Synthetic stucco is a man-made covering used on homes, touted for its excellent insulation qualities. In recent years there's been controversy about synthetic stucco, or EIFS, as the industry calls it, because moisture has come between the synthetic stucco and the walls of the home. The moisture causes significant and expensive damage to the home. The EIFS industry says the moisture-related installation problems have become more rare, but it's still difficult to find a good, reputable installer.
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Should I Invest Beyond The Company Match in My 401(k)?
If you work for a company that offers a match for a 401(k) should you take it? And, how much should you contribute to the 401(k)? If the company offers to match 50 percent of the contribution up to the first 6 percent of your salary you contribute to the 401(k), should you contribute over and above that amount? So many companies today are eliminating 401(k) match programs simply because they can no longer afford them. A listener to Ilyce's radio talk show wants to know if he should contribute 10 percent to a part-time employer's 401(k) program. The company will match 50 percent of his 401(k) contribute up to 6 percent of his salary. He wants to know if he should contribute 10 percent of his salary to the 401(k) even though the employer will not match the last 4 percent.
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Posted on:
Jun 2, 2009
Jun 2, 2009
At Closing, Include Another Home Inspection
When you buy a home you and a home inspector should do a final walkthrough before closing. While you may have had another home inspection along the way, the preclosing home inspection is important because by that point the sellers should have moved out of the home. You'll look for different things depending on whether you're buying new construction or an existing home.
Posted on:
Nov 26, 2008
Nov 26, 2008
Seller vs. Agent -- From Today's Show
We had a caller today who had gotten divorced in January and her neighbor (who turned out to be a real estate agent) said she had a buyer for her house. The seller found herself quickly agreeing to sell her house and now is wondering why she paid a 3 percent commission to the neighbor/agent, and…
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Posted on:
Jul 30, 2008
Jul 30, 2008
Synthetic Stucco Affects Home Value
You may have heard all about synthetic stucco, and how many homes with synthetic stucco coverings suffer water damage. But is it worth it to replace synthetic stucco to improve a home's value? Even if your EIFS, or synthetic stucco, has been problem free, there may be a stigma around synthetic stucco. Before deciding whether to change the synthetic stucco siding on your home, it may be worthwhile to consider your home in comparison to others in your neighborhood.
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Posted on:
Jun 19, 2008
Jun 19, 2008
Asking For Trouble With Synthetic Stucco
Synthetic stucco may trap moisture between exterior and plywood leading to mold and rot. A developer asks about using synthetic stucco over concrete blocks. There has been more success using synthetic stucco over concrete blocks, but this developer will still have to fight the negative public perception of synthetic stucco. But if he is not looking for problems in construction, he may want to consider other exterior finishes.
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Posted on:
Apr 3, 2008
Apr 3, 2008
6 Mistakes Home Buyers Make When Shopping Online
More than 85 percent of home buyers start their search for a house online as well. But home buyers need to remember that things on the Internet are not always as they seem. Here are six mistakes home buyers make when shopping around for homes online.
Posted on:
Aug 24, 2007
Aug 24, 2007
Home Inspector Misses Termites
A home buyer purchased a new home only to discover that it has live termites, even though they had a certified home inspection. The buyer may be able to sue the seller for not disclosing the problem as well as the home inspector for not doing his job correctly. Home inspector contracts often limit the inspector's liability to the fee paid.
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Posted on:
Jan 28, 2007
Jan 28, 2007
When you own a home covered with synthetic stucco you may decide to install a water barrier system. Some water barrier systems work, but many fail, and you should ensure that your system is in working order. A synthetic stucco-certified home inspector can look at the exterior of the home to find potential damage.
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Posted on:
Dec 31, 2006
Dec 31, 2006
Moisture Trouble With EIFS Home
A reader purchased a synthetic stucco (EIFS) home and now has detected a bubble on the exterior of the home. Buyers should be cautious if purchasing homes with a synthetic stucco exterior. A home inspector with experience in synthetic stucco should always give the home a thorough inspection.
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Posted on:
Sep 23, 2006
Sep 23, 2006
Backing Out of Timeshare is Difficult
Timeshare seminars could be a way to get into an investment property. But they can also turn out to be a scam. In this case, after the buyers changed their mind, the timeshare company won't return the down payment. If you find yourself in a situation that seems like a scam, contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and the state attorney general.
Posted on:
Oct 24, 2005
Oct 24, 2005
