Real Estate - Yahoo! Voices

5 Deal-Breakers When Buying a Home

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Kelly Novinski) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:09:51 EDT

It is a buyer's market out there, but a good deal may still have strings attached. Here are the top five deal breakers that prevent buyers from completing a home purchase.

Contributor: Kelly Novinski
Published: Sep 24, 2010

Step One for Successful Move

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (William Browning) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:36:06 EDT

A moving timeline helps you to see what steps you should take when you move from one place to another.

Contributor: William Browning
Published: Sep 23, 2010

Questions Mortgage Lenders Will Ask

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Shauna Zamarripa) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:34:21 EDT

When mortgage companies factor in aspects that they consider to make a borrower an acceptable risk to loan money, there are certain questions that the buyer must be prepared to answer.

Contributor: Shauna Zamarripa
Published: Aug 30, 2010

Getting the Best Deal on a Moving Truck

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (S.L. Carroll) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:14:46 EDT

Renting a moving truck can be expensive, but there are ways to cut that expense. The goal is to not be wasteful when it comes to extras, mileage, and gas.

Contributor: S.L. Carroll
Published: Dec 15, 2011

5 Reasons Not to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Amy Brantley) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:14:25 EDT

Whether it's due to the fact that you have other debt or haven't saved enough in other areas, you may want to rethink your decision. Here are just five reasons not to pay off your mortgage early.

Contributor: Amy Brantley
Published: Jan 17, 2012

First-Time Home Buyers' Pre-Closing Guide

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Steve Biser) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:48:12 EDT

The time between finding your first home and closing is very important. Here are a few tips to help you out during this waiting period to help things go smooth.

Contributor: Steve Biser
Published: Nov 08, 2011

How to Time an Apartment Hunt

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (J.M. Monroe) — Tue, 04 May 2010 11:30:24 EDT

If you live in a city where apartment vacancy rates are low and competition for apartments is high, it's important that you time your apartment search right and gain an advantage over your fellow apartment seekers. How early should you start your search?

Contributor: J.M. Monroe
Published: May 04, 2010

Renters Often Victims in Foreclosure

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (ANGENI POSTIN) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:57:37 EDT

Taking payments for a rental and failing to pay the mortgage is fraud and stealing and property owners should be charged with criminal charges for such actions. Renters are being victimized by property owners' greed.

Contributor: ANGENI POSTIN
Published: Dec 12, 2011

Breaking a Lease: Do's, Don'ts

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (V.C. Higuera) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:09:46 EDT

Landlords aren't quick to terminate rental leases early. Signing a lease obligates you to remain in the home or apartment for a 12-month period. Moving out early can have serious financial consequences. But the right approach can avert problems.

Contributor: V.C. Higuera
Published: Oct 31, 2011

Avoiding Mortgage Fraud

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Tina Gallagher) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:06:37 EDT

If you are buying or selling a house, read these tips to avoid mortgage fraud.

Contributor: Tina Gallagher
Published: Aug 25, 2010

We're Off to See the Renovation Wizards!

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (B. J. Deming) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:29:55 EDT

Owners of older buildings that have decorative tin ceilings, roofs or other structures should know that their historic architecture can be beautifully restored.

Contributor: B. J. Deming
Published: Nov 15, 2011

Apartment Floor Cleaning Plan

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (J.M. Monroe) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:13:45 EDT

Can dirty floors cause you to lose some of your security deposit when you move out of an apartment? Can you prevent the forfeiture of security deposit funds due to dirty floors? Yes and yes!

Contributor: J.M. Monroe
Published: Jul 26, 2010

Reducing Mortgage Expense

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Sara Lauren) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:37:54 EDT

Through the use of additional monthly payments and budgeting, any borrower can reduce his overall mortgage interest expense over the life of his mortgage loan.

Contributor: Sara Lauren
Published: Feb 08, 2010

Should I Buy the Rental House Next Door?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (C. Jeanne Heida) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:22:58 EDT

Five good reasons why you should consider buying the rental house next door when it comes available.

Contributor: C. Jeanne Heida
Published: Apr 13, 2010

Choosing a Self-Storage Unit

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Jeff Thompson) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:11:50 EDT

A quick and easy guide of the four questions everyone should ask themselves before renting a Self Storage Unit.

Contributor: Jeff Thompson
Published: Nov 01, 2011

Renting vs. Buying a Home

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Angie Mohr CA CMA) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:45:55 EDT

In this type of economic environment, many potential homeowners question whether renting makes more sense than buying.

Contributor: Angie Mohr CA CMA
Published: Mar 16, 2010

Top 5 Deal-Breakers for Home Buying

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Phyllis Wheeler) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:34:41 EDT

We expose five home buying deal breaker situations to help you avoid making costly, expensive or extremely stressful mistakes.

Contributor: Phyllis Wheeler
Published: Sep 23, 2010

What to Do With Rejected Mortgage App

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (V.C. Higuera) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:07:01 EDT

Many home buyers believe that they have what it takes to qualify for a home loan. To their surprise, a lender may reject their application. A mortgage rejection isn't the end, and borrowers can get approved despite a prior rejection.

Contributor: V.C. Higuera
Published: Oct 25, 2011

Assessed vs. Appraised Value

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Deborah A. Rutter) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:09:25 EDT

Assessed value is what the local municipality uses for taxation purposes; the appraised valued is what a lender uses to evaluate a property for lending purposes.

Contributor: Deborah A. Rutter
Published: Aug 18, 2010

Warning Signs of Bad Home Loan

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Tamara McRill) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:26:02 EDT

Unscrupulous lenders are constantly trying to trick unwary new and present homeowners into bad home loans. There are some warning signs of bad home loans that consumers can look for.

Contributor: Tamara McRill
Published: Sep 27, 2010

Borrow Wisely to Buy a Home

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Jason Gallagher) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:52:39 EDT

Whenever buying a house or home, borrowing from family and friends can strengthen or weaken a relationship. The entire situation needs to be handled in a professional way.

Contributor: Jason Gallagher
Published: Sep 16, 2010

Preparing for a Fall Move

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Jean Kelly) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:29:03 EDT

Planning a move in the fall? You'll have to face the holiday season and changes in weather. But, proper planning can keep you ahead of the game.

Contributor: Jean Kelly
Published: Sep 14, 2010

Virtual Staging for Home Sales

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Kelly Maddern) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:19:01 EDT

Virtual Staging is a tool to get the buyers' creative minds working so they can see that there is potential for a now-vacant or outdated room.

Contributor: Kelly Maddern
Published: Jan 13, 2011

Borrow Money from Family, Friends for a Home?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Shamontiel) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:36:24 EDT

You've heard that owning real estate is a great way to make money, or you're finally tired of living in an apartment with the rude neighbors upstairs. But if you don't have the money to purchase a home, where will you go to get it?

Contributor: Shamontiel
Published: Sep 22, 2010

Is Your Dog on a Homeowners Insurance Blacklist?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Sharon Gloger Friedman) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:36:42 EDT

Eight breeds insurance companies consider high-risk and what it means to you.

Contributor: Sharon Gloger Friedman
Published: Aug 29, 2011

How to View an Apartment

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (J.M. Monroe) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:08:20 EDT

If you're new or out of practice at apartment-hunting, here are some tips on what to look for when you're looking for an apartment. Check out these room-by-room pointers written especially for first-time apartment seekers.

Contributor: J.M. Monroe
Published: Sep 27, 2010

Steps for a Successful Move

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Lori Gunn) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:01:44 EDT

Moving is an experience. Following are some of the most important things that you can do to make the experience both a pleasant one to achieve and to remember.

Contributor: Lori Gunn
Published: Sep 27, 2010

'Pick Me:' 20 Ideas to Motivate Buyers

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Deborah A. Rutter) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:00:45 EDT

When buyers preview your home, having a compendium of details, info, users guides, receipts and area info can give potential purchasers a boost of confidence and help them go from tire-kickers to contract-writers.

Contributor: Deborah A. Rutter
Published: Jul 28, 2010

Beware Foreclosure on Home Rentals

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Kathy Browning) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:30:48 EDT

Before sharing the details of how to check public records to ensure rental homes are not in foreclosure, I'd like to share my rental home horror story. The situation led me to become an expert on scouring public records.

Contributor: Kathy Browning
Published: Dec 22, 2010

Owning a Home: Wise Investment?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (K. W. Calhoun) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:34:37 EDT

Your finances can be greatly affected by the purchase of a home. Here's a personal example of how I tried, and failed, in my endeavors to avoid these home related financial pitfalls.

Contributor: K. W. Calhoun
Published: Apr 08, 2010

The 5 Questions Your Home Inspector Can't Answer

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Grace Shreve) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:49:49 EDT

Some buyers are frustrated to discover that home inspectors won't give certain types of advice. While inspectors use their experience to give buyers an objective, point-by-point assessment of a home, there are certain questions they can't answer.

Contributor: Grace Shreve
Published: Mar 01, 2011

Want Expensive Homes? Here is Where to Look

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (John E. Miller) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:58:26 EDT

The best places to live and cities with the most expensive homes all have qualities in common that could be good indicators for great real estate investments.

Contributor: John E. Miller
Published: Sep 08, 2011

Will a Loan Modification Hurt My Credit Score?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Arthur Veal) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:37:13 EDT

Will a loan mod hurt your credit? In some cases yes, but there are exceptions...

Contributor: Arthur Veal
Published: Sep 07, 2011

Is Real Estate a Good Investment Right Now?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Arthur Veal) — Fri, 20 May 2011 21:32:36 EDT

The summer is fast approaching and a new summer usually brings a new wave of people looking to buy real estate. In most cases families are looking for a new home, but at the same time there are many new and seasoned investors looking for a deal.

Contributor: Arthur Veal
Published: May 20, 2011

Avoid Pitfalls of Hiring Building Contractors

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Lynette Blumhardt) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:41:58 EDT

Hiring a building contractor can be scary. Follow these tips to ease your mind.

Contributor: Lynette Blumhardt
Published: Jun 07, 2011

Do You Want to Sell the House or Not?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Fred Thomas III) — Sun, 22 May 2011 15:47:09 EDT

This article highlights the importance of "Staging" your property for sale during this tough economic period.

Contributor: Fred Thomas III
Published: May 22, 2011

New Increase in Apartment Construction May Revive Sagging Apartment Locator Industry

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Dora Womack) — Sat, 21 May 2011 06:51:07 EDT

Apartment locators across Texas have suffered in recent months with lower commissions, fewer clients, and lots of internet competition - but hope is on the horizon.

Contributor: Dora Womack
Published: May 21, 2011

10 Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Roof

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Jean Miskimon) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:35:14 EDT

Considerations when choosing a new roof. Deciding on a new roof and a roofing contractor is a big decision. Checklist to ensure you choose the right roof.

Contributor: Jean Miskimon
Published: Jun 07, 2011

How to Prepare Your Home for Long-Term Home-Sitters

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Susan Brown) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:51:25 EDT

Tips if you are leaving your home for a week or more.

Contributor: Susan Brown
Published: Nov 09, 2010

Creating a Timeline for Your Move Begins with a Little Research

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Sophie Walton) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:44:07 EDT

Moving is a stressful time; however, creating a moving timeline will keep you organized and feeling more in control.

Contributor: Sophie Walton
Published: Sep 27, 2010

When to Walk from a Home Purchase

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Abby Greenhill) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:06:51 EDT

My top five deal breakers when purchasing a home come from my years of buying and selling real estate. You may love the home, but not the repair bills. Plan ahead and be an educated consumer.

Contributor: Abby Greenhill
Published: Sep 13, 2010

A Huge Foreclosure Problem: Look for Further Drops in Market Values

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (R.C. Johnson) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:40:20 EDT

The inventory of foreclosed homes is growing. According to reports, those homes will eventually be unleashed on the market with housing prices likely to drop even further. Will this directly affect you?

Contributor: R.C. Johnson
Published: Oct 13, 2010

Applying for Section 8 Housing - Top 4 Questions

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Richard Banks) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:23:22 EDT

Where does someone turn when faced with eviction or worse, homelessness? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a housing choice voucher program, section 8.

Contributor: Richard Banks
Published: Oct 13, 2010

Where to Invest in Real Estate Overseas

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Maxine Nelson) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:39:42 EDT

Here are four of the best countries around the world where you can invest in real estate, whether it's for retirement, a vacation home, rental property or an off-plan investment. Find out what these places have to offer with their real estate selections.

Contributor: Maxine Nelson
Published: Sep 21, 2010

Top 10 Best Buys for Easier Home Maintenance

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (J.M. Monroe) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:51:29 EDT

Get ready to go shopping for home maintenance tools that will make your do-it-yourself projects and everyday chores faster, easier and, in some cases, cheaper. Here's a Top 10 list of the very best buys in home maintenance tools and supplies.

Contributor: J.M. Monroe
Published: Sep 15, 2010

How to Stage Your House During the Holidays

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Sage Adderley) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:21:09 EDT

Your goal during the holidays is to create an atmosphere within the home that potential buyers can relate to. This article contains staging ideas for you to consider this holiday season.

Contributor: Sage Adderley
Published: Oct 13, 2010

Online Tools: Home Buying Made Easier

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Lori Gunn) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:24:43 EDT

The web is full of online guidance for prospective buyers. Using these tools can save you valuable time, since they will provide a general idea of the home you can afford.

Contributor: Lori Gunn
Published: Sep 17, 2010

Tips to Successfully Sell Your House This Fall

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Jennifer LeMaire) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:26:10 EDT

Fall is a great time to sell your house. There are many benefits to selling your house in the fall. Here are some considerations and tips for you.

Contributor: Jennifer LeMaire
Published: Sep 03, 2010

Think it Through: Considerations for a Second Home

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Jennifer L. Thompson) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:22 EDT

Aside from price, other considerations can make the difference in the dream of a second home becoming a reality.

Contributor: Jennifer L. Thompson
Published: Sep 07, 2010

Home Remodel vs Refinance

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Lori Gunn) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:40:31 EDT

Home values are recovering in some areas. Repairs once postponed are now foreseeable. Homeowners are faced with the choice of refinancing or remodeling. Perhaps you qualify for combining the options.

Contributor: Lori Gunn
Published: Sep 02, 2010

Understanding Subject 2 Financing

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Simon Volkov) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:50:57 EDT

Subject 2 financing is commonly used by real estate investors who specialize in rehabbing houses and flipping them for profit. Some private sellers offer Subject 2 when they need to sell their house and have been unsuccessful in locating a buyer.

Contributor: Simon Volkov
Published: Aug 06, 2010

Surprised by Apartment Security-Deposit Deductions?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (J.M. Monroe) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:20:05 EDT

Shocked at how much your landlord deducted from your security deposit for cleaning after you moved out of your apartment? Here are some options for tenants who want to dispute outrageous cleaning charges and recoup money that was unfairly withheld.

Contributor: J.M. Monroe
Published: Aug 23, 2010

Understanding Days on Market in Residential Real Estate

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Deborah A. Rutter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:24:38 EDT

Agents use DOM (days on market) to market themselves or their firms and to help buyers make an initial offer based on DOM assumptions.

Contributor: Deborah A. Rutter
Published: Aug 19, 2010

Your Credit, You, and a Home Loan

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Shauna Zamarripa) — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:30:23 EDT

Credit can be one of the most important factors in a home purchase. Knowing what you need in regards to your credit and how it effects your ability to purchase before you apply is very important.

Contributor: Shauna Zamarripa
Published: May 11, 2010

How to Find the Right Apartment for Your College Years

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Tricia Bangit) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:19:48 EDT

As a college student, finding the right apartment can be exciting as well as overwhelming. Here is a bit of advice on searching for an apartment based on my experience, as well as how to take care food and decorating.

Contributor: Tricia Bangit
Published: Aug 10, 2010

Should My Landlord Exterminate My Apartment for Ants?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (J.M. Monroe) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:30:26 EDT

Ants in your apartment? Find out how to battle ants and how to approach your landlord for help exterminating these common household pests from your rented apartment.

Contributor: J.M. Monroe
Published: Jun 25, 2010

Crowded Real Estate Market: Make the Most of Buyer's Senses

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Deborah A. Rutter) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:18:41 EDT

In a crowded real estate market, you can make your property stand out and get remembered by recognizing that buyer's evaluate opportunities with ALL their senses, not just sight.

Contributor: Deborah A. Rutter
Published: Jun 14, 2010

In a Rush to Sell Your Current Home for Cheaper Place? Not so Fast!

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Sharetha Emanuel) — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:05:12 EDT

Some homeowners seem to be anxious to sell their existing home in order to purchase a "cheaper" property. While this may appear to be a good idea, that new property may not be as cheap as it seems. Find out what to look out for in this article.

Contributor: Sharetha Emanuel
Published: May 28, 2010

Great Expectations: Setting the Right Expectations in Real Estate

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Shauna Zamarripa) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:57:14 EDT

Expectations for buyers and sellers often waver from the beginning point of a transaction until the end. It's important for real estate professionals to know how and why to set the right expectations from the beginning.

Contributor: Shauna Zamarripa
Published: Jul 26, 2010

The State of the Estate Tax Follow-Up: 2010 is the Year of No Estate Tax?

contributor-community@yahoo-inc.com (Elizabeth Reed) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:55:35 EDT

Dan Duncan's death, and the $4+ billion at play, may heavily impact the Senate Finance Committee regarding a retroactive 2010 estate tax.

Contributor: Elizabeth Reed
Published: Jun 25, 2010