home repair
Home Buying Has Risks
Home buying has risks even when buying a condominium with a homeowners association. Q: I’m in the process of purchasing a condominium and there’s a wooden deck near the porch with drainage under it. The Homeowners Association (HOA) says that …
Preventing House Fires
This past Summer, our friends’ beautiful 100-year old home was hit by lightning and caught on fire. The house was a total loss and it will take them two years to rebuild. While lightning strikes can set a house on …
Neighbor’s Tree: Removal and Damage Negotiation
Q: My neighbor has a tree very close to my border that is over 50 years old. It is a really big tree. It is so big I feel that it really belongs in the forest. If it comes down …
Increase Property Value With Neighborhood and Community Efforts
Q: I have worked on helping my community in the past on the issue of blight as an involved resident. I have brought to my association’s board articles that state that liens can be placed on properties to enforce our …
How To Sell Your House Fast In A Slow Market
Our neighbors recently put their home on the market. They received an excellent offer within 24 hours of listing the property and got more money for their home than I thought they could. Meanwhile, two other neighbors have had their …
Insurance Coverage For Lightning Strikes: Are You Prepared?
I learned two interesting things this past weekend. The first is that lightning can strike at any time and it can hit close to home. The second that you need to make sure your insurance policies are up to date …
Home Repair Loans for Seniors
Q: My mother is 80 years old and lives in San Antonio, Texas. Her home is approximately 50 years old. The house needs some serious remodeling. It needs to be leveled and the beams from the roof poking into one …
Locksmith Scams: How To Avoid Locksmith Scams
Recently two random events occurred that led to an interesting discovery. The local phone directory company distributed their newest version of their big thick books that I rarely ever use or even think of. At around the same time, I …
Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe Goes to Washington, Testifies before Senate
Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel’s TV program Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, testified before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s hearing on “Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy” on May 11, 2011. Rowe spoke in support …
Buying a Condo with a Problem, Who Pays?
Q: I live in San Antonio, Texas and looking to buy a condo. If there is a foundation problem with the property, who is responsible for repairing the problem? It’s a small condo complex of about 8 to 10 units, …
