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Multiple home inspections pay off
Buyers often assume that if a house is new there's no need to inspect it. What could possibly be wrong with a brand-new house? You'd be surprised.
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Final walkthrough a buyer's best friend
Imagine this. You move into your new home for the first time after closing and, although you transferred the utilities into your name, the lights don't turn on. There isn't a single light bulb left in the house, the yard is overgrown, and the leaky faucets the sellers were to have fixed still leak.
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Lender demands PMI despite 50 percent equity
DEAR BENNY: My mother-in-law's mortgage was sold to another lender. The new lender is asking for PMI, which was not required by her previous lender. She has more than 50 percent equity in her home. She really cannot afford the PMI. Does the new lender have this right? What are her options? Craig
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Pros and cons of linoleum flooring
Q: Could you please tell me how linoleum scores in the same categories: virtues, detractions, and resale?
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Home sellers who understand market prosper
Buyers aren't the only ones holding back in today's housing market. Many sellers are postponing putting their homes on the market because they are convinced that now is not a good time to sell. They would prefer to wait for a better market.
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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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Deck railings: Think outside of the wood
When it comes time to construct or replace a railing around your deck, your first thought is probably wood. Wood is certainly the hands-down favorite for railings, but there are lots of other options out there that are worth exploring.
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Unpaid HOA fees boost foreclosure risk
DEAR BENNY: I am three months behind in my homeowner's association payments. Can the condominium foreclose on my unit? My mortgage payments are up to date, and I called my lender who said no, they cannot foreclose. What do you say?
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Homeowner's insurance hang-ups
After paying out huge settlements to clean up mold damage, homeowner insurers pulled back from issuing new policies on homes where a water damage claim had been made within the last five years.
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Homeowners find it pays to go green
The green revolution is spreading as the public becomes aware of the need to reduce dependence on foreign oil and improve the environment through conservation and recycling. Today's recession-wary homeowners are reluctant to spend a penny on home improvements. However, some effective energy-saving home improvements don't cost much and can save you money in the long run.
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