Real Estate News

The Equity Situation

Be smart about borrowing against your home’s value

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia

It’s unsettling when health news challenges old thinking: You’re told to cut caffeine, for instance, only to hear that a daily dose of java may help prevent some diseases.   Now, you may feel the same confusion regarding money... Full story

Color Consult

The biggest paint problem isn’t cracking or cratering – it’s confidence

By Danielle Robinson

With a new Paint Remedy iPhone app, the Paint Quality Institute has taken a portable, pocket-sized approach to helping homeowners solve their paint problems, but larger paint predicaments still loom. “Fear of color choice is a... Full story

Heed the Deed?

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

QUESTION:Is a “deed in lieu” of foreclosure better than a foreclosure? ANSWER:A “deed in lieu” of foreclosure is basically a situation where title is returned to the lender. It may be better than a foreclosure if your can... Full story

Builders Thinking Smarter

The 2010 International Builders Show puts the spotlight on practical, smaller-footprint homes

By Erik J. Martin

Home building activity may be down, but confidence among builders is heading up, judging by the mood and words of recent attendees of the 2010 International Builders Show held in Las Vegas. And that's good news for homebuyers, who industry experts... Full story

Claiming Your Credit

If you're one of the millions of Americans who have taken advantage of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, now is actually the time (read: tax season) to see your credit come to life. Claiming the credit is simple.

1. Complete IRS Form 5405 to determine your credit amount. Download one at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf (Note that although the form is titled "First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit" it is the correct form for both the $8,000 first-time buyer... Full story

Loan App Costs: Who's Culpable?

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

QUESTION:Our daughter and son-in-law bought a home last year for cash. They now want to refinance, but the lender rejected their application because of a surveying error from when they purchased. Who is responsible for the lost loan application... Full story

Fending Off Foreclosure

The government's newest foreclosure-alternative program, HAFA, aims to make restructuring loans an attractive option for mortgage providers

By Erik J. Martin

In its continued effort to stem the tide of rising foreclosures, the government has attempted to come to the rescue again - this time with the letters "HAFA" emblazoned across his chest. HAFA - the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program -... Full story

Make the Living Room More Alive

Makeover

By Kit Davey

My client had a spacious and beautiful new home, but the complaint about her living room revealed she wasn't happy with the some of her home's aesthetics or usefulness. Our job was to make an attractive living room that she could feel proud to... Full story

Mods in the Mail

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

QUESTION:Out of the blue our lender mailed mortgage modification information to us several months ago, but we did not respond at the time. Now, with a surprise job loss, can we go back to the lender and ask for a modification? ANSWER:Happy news.... Full story

Inferno Insurance

How to make sure you home is protected from a blaze

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia

Fire is such a big fear that many homeowners hardly worry about it. It’s only when devastating images appear on local newscasts that you wonder: Am I protected? Since more fires occur in winter, due to space heaters, candles and other... Full story