February 2009 Housing Starts Increase
The number of new private home construction projects rose by 22 percent last month as compared with January. But they fell by 47 percent as compared with one year ago.
The number of building permits issued increased by 3 percent compared with January. But they fell by 44 percent since February 2008.
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Ilyce Glink from ThinkGlink.com and ExpertRealEstateTips.net shares advice, tips, and how to help in this video series dedicated to home renovation and remodeling. With help from contractors, construction professionals and experts, Ilyce brings you the best advice in the industry. If you're thinking…
No Permit For Deck In Purchased Home
A home buyer recently purchased a home and was told the home's fence and deck do not have a permit. The buyer doesn't know which previous owner built the deck and is wondering if it should have been disclosed that they did not have permits. The owner might only have to pay a building permit fee to…
Seller Disclosure Did Not Include Building Permit
A home buyer asks about holding a seller accountable for not disclosing a missing permit for a studio apartment and for an inaccurate address on the real estate contract. Because the home buyer bought the property five years ago he may have exceed the statute of limitations to sue the seller for not…
Refinance To Keep Home After Divorce
When couples divorce sometimes the woman agrees to keep the home rather than lay claim to the man's retirement benefits. But is this a fair trade? It's worth reconsidering trading a home for retirement benefits when the housing market is poor or if the home has home improvement work that wasn't…
Residential Construction Down 6 percent from June
The good news continues. Housing starts in July, 2007 were 1,381,000, down 6.1 percent from June.
The bigger news is that housing starts are down nearly 21 percent from last July.
Permits (which is what developers have to pull before they can actually start building) were 1,373,000, down 2.8 percent…
Limited Common Element In Condominium
This condominium buyer wants to convert the basement to make it into a duplex. The basement will be considered a "limited common element" and the home owners will need to apply for permits. There are differences in the way you own a fee interest in a condominium and the way you own a limited common…
Contractor May Help Avoid Extensive Landscaping Changes
What can you do when the property that borders yours is to undergo extensive landscaping changes? Do you have a say in the matter? Even if your local government has approved the landscaping changes you may be able to provide an alternative by suggesting a qualified contractor.
New Construction Delayed Without Building Permits
To build a new home your builder has to secure building permits from the local government. It may take a while to obtain building permits because of zoning board concerns or other local issues. To get the builder moving or switch to another builder it helps to go through the original new…
Home Inspection When You're Selling Your Home
When you're selling your home you may have a prelisting home inspection. Can you get in trouble if your home differs from what your local government has on record? If your home has work on it without the appropriate building permits you need to get that resolved prior to selling.
How To Resolve Missing Building Permits
When you buy a home that's had home improvements made without building permits, it's up to you to rectify that with your local government. In many cases, the local government will allow you to buy the building permits after the fact and consider the work in compliance with the building code. If you…
New Construction Deposit In Jeopardy
A home buyer has put a deposit down on a home in a new subdivision. After two years, they learn that the developer has not gotten final approval for the development. When a developer or builder has been unable to obtain the required approvals for the subdivision after two years but has started work…
Want to find a good builder? Selecting a good builder is the first step in a new successful new construction project. If you do your homework ahead of time, you should be able to choose a builder who is perfect for your project.
Steps To Building Your Own Home
If you've decided you want to live in something new, you can buy a home in a new construction subdivision or buy a piece of land and hire someone to build a home to your specifications. Here are some smart steps you should take to ensure your built home meets all of your needs. The first thing to…
