Whether or not to pay off your mortgage before you retire is a balance of practical considerations and peace of mind.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
June 01, 2016
Whether or not to pay off your mortgage before you retire is a balance of practical considerations and peace of mind.