Total Number of News: 6353
- 11/3/2008 - Real Estate News
Mortgage fright spreads like wildfire
The mortgage world has suddenly become very frightening to many people who have no real reason to be frightened. Their mortgages are in good standing, and they are not having any trouble meeting their payments, yet they are in distress -- in large part... - 10/31/2008 - Real Estate News
Concrete painting 101
Whether it's your garage floor, your patio or some other spot where that concrete slab could use some dressing up, a coat of paint might be just what's needed. The trick to a good-looking, long-lasting paint job on concrete is to select the right paint... - 10/31/2008 - Real Estate News
Defect disclosure can be slippery slope
Q: We sold our home in May and on the seller disclosure form we noted that we had had water in the basement. We always assumed the basement water issue was due to faulty gutters and an excessive amount of rainfall. The buyer now wants us to pay for wa... - 10/30/2008 - Real Estate News
Landlord: Lawyers too risky as tenants
Q: My wife and I have been turned down for a home we tried to rent. Our credit is good, our references are excellent, and we make more than three times the monthly rent -- but I'm a lawyer! The landlord told me she won't rent to lawyers, because she's ... - 10/30/2008 - Real Estate News
Buyers, be careful what you sign at escrow
Q: I am about to buy a home. I have heard that I should request a copy of my closing documents several days prior to my scheduled signing. What should I be looking for, and who can I hire to help me go over them? A: Whoever told you that gave you sound... - 10/30/2008 - Real Estate News
Put extra cash into mutual fund, not mortgage
Q: My wife and I enjoy listening to your radio show on Sundays. We are both 65. I work full time and my wife works part time. We'd like to sell our house because it is too big for us now, but we know this is not a good time so we are waiting for the ma... - 10/29/2008 - Real Estate News
What happens when reverse mortgage isn't repaid?
In a recent column, we addressed the possibility of using an Individual Retirement Account to purchase investment real estate. We pointed out that one of the challenges was that an IRA-leveraged loan is made to the IRA or plan, not to an individual, and... - 10/29/2008 - Real Estate News
Scams, moving and surviving on a teacher's salary
If your budget is tight, the last thing you need to do is get scammed out of your hard-earned cash, blow it all on a bad move or spend more than you should. Three new books provide a lift for those who are trying to do more with their money, and provid... - 10/28/2008 - Real Estate News
Seller's contractor can't be trusted
Q: We are in the process of buying a home. We really did our homework before we started, but we've still hit a big bump in the road. We made an offer on a lovely house that is about 80 years old. It was advertised as renovated and was even on the area ... - 10/28/2008 - Real Estate News
Homeowners burned by insurer
DEAR BARRY: Last winter, we had a house fire. The burn damage inside was relatively small, but the smoke damage was extreme. It was so bad that we had to move out for several months, and the drywall, insulation and floor coverings had to be removed fro...