Mark R. Hardy's Blog

We all have been watching the headlines and watching our 401K and other investment accounts decline in value over the last few weeks. The question is - when will the bleeding stop?In focus for Monday, 11/28/2011, is the Eurpean Soverign credit ratings - will they be downgraded and lead to future ...

There are few purchases in life that carry the financial and psychological weight of buying a home.  Whether you are buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing your home and your life after the kids have gone, it is important to understand the ground rules for success in ...

Live in Gilbert?  Looking for something fun to do or take the family to on Saturday nights?  If so, check out the Copper State Cruisin Car Show in Gilbert, AZ.  The car show is on the first Saturday of every month at the Sonic at the corner of Germann and Higley roads from 5-8pm.  Please come out...

Perhaps you heard about the great energy tax credits that were offered a few years ago, but you failed to take advantage of them?  Well, the good news is - there are still energy star tax credits available for homeowners to claim in 2011 who either did not at all or only partially claimed one of ...

  How true it is...........   They sent my Tax Return back! AGAIN!!!   In response to the question: "List all dependents?"   I replied -  "12 million illegal immigrants;  "3 million crack heads;  "42 million unemployable people on food stamps,  "2 million people in over 243 prisons;  "Half of Mex...

One of the most complicated real estate transactions involves what is called a 'short sale.' A short sale is simply when a seller of a home owes more than their home is currently worth but they are trying to sell it anyway as a way to avoid foreclosure which is much more detrimental to their cred...

There's no doubt about it, the internet is now an intrinsic part in the process of buying and selling homes. The majority of people looking to buy a home search the web for homes for sale in their desired area. Savvy buyers and sellers can compare stock from the comfort of their homes at any time...

Did you know active-duty personnel, veterans, retired members of the military and employees of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in down payment and closing costs in the purchase of a home? A national nonprofit called Pen...

Despite some less than encouraging news about nationwide conditions in the real estate market, this can still be a good time for consumers looking to purchase a home. Recent trends towards stabilizing prices, moderating appreciation rates and increasing inventory all work in the favor of homebuye...