Day: March 6, 2024

How To Build Equity Instead Of Wasting Money On Rent

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Homeownership is empowering,especially when you buy a custom home on your lot. If you are wasting money on rent,you likely wonder whether it’s time to make the jump to homeownership. With interest rates low and low down payment programs offered by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae,homeownership isn’t just a dream to pursue years down the road.

According to a recent article by usatoday.com,it’s important to crunch the numbers to figure out the costs of owning

versus renting. By talking to a new home consultant with HiLine Homes,you can learn about home plans that fall within your personal budget. A recent article by MarketWatch shows one in four Americans spends more than 50% of their household income on rent. Some households spend 70% of their income on rent. Experts say spending more than 30 percent of your income on rent is excessive.

Enjoying Tax Advantages

Instead of wasting money on rent,you can enjoy tax benefits that come with homeownership. You can receive sweet tax breaks as a homeowner including the mortgage interest deduction. Also,if you pay points on your home loan,you also get a tax break.

Having Freedom And Flexibility

When you have a residential home builder in the Northwest construct a home for your family,you can ask for the floor plan that will best accommodate your needs. As a homeowner,you have the freedom to turn your home into a rental down the road. You can paint the home the way you like. Renters often deal with so many restrictions and limitations. Many of the improvements you make will increase the value of your home,which doesn’t happen when you rent.

Owning Your Home Outright

Even if you don’t buy your home with cash,you know eventually you can own your home outright. As a long-term renter,you don’t walk away with any equity. A recent study by Zillow.com showed it only takes about 2 years for homeowners to break even in terms of the money spent on closing costs,taxes,and maintenance compared to renting the same home. After two years,you begin to build solid equity in your home. If you decide to sell,you will likely walk away with a large check at closing while your friends who break a lease leave with nothing to add to their bank accounts.

At HiLine Homes,we understand feeling frustrated by wasting money on rent. With a custom home,you can enjoy choosing the layout and features you desire. We have a variety of home plans for your lot in The Northwest. For more information on a beautiful home built on your site construction,click below. 

HiLine Homes | Own or Rent

Marijuana Use and Your Disability Claim

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Marken Law Group,PS,understands that people view marijuana differently,some as an alternative medicine used for pain,to aid nausea and potentially other benefits and others who view it as a drug to stay away from like other illicit drugs. We will leave the benefits/risks up to a person’s doctor to explain. We also are not advocating or condemning marijuana use. We are,however,explaining what it could mean for your Social Security Disability claim.

Marijuana is currently,at the time of this posting,legal in 9 states including Washington D.C. Despite this,marijuana is still ILLEGAL as far as the federal government is concerned.

The Social Security Administration is a federal entity,therefore they view marijuana as an illicit drug the likes of meth,cocaine,and so on. Most judges we go in front of,do NOT view marijuana as a healthy alternative to opioid medication. While there is MUCH debate on this topic and we are not here to discuss the debate,the Judges who will hear your case will not like your use of marijuana,even if taken specifically for pain. If your issues are primarily PHYSICAL,marijuana will not necessarily hurt your case. You do need to be prepared and have a thorough understanding of what the Judge WILL ask you at your hearing.

If you have a mental health diagnosis and take marijuana,it is a more difficult road. Our clients often take marijuana to help with social anxiety and depression. The problem is the medical community and the Judge’s,most likely,view marijuana as CONTRIBUTING to anxiety and depression. Indeed I have personally seen judges roll their eyes when a claimant is testifying to their marijuana use helping their anxiety. Whether it does or does not is not really important. The fact is,most Judges and medical experts testifying,will view marijuana use as a significant detriment to mental health and stability and it could prevent you from obtaining benefits.

Each case is specific and this should in no way be construed to be blanket statements concerning all judges and medical experts.

At Marken Law Group,PS,we can walk you through the hearing process and what to expect come examination from the Administrative Law Judge who is hearing your claim. Click the link below to learn more. 

Marken Law | Disability Claim