By: Karin Beuerlein
Published: December 28, 2009
You should understand the pros and cons of steel, fiberglass, and wood exterior doors before choosing the one that´s right for you.
Create a Home Inventory for Insurance
By: Gwen Moran
Published: December 23, 2009
Create a home inventory before disaster strikes to make filing an insurance claim a smoother process.
Compile a Home Inventory with the Right Tools
By: Gwen Moran
Published: December 23, 2009
A home inventory of your belongings for insurance purposes is a relatively inexpensive way to make any future claims go smoother.
Cancel Your Private Mortgage Insurance
By: Richard Koreto
Published: December 21, 2009
Private mortgage insurance is unavoidable for some homeowners, but don´t pay PMI premiums a day longer than required by your lender.
Smart Strategies for Building a Master Closet
By: Oliver Marks
Published: December 18, 2009
Done right, a walk-in closet will add convenience and value to your master suite addition, and extend the life of your wardrobe, too.
Deck Addition: Return on Investment
By: John Riha
Published: December 15, 2009
A high return on investment makes a deck addition a worthwhile home improvement project.
Basement Remodel: Return on Investment
By: John Riha
Published: December 13, 2009
Basement remodeling offers a high return on your investment—typically 70%—and it adds valuable living space without increasing the footprint of your home.
Evaluate Your House for Basement Finishing
By: HouseLogic.com
Published: December 11, 2009
Some unfinished basements are better basement finishing candidates than others. Here´s how to evaluate your space for a basement finishing.
Bernanke: Too early to declare lasting recovery
WASHINGTON (AP) – Dec. 9, 2009 – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned Monday that it’s too soon to know whether the economic recovery will last and again pledged to hold rates at record-low levels for an “extended period.”
Short sales: Playing by the new rules
WASHINGTON – Dec. 8, 2009 – The U.S. Treasury hopes to speed transactions under its new short sale rules, but details count, and Realtors should understand the process if they hope to avoid delays. While the new rules become effective no later than April 5, 2010, lenders have been encouraged to make them official as soon as possible.
Air Conditioning Equipment: Repair or Replace?
By: Oliver Marks
Published: December 4, 2009
If you’re deciding whether to repair or replace central air conditioning equipment, assess the quality of your house’s ductwork and insulation first.
Fast Fixes for Common Gutter Problems
By: Pat Curry
Published: Decenber 4, 2009
Maintaining gutters is the most important thing you can do to prevent water damage to your home.
Government increases pressure on mortgage industry
WASHINGTON – Dec. 2, 2009 – Faced with sluggish progress in its foreclosure-prevention effort, the Obama administration will spend the coming weeks cracking down on mortgage companies that aren’t doing enough to help borrowers at risk of losing their homes.
30-year mortgage rates sink, match record low
McLEAN, Va. – Nov. 30, 2009 – Average rates for 30-year fixed mortgages fell last week, matching a record low set last spring and more than a full percentage point below what they were a year ago, Freddie Mac said Wednesday.
Smart Upgrades for Decks
By: Dave Toht
Published: Niovember 25, 2009
A few cost-effective add-ons can give a modest deck an edge and deliver a handsome payback should you sell your house.
Installing a Spa on Your Deck
By: Dave Toht
Published: Niovember 25, 2009
Evaluate the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining an outdoor spa to decide if it´s a worthwhile addition to your deck.
Evaluate Your House for a Deck
By: Dave Toht
Published: Niovember 25, 2009
Here´s how to plan a new deck that suits your property, meets your budget, and offers the best return on your investment.
Next wave of foreclosures looms
WASHINGTON – Nov. 19, 2009 – A second wave of foreclosures is poised to hit the market, potentially undermining housing recovery efforts as more homes add to the glut of inventory and drive down prices.
How to Eliminate Mold from Your Home
By: Karin Beuerlein
Published: November 18, 2009
To eliminate mold, seek a credentialed professional who understands the inspection, sampling, and clean-up process.
Holiday Lighting Safety Checklist
By: Pat Curry
Published: November 18, 2009
Before you plug in and light up for the holidays, run your decorations through this quick safety check.
6 Tips for Reducing Your VOC Exposure
By: Karin Beuerlein
Published: November 18, 2009
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home can cause chronic health problems, but they´re tough to completely eliminate. Here´s what you can do to reduce your VOC exposure.
Deduct Private Mortgage Insurance
By: Richard Koreto
Published: November 17, 2009
Homeowners who are eligible to deduct private mortgage insurance, or PMI, premiums can shave hundreds of dollars off their income tax bills.
Tax-credit extension renews buyer interest in buying a home
TAMPA, Fla. – Nov. 17, 2009 – Real estate agent Ken Brownlee’s phone stopped ringing last month once clients figured they would be unable to close before an $8,000 federal tax credit expired.
Rates on 30-year loans remain below 5%
WASHINGTON – Nov. 13, 2009 – Rates this week for 30-year home loans stayed below 5 percent for the second week in a row.
FHA rule change could benefit condo market
MIAMI – Nov. 11, 2009 – The Federal Housing Administration is giving the condo market something it hasn’t had for a while – a little breathing room.
Homebuilders hunt for land
LAS VEGAS – Nov. 10, 2009 – The housing bust left homebuilders with plenty of red ink on their books as they walked away from swaths of land they no longer needed.
Obama signs bill: Homebuyer tax credit extended
WASHINGTON – Nov. 6, 2009 – President Obama signed H.R. 3548 this morning, enacting into law an extension, and adjustment, of the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers. Among other things, the extension adds money for certain move-up buyers; creates one deadline for signing a contract and a later deadline for closing; changes income requirements; and limits a purchased home’s cost to $800,000.
Good sign: Business spending up
WASHINGTON – Nov. 6, 2009 – A turnaround in business spending is offering the first hint that the private sector may be prepared to drive economic growth when the government winds down its efforts to spur consumption.
Rates on 30-year loans fall below 5 percent
WASHINGTON – Nov. 6, 2009 – Rates for 30-year home loans dipped below 5 percent this week after rising for three straight weeks.
Treasury Secretary Confident in Recovery
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner reassured an audience of businesspeople last week that the troubled commercial real estate sector wouldn’t severely damage the rest of the economy.
NAR Commends Congressional Action to Extend Higher Mortgage Loan Limits
Washington, October 30, 2009 The National Association of Realtors® thanked Congress for speedy action in passing a congressional resolution yesterday that would extend the current higher Fannie Mae,
Senate panel OKs extension for home buyers’ credit
WASHINGTON – Oct. 29, 2009 – Senators reached a compromise to extend the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, a boost the housing industry expects will help it pull out of its two-year-old downturn.
Outlook for jobs turns positive
WASHINGTON – Oct. 26, 2009 – An economic survey out today provides fresh evidence that a fitful recovery is underway as customer demand grows in the third quarter for the first time in more than a year and the jobs outlook brightens a bit.
Rates on 30-year loans inch up to 5 percent
WASHINGTON – Oct. 23, 2009 – Rates for 30-year home loans have inched up, hitting 5 percent for the first time in nearly a month after bond yields edged up.
NAR: Big rebound in existing-home sales shows first-time buyer momentum
Existing-home sales bounced back strongly in September with first-time buyers driving much of the activity, marking five gains in the past six months, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Florida’s existing home, condo sales up in September 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. – Oct. 23, 2009 – Florida’s existing home sales rose in September, which marks more than a year (13 months) that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. September’s statewide sales also increased over sales activity in August in both the existing home and existing condominium markets.
Tech takes home offices to extremes
WASHINGTON – Oct. 15, 2009 – Katy Leakey rises early in the morning, has breakfast with her husband, Philip, and heads to the 12-foot-by-12-foot office where she spends much of her workday.
Foreclosures, unemployment to peak in 2010
SAN DIEGO (AP) – Oct. 15, 2009 – Foreclosures will peak by the end of next year and unemployment will climb above 10 percent as the housing market and U.S. economy grapple with the aftermath of the recession, the Mortgage Bankers Association’s chief economist said Tuesday.
September housing construction rises 0.5 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) – Oct. 20, 2009 – Construction of new homes edged up slightly in September, helped by a rebound in single-family construction. However, in a worrisome sign for future housing work, applications for building permits fell by the largest amount in five months.
Property tax appeals rise during economic decline
MIAMI – Oct. 20, 2009 – Even after years of sinking real estate prices, thousands of South Florida property owners are fighting to further deflate the values of their homes and businesses.
Government unveils new mortgage help for states
WASHINGTON – Oct. 20, 2009 – The Obama administration on Monday unveiled a new program to support state and local housing finance agencies. The plan will help the agencies finance mortgages for first-time homebuyers and develop rental housing.
Small home fixes with big impact: Palm Beach County experts offer tips
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Oct. 19, 2009 – When Randy Bianchi couldn’t find a tenant for one of his rental homes, he realized the house needed an edge to lure a renter in an overcrowded market. He made some interior repairs, then hit on the idea that finally attracted a tenant.
Housing Tax Credit Working, So Keep Momentum Going, NAR Urges Congress
Washington, October 20, 2009 Consumers are just starting to see the first glimmers of a bright future for the housing market and the overall economy. It’s up to Congress to make that glimmer a reality by building on the momentum created by the $8,000 home buyer tax credit.
Why Real Estate Assessments Matter
By: Geoff Williams
Published: October 11, 2009
The real estate assessment letter you filed away unopened is the driving force behind how much you pay in property taxes.
Appeal Your Property Tax Bill
Published: October 8, 2009
To successfully appeal your property tax bill, you first need to do a bit of sleuthing into your real estate assessment.
5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor
By: Oliver Marks
Published: September 30, 2009
You´re ready to remodel but you want to make sure you get the best contractor for the job. Here´s what to ask the candidates before you decide.
Green Roofs: A Guide to the Options
By: Jeanne Huber
Published: September 30, 2009
Environmentally friendly roof choices can save you money on heating and cooling costs and benefit your entire neighborhood.
Spring Cleaning Guide
Published: September 30, 2009
Make spring cleaning less of a chore by following these smarter—and mostly greener—tips for this annual rite of homeownership.
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Flood
By: Gwen Moran
Published: September 30, 2009
After flood waters subside, document, work with your insurer, and clean up safely.
Are You Entitled to a Property Tax Exemption?
Published: September 28, 2009
Property tax exemptions are available to many homeowners, but you'll need to do some legwork to find them and lower your property tax bill.
Green Kitchen Remodeling
By: John Riha
Published: September 25, 2009
If you´re ready to remodel your kitchen and want to go green, here´s how to create the healthy, energy-efficient, eco-friendly kitchen of your dreams.
Protect Your Home from Cold-weather Threats
By: Gwen Moran
Published: September 24, 2009
The right tools and pre-winter maintenance will ensure that your home and your family are safe and from cold-weather threats.
Is Your Heating System Ready for Winter´s Nip?
By: Oliver Marks
Published: September 24, 2009
Getting your home´s heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control.
French Drains: When You Need Them
By: Jeanne Huber
Published: September 23, 2009
If you have a soggy yard or a wet basement, the solution may be an exterior or interior French drain, a channel that collects water and diverts it safely away.
Consider a Home Equity Line of Credit
By: June Fletcher
Published: September 22, 2009
Opening up a home equity line of credit makes sense for some homeowners; just make sure you understand what you´re getting into.
Roofing: A Guide to the Options
By: Jeanne Huber
Published: September 21, 2009
A roof replacement is one of the biggest financial commitments a homeowner will make, so here’s a guide to roofing materials that will help you spend your money wisely.
Develop a Landscape Plan to Fit Your Budget
Published: September 18, 2009
The success of any landscaping project depends on having a plan and sticking to it.
Roofing: Repair or Replace?
By: Jeanne Huber
Published: September 16, 2009
Deciding whether to repair or replace roofing is largely an exercise in timing — you don’t want to reroof too soon and waste money, but you don’t want to wait too long either.
8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House
By: Jeanne Huber
Published: Septemebr 16, 2009
For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks—about $350—you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home.
Improve Your Insurance Score
By: By: Mariwyn Evans
Published: September 11, 2009
Paying all of your bills on time is one good way to improve your insurance score—and, in turn, lower your homeowners insurance premiums.
Save Money by Beefing Up Your Insulation
By: Jeanne Huber
Published: September 10, 2009
Beefing up inadequate insulation is one of the quickest energy-payback projects you can do, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills and increased comfort.
12 Tips for Saving Energy in Your Home Office
By: Jane Hodges
Published: September 9, 2009
Cut your power consumption, lighting, and heating and cooling costs when you work from home.
HOAs: What You Need To Know About Rules
By: Blanche Evans
Published: September 8, 2009
Lobbying for change in your homeowners association´s rules requires procedure, compromise, and perhaps joining the board.
The Right Disaster Insurance for Your Region
By: Gwen Moran
Published: September 7, 2009
The region in which you live dictates what kind of disaster insurance you might need to protect your home from Mother Nature's wrath.
Radiant Heat: When to Consider
By: Wendy Paris
Published: September 2, 2009
Retrofitting radiant heat adds comfort to your home while it lowers energy bills, and installing it is easier than you think.
Appliance Buying Guide: Dishwashers
By: Douglas Trattner
Published: September 1, 2009
When you buy a dishwasher, hone in on the model that´s right for you by considering your needs: size, fit, features, and performance.
By: Douglas Trattner
Published: September 1, 2009
When you buy a dishwasher, hone in on the model that’s right for you by considering your needs: size, fit, features, and performance.
Cleaning and Caring for Siding
By: John Riha
Published: August 31, 2009
Cleaning and repairing your home’s siding once every year will pay off in the form of a long life and increased value for your home.
Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety
By: Wendy Paris
Published: August 31, 2009
Chimney maintenance and a fireplace inspection can make the difference between warm safety and drafty danger.
Replace Old Windows with Energy-Efficient Models
By: Karin Beuerlein
Published: August 28, 2009
Adding new energy-efficient windows can pay off at resale, as well as boost your energy savings—$126-$465 annually—if you choose the right ones.
Conduct Your Own Energy Audit
By: Jane Hodges
Published: August 28, 2009
A do-it-yourself energy audit can teach you how to be more energy efficient and make you a more-educated consumer should you decide to hire an expert.
A Healthy Shine: Green Cleaning Products for Your Kitchen
Published: August 28, 2009
Going green in the kitchen doesn´t mean going broke as long as you choose the right green cleaning products.
7 Tips for Saving Energy with Home Lighting
Published: August 28, 2009
Lighting eats up as much as 20% of your annual electric bill, but using energy-efficient bulbs and making other simple changes can cut lighting costs dramatically.
10 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen
By: Douglas Trattner
Published: August 28, 2009
Maintaining your large kitchen appliances is part of a smart home energy efficiency plan.
Your CLUE Insurance Report Matters
By: By: Mariwyn Evans
Published: August 28, 2009
Your CLUE insurance report keeps your homeowners insurance claims alive for seven years—and that could cost you on your premiums.
How to Buy a Washer
By: Douglas Trattner
Published: August 28, 2009
Confidently purchase a new washing machine that makes sense for your particular budget and level of green-mindedness.
How to Correct Your CLUE Insurance Report
By: By: Mariwyn Evans
Published: August 28, 2009
An error in your CLUE insurance report can increase your homeowners insurance premium or even prevent you from getting coverage at all.
How to Correct Your CLUE Insurance Report
By: By: Mariwyn Evans
Published: August 28, 2009
An error in your CLUE insurance report can increase your homeowners insurance premium or even prevent you from getting coverage at all.
Homeowners Insurance: To Claim or Not to Claim?
By: G. M. Filisko
Published: August 28, 2009
The answer to that question will go a long way toward determining whether your homeowners insurance will ultimately cost you more or even get canceled.
Caring for Wood Siding
By: John Riha
Published: August 28, 2009
To enjoy wood siding’s beauty for a lifetime, maintain it properly and diligently.
When It´s Time for an Electrical Wiring Upgrade
By: Pat Curry
Published: August 28, 2009
A wiring upgrade can be messy and expensive, but there are times when it´s necessary to protect the safety, convenience, and value of your home.
Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors
By: Karin Beuerlein
Published: August 28, 2009
Qualifying for the $200-$500 federal tax credit on new windows and doors depends on two measurements, U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.
The Value of Whole-House Surge Protectors
By: Pat Curry
Published: August 28, 2009
If you´ve got sophisticated electronics and appliances—and who doesn´t these days?—you can´t afford not to safeguard them with whole-house surge protectors.
Homeowners Insurance: Time for an Annual Check-Up
By: G. M. Filisko
Published: August 28, 2009
An annual check-up on your homeowners insurance can result in a healthier policy and a healthier pocketbook.
Siding: A Guide to the Options
By: John Riha
Published: August 28, 2009
When replacing siding, you´ll often recoup a significant amount of your investment, but there are tradeoffs in maintenance, price, and sustainability.
Homeowners Insurance: Are You Over or Underinsured?
By: G. M. Filisko
Published: August 28, 2009
Paying for more homeowners insurance than you need is a waste of money, but it can prove even more costly to get caught without enough coverage.
Insuring Against Natural Disasters
By: Gwen Moran
Published: August 28, 2009
Your homeowners insurance covers many of life's disasters, just not some natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, so consider supplemental policies.
Create a Home Emergency Preparedness Kit
By: Wendy Paris
Published: August 28, 2009
Preparing and keeping a fully stocked home emergency preparedness kit could be the key to your family´s safety if disaster strikes.
Budget for a Remodel
By: Oliver Marks
Published: August 28, 2009
To calculate how much remodel you can afford, follow these four steps: Ballpark the cost, establish a spending limit, make a wish list, and set your priorities.
7 Tips for Saving Energy in the Laundry Room
By: Douglas Trattner
Published: August 28, 2009
Understanding your laundry room appliances is part of a smart plan to help you save energy in your home.
7 Signs You May Have a Drainage Problem
By: Jeanne Huber
Published: August 28, 2009
Finding and addressing drainage problems when they´re smaller and easier to fix can save you thousands of dollars and plenty of headaches down the line.
Evaluate Your Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
Published: August 28, 2009
If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, be sure to investigate your loan options well before the rate on your ARM resets.
Appliance Buying Guide: Washing Machines
By: Douglas Trattner
Published: August 28, 2009
Confidently purchase a new washing machine that makes sense for your particular budget and level of green-mindedness.
A Financial Plan for Your Home
By: Richard Koreto
Published: August 28, 2009
Your home is probably your biggest investment. To manage it, create a financial plan that takes into account repairs, upgrades, mortgages, insurance, and taxes.
Appliance Buying Guide: Refrigerators
By: Douglas Trattner
Published: August 28, 2009
When you buy a new refrigerator, arm yourself with the facts, so you´ll be sure to make the right decision for your budget and space needs.
Portable Generators: Backup Power at a Lower Cost
By: Wendy Paris
Published: August 28, 2009
A lower-priced alternative to standby generators, portable generators can keep power running in an emergency, as long as you don’t mind a few inconveniences.
Saving Electricity: Reduce Standby Power Consumption
By: By: John Rebchook
Published: August 28, 2009
It doesn´t take much effort to reduce standby power consumption; and you could save the equivalent of a few tanks of gas a year.
Professional Energy Audits: The Costs and Benefits
By: Jane Hodges
Published: August 28, 2009
Address the energy efficiency issues weighing down your utility bills, with help from an energy audit.
Prioritize Tasks After an Energy Audit
By: Jane Hodges
Published: August 28, 2009
Determine which energy efficiency tasks to address first after an energy audit based on your budget, results, urgency, and skill set.
Low-Flow Showerheads: How to Choose
Published: August 28, 2009
Thanks to innovative new technology, today´s super-efficient low-flow showerheads save water, reduce your energy bills, and still feel good to use.
Green Cleaning Products for the Bathroom
Published: August 28, 2009
Inexpensive green cleaning products—both off the shelf and homemade—can be just as effective on your sinks, toilets, and showers as conventional products.
What to Do If a Contractor Puts a Lien on Your House
By: Oliver Marks
Published: January 1, 2009
If a contractor puts a lien on your house, you'll have to fight to keep your house out of foreclosure. Here's how to defend yourself.
The Top 5 Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them
By: Oliver Marks
Published: January 1, 2009
Protect yourself against contractor scams that threaten to stick you with shoddy workmanship or take your money and run.
The Contractor Bond: When a Handshake Isn't Enough Assurance
By: Nancy Mandell
Published: January 1, 2009
"Word is bond," the saying goes, but with home improvements, the contractor bond should be in writing.
The Contractor Agreement: 7 Steps to an Iron-Clad Contract
Published: January 1, 2009
Follow these seven tips to make sure your contractor agreement works in your favor-not your builder's.
Contractor Dispute? Local Licensing Authorities are On Your Side
By: Gwen Moran
Published: January 1, 2009
When a contractor dispute erupts, state and local licensing authorities have the muscle to get you satisfaction.
How To Fight Back Against a Bad Contractor
By: Oliver Marks
Published: January 1, 2009
Don't take contractor abuse lying down. If your contractor has fouled up your home improvement project-or disappeared altogether-you have recourse.
How to Resolve a General Contractor Dispute: Your Legal Options
By: Oliver Marks
Published: January 1, 2009
If you have a general contractor dispute, try some simpler resolution alternatives before you call in Perry Mason.
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