RISMedia » Homeowner’s Toolkit http://rismedia.com Leader in Real Estate Information and News. Real estate industry news, profiles, and articles for agents, brokers, and consumers. National print magazine available. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:19:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Don’t Forget a Home Inspection with a New Construction Home http://rismedia.com/2012-02-05/dont-forget-a-home-inspection-with-a-new-construction-home/ http://rismedia.com/2012-02-05/dont-forget-a-home-inspection-with-a-new-construction-home/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:03:01 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=66613 Every home—whether it’s a resale or new—has some kind of an issue, and the reality is that there is no “perfect” house. Many homebuyers embark on their search for a home with the belief that new homes should be flawless, …

]]> Every home—whether it’s a resale or new—has some kind of an issue, and the reality is that there is no “perfect” house. Many homebuyers embark on their search for a home with the belief that new homes should be flawless, …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2012-02-05/dont-forget-a-home-inspection-with-a-new-construction-home/feed/ 0 Investment Alert: Can You Afford a Second Home? http://rismedia.com/2012-01-03/investment-alert-can-you-afford-a-second-home/ http://rismedia.com/2012-01-03/investment-alert-can-you-afford-a-second-home/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:00:17 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=65304 Most of us have dreamt of having a vacation home. It could be on the beach in New England, somewhere tropical, or even somewhere foreign. Many consumers don’t realize that with the proper research, their dream vacation home might actually …

]]> Most of us have dreamt of having a vacation home. It could be on the beach in New England, somewhere tropical, or even somewhere foreign. Many consumers don’t realize that with the proper research, their dream vacation home might actually …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2012-01-03/investment-alert-can-you-afford-a-second-home/feed/ 0 Homeownership Counseling Helps Keep Modified Loans Current http://rismedia.com/2012-01-02/homeownership-counseling-helps-keep-modified-loans-current/ http://rismedia.com/2012-01-02/homeownership-counseling-helps-keep-modified-loans-current/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:07:00 +0000 beth http://rismedia.com/?p=65254 Just three weeks after Congress restored $40 million in its budget for homeownership counseling, a new study by the Urban Institute reports that counseling greatly increased the ability of homeowners to stay current once they cured a serious delinquency or …

]]> Just three weeks after Congress restored $40 million in its budget for homeownership counseling, a new study by the Urban Institute reports that counseling greatly increased the ability of homeowners to stay current once they cured a serious delinquency or …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2012-01-02/homeownership-counseling-helps-keep-modified-loans-current/feed/ 0 The Future of Home Improvement; Staying Organized and Tackling To-Do Lists with Lowe’s http://rismedia.com/2011-12-19/the-future-of-home-improvement-staying-organized-and-tackling-to-do-lists-with-lowes/ http://rismedia.com/2011-12-19/the-future-of-home-improvement-staying-organized-and-tackling-to-do-lists-with-lowes/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:40:23 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=65011 For sellers with homes on the market or for newly moved-in buyers, fixing up your home can be a worthwhile and satisfying process. Needless to say, the home improvement process can potentially be daunting when trying to keep track of …

]]> For sellers with homes on the market or for newly moved-in buyers, fixing up your home can be a worthwhile and satisfying process. Needless to say, the home improvement process can potentially be daunting when trying to keep track of …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-12-19/the-future-of-home-improvement-staying-organized-and-tackling-to-do-lists-with-lowes/feed/ 0 Preserving Hope for Homeowners: EquityLock Extends a Lifeline for Real Estate http://rismedia.com/2011-12-08/preserving-hope-for-homeowners-equitylock-extends-a-lifeline-for-real-estate/ http://rismedia.com/2011-12-08/preserving-hope-for-homeowners-equitylock-extends-a-lifeline-for-real-estate/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:00:03 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=64449 These days, it seems that all we hear about are problems. The crisis of the day may vary a bit depending on the network you happen to be watching or newspaper you’re reading, but the theme is basically the same: …

]]> These days, it seems that all we hear about are problems. The crisis of the day may vary a bit depending on the network you happen to be watching or newspaper you’re reading, but the theme is basically the same: …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-12-08/preserving-hope-for-homeowners-equitylock-extends-a-lifeline-for-real-estate/feed/ 0 Expert Advice: Selling your Home over the Holidays http://rismedia.com/2011-12-07/expert-advice-selling-your-home-over-the-holidays/ http://rismedia.com/2011-12-07/expert-advice-selling-your-home-over-the-holidays/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:53:42 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=64537 The holidays are fast approaching. Regardless of what denomination you are- the next couple of months are probably going to be more hectic than most as you prepare to conclude 2011 with friends and family. If your home is on …

]]> The holidays are fast approaching. Regardless of what denomination you are- the next couple of months are probably going to be more hectic than most as you prepare to conclude 2011 with friends and family. If your home is on …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-12-07/expert-advice-selling-your-home-over-the-holidays/feed/ 0 Last Call for Energy Efficiency Homeowner Tax Credits http://rismedia.com/2011-12-06/last-call-for-energy-efficiency-homeowner-tax-credits/ http://rismedia.com/2011-12-06/last-call-for-energy-efficiency-homeowner-tax-credits/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:54:24 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=64441 The Alliance to Save Energy urges American consumers to give themselves the gift of energy efficiency this holiday season—and reap the benefits when they file their 2011 federal tax returns—by taking advantage of tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements.…

]]> The Alliance to Save Energy urges American consumers to give themselves the gift of energy efficiency this holiday season—and reap the benefits when they file their 2011 federal tax returns—by taking advantage of tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements.…

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-12-06/last-call-for-energy-efficiency-homeowner-tax-credits/feed/ 0 10 Ways to Get the Best of Winter When Selling Your Home http://rismedia.com/2011-12-01/10-ways-to-get-the-best-of-winter-when-selling-your-home/ http://rismedia.com/2011-12-01/10-ways-to-get-the-best-of-winter-when-selling-your-home/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:01:05 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=64221 If your home will be for sale this winter, it is important to master certain seasonal issues that are less significant or even non-existent at other times of the year. Here are 10 bits of sage advice from RE/MAX agents …

]]> If your home will be for sale this winter, it is important to master certain seasonal issues that are less significant or even non-existent at other times of the year. Here are 10 bits of sage advice from RE/MAX agents …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-12-01/10-ways-to-get-the-best-of-winter-when-selling-your-home/feed/ 0 Loan Modification is Stressful; Know Your Options http://rismedia.com/2011-11-30/loan-modification-is-stressful-know-your-options/ http://rismedia.com/2011-11-30/loan-modification-is-stressful-know-your-options/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:52:03 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=64141 When the Obama administration rolled out the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) in 2009, officials estimated 3 to 4 million borrowers would seek relief from their mortgages through the program amidst the worst recession and housing market collapse in decades.…

]]> When the Obama administration rolled out the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) in 2009, officials estimated 3 to 4 million borrowers would seek relief from their mortgages through the program amidst the worst recession and housing market collapse in decades.…

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-11-30/loan-modification-is-stressful-know-your-options/feed/ 0 Holiday Household Chore Checklist http://rismedia.com/2011-11-16/holiday-household-chore-checklist/ http://rismedia.com/2011-11-16/holiday-household-chore-checklist/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:58:25 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=63521 Between work, school, the kids and all your regular daily responsibilities, getting your home in order for the holidays can quickly become an overwhelming experience. Peggy Patenaude, a REALTOR® with Prudential Howe & Doherty in Andover, Mass. offers these great …

]]> Between work, school, the kids and all your regular daily responsibilities, getting your home in order for the holidays can quickly become an overwhelming experience. Peggy Patenaude, a REALTOR® with Prudential Howe & Doherty in Andover, Mass. offers these great …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-11-16/holiday-household-chore-checklist/feed/ 0 Third Quarter Results: Refinancing Homeowners Maintain or Reduce Debt http://rismedia.com/2011-11-09/third-quarter-results-refinancing-homeowners-maintain-or-reduce-debt/ http://rismedia.com/2011-11-09/third-quarter-results-refinancing-homeowners-maintain-or-reduce-debt/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:04:08 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=63095 Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) released the results of its third quarter refinance analysis showing homeowners who refinance continue to strengthen their fiscal house by maintaining or reducing their mortgage debt.

In the third quarter of 2011, 82 percent of homeowners …

]]> Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) released the results of its third quarter refinance analysis showing homeowners who refinance continue to strengthen their fiscal house by maintaining or reducing their mortgage debt.

In the third quarter of 2011, 82 percent of homeowners …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-11-09/third-quarter-results-refinancing-homeowners-maintain-or-reduce-debt/feed/ 0 5 Tips for Efficient Downsizing http://rismedia.com/2011-11-01/5-tips-for-efficient-downsizing/ http://rismedia.com/2011-11-01/5-tips-for-efficient-downsizing/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:53:49 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=62719 The organizational benefits of downsizing can be very rewarding. You can save time, restore order, relieve stress, free up space, and perhaps most importantly, save money.

It’s important when you are organizing and downsizing to try to keep your emotions …

]]> The organizational benefits of downsizing can be very rewarding. You can save time, restore order, relieve stress, free up space, and perhaps most importantly, save money.

It’s important when you are organizing and downsizing to try to keep your emotions …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-11-01/5-tips-for-efficient-downsizing/feed/ 0 3 Tips to Sell Your Home This Fall http://rismedia.com/2011-10-27/3-tips-to-sell-your-home-this-fall/ http://rismedia.com/2011-10-27/3-tips-to-sell-your-home-this-fall/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:55:14 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=62483 As temperatures dip and fall settles in with the promise of winter ahead, home owners need to pay extra attention to certain details in order to set themselves apart from the competition.

1. Maintain your landscape. Flowers aren’t exactly flourishing …

]]> As temperatures dip and fall settles in with the promise of winter ahead, home owners need to pay extra attention to certain details in order to set themselves apart from the competition.

1. Maintain your landscape. Flowers aren’t exactly flourishing …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-10-27/3-tips-to-sell-your-home-this-fall/feed/ 0 As Mortgage Rates Dip Lower, Homeowners Should Consider Refinancing http://rismedia.com/2011-10-03/as-mortgage-rates-dip-lower-homeowners-should-consider-refinancing/ http://rismedia.com/2011-10-03/as-mortgage-rates-dip-lower-homeowners-should-consider-refinancing/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:58:15 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=61152 Rates were already low at the start of the quarter, but following the Fed’s announcement last week, the national average rate on a traditional 30 year fixed rate mortgage has inched lower. Informa Research Services, a subsidiary of Informa plc …

]]> Rates were already low at the start of the quarter, but following the Fed’s announcement last week, the national average rate on a traditional 30 year fixed rate mortgage has inched lower. Informa Research Services, a subsidiary of Informa plc …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-10-03/as-mortgage-rates-dip-lower-homeowners-should-consider-refinancing/feed/ 0 Not All Home Inspections Are Made Equal http://rismedia.com/2011-09-26/not-all-home-inspections-are-made-equal/ http://rismedia.com/2011-09-26/not-all-home-inspections-are-made-equal/#comments Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:50:55 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=60820 A home inspection is a crucial component of making a smart home-buying decision. According to Jay Gregg, director of marketing for Pillar To Post, not all home inspections are equal. Gregg, who has experience in home inspections, sales marketing and …

]]> A home inspection is a crucial component of making a smart home-buying decision. According to Jay Gregg, director of marketing for Pillar To Post, not all home inspections are equal. Gregg, who has experience in home inspections, sales marketing and …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-09-26/not-all-home-inspections-are-made-equal/feed/ 0 Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget http://rismedia.com/2011-09-19/bathroom-remodeling-on-a-budget/ http://rismedia.com/2011-09-19/bathroom-remodeling-on-a-budget/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:53:16 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=60478 Bathroom renovations have become extremely popular in recent years. Many consumers choose to renovate their bathroom before any other room; not only is the bathroom a major focal point when it comes time to sell, but square footage is limited …

]]> Bathroom renovations have become extremely popular in recent years. Many consumers choose to renovate their bathroom before any other room; not only is the bathroom a major focal point when it comes time to sell, but square footage is limited …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-09-19/bathroom-remodeling-on-a-budget/feed/ 0 Lack of Equity Can Derail Mortgage Refinancing http://rismedia.com/2011-09-07/lack-of-equity-can-derail-mortgage-refinancing/ http://rismedia.com/2011-09-07/lack-of-equity-can-derail-mortgage-refinancing/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:04:42 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=59924 (MCT)—With mortgage interest rates hovering around 50-year lows, refinancing is an appealing prospect for many homeowners. I think this is especially true considering the stock market’s August gyrations. Taking nervous energy and using it to focus on sure-thing money moves …

]]> (MCT)—With mortgage interest rates hovering around 50-year lows, refinancing is an appealing prospect for many homeowners. I think this is especially true considering the stock market’s August gyrations. Taking nervous energy and using it to focus on sure-thing money moves …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-09-07/lack-of-equity-can-derail-mortgage-refinancing/feed/ 0 Getting Your Home Sold http://rismedia.com/2011-09-01/getting-your-home-sold/ http://rismedia.com/2011-09-01/getting-your-home-sold/#comments Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:10:19 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=59778 While certain tips like properly staging your space will help get your home sold no matter what the economic climate, picking a talented real estate agent is one of the most crucial assets in getting your home sold fast and …

]]> While certain tips like properly staging your space will help get your home sold no matter what the economic climate, picking a talented real estate agent is one of the most crucial assets in getting your home sold fast and …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-09-01/getting-your-home-sold/feed/ 0 Is Your Loan Modification Application Stuck? http://rismedia.com/2011-08-31/is-your-loan-modification-application-stuck/ http://rismedia.com/2011-08-31/is-your-loan-modification-application-stuck/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:26:58 +0000 beth http://rismedia.com/?p=59688 If you’re on the verge of losing your home, or you know someone who is, then you also know about the long, bureaucratic process involved in applying for a loan modification from a lender. The most common approach is to …

]]> If you’re on the verge of losing your home, or you know someone who is, then you also know about the long, bureaucratic process involved in applying for a loan modification from a lender. The most common approach is to …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-08-31/is-your-loan-modification-application-stuck/feed/ 0 5 Inexpensive Home Updates to Complete before Listing Your Home http://rismedia.com/2011-08-10/5-inexpensive-home-updates-to-complete-before-listing-your-home/ http://rismedia.com/2011-08-10/5-inexpensive-home-updates-to-complete-before-listing-your-home/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:04:10 +0000 susanne http://rismedia.com/?p=58684 There is no perfect formula for selling your home efficiently, but by following these five tips prior to listing you can increase your chances to close quickly at a higher price.

1.) Update your old garage door(s). Garage doors seem …

]]> There is no perfect formula for selling your home efficiently, but by following these five tips prior to listing you can increase your chances to close quickly at a higher price.

1.) Update your old garage door(s). Garage doors seem …

]]> http://rismedia.com/2011-08-10/5-inexpensive-home-updates-to-complete-before-listing-your-home/feed/ 0