This may affect your credit.The consequences of an IRS filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien are significant. This lien is public record, and eventually may show up on one's credit report which can severely impact their ability to secure further credit in the future as well as lower their credit score.The effects on your assets.A federal tax lien restricts your ability to utilize and monetize any existing or future assets - from real-estate, stock investments, automobiles, etc. This means that the IRS is first in line for proceeds if you were to sell any of your assets, before you receive any cash.The affects on your business.Protecting your business from financial troubles is important, and a lien can be especially damaging. It attaches to all of your property — including accounts receiv... 01/23/2023

Over the past couple of years, mortgage rates hit their all-time lowest point. At that time, financial experts encouraged buyers to get a fixed-rate mortgage loan to purchase their properties. However, with interest rates on the rise these last few months, many buyers began looking at adjustable-rate loans instead. Which one should you consider for your next mortgage loan? It depends.Fixed-Rate Mortgage vs Adjustable-Rate MortgageFixed-Rate MortgageA fixed-rate mortgage is exactly what it says: one set rate for the life of the loan. Even so, your monthly payment could change depending on current property taxes and insurance rates. But the actual monthly mortgage payment remains the same the entire time. However, lenders charge more interest for fixed-rate loans than they do for adjustab... 01/20/2023

Next LIVE Interactive TourVirtual TourJanuary 25th, 2023@ 5:30 PM ESTExperience a LIVE Interactive Virtual Tour of our Factory& some of our beautifully built Custom Homesour clients have allowed us to shoot in 3D& share with you.Please use the Sign Up Form belowso we can email you an Access Link.What can you learn by attending the Live Virtual Tour?- The Benefits of Modular Construction- The Design Software & how you can take a 3D walkthrough of your home before it is actually built- 3D Tour of our Factory- 3D Tours of Customer Homes- Live Moderated Q&A SessionPlease go to www.vt-sign-up.com to RSVP 01/18/2023

Lien vs. LevyFor the unaware taxpayer, it is important to understand the difference between liens and levies. People will use them interchangeably, but they are very different. A lien grants the government legal rights over all of your property.This does not mean they are going to sell your property but it does make it difficult for you when the government has an ownership stake in your assets. Especially if you are looking to sell them, like real estate.Anything you sell, the IRS will receive its cut before you receive anything.A levy, on the other hand, is the physical seizure of income and assets. The IRS is the only creditor on the planet that can garnish your income and remove money from your bank account without a court order.Next StepsPaying off your tax debt in full is the most ... 01/18/2023

Ignoring your obligation to pay taxes can lead the federal government to conduct severe legal action against all of your existing assets, current and future income and assets you acquire in the future; this form of punishment is called a federal tax lien.If you've received a certified letter indicating that the federal government has placed an unwelcome Federal 'tax lien' on your assets, this article can provide insights into what it means and how to remedy the issue.What is a Federal Tax Lien?When a taxpayer falls behind on their federal taxes, they are at risk of having an official public notification filed against them. This document is known as a Notice of Federal Tax Lien and can cause serious consequences for the individual's ability to enjoy any financial security.A federal tax l... 01/16/2023

     We had a blast in Carlsbad , CA last year . We woke up everyday with agreat view of the Pacific and it’s Ocean Breezes .  We toured all over town and enjoyed as many Local Restaurants as we could . On one of our stops,the server recommended a Pinot Grigio to us , Terra Alpina by Alois Lageder . We immediately moved it into one of our favorites .     Upon returning home to Pennsylvania, finding our next Bottle wasn’t going to be easy . You see the State (PA) controls 90% of Liquor Sales, and run what are known as State Stores . Your choice can be very limited . We live within an hour to DE and have visited two Total Wines .They always have what we are looking for .      This Summer I got even luckier while shopping at Circle Liquor Storein Somers Point, NJ.  There it was and price b... 01/15/2023

Down payment assistance, for everyone?? Well, maybe not for everyone but darn close.At Homebridge we have a new program that can help buyers that are tight on cash and provide them either 3.5% or 5% down payment assistance. There is the possibility the DPA can be forgiven after 5 years of on time payments, but there are a few ways to structure things that may  be a better fit for you.  This program is available with NO income restrictions, and you do NOT have to be a First time buyer.It will be based on an FHA loan with FHA MIP and generous ratios. and based on FHA loan limits for your area.Do you think this will be a good fit for you? If so, reach out to me, I would be happy to help.  And if you want to see 30 seconds of my talking head you can find me on  IG: @Robrauf  (IG is definite... 01/13/2023

    When traveling around the Country, a sure way to find a great Restaurant is to ask “Where do the Locals go ?”  In Ocean City , there is a classic Coffee Shop that is just like the one you grew up going to . Known for great Breakfasts , my favorite is one of their omelettes with a side of fresh fruit.They also have another favorite ,Dry Beef and Gravy , on the Menu . Their Bacon is cooked perfectly and their Home Fries are the real deal .    We often pop in for Lunch . If you like old style Milkshakes ( silver cup)they’ve got just what you are looking for . It could be shared between two.My favorite is their Cornbeef on Rye with Cole Slaw & Russian Dressing.But the rest of my family loves their Cheese Burgers !           The staff are long time employees who really make you feel welc... 01/13/2023

Pay Attention to Your PaychecksWith the recent changes in tax law, your paychecks may have grown more generous - but don't get too excited! They could mean less of a refund or an unexpected bill when you file. Make sure to stay informed and plan ahead so unpleasant surprises won't come back to haunt you this filing season.To prepare for tax season, it's important to monitor your paychecks and ensure that the right amount is withheld. If you see a decrease in federal taxes being taken out of each paycheck, adjust this with your employer immediately - even though it may mean taking home less every month. Doing so can help protect you from federal and state tax debts and penalties later!Run Your Numbers BeforeWith just your final paycheck from last year and a few additional details, you ca... 01/11/2023

Tax season can be a time of great anticipation for millions of Americans with dreams of a nice, big, refund check coming soon. Yet this year, many Americans may find themselves surprised and coming up short on their refunds.Many taxpayers have been shocked to find that this year, instead of a big tax refund check arriving in the mail, they are being saddled with an unexpected bill from Uncle Sam. The combination of recent tax law changes and updated employer withholding tables has left individuals scrambling to figure out how to pay for their new IRS obligations due at filing time.If you're worried about a looming tax bill, never fear: there are measures you can take to ensure that your taxes don't unexpectedly balloon. From budgeting tips to what do when the worst happens, these strate... 01/09/2023

      We are currently at our Beach House in Ocean City , NJ 08226                                   It is truly our Happy Place , even when it’s not Beach Season .The city has 8 blocks of shopping, with a number of unique stores. All  are currently decked out for Christmas . Additionally there are numerous Seafood Restaurants to enjoy in OC and nearby Somers Point.  It’s cold , but still great to take our Black Lab to runon the Beach . Well heading out for Sunday brunch and shopping.     01/08/2023

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. With the new year upon us, you may want to start planning for your 2023 taxes. I know. Not the most fun topic. But Uncle Sam rests for no one. If you have questions about your property taxes, please sign up for the 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar hosted by Coldwell Banker Realty.What: 2023 Property Tax Appeal SeminarWhere: Coldwell Banker Realty (209 Central Ave)When: 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 9th, 2023Admission: FREEContact: Scott Gleason (908) 698-26302023 Property Tax Appeal SeminarHave you been in your Westfield area home for a while? Have you seen your property taxes skyrocket over the past couple of years? Moving soon? Then your property taxes may hit you even harder. The lower the property taxes, the more that buyers can afford in m... 01/06/2023

Here are some facts about resolving your back taxes with the IRS.The IRS wants to work with taxpayers.The IRS is actually on your side. in a way. The agency is typically eager and happy to collect old back taxes. It truly wants to work with taxpayers, but there are many, many rules you need to know about and a process to follow if you want a positive result. Only 3 types of professionals can represent you in front of the IRS.While you can represent yourself in front of the IRS. It might not be the best idea, especially if your debt is very high or you have ignored the situation for a long time.The three types of professionals that can represent your case at the IRS: Attorneys. Not all attorneys are tax attorneys, and even not all tax attorneys have a bustling tax controversy practice. E... 01/04/2023

Next LIVE Interactive TourVirtual TourJanuary 11th, 2023@ 5:30 PM ESTExperience a LIVE Interactive Virtual Tour of our Factory& some of our beautifully built Custom Homesour clients have allowed us to shoot in 3D& share with you.Please use the Sign Up Form belowso we can email you an Access Link.What can you learn by attending the Live Virtual Tour?- The Benefits of Modular Construction- The Design Software & how you can take a 3D walkthrough of your home before it is actually built- 3D Tour of our Factory- 3D Tours of Customer Homes- Live Moderated Q&A SessionPlease go to www.vt-sign-up.com to RSVP 01/02/2023

Next LIVE Interactive TourVirtual TourJanuary 11th, 2023@ 5:30 PM ESTExperience a LIVE Interactive Virtual Tour of our Factory& some of our beautifully built Custom Homesour clients have allowed us to shoot in 3D& share with you.Please use the Sign Up Form belowso we can email you an Access Link.What can you learn by attending the Live Virtual Tour?- The Benefits of Modular Construction- The Design Software & how you can take a 3D walkthrough of your home before it is actually built- 3D Tour of our Factory- 3D Tours of Customer Homes- Live Moderated Q&A SessionPlease go to www.vt-sign-up.com to RSVP 01/02/2023

Get Your IRS Back Taxes Resolved or Reduced!We make your IRS problem go away, so you can sleep better at night!Are you behind on paying your federal IRS taxes in the last or more? If so, you're not alone. If things have been tight financially, it can be easy to ignore the task of filing and paying your federal taxes to the IRS. Initially, you might thing you've gotten away with not paying the IRS. But in a year or two, they will catch up with you.Letters from the IRS will come eventually. If you let it go too long, they can take away your assets. By then, the penalties and interest will be so high that it will feel like an impossible situation to get out of.Schedule an appointment Now with a tax expertHere are just a few of the power that the IRS has to collect your back taxes: The IRS ... 01/02/2023

2022 was quite a wild ride for mortgage rates. We started off the year at an average of 3.22% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. By the end of October, rates peaked at 7.08%. After dipping slightly for a couple of weeks, they hit 7.08% again in early November. But since then, rates began to decline. As of the writing of this post, Freddie Mac puts the average at 6.27%. The higher your interest rate, the higher your mortgage payment. What should you do to get the best mortgage rate for your next home purchase? Follow these simple steps.How to Get The Best Mortgage RateWhip That Credit Into ShapeHigher credit scores translate into lower interest rates. Start by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com for a free copy of your credit report. Look for any errors. Each reporting agency (Equifax, Trans... 12/30/2022

Failure to Pay TaxesIf you owe money to the IRS but can't pay, there are several options available to you depending on your circumstances. One of the most important things is to start paying your current taxes first.Here are some of the options the IRS provides to taxpayers who owe money: Installment planThis is where you work out a payment arrangement with the IRS. Offer in CompromiseAn offer in compromise is where the IRS agrees to accept less than the full amount owed. Currently Not Collectible StatusThis status allows you to defer your debt. The debt does not go away; you still owe the IRS money. But you'll stop the process of getting your bank accounts levied or other collection efforts if you are granted this status. Solutions for Resolving Your IRS Debt.We make your IRS problem g... 12/28/2022

Do You Owe the IRS Money That You Can't Pay?It can happen by accident. You maybe asking how? Well, you may not withheld enough from your paycheck in the past year and wind up with a whopper of a tax bill in April. It could be you won some money, spent it, and didn't realize that a big chunk of it was owed to the IRS in taxes. If your debt had been pilling up for a while, it can be overwhelming and extremely stressful. You might feel stuck or frozen, not knowing what you should do or how you are going to get out of your situation.  But the worst thing you can do is nothing. The penalties and interest just keep adding up, sinking you further and further into trouble.  The IRS takes their money seriously! They will: Seek every legal way to collect the money they are owed. Seize your assets... 12/26/2022

Most of the headlines lately talk about how the market has turned in the buyer's favor. Well, that may be true in other areas of the country but not in the Westfield real estate market. Sellers still have the upper hand here. In fact, a five-bed/one-and-a-half bath Westfield property just sold recently for $36,000 over asking after just 20 days on the market. So, if you plan on buying a home in the Westfield area, you need to get your financing in order first. Should you get a pre-approval letter or will a pre-qualification work? What's the difference?What's the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?Pre-QualificationFirst of all, pre-qualification only takes a matter of minutes. Your lender asks you about your income, your debt, and if you have any assets. Then, they tak... 12/23/2022