Articles filed under Real Estate

• Super handyman: Don’t trust your eyes only; use a level on your projects May 18, 2012 12:00 AM
  Have you ever finished a project and noticed that one side is crooked, not true or not even? It doesnt matter how great the paint job is if the trim is not straight. Whatever project or repair work you take on is going to turn out better if you use a level.
  

   
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  Ask the plumber: Matching bath-fixture finishes should be simple May 13, 2012 12:00 AM
  A toilet handle, showerhead, shower arm and tub-drain trip lever should not be a big issue to replace, since they are normally easy-to-install plumbing accessories. The mixing valve may be a little tougher, depending on the make, model, and age of the valve.
  

   

• Home repair: Elbow grease may brighten yellowed tiles May 13, 2012 12:00 AM
  Q. I am hoping you know of a solution for the yellowing of my white vinyl floor tiles. Two years ago, after a summer of hot days, the tiles turned yellow in all areas not covered with throw rugs in the backroom and the kitchen.
  

   

• Rental forum: Dealings with roommates can turn hostile May 13, 2012 12:00 AM
  Q: Although Id been renting a house for several years by myself, I recently got a roommate to help make ends meet after my employer cut my hours.
  

   

• On homes and real estate: Parents plan to sell home to children May 12, 2012 12:00 AM
  Q. Three years ago our parents moved from their home to a rental apartment. I moved in to their house and have been renting. My sister and I are interested in buying the house now to keep the inheritance so it doesnt go toward paying for nursing home care if needed.
  

   

• Home fix: Replacing both springs keeps garage door in balance May 12, 2012 12:00 AM
  There are usually two springs for the average residential garage door and, depending on the size and weight of the door, there are two different types of springs. These springs should be replaced in pairs, says HomeFix columnist Dwight Barnett.
  

   
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  Top home furnishings companies debut new lines at Las Vegas show May 12, 2012 12:00 AM
  "Metal with wood is big right now," said Cameron Cook of Four Hands. The Texas-based company debuted its Irondale Collection during the recent furniture show in Las Vegas, which drew top home furnishings companies from around the country.
  

   

• CondoTalk: Collection of unpaid assessments May 12, 2012 12:00 AM
  Associations need to carefully consider the facts and circumstances in each situation to evaluate whether it should consider seeking collection of unpaid assessments from former unit owners.
  

   

• Mortgage professor: Those lured by smaller mortgage payments should reconsider May 12, 2012 12:00 AM
  The case for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages has never been stronger because, in the post-crisis market, the rate advantage over the 30-year has never been larger. The rate advantage is about 0.875 percent, whereas prior to the crisis, it was 0.375 percent to 0.5 percent.
  

   

• Home inspector: Unpermitted addition worries homeowner May 11, 2012 12:00 AM
  Q. A den was added to my house some time in the past, and we dont know if the work was permitted. Were afraid to ask about a permit because we dont want someone to order the addition torn down.
  

   
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  What do you want at Fort Sheridan? Officials want to know May 11, 2012 12:00 AM
  With a golf course no longer being considered, Lake County Forest Preserve District officials want to hear from you about what types of trails or other amenities should be added to the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve near Highland Park. A public open house is planned for Tuesday, June 12, at the "Midwest Young Artists Center, 878 Lyster Road, Highwood. We are committed to still spending money over there, forest district board President Ann Maine said.
  

   

• Super handyman: Be prepared in case of an emergency May 11, 2012 12:00 AM
  Hardly a day goes by when we dont hear about an earthquake, tornado or flood. If it hasnt happened to you yet, you must be doing something right! But surely your luck will run out eventually. Being prepared is smart, and could make these times go a little more smoothly.
  

   

• About real estate: Neighbor’s pesky pooches make home seller growl May 11, 2012 12:00 AM
  Even though sellers may offer a home thats in prime shape, they may be required to tell a buyer about the noisy dogs next door.
  

   

• Algonquin project delayed, board to hear update May 9, 2012 12:00 AM
  Algonquin village officials are scheduled to get an update May 22 from the developer of Riverside Plaza, who said the completion of the long-delayed project has been pushed back again. John Breugelmans, principal of Riverside Plaza LLC based in North Barrington, said the 54-unit condo development with retail on the first floor is scheduled to be completed by late winter.
  

   

• Mall operator becomes biggest real estate company May 7, 2012 12:00 AM
  
  

   

• Home fix: Broken sewer pipe contaminates soil May 6, 2012 12:00 AM
  I have an older home with a bothersome smell. After maneuvering into the dirt crawlspace under the house, a broken pipe was discovered. It had probably been leaking sewage for one or two months.
  

   

• Law talk: Deed in lieu of foreclosure usually releases owner from debt May 6, 2012 12:00 AM
  A Deed in Lieu provides you are relieved of the mortgage obligation unless you agree, in writing, not to be fully relieved and the writing occurs at the time the deed in lieu is executed, says attorney Tom Resnick, who answers readers' questions about real estate law.
  

   

• Home repair: There’s no clear winner when choosing floor varnish May 6, 2012 12:00 AM
  Q. We are planning to hire professionals to refinish our hardwood floors. They were originally finished long ago with an oil-based polyurethane varnish. Now we are having a disagreement over whether to ask them to use a water-based polyurethane or the traditional oil-based polyurethane.
  

   
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  Ask the plumber: Throw a curve into bathroom remodeling job May 6, 2012 12:00 AM
  Q. Were doing a good-sized remodeling job in our bathroom. It wont be a complete gut job, but we are changing all the fixtures, including the bathtub. But we have space restrictions.
  

   

• $ensible home: Tips on choosing a skylight May 6, 2012 12:00 AM
  Q. I want to reduce my electric bills especially with the upcoming summers air-conditioning costs. I thought about installing a skylight or tubular skylight so I need fewer lights. Which would be best?