Archive for December, 2007

22 December

New Tax Forms Give Homeowners Relief

It’s shaping up to be a less-painful year for many taxpayers who are preparing their 2007 returns.

For one thing, most filers will be getting a special payment from the government, thanks to the economic stimulus package enacted last week. Additionally, some taxpayers who may have been puzzled trying to claim certain deductions a year ago — including one for state and local sales taxes — shouldn’t have any problem this year because those deductions are clearly marked on the 2007 forms. There’s also a new deduction for mortgage insurance.

Another twist: a new law that will benefit strapped homeowners whose mortgage debt was forgiven, in part or in whole, during 2007. On the downside, there are tough new record-keeping rules for charitable donations. (more…)

17 December

Property In Germany

History has not been in favour of German real estate investment, as the fallout of reunification was sluggish for the property market for a long period of time. However, the German property market is back with a vengeance and is gathering momentum on a daily basis! It took the Soccer World Cup of 2006 to revive the fortunes of the laidback property scenario within Germany.

Germany a late entrant in the real estate business is destined for higher plateaux. Though the country is considered as much more technologically advanced than most of its European counterparts, it is the housing segment that requires cosmetic work to bring it back to the forefront of the world’s property stage.
(more…)