Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Monday, September 12, 2022
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
If you’re also committed to making 2021 your year, consider adding a homeownership goal to your new year’s resolutions.
What do we mean? You could…
💳 Improve your credit score to qualify for the best of historically low mortgage rates
🛠️ Tackle a small home repair to capitalize on an ultra-competitive market and sell for top dollar
🏝️ Quarantine in style and earn a second income with an investment property
With today’s robust market conditions, the time is right to learn how real estate can contribute to your success in 2021.
Check out our latest blog post for more info and ideas:
Thursday, March 12, 2020
How can you tell if you have a cold, the flu, or coronavirus?
Local experts weigh in By Amy Graff, SFGATE Updated 6:47 am PST, Tuesday, March 3, 2020
For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.
If you're showing signs of illness — a cough, runny nose and fever — how do you know whether you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19, the new coronavirus that originated in China and is spreading around globe.
The answer is that it's difficult to tell for sure unless you have been tested by a medical professional.
"It’s really hard because in all those things the spectrum of disease is broad," said Dr. Lee Atkinson-McEvoy, a pediatric doctor at UC San Francisco. "Even in coronavirus, they’re seeing people who have milder disease, so just a cough and runny nose, but no fever. Some people who test positive are asymptomatic, meaning no symptoms at all."
Coronaviruses are among a group of viruses that cause the
“common cold,” and there are seven known ones that can infect humans.
Four of these (229E, HKU1, OC43 and NL63) are seasonal and typically
cause mild respiratory infection – fever, cough, nasal congestion, and
headache, according to Dr. Charles Chiu, a professor of laboratory
medicine and infectious disease at UC San Francisco.
For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.
If you're showing signs of illness — a cough, runny nose and fever — how do you know whether you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19, the new coronavirus that originated in China and is spreading around globe.
The answer is that it's difficult to tell for sure unless you have been tested by a medical professional.
"It’s really hard because in all those things the spectrum of disease is broad," said Dr. Lee Atkinson-McEvoy, a pediatric doctor at UC San Francisco. "Even in coronavirus, they’re seeing people who have milder disease, so just a cough and runny nose, but no fever. Some people who test positive are asymptomatic, meaning no symptoms at all."
Coronaviruses are among a group of viruses that cause the
“common cold,” and there are seven known ones that can infect humans.
Four of these (229E, HKU1, OC43 and NL63) are seasonal and typically
cause mild respiratory infection – fever, cough, nasal congestion, and
headache, according to Dr. Charles Chiu, a professor of laboratory
medicine and infectious disease at UC San Francisco.
"The remaining three coronaviruses (MERS, SARS, COVID-19)
are the result of recent zoonotic (animal-to-human) transmission events
and although they are also associated with mild respiratory symptoms,
infection can progress to cause severe, life-threatening pneumonia," Dr.
Chiu shared in an email.
ALSO: Are the elderly at a greater risk for coronavirus complications?
COVID-19 is the most recently discovered coronavirus and was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China in December 2019. To date, a vaccination or antiviral medication isn't available to treat it, according to the World Health Organization. People with serious illness should be hospitalized.
The flu, a.k.a. seasonal influenza, is similar to COVID-19. It also causes respiratory infection and can also lead severe pneumonia.
"The symptoms between common cold viruses, COVID-19, and the flu overlap significantly, at least in the early stages of illness," wrote Chiu. "Death from coronavirus in patients with pneumonia is thought to be a combination of direct damage of the viral infection to the airways (bronchiolitis and/or pneumonia), an abnormal immune response (“cytokine storm”), and secondary bacterial infections. This is similar to the way people die from flu."
With the flu, the elderly, very young, or those with
compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for severe disease.
The current data available and research on the novel coronavirus suggests the elderly and immunocompromised are more susceptible to serious complications and children are at a lower risk, said Atkinson-McEvoy.
The latest estimates based on the reported number of cases and deaths around the world suggest that the death rate from COVID-19 infection is about 2 percent, but this may change as the epidemic progresses. For comparison, SARS had a death rate of about 10 percent and seasonal influenza has a death rate of 0.1%.
That said, Dr. Lee Riley, a UC Berkeley professor and chair of the Division of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, adds mortality rate is frequently higher at the beginning of epidemics because "we don't know how to deal with them."
"We have vaccines for influenza so this contributes to its lower rate, but if we didn't have the vaccines, the mortality rates for influenza will be higher than 0.1%," said Riley. "Also, mortality rates for influenza varies according to the virus strain causing the epidemic, which changes every year. So, it's too simplistic to compare mortality rates of two very different types of virus infections."
The most common symptoms of coronavirus are cough, fever and shortness of breath. In some cases, the virus causes severe respiratory illness. If a person develops symptoms and has reason to believe they may have coronavirus, the California Department of Public Health recommends you call your health care provider before going into a clinic or hospital
"Contacting them in advance will make sure that people can get the care they need without putting others at risk," according to the health department. "Please be sure to tell your health care provider about your travel history."
My thoughts
There are so many illnesses going around this year with the Coronavirus at the top of the list. Are you really prepared?
For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.
If you're showing signs of illness — a cough, runny nose and fever — how do you know whether you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19, the new coronavirus that originated in China and is spreading around globe.
The answer is that it's difficult to tell for sure unless you have been tested by a medical professional.
"It’s really hard because in all those things the spectrum of disease is broad," said Dr. Lee Atkinson-McEvoy, a pediatric doctor at UC San Francisco. "Even in coronavirus, they’re seeing people who have milder disease, so just a cough and runny nose, but no fever. Some people who test positive are asymptomatic, meaning no symptoms at all."
How can you tell if you have a cold, the flu, or coronavirus? Local experts weigh in
If you're showing signs of illness — a cough, runny nose and fever — how do you know whether you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19, the new coronavirus that originated in China and is spreading around globe.
The answer is that it's difficult to tell for sure unless you have been tested by a medical professional.
"It’s really hard because in all those things the spectrum of disease is broad," said Dr. Lee Atkinson-McEvoy, a pediatric doctor at UC San Francisco. "Even in coronavirus, they’re seeing people who have milder disease, so just a cough and runny nose, but no fever. Some people who test positive are asymptomatic, meaning no symptoms at all."
ALSO: Are the elderly at a greater risk for coronavirus complications?
COVID-19 is the most recently discovered coronavirus and was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China in December 2019. To date, a vaccination or antiviral medication isn't available to treat it, according to the World Health Organization. People with serious illness should be hospitalized.
The flu, a.k.a. seasonal influenza, is similar to COVID-19. It also causes respiratory infection and can also lead severe pneumonia.
"The symptoms between common cold viruses, COVID-19, and the flu overlap significantly, at least in the early stages of illness," wrote Chiu. "Death from coronavirus in patients with pneumonia is thought to be a combination of direct damage of the viral infection to the airways (bronchiolitis and/or pneumonia), an abnormal immune response (“cytokine storm”), and secondary bacterial infections. This is similar to the way people die from flu."
The latest estimates based on the reported number of cases and deaths around the world suggest that the death rate from COVID-19 infection is about 2 percent, but this may change as the epidemic progresses. For comparison, SARS had a death rate of about 10 percent and seasonal influenza has a death rate of 0.1%.
That said, Dr. Lee Riley, a UC Berkeley professor and chair of the Division of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, adds mortality rate is frequently higher at the beginning of epidemics because "we don't know how to deal with them."
"We have vaccines for influenza so this contributes to its lower rate, but if we didn't have the vaccines, the mortality rates for influenza will be higher than 0.1%," said Riley. "Also, mortality rates for influenza varies according to the virus strain causing the epidemic, which changes every year. So, it's too simplistic to compare mortality rates of two very different types of virus infections."
The most common symptoms of coronavirus are cough, fever and shortness of breath. In some cases, the virus causes severe respiratory illness. If a person develops symptoms and has reason to believe they may have coronavirus, the California Department of Public Health recommends you call your health care provider before going into a clinic or hospital
"Contacting them in advance will make sure that people can get the care they need without putting others at risk," according to the health department. "Please be sure to tell your health care provider about your travel history."
My thoughts
There are so many illnesses going around this year with the Coronavirus at the top of the list. Are you really prepared?
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Here’s why you shouldn’t celebrate that big tax refund by Darla Mercado @darla_mercado
Think twice before celebrating that large refund check from Uncle Sam.The IRS had doled out 45.5 million refunds as of Feb. 28, with the average refund check totaling $3,064. That amount is just $4 less than last year’s average refund.
Filers have reasons to celebrate their small windfall. Most have ambitious plans for their small windfall, including shoring up their savings and paying off debt.
Here’s the downside of getting a large check from the IRS: It means you voluntarily overpaid the taxman last year.
“Most people are really happy about the refund because it’s money going back to them,” said Sean Stein Smith, CPA and member of the American Institute of CPAs’ financial literacy commission.
“But any refund you’re getting back is because you had too much tax withheld from your paycheck during the whole year,” he said.
Employers use this form along with the tax withholding tables to figure out how much income tax to pull from your paycheck.
The W-4 considers the number of dependents you have in your household, your filing status, income you generate and whether you’re claiming the standard or itemized deductions on your tax return.
Arriving at the ideal level of income tax withholding is as much art as it is science.
If you withhold far too little, you take home more money with each paycheck, but you run the risk of owing the IRS the following year.
If you withhold too much, you’re giving Uncle Sam more money than necessary. This gives you good odds for a large refund in the spring, but a smaller paycheck in the meantime.
It’s also worth noting that after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act took effect in 2018, the IRS overhauled Form W-4 and its withholding calculator to reflect major changes to the tax code. These changes include the roughly doubled standard deduction, the elimination of personal exemptions and new curbs on itemized deductions.
Filers have reasons to celebrate their small windfall. Most have ambitious plans for their small windfall, including shoring up their savings and paying off debt.
Here’s the downside of getting a large check from the IRS: It means you voluntarily overpaid the taxman last year.
“Most people are really happy about the refund because it’s money going back to them,” said Sean Stein Smith, CPA and member of the American Institute of CPAs’ financial literacy commission.
“But any refund you’re getting back is because you had too much tax withheld from your paycheck during the whole year,” he said.
Where’s the refund coming from?
Whether you owe Uncle Sam or get money back in the spring will depend on a document your employer has on file, known as a Form W-4 or an employee’s withholding certificate.Employers use this form along with the tax withholding tables to figure out how much income tax to pull from your paycheck.
The W-4 considers the number of dependents you have in your household, your filing status, income you generate and whether you’re claiming the standard or itemized deductions on your tax return.
Arriving at the ideal level of income tax withholding is as much art as it is science.
If you withhold far too little, you take home more money with each paycheck, but you run the risk of owing the IRS the following year.
If you withhold too much, you’re giving Uncle Sam more money than necessary. This gives you good odds for a large refund in the spring, but a smaller paycheck in the meantime.
It’s also worth noting that after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act took effect in 2018, the IRS overhauled Form W-4 and its withholding calculator to reflect major changes to the tax code. These changes include the roughly doubled standard deduction, the elimination of personal exemptions and new curbs on itemized deductions.
The new W-4 and the withholding calculator also account for side-gig or self-employed income you or your spouse may have.
You’re supposed to pay quarterly estimated taxes on this income — a requirement that moonlighting “9-to-5ers” may actually overlook.
“There is an extra line on W-4 where you can enter a flat amount that you want withheld form your paycheck,” said Andrea Coombes, tax specialist at NerdWallet. “That can help you get some of those estimated taxes paid and avoid a tax bill next year.”
You’re supposed to pay quarterly estimated taxes on this income — a requirement that moonlighting “9-to-5ers” may actually overlook.
“There is an extra line on W-4 where you can enter a flat amount that you want withheld form your paycheck,” said Andrea Coombes, tax specialist at NerdWallet. “That can help you get some of those estimated taxes paid and avoid a tax bill next year.”
How to figure out your taxes
A common misconception is that if your refund is high, then it must mean you’ve paid less in tax the prior year.
If anything, large refunds mean you’ve overpaid taxes.
However, if you really want to see how your taxes stand from one year to the next, look at line 16 of the Form 1040 — your income tax return for 2019 (line 15 on 2018′s 1040). This reports your total taxes paid.
Don’t forget to factor in the amount of income you’ve earned that year, too.
If anything, large refunds mean you’ve overpaid taxes.
However, if you really want to see how your taxes stand from one year to the next, look at line 16 of the Form 1040 — your income tax return for 2019 (line 15 on 2018′s 1040). This reports your total taxes paid.
Don’t forget to factor in the amount of income you’ve earned that year, too.
“It could be that your taxes went up because you
have more income,” said Coombes. “It’s not necessarily bad news, but it
could be something to think about.”
Review your 2019 tax return with your CPA or your tax preparer, as those results can help you strategize for next year.
Steps to consider might include lowering taxable income in the future by raising 401(k) plan contributions or socking money into health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts at work.
Review your 2019 tax return with your CPA or your tax preparer, as those results can help you strategize for next year.
Steps to consider might include lowering taxable income in the future by raising 401(k) plan contributions or socking money into health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts at work.
Aiming for zero
Zero is the magic number for taxpayers.
The IRS’s withholding calculator can help you tailor your tax withholding so that you’re close to matching your federal liability.
The amount of taxes you pay to your state might be a different story, so talk to your tax professional to make sure you’re paying just the right amount.
“In an ideal world, your income taxes withheld from paychecks should cover your income tax liability for that year,” said Smith. “Ideally your refund or additional taxes owed should be zero or as close to zero as possible.”
The IRS’s withholding calculator can help you tailor your tax withholding so that you’re close to matching your federal liability.
The amount of taxes you pay to your state might be a different story, so talk to your tax professional to make sure you’re paying just the right amount.
“In an ideal world, your income taxes withheld from paychecks should cover your income tax liability for that year,” said Smith. “Ideally your refund or additional taxes owed should be zero or as close to zero as possible.”
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Reduce Refinancing Costs
There is much more than a lower rate and payment to determine whether to refinance a mortgage. Lenders try to make refinancing as attractive as possible by rolling the closing costs into the new mortgage so there isn't any out of pocket cash required.
The closing costs associated with a new loan could add several thousand dollars to your mortgage balance. The following suggestions may help you to reduce the expense to refinance.
· Tell the lender up-front that you want to have the loan quoted with minimal closing costs.
· Check with your existing lender to see if the rate and closing costs might be cheaper.
· Shop around with other lenders and compare rate and closing costs.
· If you're refinancing an FHA or VA loan, consider the streamline refinance.
· Credit unions may have lower closing costs because they are generally loaning deposits and their cost of funds is less.
· Reducing the loan-to-value so mortgage insurance is not required will reduce expenses and lower the payment.
· Ask if the lender can use an AVM, automated valuation model, instead of an appraisal.
· You may not need a new survey if no changes have been made.
· There may be a discount on the mortgagee's title policy available on a refinance.
· Points on refinancing, unlike a purchase, are ratably deductible over the life of the loan ($3,000 in points on a 30-year loan would result in a $100 tax deduction each year.)
· Consider a 15-year loan. If you can afford the higher payments, you can expect a lower interest rate than a 30-year loan and obviously, it will build equity faster and pay off in half the time.
A lender must provide you a list of the fees involved with making the loan within 3 days of making a loan application in the form of a Loan Estimate and a Closing Disclosure Form. Every dollar counts, and they belong to you.
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