Real Estate
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City can yank building permit if previous problems are foundFeb 19, 2009 10:00 pm - It may seem unfair, but government inspectors are allowed to revoke a new owner's home-improvement permit after discovering that the previous owner made an illegal addit...
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New tax credit for first-time homebuyers tops 2008 versionFeb 19, 2009 10:00 pm - WASHINGTON - Now that Congress has fixed the crucial flaw in last year's home-purchase tax credit, who will be able to make use of the new and improved version? And what...
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Extend the life of your appliances with annual cleaningsFeb 19, 2009 10:00 pm - Is it too early to talk about spring cleaning? We think it's never too early. Most people think of spring cleaning as washing the windows and cleaning the carpet. Well, ...
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Electric blankets allow for lower heat settings at nightFeb 19, 2009 10:00 pm - Q. I am trying to save energy in my home, so I set the furnace thermostat lower each night. It gets chilly and I do not sleep well. What can I do to stay comfortable...
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An option to buy can help couple secure retirement homeFeb 14, 2009 10:00 pm - Q. We are planning on retiring in three to five years to a waterfront location. Elderly friends who are sisters offered to sell us their house and they will be our tenan...
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Inspection mistake made 10 years ago must stay in the pastFeb 14, 2009 10:00 pm - Q. I bought my home 10 years ago. At the time, my home inspector reported no plumbing defects. But recently my plumber pointed out several conditions that violate the pl...
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Redoing a kid's room: 3 parents' stories
Feb 14, 2009 10:00 pm - Children seem to outgrow their bedrooms every few years. Clutter accumulates; tastes change. Older children suddenly need a desk to organize school work; motifs that wer...
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Adding a basement can be economical way to increase spaceFeb 14, 2009 10:00 pm - Imagine adding 1,000 square feet of unfinished space to your home for only $60,000. Even in this time of deep discounts due to our country's economic problems, $60 per s...
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Builder takes path of 'intelligent growth,' looks to futureFeb 14, 2009 10:00 pm - In an economy like this one, according to James Chittaro of Naperville-based J. Lawrence Homes, "you can either bury your head in the sand and hope that the bad stuff go...
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Wet snow can cause serious roof problemsFeb 14, 2009 10:00 pm - Q. Our 2-year-old house has a "faux" slate roof. I believe it is a synthetic product made to look like slate, which has the characteristic of being much smoother than or...