Market News
Hiring movers often takes detective work
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>(This is Part 1 of a two-part series.)</em></p> <p>Contrary to the picture you're getting from most of the media in this country, millions of people are still moving. They're hiring movers, packing boxes, loading up the truck and moving on with their lives.</p> <p>Most moves will be local. Others will be cross-country. There are simple moves and complex moves, but there is a method to the moving madness, according to Linda Bauer Darr, president and CEO of the <a href="http://www.moving.org/" target="_blank">American Moving and Storage Association</a>. <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/ilyceglink/hiring-movers-often-takes-detective-work"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/ilyceglink/hiring-movers-often-takes-detective-work">read more</a></p>
Reverse mortgage bails out seniors facing foreclosure
<!--paging_filter--><p>George A. Downey, a longtime reverse-mortgage lender, walked into a seminar designed to help people explore creative financing alternatives in an attempt to avoid default and foreclosure.</p><p>"There were some older folks in the room, but nothing was ever offered about a reverse mortgage being a possibility," said Downey, founder of Braintree, Mass.-based <a href="http://www.harbormortgage.com/" target="_blank">Harbor Mortgage</a>. "The numbers have to work, but if they do, it can be a godsend for them. The current mortgage is paid off; they keep the house; and they have no future payments. …" <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/tomkelly/reverse-mortgage-bails-out-seniors-facing-foreclosure"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/tomkelly/reverse-mortgage-bails-out-seniors-facing-foreclosure">read more</a></p>
Remodel rids closet of musty smell
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>Q: Our 1920s bungalow has a small front closet that is punched out from the wall of the house so that the box of the closet extends past the exterior walls. This leaves the three walls and floor in direct contact with the outside damp air. We use this as a coat closet, but because of the outside dampness and lack of insulation in the lath-and-plaster walls, clothes get musty.</em> <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/billkevinburnett/remodel-rids-closet-musty-smell"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/billkevinburnett/remodel-rids-closet-musty-smell">read more</a></p>
So you think you can sell real estate?
<!--paging_filter--><p><i>Q: I have been thinking about getting my real estate license for several years now and would very much like to become an agent. My question is regarding the career outlook for agents in the north Georgia area.</i></p> <p><i>I'm not even sure what an average agent (not that I plan to be average!) can expect to make in a year! What are the responsibilities of being a great agent? Should I make plans to transition into this career?</i> <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/ilyceglink/so-you-think-you-can-sell-real-estate"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/ilyceglink/so-you-think-you-can-sell-real-estate">read more</a></p>
Cost to remove backyard oil tank soars to $11K
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>Q: I had a contractor give me a quote of $2,850 to remove an old oil tank. When they were done, they had ruined my backyard, and their bill was more than $11,000. I feel victimized, but don't know where to turn. Thanks. --Roger A.</em></p> <p>A: Without knowing the specifics of your agreement with the contractor, it's difficult to imagine how they got from $2,800 to $11,000. However, generically here are my suggestions: <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/paulbianchina/cost-remove-backyard-oil-tank-soars-11k"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/paulbianchina/cost-remove-backyard-oil-tank-soars-11k">read more</a></p>
Listing agent concealed major furnace defects
<!--paging_filter--><p><i>Dear Barry,</i> <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/barrystone/listing-agent-concealed-major-furnace-defects"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/barrystone/listing-agent-concealed-major-furnace-defects">read more</a></p>
Top home-buying mistakes revealed
<!--paging_filter--><p>The first rule of inspecting a home you want to buy is to stay intimately involved in the process, and to leave no stone unturned. If you're busy or traveling during the time period, you have to complete your due diligence investigations by enlisting the aid of a friend you trust to stand in on your behalf -- someone who will keep you well informed as inspections proceed. <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/dianhymer/top-home-buying-mistakes-revealed"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/dianhymer/top-home-buying-mistakes-revealed">read more</a></p>
Use my land but please don't steal it
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>DEAR BENNY: What are the rules for adverse possession? What can new homeowners do to protect themselves when buying property? What should homeowners do to protect their property from their neighbors? Should a small encroachment such as an A/C unit or a driveway with flower borders be addressed as soon as the encroachment is discovered?</em></p> <p><em>What is the current trend regarding adverse possession? Legal issues aside, when is claiming your neighbor's land ever really the right thing to do? --Melina</em> <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/bennykass/use-my-land-please-dont-steal-it"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/bennykass/use-my-land-please-dont-steal-it">read more</a></p>
Piggyback loans more costly in today's market
<!--paging_filter--><p>A piggyback is a second mortgage taken out at the same time as a first mortgage, as a way of borrowing a larger total amount. The first mortgage is for 80 percent of property value, and therefore does not require mortgage insurance, while the piggyback is for 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent or 20 percent of value. Instead of a mortgage insurance premium, the borrower pays a higher rate on the piggyback than on the first mortgage. <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/jackguttentag/piggyback-loans-more-costly-in-todays-market"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/jackguttentag/piggyback-loans-more-costly-in-todays-market">read more</a></p>
Air compressors improved for do-it-yourselfers
<!--paging_filter--><p>For everything from painting to installing trim, and framing to inflating tires, an air compressor can be one of the handiest pieces of equipment to have around the house. Cost, size and complexity once limited air compressors to professional uses only, but today's compressors are affordable, easy to use, and offer plenty of power to handle any task you're likely to encounter. <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/paulbianchina/air-compressors-improved-do-it-yourselfers"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/paulbianchina/air-compressors-improved-do-it-yourselfers">read more</a></p>
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>(This is Part 1 of a two-part series.)</em></p> <p>Contrary to the picture you're getting from most of the media in this country, millions of people are still moving. They're hiring movers, packing boxes, loading up the truck and moving on with their lives.</p> <p>Most moves will be local. Others will be cross-country. There are simple moves and complex moves, but there is a method to the moving madness, according to Linda Bauer Darr, president and CEO of the <a href="http://www.moving.org/" target="_blank">American Moving and Storage Association</a>. <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/ilyceglink/hiring-movers-often-takes-detective-work"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/ilyceglink/hiring-movers-often-takes-detective-work">read more</a></p>
Reverse mortgage bails out seniors facing foreclosure
<!--paging_filter--><p>George A. Downey, a longtime reverse-mortgage lender, walked into a seminar designed to help people explore creative financing alternatives in an attempt to avoid default and foreclosure.</p><p>"There were some older folks in the room, but nothing was ever offered about a reverse mortgage being a possibility," said Downey, founder of Braintree, Mass.-based <a href="http://www.harbormortgage.com/" target="_blank">Harbor Mortgage</a>. "The numbers have to work, but if they do, it can be a godsend for them. The current mortgage is paid off; they keep the house; and they have no future payments. …" <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/tomkelly/reverse-mortgage-bails-out-seniors-facing-foreclosure"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/tomkelly/reverse-mortgage-bails-out-seniors-facing-foreclosure">read more</a></p>
Remodel rids closet of musty smell
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>Q: Our 1920s bungalow has a small front closet that is punched out from the wall of the house so that the box of the closet extends past the exterior walls. This leaves the three walls and floor in direct contact with the outside damp air. We use this as a coat closet, but because of the outside dampness and lack of insulation in the lath-and-plaster walls, clothes get musty.</em> <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/billkevinburnett/remodel-rids-closet-musty-smell"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/billkevinburnett/remodel-rids-closet-musty-smell">read more</a></p>
So you think you can sell real estate?
<!--paging_filter--><p><i>Q: I have been thinking about getting my real estate license for several years now and would very much like to become an agent. My question is regarding the career outlook for agents in the north Georgia area.</i></p> <p><i>I'm not even sure what an average agent (not that I plan to be average!) can expect to make in a year! What are the responsibilities of being a great agent? Should I make plans to transition into this career?</i> <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/ilyceglink/so-you-think-you-can-sell-real-estate"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/ilyceglink/so-you-think-you-can-sell-real-estate">read more</a></p>
Cost to remove backyard oil tank soars to $11K
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>Q: I had a contractor give me a quote of $2,850 to remove an old oil tank. When they were done, they had ruined my backyard, and their bill was more than $11,000. I feel victimized, but don't know where to turn. Thanks. --Roger A.</em></p> <p>A: Without knowing the specifics of your agreement with the contractor, it's difficult to imagine how they got from $2,800 to $11,000. However, generically here are my suggestions: <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/paulbianchina/cost-remove-backyard-oil-tank-soars-11k"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/paulbianchina/cost-remove-backyard-oil-tank-soars-11k">read more</a></p>
Listing agent concealed major furnace defects
<!--paging_filter--><p><i>Dear Barry,</i> <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/barrystone/listing-agent-concealed-major-furnace-defects"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/barrystone/listing-agent-concealed-major-furnace-defects">read more</a></p>
Top home-buying mistakes revealed
<!--paging_filter--><p>The first rule of inspecting a home you want to buy is to stay intimately involved in the process, and to leave no stone unturned. If you're busy or traveling during the time period, you have to complete your due diligence investigations by enlisting the aid of a friend you trust to stand in on your behalf -- someone who will keep you well informed as inspections proceed. <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/dianhymer/top-home-buying-mistakes-revealed"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/dianhymer/top-home-buying-mistakes-revealed">read more</a></p>
Use my land but please don't steal it
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>DEAR BENNY: What are the rules for adverse possession? What can new homeowners do to protect themselves when buying property? What should homeowners do to protect their property from their neighbors? Should a small encroachment such as an A/C unit or a driveway with flower borders be addressed as soon as the encroachment is discovered?</em></p> <p><em>What is the current trend regarding adverse possession? Legal issues aside, when is claiming your neighbor's land ever really the right thing to do? --Melina</em> <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/bennykass/use-my-land-please-dont-steal-it"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/bennykass/use-my-land-please-dont-steal-it">read more</a></p>
Piggyback loans more costly in today's market
<!--paging_filter--><p>A piggyback is a second mortgage taken out at the same time as a first mortgage, as a way of borrowing a larger total amount. The first mortgage is for 80 percent of property value, and therefore does not require mortgage insurance, while the piggyback is for 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent or 20 percent of value. Instead of a mortgage insurance premium, the borrower pays a higher rate on the piggyback than on the first mortgage. <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/jackguttentag/piggyback-loans-more-costly-in-todays-market"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/jackguttentag/piggyback-loans-more-costly-in-todays-market">read more</a></p>
Air compressors improved for do-it-yourselfers
<!--paging_filter--><p>For everything from painting to installing trim, and framing to inflating tires, an air compressor can be one of the handiest pieces of equipment to have around the house. Cost, size and complexity once limited air compressors to professional uses only, but today's compressors are affordable, easy to use, and offer plenty of power to handle any task you're likely to encounter. <span class='read-more'><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/paulbianchina/air-compressors-improved-do-it-yourselfers"> more...</a></span></p><p><a href="http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/paulbianchina/air-compressors-improved-do-it-yourselfers">read more</a></p>
