Real Estate Columns
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Newer low-flow toilets are the choice for replacements
Feb 22, 2019 6:00 AM - Q. Our old master bathroom toilet does not flush well and we are thinking about adding a first-floor half bath. What are the best types of toilets to get for each room and which ones save the most water?
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Homeowner worried about shallow foundation
Feb 17, 2019 6:00 AM - Q. Last week, I was told my home's foundation violates the building code because it doesn't extend deep enough into the ground. If the building department finds out, I'm afraid they'll make me build a new foundation. What do you think I should do?
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Make sure your desires are written in contract
Feb 16, 2019 6:00 AM - Q. We want to stay here till school is out, and then we hope to move to a bigger house. Meanwhile, we're getting ready to put this house on the market. We had made a real playground for our kids in the backyard. Will we have the right to take the swing set and sandbox with us?
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Most retirees should have an annuity in their retirement plan
Feb 16, 2019 6:00 AM - A retirement plan has two major objectives. One is to provide assurance that you will not run out of money at an advanced age. Because only an annuity pays you until you die, with few exceptions, every retirement plan should contain an annuity.
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Condo meetings generally open to owners, not public
Feb 16, 2019 7:00 AM - Are Illinois condominium associations subject to the Illinois Open Meetings Act?
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When were GFCI outlets mandated?
Feb 10, 2019 6:00 AM - Q. My home inspector advised me to install GFCI outlets in my home for added electrical safety, but I'm wondering if this is required for an older home. What are the requirements for a house built in 1984?
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You'll want to pay more toward your mortgage, not more often
Feb 9, 2019 6:00 AM - Will a weekly, bimonthly or biweekly payment mortgage really save you money?
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Landscape committee chairwoman wants to clean house
Feb 9, 2019 7:00 AM - Q. Does a newly elected condominium board member, who is the new Landscape Committee chairwoman, have the right to "fire" five committee members of long standing? The chair gave no advance notice and had no cause, stating only that she wanted "new blood."
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Latest credit breach exposes mortgage data for thousands of borrowers
Feb 8, 2019 6:00 AM - The personal information we all supply to get a home mortgage, such as Social Security numbers, frequently does not remain with the lender that made the loan. Mortgages routinely are pooled and sold to investors in a vast secondary market; those investors may resell chunks of their portfolios to other investors.
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The surprising solution to avoid woodpecker damage to your house
Feb 9, 2019 9:21 AM - Jerry Hope of St. Charles, a member of the Kane County Audubon Society, shared an interesting tip for those who are having trouble with woodpeckers damaging their home.
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