|
|
 |
|
Asphalt driveway has odd problem
Q: I am having a problem with my blacktop driveway. I have lived in my townhome for seven years, and I have always had it seal-coated every year. The townhome is approximately 20 years old. Last year I noticed that the driveway seemed to be cracking and splitting. I had the seal-coating done and the cracks filled. The gentleman who did the job said that the driveway was heaving due to pipes that ran from the house to the street. I called our public works department and they said that could not be the case because we would notice water in the grass or street area. I called our architectural committee and the gentleman from there said it was simply settling. My neighbors' driveways do not seem to be having the same problem or seem to be settling.
...more |
|
|
|
Cancel impound account? There's a fee
DEAR BENNY: Can you explain how a bank can legally charge a quarter of a point of the loan to opt out of an impound account? We have always paid our property taxes twice a year and always on time and have excellent credit. It feels like extortion to me. –Jerry
...more |
|
|
|
Best fix for a cracked patio
Q: I enjoy your column and have a question for you. We built a home last year and have a concrete patio at the rear. It already has a crack in it (not very large) and it's starting to stain. I would like to improve the appearance. What would be the best choice? Paint it, carpet it (I do not like the look of the turf-like outdoor carpeting), lay down a stone covering over it, or something else? It is fully exposed, and we live where the winters are not very cold but the summers can get very hot. There are few trees around it, so leaf stains are not really an issue. We keep our grill, a few chairs, and a patio table on it. It gets direct sun about half the day. Suggestions?
...more |
|
|
|
Is 80-10-10 financing dead?
One of the few certainties in the real estate business is that it's always changing. At this point, the financing end of the business changes daily. A lender may approve a loan one day and decide just before closing that it no longer offers that type of financing. Then, weeks later, they are back in the game.
...more |
|
|
|
Your Newsletter is
Powered by the
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Aaron Grate
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty
1601 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 265
Hermosa Beach,
CA
90254
310.920.9710
310.670.7770
Contact Me
Visit My Web Site
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
Eight ways to conserve water this summer
In February of this year, the Governor of California declared a state emergency due to drought. “ …California faces its third consecutive year of drought and we must prepare for the worst,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said. As of this writing, the state has not issued a mandatory water rationing order, but asks that the residents of California participate in a voluntary reduction. With the summer months ahead, the drought is even more cause for concern. Lawns and gardens will be watered more often, more cars will be washed; essentially the hose will replace the rain. By adjusting their lifestyle a bit, homeowners can reduce water waste -- and save a buck on the monthly water bill. Here’s how:
...more |
| |
Multiple offers making a comeback
In the current home sale market, it might seem ludicrous to make an offer on a listing if it means competing with another buyer. However, multiple offers are on the rise in some markets. But, it doesn't always mean that you need to pay a lot more than the asking price.
Sellers are ever hopeful of receiving multiple offers. These days, this is usually an unrealistic expectation. That is, unless the listing is a prime property in a high-demand neighborhood where few homes are being offered for sale.
...more |
| |
Buying house? Think long term
Now would seem like a rotten time to sell. The economy is in recession and many housing markets around the country have suffered serious downturns.
...more |
| |
 |
Take the Plunge
Purchasing real estate for the first time can be scary. Heck, buying it for the second and third time can evoke fear too. Why?, you may ask. Well because it's a huge investment, which generally requires your commitment for at least 12 months or more. However, there's no need to let fear stop you from moving forward in your quest for purchasing real estate, or doing anything else in life. I'm not thrilled about heights, but I was determined to take a canopy tour in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The picture above is of me stopping fear in its tracks and taking the plunge to have an amazing time!
...more |
| |
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?
...more |
| |
 |
Earn $25k in Real Estate Without a License, Money or Experience!!
You don't always need a license, money or experience to earn money in real estate. Yes, you need a license to be a real estate agent or broker. Experience and money is a major plus to be a real estate investor. However, you can earn $25k in real estate by simply referring someone to me who wants to sell or purchase a distinguished home, priced at $3.5 million or more.
...more |
| |
Truth about home fixture warranties
Warranties are something we see on a myriad of home improvement products, from roofing and siding to faucets and electrical outlets. They're intended to give the consumer some specific legal recourse should the product fail to perform properly, as well as some general psychological peace of mind.
...more |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Your Newsletter is Powered by:
|
|
|
|
|
