Category Archives: People

Developer Randy Allen Celebrates a 40-year Career in Real Estate

North Carolina developer

Randy Allen, a developer located in Charlotte, has had a long and successful career in Carolina real estate, as well as up and down the East coast. His company, Randy Allen North Carolina Developer, has achieved success due to his hard work, professionalism and leadership.

Randy Allen entered the real estate world in 1972, immediately after college. He started out by designing and overseeing the development of single family homes, starting with tiny neighborhoods. Now, through is company, he oversees teams of contractors to develop communities with more than 1,000 homes. The communities Randy Allen has worked on often include planned developments with parks and other features, as well as locations with waterfront lots on manmade lakes and marinas.

Randy’s experience and professionalism grew over time, which led to him taking on even larger projects. In 2009, his company received an award from the American Council of Engineering Companies for a large-scale waste water treatment plant they built.

When asked about the secret to his success, Randy Allen attributed it to enjoying his work and having plenty of help, including that of quality contractors who have helped them build communities that they could be proud of. Randy’s colleagues have also praised his professionalism, creativity and ability to work well with his contractors.

For more information on Randy Allen North Carolina Developer, visit their website.

Lakefront North Carolina Home is Up To Par

Bubba Watsons Home For Sale

So maybe your golf game is not quite up to par with Masters champion Bubba Watson, but your North Carolina home sure could be. Forbes recently reported that the newest Masters champion’s lakefront home in Lexington, N.C. is selling for $1.45 million.

Watson’s home has been on the market since February, but his newfound notoriety is sure to help this home become a highly desirable commodity. The home, which was purchased a few years ago for $1.1 million, is situated on High Rock Lake. This gated, 5,000 square foot home has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and two indoor kitchens. The two-thirds of an acre lot also contains a detached three-car garage, aluminum pier with covered boat life and entertaining area. This entertaining area is sure to be a hit for any occasion with its location over the lake and features such as a heated salt water pool with spa, outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances, exterior television and outdoor fireplace.

This has historically been the summer home for the Watson family, with their main place of located in Scottsdale. However, the couple has decided to sell the home after adopting their one month-old son. They will be residing with him in Orlando until the adoption process is complete.

Interested buyers can view pictures of this gorgeous home here, or if Masters-style lake living isn’t your thing, check out the rest of the Carolina new homes on our site.

Tax Credits and Exemptions for New Parents

father holding babyChildren bring all manner of joy, including tax joy in the form of federal breaks and deductions. New and soon-to-be parents should keep up with these advantages in the tumultuous period of caring for a newborn. That’s where tax expert Eva Rosenberg comes in, giving us a primer on the Equifax Finance Blog, “

Tax Tips: Tax Implications of a New Baby.

The first and biggest exemption for parents is going to be claiming a dependent, which in 2011 is worth $3,700 per child. This grows if you are a single parent, who also has access to head of household benefits. Head of household, single parent or otherwise, also enjoys lower tax rates overall, so it is certainly a benefit to take advantage of.

In addition, the Child and Dependent Care Credit is worth 20 to 35 percent of the first $3,000 per child paid for childcare while parents are working or studying. Both parents have to be working in order to use. In addition, there are child tax credits, and low-income families (married, filing jointly under $41,132 with one child) may be entitled to additional credits.

States also offer tax credits which will be very helpful for the big lifestyle change of becoming a parent. For more information about taxes in general, as well as all manner of financial tips, tricks and expert advice, check the

Equifax Finance Blog.

Dealing With Injuries On Your Carolina Real Estate

homeowners insurance

homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance is something that most people obtain and then forget about. After all, it’s not every day that an emergency occurs and forces you to dig up your policy information. If something does happen on your property, knowing how to handle the situation can save you plenty of stress in the long run.

In a recent article on the Equifax Finance Blog, “

Homeowners Insurance: Someone Gets Hurt On Your Property” Linda Rey offers advice for homeowners on what to do if someone gets hurt on your property.

If an accident does occur, you should first assess the extent of the injuries and determine whether or not to call 911. Depending on your relationship with the injured person, you may want to contact the police so both parties can make statements.

After that, try and take photos of everything – the injury (if possible) and the area where the accident occurred.

People with up-to-date insurance policies should have an attorney on retainer who will defend you if you are sued. If the injured party is merely looking for reimbursement of medical costs, your insurance policy should cover those expenses.

Regardless of the situation, call your insurance agent for guidance. An agent can help you much better if he or she knows about any injuries or potential claims right when they happen.

For more insurance advice, visit the

Equifax Finance Blog often. Let us know if this advice has been helpful.

Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Sports?

Child playing hockey

Child playing hockey

If you’re the proud parent of a child who plays sports, you probably already know the routine when the season starts: Buy new equipment, take your child to get a physical, submit the required

health insurance forms.

However, there may be some things you aren’t aware of, particularly in regards to your current policy. On the Equifax Finance Blog, Linda Rey shares some information regarding children’s health insurance. Her article, “

Sport Health Insurance for Kids: What Parents Need to Know,” provides helpful advice for parents to keep their children safe.

Rey advises parents to review their regular health insurance plan and make sure that sports insurance coverage is provided. Even though you probably won’t need a special insurance policy for most sports, parents should double-check their policies just in case. Also, most schools and leagues require a mandatory sports physical. If your child is participating in an activity that doesn’t require one, Rey still insists on the importance of physicals. Most exams should be covered by your health insurance, but reviewing your current policy is advised.

If your child plays for a team with out-of-state or international games, insurance protection may change. Be sure to ask an agent about out-of-area coverage or restrictions. Parents with children traveling internationally may also want to consider some form of travel insurance.

For more information on sports health insurance for children, read Rey’s full article on the

Equifax Finance Blog.