Real Estate
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Should home inspectors inspect heat exchangers?Jun 06, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. We purchased our home about six months ago. It is only 4 years old, but the heater just failed. The heating contractor found a crack in the heat exchanger. The cost t...
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Staging your home for faster sale can also bring top dollarJun 05, 2009 11:00 pm - Before you put the "for sale" sign in the yard, it's wise to use the same process as if you were selling your car. You would bring it to a professional car detailing sho...
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Area real estate auctions give bidders rare opportunityJun 04, 2009 11:00 pm - Rick Levin & Associates will soon conduct four auctions of 135 area residential properties, including single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses and rowhomes in Chica...
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Creating your own faux antiques is easy and funJun 04, 2009 11:00 pm - Antiques are valued for the craftsmanship, age and their patina, or that natural worn look. But if you have a piece of furniture that is new and you want it to have that...
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Ozone water purifiers reduce use of chemicals in pools, spasJun 04, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. We like to use our swimming pool and spa, but we want to use fewer harsh chemicals to protect our skin and the environment. Are ozone water purifiers effective and do...
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Delinquent property-tax bill could trigger foreclosureJun 04, 2009 11:00 pm - Few borrowers know it, but most lenders have the right to foreclose if the property-tax bill goes unpaid. Q. You recently answered a question from a reader who said he ...
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Government loan program converts tax credit to mortgage down paymentJun 04, 2009 11:00 pm - The Obama administration has now put out the official word: Starting soon, first-time homebuyers nationwide will be able to turn their $8,000 federal tax credits into ca...
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Stone Gate a gem in downtown Des PlainesJun 04, 2009 11:00 pm - Would you like an Emerald or Ruby? Whatever jewel you select at Stone Gate Condominiums - where each condo is named after a gemstone - your purchase will mean quality c...
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Some borrowers can't go loan modification aloneMay 30, 2009 11:00 pm - Editor's note: This column concludes a two-part series on mortgage modification. Last week, I went over the steps involved in getting a loan modified. This article ...
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Obvious signs of asbestos is often noted, but not part of inspectionMay 29, 2009 11:00 pm - Q. I bought a house last year and recently learned that the air ducts in the house are made of asbestos and need to be replaced. Shouldn't our home inspector have checke...