Spring Maintenance Tips
It's almost spring, which means flowers, rain, baseball, gardening, bbq's, desperate attempts to get in shape before swimsuit season, skipping work to be outside before it gets unbearably hot...
Spring also means it's time for home maintenance after a winter of neglect. Don't feel too bad about it--you're not the only one to hibernate from maintenance during the winter.
Following ...
Today's choices include banks, mortgage brokers, home builders, and Internet lenders. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and rates vary from lender to lender.
Types of Mortgage Lenders
TypeAdvantagesDisadvantages
Banks
Regulated by state and federal agencies
Current banking relationship can get you a reduced mortgage rate
Numerous branches provide you with face-to-face ...
Home Buying Purchase Contract Contingencies
By Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com Guide
Contingencies Allow Cancellation
Back in the old days, when Barry Manilow was cool -- OK, he was never cool, I just made that up -- but a long time ago, agents used to call contingencies weasel clauses. That's because a contingency would let buyers weasel out of a contract. That is, to cancel a ...
How To Prepare Your House For Sale
The first step to preparing a home for sale is to let go of your emotional attachment to it.
Here's How:
Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.
Say to yourself, "This is not my home; it is a house -- a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf.
Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus ...
Heating and Cooling System Maintenance
Air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps help regulate the temperature in your home and make it more comfortable. To ensure that your heating and cooling systems remain effective and efficient, regular maintenance is needed. Preventative checkups may also prolong the life of your systems. Maintenance requirements vary depending on the type of system, so it ...
If you haven't looked into refinancing your mortgage under federal programs, you could be missing an opportunity to save money, keep your home and give the economy a little juice.
Federal mortgage refinance programs have given more than 2 million homeowners a better shot at holding on and the economy a much needed shot in the arm.
What's more, the year began with fixed interest rates hovering slightly ...
Confused about real estate commissions? You're not alone. Here are some answers to a few of your most common questions.
There’s no question a good real estate agent can be a valuable resource when it comes to buying or selling a home. But how much is that help going to cost? First of all, if you’re the one buying the home, it isn’t going to cost you anything. ...
6 household tips to keep handrails, counters and baseboards together
Here are some simple ways to solve basic structural problems without calling in an expert.
By Popular Mechanics
Over time, many household details begin to sag and fall apart, but you don’t have to let your home suffer from gradual decay. Here are easy fixes for wobbly handrails, sagging closet rods, baseboard gaps ...
This Month in Real Estate - January 2010
Why FSBOs Fail - The Real Story
Sure (you’re thinking), real estate agents are ALWAYS going to tell me they are better than selling “By Owner.”
True.
Agents are both “agents” and “salespersons.” As agents they represent you and provide advice and guidance. As salespeople, they don’t earn an income if you sell by owner. So…they will ...