Remodeling a Kitchen? 4 Simple Rules for a Successful Kitchen Remodel
Do you want to remodel your kitchen? If so, there are a couple key things you need to know before you get started. These four steps can make the difference between the kitchen of your dreams, and the kitchen of your nightmares. Read on to find out more.
Contractor Horror Story: Contractor Referral Turns Into Home Repair Nightmare
For this reader, what should have been a simple home repair job to replace windows turned into a Contractor Horror Story. Contractor referrals might not always give you the best contractor for the job. Get multiple estimates from contractors and make sure you are only paying for the home repair work…
Winterize Your Home And Get A Tax Credit
The IRS has advised taxpayers that the Expanded Recovery Act Tax Credit will help homeowners winterize their homes so they can save energy and save money at the same time. But the IRS cautions homeowners to check the tax credit certification before they buy winterizing tools.
Seller Disclosure: Lawsuit May Not be Worth Time and Effort To Fix Problem
Seller disclosure is required in most states, meaning a seller has to reveal any defects or problems with the house to a buyer. However, the seller disclosure laws and requirements vary greatly from state to state. If a buyer discovers problems with the home that they think were not revealed through…
The FHA 203k rehab loan (or 203(k)) Program offers government-backed loans to rehab and refinance a borrower's property. According to the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, this is an important program that can help stabilize the nation's struggling neighborhoods. Learn more about the FHA 203k…
Home Ownership Costs: The True Cost of Owning and Maintaining a Home
What are the true costs of owning and maintaining a home. If you're preparing a budget, you need to factor in these cost of ownership. Not only will you have to replace fixtures, appliances, and carpet, but you'll need to change filters, batteries and smoke detectors regularly as well. Landscaping…
Hire A Home Inspector To Assist With a Masonite Siding and Wood Rot Problem
A homeowner's supporting wood structure is rotting. He discovered the problem when replacing decayed Masonite siding, and wonders whether he has any recourse with the seller for not informing him about the problem. He might want to hire a home inspector now to determine the source of his problem and…
The More Things Change, The More Things Stay the Same, Location, Location, Location
In the new world of real estate there are many changes to keep track of, but there are also some key parts to the home buying process that haven’t changed. Real estate agents are still a good deal for home buyers. You’ll get the best home loan rates and save money if you shop around. Home repair and…
Home Repair Responsibility Differs For Foreclosure
When you're buying a home, the seller is usually responsible for making repairs before closing. But when you're buying a foreclosure, the responsibility for fixing the home does not usually lie with the mortgage lender who's selling it. When you're trying to decide whether to buy a foreclosure you…
Fixing Home Inspection Issues When Home Buying
When you're buying a home, a home inspector will go over the property with you to point out any issues that may require home repair. It's a good idea to walk around with the home inspector during a home inspection because he may make comments that won't appear on the final report. After you know the…
Inexpensive Improvements To Make Before Selling Home
Today's home buyers are spending too much money to buy a home that they typically don't have the cash left over for improvements such as painting and carpeting. By making these home improvements before selling, your home will sell faster and for a lot more money. Paint is a cheap and easy…
Can Reverse Mortgage Be Used To Finance Home Repairs?
A reverse mortgage can only be used on a home that is the primary residence of the homeowners, and could not be used to finance repairs for a family's vacation home. A home equity loan would be the more logical way to pay for home repairs, even for a home held in a trust. As long as the value of the…
Sellers Responsible For Recalled Furnace In Sold Home?
Home sellers received a letter that the furnace in their sold home has been recalled. If a product is recalled, typically the company that manufactures it will repair or replace it. The contract will determine if the buyer or seller is responsible for getting the recalled furnace fixed.
A homeowner wants to know where to find services for "freshening up" his home. Home improvement services may be offered through a membership warehouse.
An ex-husband and ex-wife are selling a home they own together, but the ex-husband will not make the house presentable for sale.The ex-wife has a right to make sure the home is presentable for sale. But the ex-husband may try to make it difficult for her and the real estate agent to view the home…
Before Closing Walk Through And Write A Punch List
When you buy a new home you should walk through it before closing. As you walk through your new construction home you can write down anything that you think the builder needs to fix. If there's something significant such as landscaping, you can hold back some money in escrow until the developer…
Who's Responsible For Damage Between Inspection And Closing?
Home buyers recently purchased a home that has severe hail damage from a storm between their home inspection and closing. In many states, it is still buyer beware when it comes to buying the home and if the seller did not lie or hide damage to the home, the seller may be off the hook for damage…
Construction Surprises Can Add Up Costs
Whenever you tackle a renovation project, it always seems to cost twice as much as you thought and take twice as long to complete. Construction surprises are one reason why construction budgets get blown. When the unexpected happens, it usually costs a lot to fix it. In almost every renovation…
Appraisal Value Prevents Mortgage Financing
If you don't receive mortgage financing under the current terms of a contract, what can you do? Should you renegotiate or back out of the contract? The terms of your real estate contract may include provisions that will allow you different options.
Home Buyer's Decision To Buy House As Is If Home Seller Refuses To Pay For Home Repairs
A home seller refuses to pay for any repairs and did not accept an inspection contingency on the offer. The buyer wonders if the seller can be made to pay or if the real estate agent can kick in some cash for the home repairs. The buyer must decide if he wants to buy the house as is if seller…
Buying A Home For Less Due To Radon
When you're looking at homes to buy you may find that some have radon in the basement. Should you buy a house with a radon problem? It may be OK to buy a home with a radon problem so long as it has been corrected. But when you go to sell a home with a radon problem you need to mention it as part of…
Home Equity Loan Or Refinance?
Is it better to refinance or take out a home equity loan for a home's major repairs? If you are late paying any bills, you may have trouble refinancing or taking out a home equity loan at a reasonable price. If your finances are out of control, it might be best to hold off on refinancing until they…
Title Problems After Father's Death With No WIll
A house was left to her father in 1930. She has lived in the house her whole life, but her parent's have now died. She wants to know if she has legal ownership to the house because her father did not leave a will, but her mother's name was not on the title. States have different stipulations for…
Home Improvement Projects: Do It Yourself Or Hire Handyman?
When you're getting ready to sell your house you should make a list of the home improvement projects that will make your home more appealing to buyers. You can do home repairs yourself or hire a handyman to help make home improvements. What kind of home improvement services does a handyman offer?
How To Protect Your Home And Family From Electric Shock
Learn about the risk of electric shock in your home. Electric shock can occur when electrical and extension cords aren't properly managed. Do you risk electric shock by using an indoor extension cord outside? Learn how to protect your home and family from electric shock.
