Real Estate
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Cider Grove: Orchard-inspired homes bear fruit in HuntleyMay 21, 2009 11:00 pm - Two new model homes give visitors a taste of the sweet life at Cider Grove, a clubhouse community of 290 single-family homes set in the McHenry County countryside. The T...
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Now is a great time to upgrade to energy-efficient air conditioningMay 21, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. My old central air conditioner still works, but my electric bills are high during summer. With Obama's new energy tax credit, does it make sense to switch to a new on...
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Several steps can vastly improve security of your homeMay 16, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. I have a fairly typical two-story house which I think is reasonably secure. There have been several burglaries nearby. What are some simple, inexpensive methods to ma...
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Don't pay an upfront fee to sell your interest in a time shareMay 16, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. I am sure this question is one that many people have and an answer certainly would be appreciated. I need to get rid of a time share but have paid dollars after dolla...
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Builders see tight window on $8,000 tax incentiveMay 16, 2009 11:00 pm - Listen up, first-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home for the past three years; the federal government is offering you the chance of a lifetime, but you h...
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Rising water costs take toll on rentalsMay 16, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. I have been renting a duplex unit for more than three years. A week ago, my landlord told me the water bills have been getting very high and that she was thinking abo...
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Here's an alternative to the toxic asset purchase programMay 16, 2009 11:00 pm - The government is betting that by lending large amounts to private investors to purchase securities, markets will revive and security values will rise. It is a costly an...
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Handy tool for stubborn packagesMay 16, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. Sometime late last year, you mentioned an interesting tool that made it easy to open all types of packages, etc. I believe it was designed by women, and you thought i...
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Home addition foiled by line restrictionsMay 16, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. My husband and I wish to put an addition onto our home. We had someone draw up some plans and we submitted them to the village so we could get our building permit. We...
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New appraisal rules create added costs, sea change in industryMay 14, 2009 11:00 pm - WASHINGTON - How about this scenario the next time you refinance or apply for a new mortgage: The real estate appraisal that used to cost you $325 now costs $450, even t...