What’s your home repair IQ?
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Are you literate in the world of home repairs? Or would you rather enlist the help of a pro? Take the Ultimate Home Repair Quiz and discover your do-it-yourself IQ. And while some projects should be left to the professionals, others can be tackled by the homeowners. How Stuff Works lists five that often come up and entail easy solutions. Here’s what heads of households ought to know:
- Prepping and painting interior walls
- Fixing squeaking and sticking doors
- Using caulk
- Repairing a faucet washer
- Unplugging a clogged toilet
Homeowners with shallow knowledge of the basics need not be alarmed. Online help is readily available at sites like How Stuff Works, the DIY Network, HGTV, and This Old House.
Foreclosure conversions in the Windy City
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The Obama administration is looking to entice investors into redeveloping foreclosed properties. Amy Hoak of the Wall Street Journal shares the story of one Chicago-based real estate firm that’s been in the business of converting foreclosures into rentals for some time. Mack Companies cherry-picks houses located in communities with solid infrastructure and good schools. Of course, the mechanics of the house also matter. Older homes that require new plumbing, roofing, and windows, for example, may be passed up for newer properties that need moderate repairs or updates. Mack companies is on track to redevelop 250 homes this year, setting the pace for investors elsewhere.
Manage your fridge like a pro
By · CommentsHomeownership is good for the heart
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CNN Money reports that homeownership is good for love. That’s not hard to believe, since owning a house can signal fiscal responsibility to some romantics. But Trulia put the theory to the test.
On Trulia’s behalf, Harris Interactive queried 1,000 single men and women on home-related traits they found most appealing. While there is a marked preference for homeowners, survey results showed that renting is certainly no deal-breaker. More than a third of women responded that they preferred to date homeowners, whereas 18% of men felt the same.
But while both homeowners and renters can find love, one demographic will be romantically-challenged. Jobless young adults who have returned home after graduating from college may need to put their employment search into high gear. Less than 5% of singles surveyed would date boomerangers. Which rooms of the house found favor with both sexes? The master bath, walk-in closet, and gourmet kitchen.
Homeownership is good for the heart
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CNN Money reports that homeownership is good for love. That’s not hard to believe, since owning a house can signal fiscal responsibility to some romantics. But Trulia put the theory to the test.
On Trulia’s behalf, Harris Interactive queried 1,000 single men and women on home-related traits they found most appealing. While there is a marked preference for homeowners, survey results showed that renting is certainly no deal-breaker. More than a third of women responded that they preferred to date homeowners, whereas 18% of men felt the same.
But while both homeowners and renters can find love, one demographic will be romantically-challenged. Jobless young adults who have returned home after graduating from college may need to put their employment search into high gear. Less than 5% of singles surveyed would date boomerangers. Which rooms of the house found favor with both sexes? The master bath, walk-in closet, and gourmet kitchen.
Do the homework before buying land
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Finding the right home is not for everybody. Some want to build the dream house using their specifications. With real estate prices lower than they were five years ago, purchasing land could make sense for those who have the wherewithal.
What are the right questions to ask before signing a purchase contract? Michael Luckado’s “Buying the Land for Your Future Dream Home,” featured in HomeGain, outlines the major categories. The first step is to check out the zoning laws for the land and its surrounding areas. Is the area zoned for residential or commercial? What are the setback requirements (distance between the proposed home and lot lines) and height restrictions?
When zoning checks out, the buyer should contact the Homeowner’s Association, if one exists, and inquire about additional restrictions that may affect the building project. If the green light is still on, look into the availability of utilities. Those that are not easily connected will incur additional costs. For example, if water and sewer are not available, a private well and septic tank will need to be installed. There may also be fees to build (contact the local building and public works department for a list) and maintenance expenses even before breaking ground such as real estate taxes, insurance, sewer and water availability fees, HOA dues.
After completing due diligence on the above items, you may want to consult with an attorney to review the contract. As a rule, a title search on the land is recommended. Before you build the dream house, do the homework. It can make the difference between a poor and prudent decision.
Do the homework before buying land
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Finding the right home is not for everybody. Some want to build the dream house using their specifications. With real estate prices lower than they were five years ago, purchasing land could make sense for those who have the wherewithal.
What are the right questions to ask before signing a purchase contract? Michael Luckado’s “Buying the Land for Your Future Dream Home,” featured in HomeGain, outlines the major categories. The first step is to check out the zoning laws for the land and its surrounding areas. Is the area zoned for residential or commercial? What are the setback requirements (distance between the proposed home and lot lines) and height restrictions?
When zoning checks out, the buyer should contact the Homeowner’s Association, if one exists, and inquire about additional restrictions that may affect the building project. If the green light is still on, look into the availability of utilities. Those that are not easily connected will incur additional costs. For example, if water and sewer are not available, a private well and septic tank will need to be installed. There may also be fees to build (contact the local building and public works department for a list) and maintenance expenses even before breaking ground such as real estate taxes, insurance, sewer and water availability fees, HOA dues.
After completing due diligence on the above items, you may want to consult with an attorney to review the contract. As a rule, a title search on the land is recommended. Before you build the dream house, do the homework. It can make the difference between a poor and prudent decision.
Hang multiple pictures with ease
By · CommentsWhen property taxes are too high
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When property values declined, many homeowners expected their real estate taxes to follow suit. This hasn’t happened for most. If you are seeking to challenge the assessed value on your house, learn some important tips from the Wall Street Journal’s Gwendolyn Bounds and Smart Money’s Alyssa Abkowitz.
http://online.wsj.com/video/reassessing-property-taxes/EBB56F37-BCD2-4CAC-A3A9-B5F568D562EB.html
