Tips on Passwords to Protect Your Identity

Fading rapidly is the option to avoid the internet altogether for ultimate protection of your identity. Of course, that is an option, however, most of us no longer have that option because of our rapidly changing world.

Here are some Do's & Don'ts on creating passwords that are not fool proof but will provide more protection!

 

DON’T

• Reuse passwords. If you do, a hacker who gets just one of your accounts will own them all.
  

• Use a dictionary word as your password. If you must, then string several together into a pass phrase.

• Use standard number substitutions. Think “P455w0rd” is a good password? N0p3! Cracking tools now have those built in.

• Use a short password—no matter how weird. Today’s processing speeds mean that even passwords like “h6!r$q” are quickly crackable. Your best defense is the longest possible password.

DO

• Enable two-factor authentication when offered. When you log in from a strange location, a system like this will send you a text message with a code to confirm. Yes, that can be cracked, but it’s better than nothing.

• Give bogus answers to security questions. Think of them as a secondary password. Just keep your answers memorable. My first car? Why, it was a “Camper Van Beethoven Freaking Rules.”

• Scrub your online presence. One of the easiest ways to hack into an account is through your email and billing address information. Sites like Spokeo and WhitePages.com offer opt-out mechanisms to get your information removed from their databases.

• Use a unique, secure email address for password recoveries. If a hacker knows where your password reset goes, that’s a line of attack. So create a special account you never use for communications. And make sure to choose a username that isn’t tied to your name—like m**n@wired.com so it can’t be easily guessed.

Nancy Puder is the Broker and Owner of Signature Properties, a Real Estate Sales and Property Management company in Arroyo Grande, CA.  www.Nancy@NancyPuder.com

 

 

 

Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a House...

With home prices rising for the third straight quarter, most would agree that the housing market recovery has picked up steam.  In fact, according to S&P Case-Shiller, home values increased 7.3% in the last quarter of 2012 alone. 

This means that we are seeing the bounce from the home value bottom. Combined with mortgage rates with an average in the 3% range, and you have the perfectstorm for the best time to buy a home.  

 

The only downside to this is that as the recovery continues, affordability will fall.  Home values will continue to stabilize and improve, and mortgage rates are going to rise.  Contrary to what many people now think, the government doesn't control mortgage interest rates.  While the Fed has been able to manipulate and affect mortgage rates with things like quantitative easing, it is not the same as control.  

 

 

The housing market is recovering as part of the US economy as a whole, and with that recovery is a natural increase in mortgage rates.  That means that even as house prices rise, so will mortgage interest rates, providing a double whammy to buying power.  Be sure to discuss with a professional how this changing market will affect you or you may call me anytime at (805)710-2415.  I always enjoy hearing from you!

 

 

Nancy Puder is the broker and owner of Signature Properties, a real estate sales and management firm in Arroyo Grande, CA.  You may contact her at Nancy@NancyPuder.com or (805)710-2415.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking Out for Landlords

Q.  My tenant called the other day and said the toilet and sink had backed up.  It was a Sunday and since there is only one bathroom, I had to send a plumber out.  Needless to say, my bill was quite high.  In fact, when I received it, I almost fainted!  The bill mentioned the cause of the stoppage to be a toy car stuck in the toilet.  Do I have the right to make the tenant pay this bill?


A.  Absolutely!  I am assuming that the tenant has lived there for a while and probably has a small child.  Whenever we have this type of situation, we pay the bill first and then send a copy of the bill with a letter to the tenant requesting reimbursement.  Usually, the payment comes soon after that. Occasionally, a tenant may dispute the charge, in which case, you can perhaps split the bill if it makes sense to do that.  If you still feel that the tenant feels he owes the entire bill and he refuses to pay, you can issue a 3-day Pay or Quit, or simply deduct the charge from his security deposit when he moves.


**Tip:  If you discuss how plumbing and other repairs are to be handled at the time your tenant moves in, you can avoid many of these problems down the road.

 

If you have any questions concerning your rental property, please call my office anytime at (805) 474-0100 Extension 1 and ask for Rae.  We always enjoy hearing from you! Nancy Puder is Broker and owner of Signature Properties, 124 S. Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. 

Home Prices Will Continue to Rise

Most people, consumers and experts alike, feel that home prices will continue to rise about 15% over the next 3 years.   Evidence that the housing market is significantly stronger today, coupled with the positive attitude of consumers, will cause the expected increase to happen.

 

Mortgage rates are also expected to rise at some point.  With interest rates being at record lows for so long now, I must agree that an increase in how much it costs to get a loan will likely go up.

 

Sadly, though, there are still households that continue to experience the negative effects of the recession.  Finances are tight and some families are just hanging on.  This reality will prevent home values from going up too quickly. 

 

While some of us are experiencing the joy of the rebound in the housing market and the strengthening of the economy, please remember that there is always someone close by that may need a helping hand either financially or even just by receiving an encouraging word.  

 

There is no greater joy than helping another person along the path of your own success....in my opinion of course. I hope you all have a great week!

 

Nancy Puder is the broker and owner of Signature Properties, a real estate sales and management firm in Arroyo Grande, CA.  You may contact her at Nancy@NancyPuder.com or (805)710-2415 She always enjoys hearing from you!

Mortgage Interest Deduction...

One of the best deductions itemizing home owners can take advantage of is the mortgage interest deduction, which you claim on Schedule A. To get the mortgageinterest deduction, your mortgage must be secured by your home and your home can even be a house trailer or boat, as long as you can sleep in it, cook in it, and it has a toilet.

 

Interest you pay on a mortgage of up to $1 million or $500,000 if you’re married filing separately is deductible when you use the loan to buy, build, or improve your home.

 

If you take on another mortgage (including a second mortgage, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit) to improve your home or to buy or build a second home, that counts towards the $1 million limit.

 

If you use loans secured by your home for other things like sending your child to college you can still deduct the interest on loans up $100,000 ($50,000 for married filing separately) because your home secures the loan.

 

Important Note - The mortgage interest deduction is a huge advantage of owning a home.  It is often referred to as the MID.  The MID has been in the news a lot lately because there are some that are trying to eliminate this very important deduction that helps thousands of homeowners each year.  If you have an opportunity to give a voice to this issue, please speak up to help preserve this important benefit of homeownership.

 

NancyPuder is the broker and owner of Signature Properties, a real estate sales andmanagement firm in Arroyo Grande, CA.  You may contact her at Nancy@NancyPuder.com or (805)710-2415. She always enjoys hearing from you!