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Energy upgrades can yield tax credits
If you’ve been putting off energy-efficient home upgrades, now may be the time to take on some home improvement projects. Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed by President Barack Obama on Feb. 17, there are new incentives for consumers to eliminate outdated, inefficient building systems that affect residents’ comfort and pocketbooks.
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Don't wait until selling to make repairs
Home maintenance ranks low on many homeowners' priority lists. When the washing machine breaks, you might fix it to keep from having to go to the Laundromat. But, if there's no pressing need, home maintenance chores are often put off.
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Five ways to cut heating costs
If you're thinking it's time to do something about your cold house and your high heating bills, here are five win-win suggestions that will help you do both.
1. REPLACE YOUR FURNACE FILTER
A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder to deliver the same amount of heat, which wastes energy by keeping the furnace on for a longer period in order to bring the house up to the requested temperature.
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A lesson in safe tree-trimming
Q: I am a female homeowner; I love trees and have many all around my yard. I would like to use a chainsaw for some of my pruning; however, my guy friends caution me about using it, telling me stories about how dangerous they are.
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Dial down holiday excess
Fiscal, nutritional and environmental excess. Such is the dark side of the holiday season. But by adopting a greener approach to festivities, that gluttony can be pared back.
Here are some strategies:
Plant greetings -- Abandon snail-mail cards in favor of online greetings, which eliminate paper waste and requires no fuel for delivery. But if sending cards is something you still wish to do, opt for recycled paper and cards that get second lives in the garden. Some are infused with seeds, and recipients plant the cards and later watch flowers bloom. One source is Greenfield Paper at http://www.greenfieldpaper.com/asccustompages/categories.asp?categoryid=3.
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Where are today's best real estate bargains?
The housing market is soft. Hard times for some can mean opportunity time for others. Could now be a good time to step into the housing market and pick up a bargain?
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What is a clean contract?
Real estate agents often talk about the merits of a clean contract. A clean contract, or purchase offer, is simple and straightforward -- one that's not complicated by lots of contingencies, restrictions and conditions.
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The art of counteroffers
Negotiation is back in style. It's not uncommon for buyers and sellers to have many rounds of counteroffering back and forth before they arrive at a contract that is completely agreeable to all involved. When this is accomplished, the contract is ratified.
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Keep concrete, asphalt safe from water intrusion
It seems like something as tough as your concrete or asphalt driveway would be able to easily stand up to something as small as a drop of water. But the effects of rain and snow, especially if that moisture gets into cracks in the surface and then freezes, can do a surprising amount of damage to a driveway, walkway, wall, or other concrete, masonry or asphalt surface.
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Twentysomething on fast track to real estate wealth
Q: I'm 20 years old. Last year my father passed away, leaving me with some life insurance money. I purchased a condo for $163,000 in cash in October 2005, and now it is valued at $217,000.
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BUYERS list for Purchasing a Home
Buying a home is the biggest (most likely) purchase you'll ever make. And, one of the most difficult. Though there are no set rules when beginning a search, I have complied a list of items I "think" may be of help when you are starting your House Hunting process and through the purchase.
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Finding middle ground for home repairs
Today's home sales are all about negotiation. Negotiating the purchase price is the first step. A second round of negotiations can occur after the buyers complete their inspections. For sellers who negotiated to their rock-bottom price, this can be disappointing and a possible deal-breaker.
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Deck-staining that can't fail
Q: I have a deck that was built in October 2006. Does it need to be stained this soon? This will be my first deck-staining experience, and I was also wondering what things to be aware of, and if there are any suggestions for easier application, especially on the posts and railings. --Margaret M.
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Realty Tax Tips
It's difficult for most of us to get very excited about income taxes. But when it comes to earning up to $250,000 tax-free (up to $500,000 for a qualified married couple), have I got your attention yet?
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Ask a Legal Expert:
Q: I have lived in my house for more than 15 years. The house behind mine just sold, and my new neighbors informed me that my backyard fence encroaches five feet into their backyard. They have asked me to move the fence according to the true property lines. What are my options?
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How can I improve my real estate purchase offer?
Few failed endeavors can match the frustration of losing out in a multiple-offer competition. But, almost as disappointing is making the only offer—and a strong one—and having the seller outright reject it. Here are a few tips on how to sweeten your offer without jeopardizing your financial security.
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