My father passed away last December after a battle with skin cancer and COPD.  He was not a financially wealthy man.  He was rich with love from his daughters, grandchildren, family and friends.  I'm not sure if he was being optimistic or was in denial about his health, he never created a will despite his failing health.

A few weeks after we buried Dad, I went to his bank to see what I was suppose to do.  At the very least, I wanted them to know that he was no longer living and to close the account to prevent any charges or activity that should no longer be happening.  The person who "helped" me wouldn't even speak to me without a will.  In fact, he hinted that if I opened an account, it might be easier to assist me.  I was so upset and emotional that I stormed out.  I was looking for guidance and received nothing…silly me.

If you don't create a will, then the State of Washington has specific laws as to what will happen with any real or personl property and who will be the beneficiary of the estate.  This is referred to as "intestate".   Dad's "estate" is probably is not enough to hire an attorney over.  If there's anything to help reimburse the cost of his burial, we'll be pleasantly surprised.   

By the way, this site has been the most helpful that I've found so far with trying to figure out what to do: This site has been probably the most helpful that I've found so far regarding Dad's estate:  http://www.wa-probate.com/

If you're drafting or updating your will, you may want to consider an estate planner or attorney who specializes in this matter to help you determine if you need a trust and to avoid possible death taxes. 

Please take time to create a will for you and your loved ones.  Make sure your wishes are honored and let someone know where your will is.  If you have a will, when was the last time you updated it?   Please don't leave this matter up to Washington State laws.  If my Dad would have had a will, I believe this issue would have been easily resolved by now.

It's that time of year when people are thinking about their income taxes and many who bought a home last year are wondering what the can deduct on their income taxes.  Let me start by stating:  I am not a tax advisor;  I am a NMLS Licensed Mortgage Originator.  Please review your tax scenarios with your CPA or professional tax advisor.

A mortgage point is a percentage of the loan amount and is used to reduce the mortgage interest rate.  A mortgage priced with zero points has a higher rate than a mortgage priced with a point.  Typically, but not always, one point (1 percent of your loan amount) equates to 0.25% in interest rate.  Points are prepaid interest, and like the interest your pay on your home mortgage, are currently deductible for your primary residence.   

If you paid points to purchase the home you live in (owner occupied/primary residence), you may deduct the full point on your itemized 1040.  If you paid points for a refinance, the point must be deducted over the term of the loan.   However if your refinance was for home improvement, you may be able to deduct the full point instead of spreading over the life of the loan. 

If you purchased a second home and paid points, the points may be deducted over the life of the loan (similar to a refi that was not obtained for home improvement). 

If the seller paid for your points when you purchased your home, you may be able to deduct them as well as long as the transaction meets IRS guidelines.

For more information on what is required for points to be deductible, see IRS Publication 936: Mortgage Interest Deductions page 5.

In order to claim these deductions, you will need to itemize your tax return.  Tax Form 1098 will disclose the mortgage interest paid and the deductible points paid.  You may also want to review your HUD-1 Settlement Statement to see an itemized list of closing costs and points paid. 

Don't forget, the due date for your 2010 Federal Income Tax Returns (and requests for extensions) is on April 18, 2011 this year.