Home Ownership

May 20, 2014

Cut Your Housing Costs in Half

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Serious shoppers wait for a 50% off sale to make the decision because of the bargain factor. Renters who are serious about lowering their monthly cost of housing should consider buying with today’s low mortgage rates. For an example, let’s assume a person buys a $200,000 home with 3.5% …

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March 11, 2014

Every Homeowner Needs One

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A water meter key is like insurance; buy it before you need it.

Imagine a pipe has burst and there is water flowing like a river through your home. There may a cut-off valve to each sink if it works and if that’s where the leak is coming …

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Posted in Home Ownership
March 10, 2014

Valuable Fraud Prevention Tips for Homebuyers and Homeowners

March is Fraud Prevention Month. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has consistently been a leader in the fight against mortgage fraud and offers the following tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of mortgage fraud.

Misrepresentation of Information

Mortgage fraud occurs when someone deliberately misrepresents information …

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Feb. 25, 2014

Making Room in Your Rooms

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The more things you have, the more you have to take care of. And in this case, the more that you have to store that gets in the way of finding the things that you actually use. Periodically, you need to go through every closet, drawer, cabinet and storage …

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Jan. 21, 2014

Interviewing a Mover

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“I’d wish I’d know that before I made a decision.” If you’ve ever regrettably said this to yourself, having a checklist might have prevented the issue in the first place. This list of questions can provide you with things to discuss when interviewing a moving company.

Fees

  • …
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Jan. 21, 2014

Q: Should I Always Get a Permit Before Making Home Improvements?

A: To save both time and money, some people avoid getting building permits. But most cities require them. Besides ensuring safety during construction – housing inspectors sometimes stop by to check on the progress of projects at key points – they are also a source of revenue.

Cities charge …

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Jan. 9, 2014

Average U.S. Home Insurance Premium Costs Decline to $823

According to the HomeInsurance.com RateReport, average 12-month U.S. home insurance premiums fell from December 2012 to December 2013. The average annual premium in December 2013 was about $823, down 9.5 percent from the $900 average at the end of 2012. Premiums had increased for three years in a row before …

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Dec. 27, 2013

Homeowners Consumer Center Updates 'Chinese Drywall' Warnings

A recent visit to the Homeowners Consumer Center (homeownersconsumercenter.com) website revealed a recent reminder for homeowners about the continuing issues related to "Chinese drywall."

Before you purchase a home in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Southeast Texas, or Virginia, the Center is advising to make sure you have the home …

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Posted in Home Ownership
Dec. 18, 2013

Some Serious Advice on Paying Down Mortgages Faster

There is no better gift to give yourself this holiday season and in the New Year, than your own home - preferably owned outright.

So with the hope of getting consumers free and clear of their mortgage debt sooner, we tapped Durham, N.C. REALTOR® Bernice McNutt who blogged recently …

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Dec. 15, 2013

Builders Share Trends Homeowners Require to Create Personal Oasis

Building a custom home today involves much more than specialized floor plans. Homeowners have endless options for special features and unique touches that can turn a home into a personal oasis.

“Most people who build a custom home prefer to be able to influence the design, appliances, fixtures and …

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