Owning a home can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also come with headaches involving taxes, permits, upkeep and repair, fees, insurance and more. Look for more information here in our articles, blog posts, videos and radio shows about what it means to be a homeowner.
Homeowners, Housing Market Face Rising Foreclosures
Homeowners everywhere are feeling the pain of the housing market and rise of foreclosures. According to the latest numbers from the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA), the number of homeowners starting the foreclosure process hit a record high this spring. More homeowners cannot make their mortgage payments, and as the housing market continues its downward spiral, homeowners are forced to start the foreclosure process.
How To Buy Out Co-Owner Of House
A homeowner owns her home with a friend who wants to move on and take the equity in the home, but the other isn't ready to leave. If the friend wants to buy her interest in the home, she could take out a home equity loan. A real estate attorney can help the two friends work out a deal that could work for them both.
Tax Hints For Selling Rental Property
Homeowners lived in a home for 2 years and then rented it out for the past two years. They want to continue renting it out, but they will sell now if that's the only way to avoid capital gains tax. The IRS website is a good place to check for the tax implications before making any real estate decisions.
New Home Development Not What Was Promised
A homeowner, and many of his neighbors, feel the developer delivered a vastly different neighborhood than what was promised. Some states require developers to disclose their development plans in advance of having a buyer sign a contract for the purchase of a home. Some states also have consumer fraud statutes that may apply to your case. The homeowners should consult a real estate attorney to determine if they have cause to bring a case against the builder.
NPR Listeners Respond To Today’s Show – Take 2
Here's another question from the show today: What do you know about the Coral Springs, Florida real estate market for sellers? I was in Coral Spring...
Homeowners Insurance: Government Information To Protect Your Home From Floods
The federal government has lots of information for homeowners looking for flood insurance. The federal government's website dealing with homeowners and flood insurance is floodsmart.gov. Check out floodsmart.gov for the federal government's information on how homeowners can apply for flood insurance.
Adding Partner To Property Deed
To convey part of your property interest to another person, your deed must specifically state that you are conveying to a person a certain percentage ownership in the property. In some cases, the clearest way to convey title would be to convey title to yourself and to your partner and indicate that each of you are owners at to a 50 percent interest in the property.
Homeowners Living Maintenance Free
Maintenance-free is a concept that sounds good, but doesn't quite pan out when it comes to most single family homes. All homes age and need ongoing maintenance and attention in order to stay in good shape. But, in the late 1980s, developers began to introduce the concept of a maintenance-free community, in which residents aren't responsible for mowing the grass, plowing the snow, fixing roof leaks or painting the exteriors of their homes.
Insurance: Homeowners Should Shop Around For Best Insurance Deal
Homeowners should shop around for the best insurance deals. Often homeowners can get a great deal if you purchase all your insurance from the same company. Another way homeowners can get a better deal on insurance is by keeping a good credit score.
Contractor May Help Avoid Extensive Landscaping Changes
What can you do when the property that borders yours is to undergo extensive landscaping changes? Do you have a say in the matter? Even if your local government has approved the landscaping changes you may be able to provide an alternative by suggesting a qualified contractor.