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Put lawn upkeep on autopilot
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... the necessary power to activate the controls, so no electrical wiring is needed. The typical hose timer has a small LCD display panel and simple controls that allow you to set the day and time, as well ...Tuesday, 07 October 2008 -
Deck-staining that can't fail
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
Look for product that resists water, mildew Q: I have a deck that was built in October 2006. Does it need to be stained this soon? This will be my first deck-staining experience, and I was also wondering ...Tuesday, 07 October 2008 -
Sellers, don't be difficult when showing home
Category: Real Estate/Seller
... house before it's shown. HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Don't be too restrictive with showings. It's difficult to sell a house that can't be shown. You need to strike a balance between accommodating buyers and saving ...Tuesday, 07 October 2008 -
Two-day, $2,000 room makeover not reality
Category: Real Estate/Seller
... are great, but viewers really need to realize that this is not reality. For example, the average homeowner certainly will not have a building inspector standing by to blitz through (or waive) inspections ...Tuesday, 07 October 2008 -
Changing out windows tricky with aluminum siding
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... Aluminum windows are usually installed by attaching them through a flange to the wall framing, and then the flange is covered with the siding. To reach the flange, you need to remove the aluminum siding ...Thursday, 20 March 2008 -
Beware of kitchen-range fire hazard
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... occurs through the tile itself. You will need to contact Wolf directly to find out what the specific clearances are for the model you have, and ask their technical department if there are any acceptable ...Thursday, 14 February 2008 -
Three must-haves for a good paint job
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... out the wood and feather down the edges of any remaining paint. DRY IT OUT Preparation rule number three is that the surface to be painted needs to be dry. This applies to actual water that is standing ...Thursday, 14 February 2008 -
Picking the right sander for the job
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... sheets of sandpaper, which you'll need to cut to the proper size (precut sheets are also available for some sanders). The paper fits over a soft pad on the bottom of the sander that helps cushion the sanding ...Sunday, 27 January 2008 -
How to keep water flowing during remodel
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... But perhaps the most disruptive element of all is being without water. Prior to the start of any remodeling project, especially a large one, you need to stop and consider what your plumbing needs will ...Sunday, 27 January 2008 -
The Critical Role of the REALTOR®
Category: Real Estate/National
... a FULL SERVICE REALTOR® and Brokerage in return for their sales commission. Depending on the nature of the transaction some may take minutes, hours or even days to complete, while some may not be needed, ...Friday, 11 January 2008 -
The Mortgage Checklist
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
When you apply for a mortgage, you'll need to supply the lender with several documents to verify your debts, income and assets. These documents will be used to calculate how much you can afford to ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Should you Refinance your Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... to a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM). How Does Refinancing Work? Refinancing is simply taking out a new mortgage to pay off the old one. To be eligible for refinancing, you will usually need to have ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
How Much Can You Afford to Borrow?
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
Once you've decided to purchase a new home, the next step is to calculate how much you can afford. Your price limit will depend on your current financial situation - which means you need to compare ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
The Dangers of Not Using a Home Inspector
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... In addition, they’re trained to identify the warning signs of structural, plumbing, and electrical problems that you need to know about before purchasing a home. Skipping the inspection means not knowing ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Rethinking your home search
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
Most home buyers claim they're picky. And why shouldn't they be? The real estate they buy will be home. It needs to provide more than just a roof over their head. It needs to satisfy emotional needs ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Make your condo purchase a smart one
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... out for inadequate allocations for replacement reserves which are sure to increase in future years as the building ages and needs repairs. If you are considering buying an older condo, study the ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Pros and Cons of Buying Fixer-Upper Home
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... have crumbled during renovation projects. Buyers who are convinced that buying and renovating a distressed property will be a personally and financially rewarding endeavor need to make sure that ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
From the Roof to the Floor, It's Always Wise to Determine Lifespan
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... to 2550 or more. The moisture barrier (underlayment) may need to be replaced sooner SidingInspect your siding for damage in the spring and autumn. Look for problems, such as warped boards, missing ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Top Renovation Mistakes
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... add 15-20% on top of your materials budget. You may not need to spend that much, but if unforeseen complications do arise, you'll be glad you put that money aside. If you're financing your renovations ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Warm Up an Empty House for Faster Sale
Category: Real Estate/Seller
... sure the house is thoroughly clean before adding your staging equipment. Don't forget the garage and any large storage spaces such as basements or attics. Rent some furniture. It doesn't need to ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Is it Time to Sell?
Category: Real Estate/Seller
You've lived in your home for several years, and suddenly you realize it's not meeting your needs any more. Maybe you've had children and you want a bigger yard and extra bedrooms, or you want a home ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
When to Fire Your Mortgage Lender
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... a bad broker. If you feel uncomfortable with your lender for any reason, then don't be afraid to fire them and look for one that will meet your needs and be more deserving of your trust. With that ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Investing in Foreclosures
Category: Real Estate/Investing
... Pendens. Since the Lis Pendens is a court record, you'll instead search the records of the court. Many county records have these available online. If they're not available, you'll need to go your ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Tips for First-time Buyers
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... borrow, and how much you'll need to cover up-front costs. Study the Market When you've decided on the area you want to move to, do some research and get a Current Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA will ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
The Most Common Home Defects and Solutions
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... wiring, or lack of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters). These are all common yet potentially very hazardous and need to be fixed when purchasing a home. The average costs of repairing a faulty ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Moving Made Easier and More Affordable
Category: Real Estate/Moving
... need - but this only adds up to more expense when it comes to moving all those items to your new home. As soon as you know the date you'll be moving, call all the relevant utility companies and ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
How to Negotiate for Top Dollar
Category: Real Estate/Seller
... your house needs to be priced according to its market value. Research the sales prices of recently sold homes in your area and you'll have an idea of the current market value of your home. Of ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Cut Your Closing Costs
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... the closing costs. If your immediate finances are tight, reducing the amount of cash you need to pay at closing can be very helpful. If you ask the seller to pay some or all of your closing costs, ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Overcharges Run Rampant in Home Loans
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... of overcharges. Borrowers are overcharged when they pay more for the same service than they would if they had the information needed to shop alternative sources effectively. For example, you pay ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
How Long Should Your Mortgage Be?
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... need to overpay on your home. If you plan to live in the home for a short period before moving, take out the longer loan and save some money on the interest. However, if this will be your home indefinitely, ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Deciding on a Mortgage Lender
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... needs more quickly than you might be able to yourself. Wholesale mortgage lenders act as intermediaries between mortgage bankers and portfolio lenders, and mortgage brokers. The wholesale lender ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Mortgage Glossary
Category: FAQs/General
... pay, the lower your interest rate. However, the more points you pay, the more cash you need up front since points are paid in cash at closing. Generally 0 - 2% of loan Document Preparation Fee ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Interest Rates
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... need to be. Hidden fees are often padded simply because they are hidden, and consumers are less likely to question fees they're not immediately aware of. Reduce the cost of hidden fees by requesting ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
How to Find the Best Loan for You
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... of loans, they may have higher loan-to-value ratios. An FHA loan is best for someone who doesn't have perfect credit and individuals who need low down payments and low closing costs. VA-Guaranteed ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
When you can and can't claim homeowner tax breaks
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... or lose the property by default. Therefore, you are entitled to claim itemized income-tax deductions for the mortgage interest and property taxes you pay. Your name need not be on the mortgage obligation. ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
How to Finance a Remodel
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
Before approaching lenders, draw up a detailed budget for your remodeling plans. To calculate an accurate estimate, first decide what projects you’ll need to hire a contractor for and which ones you’ll ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
How to Sell Your Starter Home
Category: Real Estate/Seller
... sell to a first-time buyer who is probably nervous about the whole process - someone who is making the first significant financial decision of their lives. To appeal to such a buyer you need to give them ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Home Sellers Hit Roadblocks in Today's Market
Category: Real Estate/Seller
... alternative is for the seller to obtain a professional inspection report and have the recommended repairs made before listing the home for sale. Of course, when a home needs a major repair that the ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
How to Avoid Paying the Capital Gains Tax
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... gain within the same two-year period ending on the sale date of your current home. To qualify for these exclusions you need to have lived in your home for a minimum of two years, but they don't have ...Wednesday, 26 December 2007 -
Borrowers get tips on dealing with mortgage brokers
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
... should shop. Shopping Rates and Points With Brokers Is a Waste of Time. To provide accurate price quotes, brokers need to know many things about the borrower, the property and the transaction. This ...Sunday, 23 December 2007 -
Vacation cottages can be challenging to buy, own
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... primarily takes the viewpoint of prospective cottage buyers, heavy emphasis is placed on the income-tax aspects for both buyers and sellers. The book begins with buyer "needs" and "wants" lists, including ...Sunday, 23 December 2007 -
Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid
Category: Real Estate/Mortgages
Whether you're a first-time home buyer or need to refinance, it's imperative that you do some research before obtaining a mortgage. Many consumers take the first loan offered to them and end up paying ...Sunday, 23 December 2007 -
5 Things to Ask Before Making an Offer on a Condo
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... was damaged by the roof leak. Get a copy of the master policy and find out what additional coverage you may need for your peace of mind - and your monthly budget. Knowledge is power. In addition to having ...Saturday, 22 December 2007 -
Best Way to Buy Home That Needs Repairs
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
Recently buyers who were in contract to purchase a home in Oakland, Calif., asked the seller to credit them money in escrow. The money was to be applied toward repairs that were recommended in the course ...Saturday, 22 December 2007 -
What's Your Sales Strategy?
Category: Real Estate/Seller
... might be needed. Will you pay for the repairs yourself or negotiate a reduced sale price to compensate the buyer for repair costs? Beware of so-called "open-ended contingencies" when negotiating with ...Saturday, 22 December 2007 -
Increase Your Home’s Value through Energy Efficient Upgrades
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... they will require painting or staining to keep them looking attractive. Aluminum frames, on the other hand, need very little maintenance but they are at the bottom of the list in terms of energy efficiency. ...Saturday, 22 December 2007 -
How to Avoid 8 Costly Moving Mistakes
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... company so as not to delay your moving plans. 2. Not requiring a written estimateIt's fine to have moving companies give you an estimate over the phone or Internet. But to get a firm price, you need ...Friday, 21 December 2007 -
Putting your ducts in a row
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
... clamp or flexible plastic clamp to secure the joint. After resecuring, wrap the duct's inner insulation blanket and outer shell back into place to cover and seal the joint. If ducts need to be resupported, ...Friday, 21 December 2007 -
Secrets to Making a Lowball Offer
Category: Real Estate/Buyer
... move (or if you’ve found an intriguing investment property) then you need to learn how to make a lowball offer — and get it accepted. Generally, a lowball offer is 10% or more below list price. First ...Friday, 21 December 2007 -
Microhood a must for any Kitchen Upgrade
Category: Real Estate/Home Improvement
Looking for a nice way to upgrade your kitchen and add both counter space and convenience? You might not need to look any further than replacing your existing range hood with a microwave/hood combination. ...Friday, 21 December 2007