“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” – Unknown So, it’s the new year and you are thinking about a new home. You, perhaps, are considering buying one you like and adjusting it to suit your needs or possibly building a home to your likes and interests. It is understandable that you would like to evaluate all your options, given it will likely be the largest investment you may Read More
Title Insurance-Why you need to understand about how it may or may not provide protection.
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” – Warren Buffet You bought a property to build your dream home and information that will affect your ability to build or access the property was not disclosed. Can you file a claim with the title insurer? Generally, it is recommended that in addition to the required lender’s policy you purchase an owner’s policy given the huge investment in purchasing a Read More
A few reasons why you should review the “arbitration” section of a contract?
"Win or lose, do it fairly." –Knute Rockne What is Arbitration? Arbitration clauses are found in contracts for car purchases, home construction, bank accounts, student loans, cell phones, employment, nursing homes, and more. It is a private procedure in which a legal dispute is submitted to make a binding decision on the dispute. When arbitration is mandatory it deprives of the opportunity to go to court. It can Read More
How to Avoid Tax Scams
Many of us know of someone who has lost money and possibly their personal information to tax scams. The most important thing to share is that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not initiate contact with a taxpayer by email, text message, social media channels, or phone call to request personal or financial information. Here are a few telltale signs of tax scams: A phone call demanding immediate Read More
Tips to Keep Your Banking and Financial Information Safe When Online
This month’s article offers a few tips on precautions for internet financial transactions. Tip 1: Take extra precautions for logging into banks and other financial accounts. Create “strong” user IDs and passwords by choosing combinations of upper-and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols that are hard for a hacker to guess. Your birth date, address, or other publicly available information can be easily Read More
Consumers and Small Business Owners Beware of Fake Lender Loans!
Arizona law limits interest rates to protect its residents from predatory lending. By way of example, the maximum annual percentage rate (APR) including fees is 41% for a $2,000, two-year installment loan. In 2008, 60% of Arizona voters rejected a payday lender ballot initiative that would have overturned the state’s interest rate maxima. To get around the interest rate cap, high-cost online lenders have evaded Read More
Car Warranties: What You Should Know
You may be a victim of unfair and deceptive practices if you weren’t offered a refund or replacement vehicle when you were sold a lemon. You should know that federal and state laws protect consumers from cars that require constant repairs, even if the repairs are made for free under a warranty. If the dealer or manufacturer will not honor the warranty and comply with the law, you should seek the help of an Read More
How can we create a better contract?
Contracts are used to control conduct, usually with incentives and penalties to ensure the desired outcome. Penalties and incentives place the focus on the desired outcomes, rather than what might make the best practical sense to serve the best interests and circumstances of those involved. For example, contracts that provide incentives for volume or higher prices, rather than quality or value, may lead to Read More
New Car Warranties
Generally speaking, automotive manufacturer warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). The warranty will transfer even if the vehicle is sold to another owner. Of course, you should check the written warranty terms for some components. the warranty period may be reduced when the vehicle is sold. Always check the small print if you are buying a car with a manufacturer’s warranty. Another Read More
Home Warranties
Home warranties are intended to be insurance policies to protect against home system breakdowns. Prior to purchasing a home warranty, obtain a copy of the warranty to review and ask questions about coverage. Consider the following: Just like every insurance policy, warranties have exclusions. Determine what exclusions apply. For example, bathroom plumbing may be warranted, but the steam room or jacuzzi may be Read More
