12/31/01 - Buying a Home - Top Books
There are hundreds of home-buying books in print, so choosing the "best" one can be a chore. Here's a list of my own personal favorites, all texts that can help every home buyer, from the first-time shopper to those with more experience.
12/20/01 - Before You Buy a Digital Camera for Real Estate Use
A digital camera is one of the best timesaving tools a real estate agent can own. This beginning primer may help you decide which camera is best for you.
12/3/01 - "The Passive Solar House"
James Kachadorian draws upon his experience as a successful builder of passive solar homes to teach us dos and don'ts associated with this specialized type of construction.
12/3/01 - "The Straw Bale House"
"The Straw Bale House" is one of those rare reference books that cross over to provide us with a healthy dose of inspiration.
11/26/01 - "Buying a Manufactured Home"
A not-to-be-missed book for anyone considering a manufactured (often called "mobile") home. This text by Kevin Burnside provides an insider's view of the manufactured housing industry.
11/19/01 - "Manufactured Houses"
Author A. M. Watkins sorts out the different types of houses that begin life in a factory. Learn to make informed decisions about the type of home that's right for you.
11/18/01 - The World of Foreclosures - Top Books
The experts all seem to have different opinions about the best ways to find and buy foreclosed properties. Although no one method is right or wrong, there are specific books that will help put you on the pathway to success.
11/11/01 - Home Mortgage Basics - Top Books
The world of home finance offers so many variables and options that it's often difficult to keep them straight. Here are five books that provide all the information you need to compare mortgages and find a home loan that's right for you.
11/11/01 - "All About Mortgages - Insider Tips to Finance or Refinance"
In the market for a home loan? Stressed? Learn more about Julie Garton-Good's newest home mortgage primer. It could be a lifesaver.
11/07/01 - There's No Place Like Home
There's always an excuse to fill bowls with buttered popcorn and relax in front of the television with family and friends. In its own way, each of these films makes us think about the importance of "home."
11/04/01 - Before You Buy a Log Home Package
When it comes to log homes, the only way to get an accurate price comparison is to look at log home packages side-by-side.
11/02/01 - Deed Plotter For Windows
Greenbrier Graphic's Deed Plotter(TM) for Windows is a deed description analyzer, a software program that allows you to use your computer keyboard to enter the legal description of a piece of property. The software analyzes the information, and draws the tract.
10/21/01 - Time-Share Freebies
Time-Share developers sometimes offer free lodging in exchange for your attendance at a sales presentation. Sounds great, but shouldn't you do a little background work before jumping in?
10/8/01 - Haunted Homes in the Ancient City
St. Augustine is America's oldest city of European origin. It's one of my favorite towns. Many people believe a great number of former residents were so attached to their city that even death couldn't convince them to leave.
10/04/01 - Selling Your Time-Share
You no doubt want top dollar and a quick sale for your Time-Share transaction. For most sellers, those two events do not go hand-in-hand. Tips to help you sell your property and avoid the scam artists.
10/03/01 - What Is a Time-Share?
Time-Shares come in all shapes and sizes. Learn more about the most common types of Time-Share ownership.
09/13/01 - NAR Establishes Fund to Help Victims of Terrorist Attack
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has established the Realtors Housing Relief Fund to help pay mortgage payments and rental costs for families who were devastated by this week's terrorism attack on the United States.
08/25/01 - Do You Need a Home Warranty?
Home warranties cover repair and replacement costs for appliances and other systems associated with a home. Find out how they benefit both buyers and sellers.
08/08/01 - Find Safe Shelter in a Storm
Where do you go for safety when a tornado or hurricane threatens your home and family? One shelter choice that's becoming popular is the safe room, a structure designed to withstand battering by even the most ferocious winds and the debris caught up in them.
07/25/01 - What is Title Insurance?
A title insurance policy protects you against some of the losses that may occur if you discover after closing that you do not really own the property.
07/11/01 - What is PMI and How Can It Help You Buy a Home?
If you feel there's no chance of saving enough for a downpayment on a home, don't give up. PMI is an option that may help you get into a home more quickly than you might have imagined.
06/30/01 - Do You Need a Home Inspection?
Home inspections are an extra expense and usually optional, so do you really need one?
6/24/01 - Real Estate Glossary
Here's where you'll find definitions for terms used when buying and selling real estate.
06/20/01 - 10 Things You Shouldn't Do Before Closing
The home is officially "under contract" and you're counting down the days to closing. Don't panic. All will be well if you follow a few important guidelines.
06/05/01 - Within These Walls
Take a step back in time to witness 200 years of family life as seen from within the walls of a home built in the 1760's. This Smithsonian exhibit shows us the changing events that affected five families who lived in the house during the last two centuries.
05/30/01 - Travel to the Blue Ridge
Take a virtual tour of the Great Smoky, Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. This part of the US is a popular retreat for vacation home owners, but the number of full-time residents is growing, too. Find out if it's a place you'd like to call home.
05/29/01 - Topsider Homes
Topsider homes have been built in all types of climates. They have weathered some of the world's strongest hurricanes, and they meet the guidelines for California's earthquake codes. Although Topsiders are often used as vacation retreats, the company is building more and more full-time residences.
05/28/01 - Head for the Beach!
If you want to live at the beach, the southern US coastline offers plenty of variety. From the higher surf on the Atlantic side, to the more gentle motion of the Gulf waters, the southern coast offers a wider variety of beaches than you might realize.
05/08/01 - The Advantages of Home Ownership
You've enjoyed renting. You can move easily. You don't make repairs or pay property taxes. But something's missing--a sense of security, or perhaps a gut feeling that your payments are going into a bottomless pit.
05/02/01 - Understanding the Settlement Statement (HUD-1)
The HUD-1 is a form used by the settlement agent to itemize all charges for a real estate transaction. It gives each party a complete list of their incoming and outgoing funds. Get ready to close by first learning how to read the HUD-1.
04/24/01 - What Comes With the House?
Just because you regard an item as a permanent fixture does not mean the seller does. Never assume that sellers plan to leave any item behind. A written agreement is the best way to make sure there are no misunderstandings at closing.
04/13/01 - About Tax Deferred Exchanges
Performing a 1031 exchange allows you to roll-over all of the proceeds received from the sale of an investment property into the purchase of one or more other like-kind properties. You'll defer payment of capital gains taxes, retaining equity to help your investments grow.
02/15/01 - The ABC's of an FHA Loan
An FHA insured loan allows you to buy a house with as little as 3% down, instead of the typical 10% and up that's required to secure most conventional loans. It's a great way for first time buyers, or anyone with a shortage of downpayment funds, to buy a home.
03/09/01 - Dealing With a Low Appraisal
It's the call we all dread. The lender notifies you that an appraisal came in for less than a home's sales price. Closing is not far away, so everyone panics. Is there anything you can do?
03/04/01 - ALL About Restrictive Covenants
Restrictions give a development a more standard appearance, and control some of the activities that take place within its boundaries. Buyers must be given the opportunity to study covenants, to make sure they can live with all of the provisions.
02/23/01 - Preparing Sellers for Home Showings
Giving sellers an early education in Buyers 101 helps prepare them for the realities of showing a house. Once they understand why you ask them to do certain things, they usually comply.
01/26/01 - Finding a Job In Real Estate
Brokers-in-Charge are nearly always in the recruiting mode. If they have desk space available, many will take on anyone with a valid license and a desire to work. But don't get in too much of a hurry, there are many things to consider before accepting a position.
01/20/01 - The FAQs About Modular Homes
More information about modular homes. If you plan to build a home, be sure to explore the option of going modular.
01/19/01 - How To Calculate Real Estate Commissions
People who aren't familiar with the real estate profession often assume that the entire commission goes to one agent. Not so. Find out how agents are paid.
01/15/01 - Site Built, Modular & Manufactured Homes
Here are some facts and comparisons to help you understand the differences between these three common categories of homes.
01/10/01 - Home Staging for a Quicker Sale
Home Staging takes the preparations for 'getting a house ready to sell' a bit further, showcasing a home in such a way that makes it easy for a buyer to visualize living there.
01/08/01 - Who Wants to Be a Modular Homes Expert?
You've heard the term modular home, but do you know what it really means? And do you know how modulars differ from manufactured homes? Take this short quiz to find out how mod-savvy you are.
01/01/01 - Does Your Real Estate Agent Work For You?
Does your real estate agent really work for you? It may be a surprise to learn that if you have not signed an agreement making an agent your representative, he or she likely works in the best interests of the seller.
Home Buying & Selling Archives
Features - 2001