As an experienced Collaborative Attorney, I understand the importance of guiding families through emotionally challenging transitions with care, empathy, and expertise. My role is to help clients navigate one of the most significant life changes—divorce—while minimizing conflict, promoting communication, and fostering cooperation. It’s equally important to identify, communicate and focus on values during this process. … Read More
Homebuying Preferences of the Four Key Generations
Categories: Real EstateThe key characteristics and drivers of the four main generational groups, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z: Boomer housing market trends: Ages: 60–78 Born: 1946–1964 Homebuyer market share: 39% Baby boomers are the dominant group in the homebuying market, largely because they have more equity built up in their existing homes and are … Read More
How to Compete with a Cash Buyer Without Cash
Categories: Real EstateHOW TO COMPETE WITH A CASH BUYER WITHOUT CASH With the real estate market so competitive these days, it makes sense to give yourself every opportunity to set your offer apart from the others. Fairfield County Bank offers a fully underwritten pre-approval option (for most of our loan programs) that, if our client is approved, … Read More
Wills Trusts Estates
Categories: Wills Trusts EstatesBeth was patient and kind with my confused, elderly, parents. She discussed, on our level, what needed to be done with my future. Mom and Dad walked away feeling happy and secure that their last wishes would be attended to. The very difficult discussion of the end of life was amazingly easier with Beth at … Read More
The Real Estate Market Is Changing, Again
Categories: DivorceThe mortgage market is likely in for another big shift at the end of November. That’s when an increase (estimated 12% or 13%) in the conforming loan limit may be announced. If so, it will bring the ceiling to well over $1 million in places where houses are super expensive. The loan limit is a … Read More
Control Your Own Destiny Without Court
Categories: Divorce*Written by My Collaborative Team member, Laura S. Blackman, Boca Raton, Florida. Are you are contemplating divorce but worried about spending all of your marital assets on attorney’s fees? Are you fearful for your financial future? Are you sad at the loss of your family unit and worry about destroying your family in the process … Read More
Never Cut What Can Be Untied
Categories: DivorceBy Jacinta Gallant, Charlottetown, PEI Canada Ropes can make knots and knots can be very useful, think fishing, boating, rappelling, and rope ladders. Learning to tie shoelaces is one of our early achievements. When we marry, we “tie the knot.” On the flip side, when we are anxious, we can feel “tied up in knots.” … Read More
Your Credit Score
Categories: General, Real EstateYOUR CREDIT SCORE You hear about your credit score all the time, on TV, in the newspaper, friends talk about it, but What is your credit score and what does it mean? Credit scores range from 300 to 850. A score of 670 or above is considered good. The higher your credit score the better … Read More
Real Estate
Categories: News, Real EstateJuly 2022 – Real Estate While nominal house price appreciation is still strong, the housing market is adjusting to higher mortgage interest rates, which has resulted in a significant decline in home-buying power. The housing boom of 2020 and 2021 was the exception, not the rule. Record-low mortgage rates, the ability to work from home, … Read More
Estate and Gift Tax 2022
Categories: Taxes, Wills Trusts EstatesFederal Estate and Gift Taxes The federal estate and gift tax exemption represents the amount that an individual may gift or transfer at death without the payment of any federal transfer tax. The federal estate and gift tax exemption for 2022, indexed for inflation, is $12.06 million, up from $11.7 million in 2021. The generation-skipping … Read More