Real Estate
CHP primed for maximum enforcement
The California Highway Patrol is giving thanks this holiday season for drivers who play by the rules and help make the state’s roads a safer place. “Our message is simple,” CHP Lt. James Swearingen said. “Drive safe, drive sober and buckle up.” According...
Punishing patients at the end of life
The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit apparently believes that bureaucracies can and do have power so absolute that they trump the traditional right of free people to control their own bodies and try to protect their own lives. If...
Editorial: A barrel of new taxes
The House of Representatives voted Saturday to impose $16 billion in new taxes on the oil industry and give away billions of dollars in tax breaks for so-called “renewable” energy schemes. The proposals will only drive energy costs higher, while limiting...
Ask our broker: My tenant approached me about buying my property. How should I go about this?
Q: I own a home that's a rental property. I listed the home with a broker in the summer and there have been no offers. Last week, my tenant called me and said she would like to buy the house. She has completed a first-time homebuyers class that will...
Contingency Plan: Contingency clauses can be a blessing or a pain. Here's what you need to know
When you first heard the word, you may have considered “contingency” to be a fancy, multi-syllabic byproduct of overcomplicated legalese. But if you're planning to buy or sell a home, you'll quickly learn that there are few utterances more important...
The 411 on Foreclosures
Considering the myriad challenges homeowners face - from paying for rising property taxes to making needed repairs - it's surprising more of them don't pull their hair out while engaging in profanity-laced tirades. But there's one dirty little...
Spring Prep for the Perfect Yard: Looks are important, so woo buyers with a well-groomed landscape
With the calendar saying spring, now is the time to check your yard to be sure you'll have a glorious green lawn, healthy trees and shrubs and colorful flowers. Not only will you enjoy your home more, but you'll be taking a big step toward improving...
Ask our broker: We're looking to refinance, but why is our private mortgage insurance so high?
Q: My wife and I purchased our first home two years ago. We are now looking to refinance our home, and I have asked lenders time and time again, “Why is our private mortgage insurance payment so high?” We purchased the home for $175,000 with no...
Toy Story: The right storage solutions can keep kiddy clutter from giving your home a childish look
If you have young children, you probably struggle to keep your home looking orderly - not the best thing if you're trying to boost your home's visual appeal or if you're looking to sell. How can you keep your kids' playthings accessible,...
Ask our broker: Un-Disclosed problems arose after closing. Is there anything I can do?
Q: I purchased a home where there had been a roof leak and air conditioning repairs. I got a home inspection - however, the power was not turned on prior to closing and the air-conditioning was not connected. As it turned out the roof began to leak...
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