If you compare U.S. tax rates with similar sized and structured countries, it is actually favorable.

Interested in doing sub2's but don't want to make someone else's problem mine if the terms aren't favorable.

You then take the argument in front of a judge...if he rules in your favor, you get your money back...if he rules in the contractor's favor, it comes to him out of escrow.So, as long as you have some cash reserves, the threat of false liens shouldn't cause you too much lost sleep.The threat of GCs not paying their subs is still an issue though...as subs can lien the homeowner even if the GC is the one who didn't pay.

I am guessing a higher score is better, but I have no idea why one company rates more favorably than another3.

With a prospective tenant, do yourself a favor and drive by their current home if possible.

April your friend is buying time.They will have no motivation to sell to anyone after the BK filing.Until the filing their back was against the wall.Now they can breathe a sigh of collective relief for a few months at least.When you file typically most do a chapter 13.You have go through a meeting of the creditors along with a conformation hearing down the road where the plan is approved.Lower payments do not really happen in a 13.A chapter 13 usually lasts 3 to 5 years on the repayment plan.The trustee payments and attorney payments are front loaded before the creditors so they get paid first as they know most cases will get dismissed.With reduced payments on the mortgage you are talking about a forbearance plan with the banks loss mitigation department or a permanent loan mod.If someone has crap credit already they might could care less and file BK.They can get many,many months of free mortgage this way.If you don't make the regular payment the lender will file for a "relief of automatic stay" and if you don't make the BK payment the trustee will file a motion to dismiss.Since you are creating an additional payment for the back payments owed on the mortgage plus any other creditors included you are not doing anything.If your friend owes a ton of other debt as well a chapter 7 might be best.In a chapter 13 your credit is frozen in the crapper for the term of the plan 3 to 5 years.In a chapter 7 you are immediately liquidated and can build credit back much faster.Attorneys want that money.Many in my area will file chapter 13 to get started for 75 bucks!

The seller can aslo be hurt should the IRS decide to freeze your accounts.Do yourselves a favor and get on a payment plan with the IRS at the very least.

If you're really into financial analysis, you can ask your HOA for their financial records and if you can build a strong enough case that they should be lowered, submit a motion to the board or however else your HOA bylaws state.

I will provide all the details after the closing, but the numbers are looking favor nice.

Some people are still afraid to buy despite favorable prices/interest.5.