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NAHB Offers Tips for Remodeling Homes to ‘Age in Place’

RISMEDIA, May 16, 2008-With an increasing number of Baby Boomers choosing to stay in their homes as they age, homeowners are turning to remodelers for help to renovate their homes to accommodate their changing lifestyles. During May - National Home Remodeling Month - the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers highlights benefits of aging […]

Green in the Thumb, Not the Wallet? Top Tips for Smart Garden Shopping

By Beth Botts
RISMEDIA, May 15, 2008-(MCT)-For beginners, especially, a garden center can be overwhelming and bewildering: the colors and dazzle, the crowds, the high spirits, the pie-in-the-sky fantasies, the peer pressure, the devil-may-care impulse buying that can leave a wallet gasping.

Survey Finds Tenants and Landlords Want More Payment Options

RISMEDIA, May 15, 2008-Many Americans today conduct their financial transactions electronically, from using credit cards for simple purchases like groceries to paying the cable bill through online bill pay. Despite this move toward electronic banking, the rental world continues to rely on the traditional paper check. A new survey by Investment Instruments Corp. (IIC), a […]

7 Tips to Buy Smart in Today’s Market

RISMEDIA, May 14, 2008-When it comes to home purchases, everyone wants to buy low and sell high. “Now is the low; high is just around the corner,” says Alexis McGee, foreclosure information expert, educator, and president of foreclosure property information specialists ForeclosureS.com. “Already pending home sales are climbing in the North, and appear poised to […]

Price Index - Housing Prices Down by 0.6% in April

RISMEDIA, May 14, 2008-The Altos 10-City Composite Price Index showed a decline in asking prices of 0.9% over the past three months and continued that decline in April with a decrease of 0.6% for the month. Prices of properties listed for-sale fell in only 7 of 25 major markets according to the Real-Time Housing Market […]

Survey Shows Most are Happy Homeowners

RISMEDIA, May 14, 2008-Despite the worst slumping real estate market that the U.S. has experienced in at least seventy years, the large majority of people are happy with their homes, according to the latest survey from Housing Predictor.
More than two out of three respondents to the online poll said they were “happy” with their homes, […]

Amazing Places to Live the Rest of Your Life

RISMEDIA, May 13, 2008-Barbara Corcoran has built her career on knowing where people will live even before they know it themselves. In NEXTVILLE: Amazing Places to Live the Rest of Your Life (Springboard Press; April 29, 2008), she turns her incomparable real estate eye on Baby Boomers planning for retirement and predicts “the next big […]

Apartment Markets Show Signs of Stability

RISMEDIA, May 12, 2008-Demand for apartment homes remains strong, but the continued credit crunch is causing the volume of property sales to slow sharply and making it more difficult for apartment firms to access the debt and equity markets, according to the National Multi Housing Council’s (NMHC) Quarterly Survey of Apartment Market Conditions.
The Market Tightness […]

Nashville Real Estate - Home Prices Rise, Sales Decline

RISMEDIA, May 12, 2008-There were 2,135 home closings reported for the month of April, according to figures provided the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors®. This represents a decrease of 28.5 percent from the 2,989 closings reported for April 2007.
Year-to-date closings are down compared to last year with 7,898. That is a 28 percent decrease compared […]

Fix It - What to Do about Rug Odors?

By Karen Youso
RISMEDIA, May 12, 2008-(MCT)-Odors, unless caused by pets or mildew, have to do with how the rug was made. Typically, odors occur when rugs are made by punching fibers into a latex backing, sometimes called hand-tufted. It’s the type of latex used that causes the odor, which is sometimes described as a burning […]

Soon, Renters Could be Choosers: Apartment Owners to Offer Perks

By Jack Hagel
RISMEDIA, May 12, 2008-(MCT)-Renting a washer and dryer at The Waterford apartments in Morrisville costs $10 more per month than it did in 2005. The same goes for a room with a view at Bennington Woods in Cary. Monthly rent for some units at Northampton Plaza in Chapel Hill have grown 20 percent […]

Balking at the Thought of Overpriced Homes

By Kathleen Lynn
RISMEDIA, May 9, 2008-(MCT)-Business people hate to turn away clients. But in the current housing cycle, some real estate agents say that’s exactly what they have to do when a home seller won’t get real about the asking price.
Margrit Vogler of Margrit Vogler Properties in Oradell, N.J., said she turned down three or […]

Friday’s Featured Listing - Living Luxuriously at the Jersey Shore

RISMEDIA, May 9, 2008-The Robertson Douglas Group, one of the Jersey Shore’s premier custom home builders, has selected Diane Turton, Realtors as the listing agent for Hoffman’s Marina, an elegant enclave of town homes in Brielle, New Jersey.
Prospective buyers can now tour a furnished model at RiverVue, which is on the Manasquan River, and see […]

How to Install a Patio Yourself

By Alan J. Heavens
RISMEDIA, May 9, 2008-(MCT)-Interlocking concrete pavers make it possible for even first-time do-it-yourselfers to install patios and walkways. Concrete is more malleable than brick or stone, so it’s easier to cut and fit. But even if you hire a contractor, having some knowledge of the basics beforehand will help ensure that you […]

Tampa Real Estate - Area Housing Recovery Forecast

By Jerome R. Stockfisch
RISMEDIA, May 9, 2008-(MCT)-A top real estate economist offered shell-shocked Tampa Realtors a hint of optimism Wednesday, saying the Bay area housing market should begin to improve in the second half of the year.
Home sales and prices, which have been battered in recent months, should stabilize and then begin to rise in […]

Are You Relying on Outdated Listing Information?

Commentary by Errol Samuelson
RISMEDIA, May 8, 2008-When you shop for milk at the grocery store, “best if used by” labels alert you to the age of the product and keep you from buying a quart that’s about to spoil.
Freshness counts in real estate, too. Whether you end up the owner of the home of your […]

Sharing Financial Duties - A Sound Relationship Strategy

By Dan Serra
RISMEDIA, May 8, 2008-(MCT)-Are you the boss in the family when it comes to planning how to manage money? Or do you let your spouse handle everything so you don’t have to worry?

Paint It Green - How to Use Eco-friendly Colors to Beautify Your Home, Protect the Planet

By Charlyne Varkonyi Schaub
RISMEDIA, May 7, 2008-Everyone is advertising their paints as low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or no VOCs. But buying green isn’t that easy. Advertising that appears to be eco-friendly can be deceptive. Although the can may say the paint is low in volatile organic compounds, some brands inject a hefty dose of […]

House Hunting in NYC? New Series Says ‘Turn on the TV’

RISMEDIA, May 6, 2008-Sparkway Media and Sokol Media announce their first joint full-length television production, NY Residential TV. The weekly, hour-long show will debut on CW11 at 9 a.m.
Experienced hosts Cathy Hobbs and Jeff Appel bring eager couples, interested viewers, brokers and real estate experts together as they scan all five boroughs of New York […]

10 Red Flags for Home Buyers

RISMEDIA, May 5, 2008-The average home buyer views at least 10 homes over an eight week search so it isn’t practical to get a professional inspection of every house they tour. FrontDoor.com, a new real estate website powered by HGTV, comes to the rescue pointing out things to look for in your own pre-inspection that […]

How to Reunite with Your Garage this Weekend

By Tom Skevin
RISMEDIA, May 2, 2008-(MCT)-When finding a parking spot in the garage is like finding one in Manhattan, it’s time to get organized. Nicole Alashaian of Emerson, N.J., is facing up to this reality.
“My name is Nicole, and I have a messy garage,” says Alashaian, who has a two-car garage.
“It’s as simple as this: […]

1 in 4 Homeowners Consider Spending Their Tax Rebate Checks on Home Improvement Projects

RISMEDIA, May 1, 2008-Resilient American homeowners intend to shake off concerns about the slumping real estate market and plant the money they receive as part of the federal economic stimulus package into what for many is their most important financial asset: their homes.
A national consumer opinion survey released today found that 24% of U.S. homeowners […]

Bringing Back Bungalows - Affordable Prices, Great Design

By John Gallagher
RISMEDIA, April 30, 2008-(MCT)-Around the time Henry Ford was introducing the Model T, the house of choice for many young families with middle-class aspirations was the bungalow-quaint, affordable and picturesque.
Today, as economic times toughen and finding a mortgage becomes more difficult, the Arts and Crafts-inspired bungalow is once again winning favor with buyers […]

Painting 101 - Start with Good Preparation

By Alan J. Heavens
RISMEDIA, April 30, 2008-(MCT)-I was in my basement office when the doorbell rang. That, in itself, was a miracle because I thought the doorbell was broken, and had even gone to the trouble of disassembling it a couple of weeks before to find out why. I must have done something right for […]

10 Steps to Bolster Selling Appeal

By Paul Owers
RISMEDIA, April 28, 2008-(MCT)-Selling your home in today’s depressed market might be as ambitious as drumming up positive PR for Britney Spears. With thousands of properties for sale, buyers know they have leverage, and they’re using it. They search a multitude of homes in a quest for the best combination of amenities and […]

Sleeping Better - Change Your Pillow

By Shaila Wunderlich
RISMEDIA, April 28, 2008-(MCT)-If the litmus test for a dead pillow is that it doesn’t bounce back when folded in half, then my pillows are undoubtedly flat-lined. Come to find out, this could be costing me some valuable sleep.
“We stress the importance of having an appropriate sleeping environment, and that includes a comfortable […]

America Says It’s Time for a Fix-up

RISMEDIA, April 28, 2008-According to the latest ‘Profile America’ brought to you by the U.S. Census Bureau, April is not only the kickoff for home improvement season but also National Decorating Month. With the market for new homes down considerably, many are deciding to fix up their current house and others are taking advantage of […]

Freddie Mac Deploys $10.5 Million to Helping Borrowers Through Foreclosure

RISMEDIA, April 24, 2008-Freddie Mac announced $10.5 million in grants to housing counseling organizations to use for their outreach, education and foreclosure prevention efforts to help borrowers. Freddie Mac is one of the nation’s largest investors in residential mortgages.
The grants will enable the non-profit organizations to add and train staff, pay operational expenses and support […]

Steps to Save Energy on Earth Day, Minimize Footprint

RISMEDIA, April 22, 2008-In recognition of Earth Day, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) encourages home owners everywhere to take simple steps to reduce energy use - and to think green when they buy a new home.
“We are all proud of the significant steps our members have taken to make new homes more energy […]

Living Green in Your Home - Prudential Kansas City Realty Promotes Steps for Action

To join our Earth Day discussion of ways to ’green’ your life and your business, click here.
RISMEDIA, April 22, 2008-Prudential Kansas City Realty believes that going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a […]

Preparing Your Home for the Virtual Tour

RISMEDIA, April 18, 2008-As more buyers are turning to the Web to begin their home search, sellers in today’s market are relying on virtual tours for that oh-so-important first impression. If you are selling your home this spring, take some time to get it virtual-tour and open-house ready. Your extra spring cleaning will pay off […]

New Jersey Real Estate - NJBA Unveils Proactive Solutions to State’s Housing Situation

RISMEDIA, April 18, 2008-From the 59th Annual Atlantic Builders Convention in Atlantic City, the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA) announced its part in a series of initiatives designed to address New Jersey’s current housing situation. From regulatory matters, to the economy, to affordable housing options and stream-lining bureaucratic processes, NJBA is actively engaged in efforts […]

Houston Real Estate - Property Sales Retreat Further in March

RISMEDIA, April 18, 2008-Total property sales across greater Houston tumbled for the seventh consecutive month in March while sales of single-family homes edged up to the highest level so far this year, according to statistics released by the Houston Association of Realtors® (HAR).
Sales of all property types for March 2008 totaled 6,098, which represents a […]

Foreclosure Crisis - Don’t Leave Your Pets

RISMEDIA, April 17, 2008-(Humane Society of the United States)-With a home foreclosure crisis sweeping the nation, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is disturbed by reports that some residents forced out of their homes are simply leaving their pets behind. The HSUS urges all pet owners faced with foreclosure to take their pets […]

How to Terminate Termites

By Martha Phifer
RISMEDIA, April 16, 2008-(MCT)-Termites cause more than $5 billion a year in property damage, according to Terminix. Worse even, the company warns, the damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance.
Winged termites or discarded termite wings often found near doors and in windowsills are signs of a possible termite infestation. Other signs include […]

Rental Strategies - Are You Attracting Good Residents?

By Rob Massey
RISMEDIA, April 15, 2008-A common mistake made by novice landlords is a lack of preparation or work on the home before putting it on the rental market. The reality is, however, that the most discerning prospective residents, who normally are your ideal renters, demand attention to detail. Here are a few vital tips:
Painting-The […]

Nashville Real Estate - Home Sales Decline, Prices Hold Strong

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2008-There were 2,227 home closings reported for the month of March, according to figures provided by the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors®. This figure represents a 28.7% decrease compared with 3,126 closings in March of 2007.
Numbers for the first quarter were 5,763 closings, down 27.8% from the 7,990 closings during the first […]

Orlando Real Estate - Monthly Housing Sales Increase as Median Price Drops

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2008-Orlando’s housing marketing experienced a month-over-month increase in the number of home sales, an increase in the number of pending sales contracts, and a decrease in the amount of inventory - all baby steps toward a market balanced between buyers and sellers.
The monthly statistical reports released by the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association […]

Homeowners Call on Congress to Simplify and Reduce Taxes

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2008-As the nation’s homeowners struggle to complete their taxes by April 15, the American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance (AHGA) on April 10 urged Congress to simplify and improve the tax code. In testimony to the House Small Business Committee, AHGA suggested a number of reforms that will help between 34.3 million and 36.6 […]

Bush Administration to Expand Mortgage Help for Struggling Families

RISMEDIA, April 14, 2008-The Bush Administration announced additional mortgage assistance for subprime borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure. The plan, which is designed to help address the adverse economic conditions affecting many communities across America, will help break the cycle of house price depreciation that is being caused by an increasing number of foreclosures […]

The Push for Greener Homes

RISMEDIA, April 14, 2008-As Earth Day approaches, remodelers are leading the charge to provide eco-conscious solutions for home remodeling projects, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
Faced with mounting scientific evidence that climate change threatens the health of our planet, homeowners are compelled to ask how they can make a difference. Green […]

How to Buy a Home ‘South of the Border’

RISMEDIA, April 10, 2008-Spending time south of the border has always been a favorite vacation option for Americans. But now, an extraordinary number of U.S. citizens are putting down roots in the sandy shores to the south and snapping up second homes in Mexico, Panama and neighboring locales. The numbers are remarkable.
“One and a half […]

5 Questions to Ask Before Renovating

By Marshall Loeb
RISMEDIA, April 9, 2008-(MCT)-Spending on remodeling is expected to reach $316 billion this year alone and the number is still climbing, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. So make sure you know exactly how big a renovation you can afford and whether it justifies the time you intend to spend in your […]

What to Ask Contractors

By Jessie Milligan
RISMEDIA, April 9, 2008-(MCT)-A lot of us have heard that we should ask a remodeling contractor whether he or she is licensed and insured. We know to ask how much a project costs. But we might forget to ask the questions recommended by John DeSilvia and John Palanca from the DIY Network’s “Under […]

Home Trends - Outdoor Living

Commentary by Melissa Birdsong
RISMEDIA, April 8, 2008-A homeowner’s experience doesn’t stop at the back door. With leisure time and entertaining moving seamlessly from indoors to out, creating an outdoor “room” remains high on the list of must-haves.
As the passion for outdoor living continues to grow and evolve, many homeowners have upped the ante on their […]

5 Tips for Selling a Vacant Home

RISMEDIA, April 8, 2008-This spring, as it becomes a popular time for homeowners to begin preparing their homes for sale, Showhomes encourages them to do some essential steps to make sure the most important first step takes place: buyers make the decision to view the home.
“Many people think all they have to do is make […]

Reuniting with Your Old Patio Furniture

RISMEDIA, April 8, 2008-(MCT)-You didn’t bring the outdoor furniture inside for the winter, or even cover it. Now, your chairs and patio table, even the umbrella, look plug ugly. No need to panic, though. Just give them a good cleaning, maybe even new paint, and they’ll look fresh as spring.
Whither the wicker? To clean woven […]

Tips for Homeowners to Avoid Home Improvement Scams

RISMEDIA, April 8, 2008-May is National Home Improvement Month. During times of a softer economy paired with the approach of warmer weather, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) wants to remind homeowners to beware of unscrupulous people posing as remodelers.
One common issue exploited homeowners have run into is having to pay both the […]

Vacation Home Owners - Why Your Getaway Is Still a Great Investment

RISMEDIA, April 8, 2008-The National Association of Realtors® numbers are out, and at first glance, they’re discouraging. According to NAR’s annual Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, vacation home sales dropped 30.6 percent between 2006 and 2007. What’s more, median sale prices are down 2.5 percent. If you’ve recently purchased a vacation home (or maybe […]

Organizing Tips for a Headache-Free Summer Vacation

RISMEDIA, April 7, 2008-Studies show that Americans are working harder and longer than they ever did before. This places a higher premium on already prized vacation time. But for most, preparing for, going on and coming back from a break can prove

How to Make This the ‘Perfect Spring’ to Buy a Home

RISMEDIA, April 4, 2008-For home buyers, this might be called the “perfect spring,” when conditions have come together to create a rare and excellent opportunity to buy a home, says Diane Turton, broker of record at Diane Turton, Realtors. In fact, for the first time in 30 years, home buyers can take advantage of low […]

A Clean Restart - Reconnecting with Your Dream Home

By Cheryl Truman
RISMEDIA, April 3, 2008-(MCT)-It’s a complex relationship between you and the house you love and hate. You want to feel as if you’re at home. Instead, you feel some times as if you’re living in a Days Inn with a mailbox and a mortgage. There’s too much stuff, and you shuffle between piles […]

3 Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Increase a Home’s Energy Efficiency

RISMEDIA, April 3, 2008-Four out of five people are interested in being “green,” according to a nationwide survey among homeowners. And, nine out of 10 homeowners agree that improving the energy efficiency of their homes is one of the most useful actions to help the environment.

How to Protect Your Home - ASHI’s Spring Maintenance Checklist

RISMEDIA, April 2, 2008-Moisture intrusion is a leading cause of home maintenance issues and repairs. With April showers in full swing, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) reminds homeowners that April is National Home Inspection Month and encourages them to identify potential maintenance issues now before they become major repairs.
“April is the perfect time […]

Don’t Delay Your Early-spring Chores

By Alan J. Heavens
RISMEDIA, April 2, 2008-(MCT)-This pronouncement may be coming too early in spring, but I think we’ve made it through another winter virtually unscathed. I say too early because winter weather can return even in May.
Still, I plead here for you to pay some attention to spring maintenance chores before the weather gets […]

5 Tips to Keep your Home Mold-Free this Spring

RISMEDIA, April 1, 2008-In the wake of this winter’s major meltdown, and with spring’s rainy season at our doorsteps, excessive household moisture exposure and water damage could cause mold to take hold in your home.
Follow these five simple tips to stave off mold in your home:
Check: Do a thorough inspection of your home from top […]

What’s Your Hue? Home & Garden Party Says Color, Contrast among Trends

RISMEDIA, April 1, 2008-It is the spring season, a time when flowers are in bloom and the sun’s shine is brighter. Ideally enough, “bloom” and “bright” are also words that could describe home design trends this time of year. According to Jeff Floyd, director of product development for Home & Garden Party, individuals use the […]

RezHub.com Launches Integrated Green Travel Search

RISMEDIA, April 1, 2008-RezHub.com, an online travel agency, broke ground this week with the integration of a revolutionary green travel search. With the kick-off of their new travel search, RezHub.com becomes the first travel site in history to incorporate Green Score ratings and information in every hotel search. Travelers now have a quick and easy […]

Consumer Confidence Plummets in March

RISMEDIA, March 31, 2008-(MCT)-Consumer confidence plummeted to a five-year low in March, according to a report released Tuesday, as Americans gloomily surveyed an economic landscape blighted by soaring energy costs, rising inflation, sinking home values and a downturn in the job market.
The Conference Board, a New York-based industry group, said its consumer confidence index dived […]

Don’t Get ‘Fooled’ by Home Improvement Scams

RISMEDIA, March 27, 2008-”April Fool’s!” Many people have heard that oh-so-familiar saying when someone plays a joke on them in celebration of the comical holiday. However, this April - and actually this entire spring season - Mr. Handyman, warns local homeowners not to get “fooled” by handyman scam artists when hiring professionals to do home […]

Sunlight and Clay Make for ‘Greenest’ Home

RISMEDIA, March 27, 2008-(MCT)-When some couples plan their dream home, they fantasize about Olympic-size swimming pools and walk-in closets. Scott and Jackie Wood fantasized about sunlight.
Long before buzzwords such as “sustainable design” and “green building” came to prominence, the couple dreamed of a home situated to take in the largest possible amount of sunlight, built […]

6 Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for Mortgage Financing

RISMEDIA, March 26, 2008-There are six critical things prospective home buyers need to do in this sometimes confusing market, says Kansas City mortgage expert Bruce Brown, founder of the website http://www.MortgageAnswersFast.com.
“There is an excess of housing inventory right now and that makes it a good time for buyers to get into the market. Lower prices […]

Living Outside: Garden Rooms Offer a Place to Relax Outdoors

RISMEDIA, March 26, 2008-(MCT)-For years, the side yard of Jay and Sylvia Gonzalez’s Reedley, Calif., home was left bare and empty. When the couple went outside, it was usually to use the pool and covered patio in the backyard. Last year, though, they decided it was time to do something with the unfinished piece of […]

Reducing Your Carbon Footprints - Awnings

RISMEDIA, March 26, 2008-Reducing carbon footprints is a growing trend among eco-minded homeowners. However, according to statistics from the United Nations, every American is responsible for an average of 22 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, far above the world average of six tons per capita.
To closer resemble the world average, homeowners need to […]

Tougher Home Purchase Standards May Result in Big Down Payment

RISMEDIA, March 25, 2008-(MCT)-Would-be homeowners with middling credit scores are finding mortgages difficult to come by as wary lenders clamp down on credit. Credit score guidelines for conforming loans-loans eligible for purchase by mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-tightened in late February, said Brian Goode, president of Badgerland Mortgage Group Inc. in Racine, Wis.
Customers […]

C.A.R. and the Los Angeles Times Team up to Sponsor Free Home Buyer’s Fair

RISMEDIA, March 25, 2008-The California Association of Realtors® (C.A.R.) and the Los Angeles Times are sponsoring the Southern California Home Buyer’s Fair at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event is free to the public and features more than two dozen educational “how-to” seminars designed […]

Have Good Tools? Get in the Garden

RISMEDIA, March 21, 2008-(MCT)-With the coming spring tempting folks to spend more time outside, many people may be eyeing their flower beds, wondering what new plants would make great additions or replacements.
However, to do that requires having the right tools. If you don’t have a green thumb or haven’t gardened in a while, you may […]

3 Steps to Cutting Property Taxes

By Marshall Loeb
RISMEDIA, March 21, 2008-(MCT)-With home prices retreating, you’d think property taxes would too. But don’t count on it-by the time you see lower taxable values, your local government may be in enough of a squeeze to raise the rates that apply to those taxable values.
While you may not be able to control local […]

HUD Proposes Mortgage Reform to Help Real Estate Consumers

RISMEDIA, March 18, 2008-In an effort to significantly improve the complicated, unclear and costly home buying process, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson proposed mortgage reform designed to help consumers better understand their loan terms so that they can shop more effectively for the largest purchase of their lives.
HUD’s proposal reforms the more […]

When Walking Out on Mortgage Is the Wrong Answer

RISMEDIA, March 18, 2008-(MCT)-There’s a terrible idea apparently spreading amid the mortgage meltdown that the best solution to foreclosure is to stop paying your mortgage and abandon your home. There are even companies springing up that help homeowners “walk away” for about $1,000.
Among the supposed benefits: You can live rent-free for at least eight months […]

Mortgage Woes Spur Tax Break

RISMEDIA, March 18, 2008-(MCT)-Homeowners who went through a foreclosure or got a deal for working out their mortgage debt should pay attention to a new tax break for debt forgiveness.
Troubled homeowners usually would have to pay taxes on any mortgage debt that was forgiven or canceled by a lender. The view is that if you […]

Hawaii Real Estate - Prudential Locations Releases ‘State of Real Estate’ Report

RISMEDIA, March 18, 2008-Prudential Locations, Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated real estate company, unveiled its special “State of Real Estate” report. The new, comprehensive report is designed to provide consumers with expert insight into Hawaii’s 2008 real estate market-featuring well-known real estate research expert Dr. Mike Sklarz of New City Technology and Bank of […]

Simple Fuel-Efficiency Steps to Ease Pain of Record Gas Prices

RISMEDIA, March 17, 2008-With gas prices hitting a new record of $3.246 a gallon well ahead of the summer driving season, the Alliance to Save Energy said drivers could keep their own fuel costs from reaching record levels with good vehicle maintenance and sensible driving habits.
“Simple yet effective fuel-efficiency measures - from keeping tires properly […]

Denver Homeowners Say ‘I’ll Do It Myself’ When Remodeling

RISMEDIA, March 14, 2008-Denver area homeowners break away from the pack when it comes to remodeling, according to the Remodeling Sentiment Report, a semi-annual survey of 5,000 U.S. homeowners sponsored by www.frontrangeremodeling.com. The most recent survey reveals that remodeling plans are of a similar scope and cost as in previous years, but now homeowners are […]

Just the Facts - Where to Find Home Foreclosure Information

RISMEDIA, March 13, 2008-(MCT)-As the foreclosure problem deepens in this country, more and more advice and support is being offered to families and individuals at risk of losing their homes, through counseling services, credit management groups and the Internet. A number of websites offer good insights about home foreclosure, and how to address the situation-or […]

More Homeowners Are Just Walking Away

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2008-(MCT)-Owing more on properties than they’re worth, some local homeowners are voluntarily walking away from their house notes.
“They don’t need to be foreclosed on. They’re just turning in the keys,” said Martha Lucey, president and chief executive officer of Fresno-based nonprofit credit counselors, By Design Financial Solutions. “The problem we’re seeing is […]

Shedding Light on Frugal Bulbs

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2008-(MCT)-It’s hip to be twisty these days. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are praised as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They’re also the wave of the future-the U.S. government recently approved new lighting efficiency standards, which likely will mean the end of the traditional incandescent light bulb perfected in the 1870s by New Jersey’s […]

Landlords Facing Foreclosure

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2008-(MCT)-While South Florida’s falling housing prices may favor renting rather than buying right now, the recent real estate bubble is also creating new risks for tenants.
Plenty of homes and condos are available for lease because their owners can’t sell them, giving renters a variety of options. The problem is that many of […]

7 Tools for Relocation

RISMEDIA, March 11, 2008-If you are considering relocating, or guiding a client through a relocation, there are many factors to take into consideration. The Move Advocate provides a comprehensive menu of Relocation Tools to assist in the relocation process. From calculating potential expenses to choosing the right community, these tools can help with any move, […]

A Fresh Coat of Paint Can Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

RISMEDIA, March 11, 2008-Are you planning to spruce up your home’s exterior this spring? Or, are you considering placing your home on the market? No matter what the reason, a fresh coat of paint can immediately revive the overall appearance of your largest investment, your home.
“When it comes to exterior painting, many people choose to […]

How to Tap Your Retirement Assets to Achieve Real Estate Dreams

RISMEDIA, March 11, 2008–How many times have you run into eager real estate investors who had the bulk of their money tied up in retirement plan assets-and believed they had no way to tap those assets? Now you can help those clients and yourself utilize retirement assets to the fullest. How? By accessing a third-party […]

Home Maintenance Guidelines - Tips for Buyers and Sellers in Every Region

RISMEDIA, March 10, 2008-Being a homeowner comes with its own set of challenges, particularly as it relates to home maintenance. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) recognizes that geography is a significant contributor to maintenance issues and encourages homeowners to familiarize themselves with common issues in their region.
“At ASHI, we work closely with our […]

When it’s Time to Turn to Short Sales

RISMEDIA, March 7, 2008-(MCT)-What do you do if you’re a single mother who can’t afford your mortgage payments of more than $3,700 a month, but can’t sell your house for anywhere near the amount you owe on the mortgage?
That’s the dilemma facing Anna, a Bergenfield, New Jersey, woman who bought her Cape Cod, no money […]

Rental Apartments Not Immune to Housing Woes

RISMEDIA, March 6, 2008-Builder confidence in the rental apartment market sagged in the fourth quarter of 2007, according to the latest results of the Multifamily Rental Market Index (MRMI) released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
“The housing market is undergoing a significant correction and that is affecting all segments of the industry, both […]

Consumers Give up Lattes, Travel as Economy Sours

RISMEDIA, March 6, 2008-(MCT)-With the economy in a nosedive, Americans are shedding unnecessary expenses, saving their cash and voting “no” to discretionary spending.
That means later for lattes, farewell to fashion and goodbye to family vacations at Disney World.
The new restraint reflects a time-tested truth about economic downturns: When the economy gets shaky, non-essential spending is […]

New York Real Estate - Proposal Aims to Protect Subprime

RISMEDIA, March 5, 2008-(MCT)-New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer plans to introduce a bill this week intended to help subprime borrowers statewide who are at risk of losing their homes. The bill would also establish further protection in the law to prevent a similar crisis in the future, according to a description of the bill provided […]

Home Sweet Home — StyleDesigner Allows Consumers to Scratch Their Nesting Itch

RISMEDIA, March 4, 2008-In a time when home buyers need every reassurance that they are making the right purchase, Obeo has developed a high-tech way to meet this very basic buyer need.
The consumer-engaging StyleDesigner allows buyers to virtually remodel a home to reflect their style as well as their brand preferences.
Here’s how: By working with […]

Top 10 Foreclosure Avoidance Tips

RISMEDIA, March 4, 2008-Here are 10 suggestions to avoid foreclosure, both now and in the future.
1. Don’t ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your home. If you are behind on your mortgage payments or have received […]

Home Rehab Outlook Sags with Sales

RISMEDIA, Feb. 29, 2008-(MCT)-The ebbing tide lowers all boats. Pardon the tortured metaphor, but in the current environment, it seems an apt one for the remodeling business. That’s according to an analysis from the recent convention of the National Association of Home Builders in Orlando, which concluded that as housing slows, so slows remodeling.
In a […]

Green Power: More Homeowners Gain Access to Cleaner Energy

RISMEDIA, March 1, 2008-(MCT)-It wasn’t long ago that powering a home with renewable “green” power meant erecting a windmill in the backyard or covering the roof with solar panels.
Either option requires a big up-front investment with an uncertain payoff.
But today, a rapidly expanding market in renewable energy has put “green power” within reach of most […]

Tips for Selling Via an Auction

RISMEDIA, Feb. 28, 2008-(MCT)-To get a home ready for an auction, there are several steps to make to ensure the process runs smoothly. First, you should prepare the property by removing clutter, making minor and cost-effective repairs and obtaining a housing inspection report.
As part of the process you will have to decide if the property […]

‘Dustless’ Floor Refinishing Can Cut the Mess

RISMEDIA, Feb. 28, 2008-(MCT)-Refinishing wood floors can be a real mess. The job often means hours of cleanup for homeowners. The to-do list includes knocking dust off the walls, scrubbing film off windows and rewashing all the dishes, pots and pans in the cabinets.
But in recent years, more wood-floor refinishing companies have been offering dust […]

6 ‘Express’ Tips for Selling Your Home Fast

RISMEDIA, Feb. 27, 2008-In a market where frustrated home sellers must endure 150 or more days to sell their homes, Express Homebuyers has discovered a sure way to sell its homes in an average of 35 days. What makes this company unique is the fact that Express Homebuyers buys homes in any condition in as […]

Greening Your Home, One Room at a Time

RISMEDIA, Feb. 26, 2008-(MCT)-As the co-host of HGTV’s “Red, Hot and Green,” a contributing eco-columnist to several magazines and newspapers, and a consultant on many environmentally friendly product launches, lifestyle guru Danny Seo has “greened” countless kitchens, gardens, baths and second homes. Ask Seo which part of the house most demands to be green, though, […]

Home Safety - Tips to Help Minimize the Threat of Winter Fires

RISMEDIA, Feb. 26, 2008-Although spring is approaching, for most parts of the country, it’s still the coldest time of the year, meaning that everyone’s trying to find ways to stay warm. However, with home heating costs burning a hole in consumers’ wallets, this can present a challenge, which is a big reason that nearly two-thirds […]

Homeowners Still Happy with White Picket Fences

RISMEDIA, Feb. 25, 2008-(MCT)-The image of a home surrounded by a white picket fence always has stayed with Lynne Gibbs of Clovis, Calif.”To me, it represented the all-American dream,” says Gibbs, 63, a retired paralegal. “It was why I wanted one. When I was growing up, the white picket fence meant harmony with your house, […]

Earth-friendly Vision Leads to Construction of ‘Hybrid Home’

RISMEDIA, Feb. 25, 2008-(MCT)-In the classic fairy tale, Rumpelstiltskin spun straw into gold. In real life, Maj. John Schulz is making it into concrete. Or at least it seems that way to those helping him build his new “hybrid home” in Belton, Mo.The walls of the green house are made of heavy, dense straw bales […]

3 Ways Parents Can Help Their Children Buy Homes

RISMEDIA, Feb. 26, 2008-(MCT)-With today’s turmoil in the housing market, hitting up mom and dad for a down payment may be a young buyer’s best route to homeownership. It’s hard for the younger generation to become first-time home buyers today as they try to juggle numerous financial responsibilities, experts say.”Stakes are higher,” says Carrie Schwab […]

Window Boxes Blossom Container Gardening

RISMEDIA, Feb. 22, 2008-(MCT)-Container gardening has exploded in popularity with about 47% of American households admitting to some form of container gardening.
There are a lot of great reasons to garden in containers, in addition to the fun. Compared to fighting tight, heavy clay in the landscape, it’s also easier to provide a good environment when […]

Upgrading Your Investment

RISMEDIA, Feb. 23, 2008-(MCT)-Make your home a more pleasant place to live, and then you can profit from it when it’s time to sell. How much to spend on renovating depends on the value of your home.
“You’ll always get your money back if you spend it in the right places,” says real estate maven Barbara […]