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Consumer News and Advice Archive
You would think not since it is new and the developer has to adhere to local construction guidelines. However, err on the side of caution---always hire an inspector, whether the home is old or new. ...
Such loans are offered by a host of private lenders and government agencies. In fact, there are government programs at both the federal and state level to help cash-strapped buyers. Under many state guidelines, borrowers must usually be first-time homebuyers or have a limited family income to qualify for low ...
It protects them should you default on the loan, especially if you fail to make payments in the early years of the loan when more is owed on it. Foreclosure, property fix-up, and resale costs could result in a loss on the mortgage loan. ...
You can get a home loan from a number of different sources, a credit union, commercial bank, mortgage company, finance company, government agency, thrift - which includes savings banks and savings & loan associations - mortgage broker, and even the seller. ...
RISMEDIA, Dec. 3, 2007-U.S. homeowners have just one month to utilize a soon-to-expire federal tax credit aimed at encouraging home energy efficiency. The tax credit, created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allows for a tax credit of up to 10% of the cost of materials for certain home ...
RISMEDIA, Dec. 3, 2007-The 2007 hurricane season comes to a mostly quiet end for coastal residents, but a national safety group warns that the nation's prolonged drought conditions could leave many regions trading the threat of strong winds for wildfire. ...
RISMEDIA, Nov. 30, 2007-Surviving the holidays is hard enough without having to think about how to care for your home. For a busy homeowner, remembering to clean out the gutters and downspouts may be at the end of the weekend "to-do" list, however, it's the first line of defense against the harsh winter weather. To help put home care into perspective during the holidays, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) created a top 10 list to give busy homeowners a snapshot of the items they can address today to ensure the safety of their home and family tomorrow.
In real estate, almost everything is negotiable, so it is certainly worth a try. Now, this does not mean the builder will fall down and roll over. It is very common for builders to claim that their prices are based on fixed construction costs. Perhaps, but timing is everything. ...
Certified historic structures now enjoy a 20 percent investment tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses, if they are income producing properties. A historic structure is one listed in the National Register of Historic Places or so designated by an appropriate state or local historic district that is certified by the ...
Just about every state now offers loans for renovation and rehabilitation at below-market interest rates through its Housing Finance Agency or a similar agency. Call your governor's office to get the name and phone number of the agency in your area. ...
Yes. Among the most popular:Title 1 Home Improvement Loan. HUD insures the loan up to $25,000 for a single-family home and lenders make loans for basic livability improvements - such as additions and new roofs - to eligible borrowers. ...
According to the Millennial Housing Commission created by Congress, few lenders are willing to administer home improvement loans. Most prefer to make home equity loans or unsecured consumer loans because they are easier to manage. Home improvement loans usually require inspections and irregular draws on the loan amount as ...
This will vary depending on the type of work that is done. Remodeling magazine publishes an annual "Cost vs. Value Report'' that can answer this question in more detail, based on the top 15 home improvements. A recent study it conducted says the highest remodeling paybacks have come from ...
Chances are you will need plenty of help making those major repairs and additions. But the last thing you will need is someone who fails to complete the job or botches it up. Finding good, responsible help is imperative. ...
One of the best ways is to get your hands on a comparable market analyses. See what price similar properties have sold for in the past and find out the listing price of others currently on the market. ...
