Real Estate
-
Clean and inspect your fireplace periodicallyOct 05, 2014 12:00 am - Q. I plan to use my fireplace more to lower my utility bills. I see some deteriorated spots on the outside of the chimney and it has not been cleaned recently. What type...
-
Seller's presence may hamper showingOct 04, 2014 12:01 am - Q. My Realtor wants me to be absent from the house whenever she brings a client. Is it OK to stay in a room such as the den or computer room? This room could be shown fi...
-
Owners required to provide mortgage holder's name and address to boardOct 04, 2014 12:01 am - Q. Our condominium association declaration requires the board to give notice of proposed amendments to the mortgage holder of each unit. The board has requested owners t...
-
Furnace tips to keep your home cozyOct 04, 2014 12:01 am - The heating season is just around the corner and while all of us are hoping we don't experience another bitter winter season like we did last year, there are no guarante...
-
Six design blogs to make you happyOct 04, 2014 12:01 am - Are you missing your regular dose of DIY adventures while the Petersiks of the Young House Love blog take a break? Here are some suggestions readers sent me after a Twit...
-
Conventional versus FHA: which should you choose?Oct 04, 2014 12:00 am - Conventional versus FHA: which should you choose? It is not an academic question. My calculations show that the wrong choice can cost as much as $33,000 over 15 years on...
-
Tips for hanging your bicycle for the winterOct 03, 2014 12:01 am - Bicycling is more popular than ever - and they aren't cheap. But bike storage can be tough, especially if you want safe and secure storage that doesn't take up a lot of ...
-
Basics of maintaining a septic systemOct 03, 2014 12:01 am - Q. I have some questions about maintaining a septic tank. Someone told me to have my tank pumped every one to two years. Someone else said, "If it ain't broke, don't fix...
-
Local zoning laws can limit homeowners' property rightsOct 03, 2014 12:01 am - Q. We have a small home that sits on a very large lot. The mortgage is paid off, but we live on a modest fixed income, so we'd like to get some extra monthly cash. Would...
-
Emerging 'non-QM' market helps buyers get mortgagesOct 03, 2014 12:01 am - WASHINGTON - If you're thinking about buying a house, you probably know the sobering realities in the mortgage market. Thanks to strict federal rule changes in the wake ...