Articles filed under Real Estate

• Organizing your attics and basementsDec 1, 2013 12:00 AM
  Attics and basements are the obvious places to store seasonal, overflow and keepsake items. But before you shove a bunch of cardboard boxes into the dark attic or damp basement, consider how and where to store your items so they’ll be in good condition and easy to find.
  

   
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  Put your kitchen sink to work with these accessories Dec 1, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. We’re replacing our counters and plan to install stone countertops with an under-mount-style sink. What current trends do you recommend we include with our new kitchen sink?
  

   

• Glass blocks can be as energy efficient as windows Dec 1, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. My house needs more efficient windows. I live alone, so I am considering some glass block windows for security. Are they very efficient and how can I have some summertime ventilation with them?
  

   

• Steps can be taken when repair delays threaten closing Dec 1, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. My contract to buy includes an addendum listing requested repairs. Now, two days before closing is scheduled, there are windows the seller agreed to replace “when they arrive” that won’t be available until after the closing.
  

   

• Bug expert may be able to explain mysterious stains Dec 1, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. All of the sudden this past summer, on two occasions, the wood siding on our front entryway was covered with black/brown spots from some type of bug. They also appeared under both exterior lights. I literally had to scrub each board with soap and water and a hard scrub brush to clean it off.
  

   

• Damaged flooring around toilet may mean a leak Nov 30, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. I recently noticed a stain on the vinyl flooring next to the toilet. I’ve tried to clean the stain, but it appears to be under the vinyl flooring. What causes this and how can it be treated?
  

   

• How to make real estate contract binding Nov 30, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. This is written in response to the letter .asking how to make a purchase contract “more binding.” One simple method is to require more deposit money at the time of acceptance. This money would be tied up and not so easy to walk away from if the buyer does not close.
  

   

• Can you use the good-faith estimate to shop mortgage prices? Nov 30, 2013 12:00 AM
  Under Federal law, every home mortgage borrower must be provided with a Good Faith Estimate of Settlement Costs (GFE) within three days of receipt of the borrower’s application. People often ask if the GFE can be used to shop mortgages and rates.
  

   
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  Would you live in a hexagonal house? Nov 30, 2013 12:00 AM
  Britain-based designer Barry Jackson has come up with an innovative new concept in housing inspired by the elegant structure of honeycomb. Hivehaus is a modular living space composed of six-sided, self-contained, 100-square-foot modules.
  

   

• Installment buyers usually have voting rights Nov 30, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. Several owners in our condominium association are selling their units through the use of an installment contract. What is this?
  

   

• Preparing your carpet for holiday guests Nov 29, 2013 12:00 AM
  If you are expecting guests for the holidays, then you should be preparing your home. A lot of people take this time to replace worn or stained carpet. But if you are on a budget, try some or all of these tips and tricks for getting out the spots and making your carpets look presentable again.
  

   

• Seller worried about ungrounded outlets Nov 29, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. Our home was built in 1971. When we bought the home, it had two-prong outlets. A family member changed these to three-prong outlets so that we could plug in our appliances, but we found out there are no ground wires in the outlet boxes.Do you think we’ll have to rewire the house to provide grounding?
  

   

• Homeowners can give thanks for a do-nothing Congress Nov 29, 2013 12:00 AM
  The federal government is stuck, which might be good news for people who own a house and depend on their tax breaks to get by.
  

   

• Foreclosure laws greatly impact speed of housing recovery Nov 29, 2013 12:00 AM
  Why have many of the local housing markets that were hit hardest during the bust — especially in California — bounced back so vigorously and quickly, with prices close to or exceeding where they were in 2005 and 2006?
  

   

• Elgin kicks off comprehensive plan process Nov 29, 2013 12:00 AM
  Elgin officials hope residents and business people in town will participate in the creation of the city’s new comprehensive plan, a process that started last week and is expected to last at least a year. Consultants from Chicago-based Houseal Lavigne Associates kicked off the “Envision Elgin” planning process by conducting 20 to 30 interviews with individuals and groups, launching online surveys, and hosting community workshops for residents and business owners last week.
  

   
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  2,400-seat performing arts center still in Schaumburg’s plansNov 27, 2013 12:00 AM
  Schaumburg’s proposed 2,400-seat performing arts center next to the Renaissance Hotel and Schaumburg Convention Center remains very much a part of the village’s to-do list, nearly a decade after it was hoped construction would have begun. “It’s still part of the Schaumburg dream,” Mayor Al Larson said.
  

   

• Contracts to buy U.S. homes fall for 5th month Nov 25, 2013 12:00 AM
  
  

   
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  Tiered system of finances keep you on track Nov 24, 2013 12:00 AM
  When looking at your finances, it is important to consult a Certified Financial Planner professional who can help you strip out the emotions and make good decisions about your future, says Thomas Manzardo, a CFP at Manzardo & Associates in Schaumburg.
  

   
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  Choose a toilet style without getting bowled over Nov 24, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. I recently went to purchase a new toilet to replace my old one. But I found so many toilet bowl styles that I was not sure what I needed. Can you please help me with basic toilet bowl choices?
  

   

• Multiple ridge vents could lead to problems, not solutions Nov 24, 2013 12:00 AM
  Q. I read with great interest your article in which you recommended continuous baffled ridge vents. In my research, I came across an article stating that if there are other parallel or perpendicular ridges more than 3 feet in distance from the main ridge, they should be separated by plywood or plastic sheeting in the attic or should not have a vent.