Real estate is serious business, and it can be easy to forget when we're involved in a complicated and emotional financial transaction that the person we're working with is just that…a person. An agent might not always show you when he's feeling disrespected or offended, but you may pay for it—li
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08/21/2015
A burglary occurs every 14.6 seconds and a property crime every 3.5 seconds, according to the FBI. In addition, Safeguard the World reports that homes without security systems are up to 300 percent more likely to be broken into. Fortunately home security products and apps help deter burglars and
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08/21/2015
Chimneys are a common component of homeowner associations. The chimney vents hot exhaust gasses from fireplaces or from central heating. While most chimneys used to be made of brick, many are now made of metal. Both present problems if not properly maintained including fires, collapses and even c
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08/19/2015
If you're a wanderer, you probably have a number of items you've brought back from your travels. A trinket here, a rare antique there, a couple thousands of photographs thrown in, and pretty soon you have quite a collection. The question is how to use them. Display them wrong, and you can create
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08/18/2015
Are you searching for a remote vacation environment where you won't have to sacrifice luxury and ease of access? If so, you're part of the remote-luxury trend that is at the intersection of emerging lifestyle patterns, including those below: *Perhaps you belong to the growing community of committ
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08/18/2015
When it comes to cheap chic, wood pallets have been having their day, being transformed into everything from patio furniture to wall coverings. But now it's time for a new super affordable material to shine, and it is! Behold the humble concrete block, and all the cool things you can do with it."
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08/17/2015
Big, colorful ads that promote mortgage payments for just $900 month are enticing, especially for first-time buyers. After all, that's probably less than many people are paying in rent. But as anyone who's bought a home knows, that $900 payment is probably just principal and interest. In other wo
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08/13/2015
Using Gift Money For Down Payments On a New HomeTo take advantage of low interest rates while home prices climb higher and higher, some homebuyers need help accumulating enough money for a down-payment. To satisfy secondary market loan package purchasers such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and ins
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08/13/2015
Question: A person I know has been trying unsuccessfully to sell his condominium. He bought it for $260,000 and owes approximately $180,000 on his mortgage. He has advised a close mutual friend that he plans to "walk away" from it. I'd like to buy it -- maybe for $160,000. What is the best way to
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08/12/2015
Depending on where you live, a patio might not be the kind of thing you think about during the cold, and maybe snowy, winter months. But a patio is what many people enjoy on a sunny warm afternoon. It just feels good to sit outside and sip some iced tea or lemonade. That's the picture your real e
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08/12/2015
