David Myers
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‘Kickback’ plan could land buyer in legal troubleAug 10, 2012 5:29 am - Lenders often are wary when a buyer hopes to get cash from the seller after the transaction closes. Q. I would like to buy a home now because prices and interest rates a...
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Yard sales raise key insurance issuesAug 03, 2012 5:15 am - Garage sales generate an estimated $1 billion in revenue each year, but it could turn out to be a costly proposition if a bargain hunter gets hurt while visiting the pro...
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How to sell a home when a spouse or co-owner ‘goes missing’Jul 27, 2012 5:14 am - An estimated 500,000 home sales are delayed each year because a spouse, an heir or an unrelated co-investor cannot be found. A “quiet title” action can clear the way for...
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About real estate: How sellers can cope with ‘unpermitted’ conversionJul 20, 2012 12:47 am - Millions of homeowners have made changes to their homes without first getting the local government’s approval. Asking for an “as built” permit can save money when planni...
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About real estate: Unmarried buyers have special concerns when ‘taking title’ to new homeJul 13, 2012 1:49 am - It’s usually best for unmarried co-buyers to take title as “tenants-in-common,” even if they plan to wed each other soon. Q. My fiancee and I are planning to buy a house...
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Looking at real estate’s history around the nation’s ‘birthday’Jul 06, 2012 5:28 am - With the celebration of Independence Day this week, it’s a good time to think about the way U.S. real estate has evolved through the centuries. Q. How was property bough...
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Biweekly mortgages can be alternative to other ‘quick-pay’ loansJun 29, 2012 5:28 am - Choosing a biweekly mortgage that requires one-half of a typical monthly repayment every two weeks can save borrower lots of money, but not as much as a “straight” 15-ye...
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About real estate: Contractors usually aren’t liable for delays caused by unexpected problemsJun 22, 2012 5:41 am - Inclement weather is just one factor that a builder or remodeler can cite for missing a deadline without suffering a penalty. Q. We hired a contractor to do a major remo...
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About real estate: Record-low rates make 15-year loans more attractiveJun 15, 2012 5:29 am - The historic drop in rates on “quick pay” mortgages makes it easier for borrowers to cut their loan term in half and save tens of thousands of dollars in interest charge...
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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...