Lifestyle Columns
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Three factors determine how long will you will be underwater on your mortgageJun 09, 2012 5:42 am - About 16 million homeowners owe more on their mortgage than their homes are worth, which means they are “underwater.” So long as that condition continues, they have no e...
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Associations have options to address unit foreclosuresJun 09, 2012 4:57 am - The mortgage foreclosure crisis impacting associations is not going away anytime soon. Today’s column addresses why the association is a defendant in a unit owner’s mort...
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Siblings unlikely to owe tax on sale of mother’s homeJun 09, 2012 4:50 am - Q. My deceased mother’s house has an offer that my siblings and I have accepted. We believe we each will receive about $20,000 after the realty fees. My question is, do ...
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Dinner obsession satisfied with new chicken wrapsJun 08, 2012 6:00 am - I know it's time to hit the test kitchen to develop a new recipe when I find myself obsessed with one dish. Lately, it's been chicken lettuce wraps, which are found on n...
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Home inspector: Fire damage in attic was not disclosedJun 08, 2012 5:49 am - Q. When we bought our home, the inspection report said nothing about damage in the attic. This week, I was in the attic, and one entire wall is scorched wood. What can I...
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About real estate: More agents ask prospects for personal information as safety concerns growsJun 08, 2012 5:26 am - Some agents are asking potential buyers and even sellers lots of personal questions before accepting them as clients, hoping to avoid becoming crime victims. Q. We recen...
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Home repair: Epoxy may be cure for rough garage floorJun 08, 2012 5:08 am - Q. Our garage floor is in need of some attention. It was poured in 1993 on a cold, damp day. It took a long time to dry, and the guys (unfortunately, carpenters — not re...
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Super handyman: Tips for preparing your house so you can have a worry-free vacationJun 08, 2012 4:34 am - Summer is upon us. That means family activities and vacations. If you’re planning on leaving town, take some time to prepare your home so that it won’t be vulnerable to ...
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The nation’s housing: FICO, by the numbersJun 08, 2012 1:00 am - WASHINGTON — In a marketplace where lenders are demanding record-high FICO credit scores — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are averaging around 760 on approved mortgages this...
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Listen, no lecturing when talking to young people about sexJun 07, 2012 8:34 am - Q. I am 28 and have a little brother who is 16. He is smart, funny, kind and an all-around good kid. He is in a long-term relationship (well, for 16: six months) with a ...