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Bailing on underwater house
DEAR BENNY: My self-employed son and his new wife built a house several years ago at the top of the market. Last year, they decided to take advantage of slightly depressed real estate values in another state, and contracted to build a house there. The first house was put on the market at substantially less than they paid for it. They got no offers until someone asked to rent it with an option to buy.
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FHA program funds fixers
Investors have been taking advantage of low interest rates and discounted prices to buy run-down foreclosure properties, sometimes 10 or so at a time. They fix up the properties enough to be rented until the market turns, which could take years. When the time is right, the investor puts the finishing touches on the improvements and hopefully sells for a profit.
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Pros' guide to window screen replacement
It's getting to be that time again. The windows are open, and the bugs are clamoring at the window screens, trying to come in and join the party. If a few too many of these uninvited guests are getting in, it's probably time to get that damaged screening replaced. Luckily, this is a great do-it-yourself project that you can take care of in no time.
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Buy now, sell later?
Plan for the worst and hope for the best. This is a reasonable course of action if you're planning to sell your current home and buy another one in the current market.
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Roof shingles to rave about
When it comes to shingles, there are choices galore. But one of the most attractive from a number of standpoints is the laminated composition shingle. Durable, reasonably priced, and compatible with a wide range of architectural styles, laminated shingles long ago destroyed the notion that composition shingles are suitable only for lower-end housing.
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It still pays to remodel
The home-sale market has taken a beating in the last few years, which begs the question: Does it makes sense financially to invest in home improvements?
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Six ways to boost curb appeal
If you're thinking of listing your home this spring, now is the time to be thinking about one of the most important elements of real estate marketing: Curb appeal. It's your one and only chance to make a first impression on a potential buyer, so make it a good one! Here are some suggestions to make your home stand out from the rest:
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Window trim: from boring to bold
If you look closely at homes with beautiful windows, you'll typically find one thing in common: wood trim. No matter what the style of the window is or what material it's made out of, a painted or stained wood surround enhances the beauty of the window far more than the inexpensive "drywall wrap" that's common on a lot of today's homes.
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No capital gains tax on home exchange?
DEAR BENNY: My husband and I built a townhouse in 1983 for $33,000. We lived there for a few years and then rented it out for 17 years, taking all the tax advantages such as depreciation, etc.
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No benefit to refi with current lender?
DEAR BENNY: I am shopping for a new mortgage (I will refinance about $160,000 remaining on a condo worth about $300,000) and discovered my mortgage holder wants about $2,200 in closing costs. I just financed with this bank three years ago and have stellar credit. There seems to be no special benefit for refinancing with this lender. Their broker told me as much. I don't understand why they wouldn't want to keep a good customer. Any insight? --Janelle
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What to look for in a final walk-through inspection
Most home buyers will have at least two opportunities to inspect their property before closing on the purchase.
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Mortgage payoff in a divorce
DEAR BENNY: My wife and I are in the process of getting a divorce. I am prepared to give her the family home so that our children will not be disrupted any more than they already are. I know that our mortgage lender will not relieve me of our joint obligation to make the monthly payments, but hopefully that will not be a financial problem for us. We have been advised that a lender can use the "due on sale" clause in the mortgage documents to block this transaction. Can this happen? --Tom
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Tax time over, but many credits still available
If you’re a homeowner, it’s a given that you claim the mortgage interest deduction on your tax returns. If you are a green-minded homeowner, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit if you purchase or have purchased (keep those receipts) an energy-efficient product or a renewable energy system for your home.
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Don't charge up a storm before buying home
Sometimes home buyers think they'll be able to get away with making a large purchase just after they've been approved for a mortgage.
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