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Noteworthy Articles Re: Condo Ownership
By Ilyce R. Glink with Samuel J. Tamkin,
Page F10
Q. I recently entered into a contract to buy
a house, but the deal went bad because the house did not
appraise for the negotiated price.
Upgrades to the common areas over the
years can affect the amount of tax you owe when you sell. It's
a tax break that many people overlook.
By Kenneth R. Harney, Page F01
A legal brawl is breaking out over how homes
are appraised, at what cost and by whom. The outcome could
directly affect how much you pay for your next piece of real
estate and how much money you can
borrow.
By Kenneth R. Harney, Page F01
If you own or plan to buy a condominium, an
ominous new phase of the mortgage-credit squeeze could be
looming for you.
Standard Form Would Provide Details on Terms and Costs to Borrowers
Pressures Grow for Good Appraisals and Bad
Real Estate Mailbag
Page D01
In a mortgage refund, the bank holding the loan reimburses all interest, closing costs and broker fees to the borrower. The borrower pays the balance of the loan, usually with a new mortgage.
At Builders Show, a Quest for The Ultimate Gadget
By Allan Lengel,
By Jack Guttentag, Page G02
I have been spending time recently kicking the tires of a new Web site, http://www.mortgagegrader.com, which has excellent credentials.
Forms of Ownership
Foreclosure Isn't a Foregone Conclusion
Bankruptcy: a Drastic Step but Sometimes the Wisest One
Finding the Silver Lining in Foreclosures
Ailing Economy's Lower Rates Provide Opportunity to Refinance
By Elizabeth Razzi, Page F05
How much is it worth for your condo or homeowners association to keep its money safe?
Page F05
A month ago, I had never heard of a wireless digital readout monitor for home electricity use, but now that I have used one for several days, I would recommend it for every household.
By Robert Griswold, Steven R. Kellman and James McKinley, Page T13
Q: I am a tenant, and the owner of my apartment complex recently sent notification to the residents that as a condition of our lease, we are required to have $100,000 in renter's insurance coverage in case of damage to the apartment.
Condo Owners, Renters Often Don't Know Limits of Insurance
Make a record of the contents of your home with a written list of items backed up by photos or a video.
that it says can help owners tally the value of personal property.
When Walls Get in the Way
Condo Kitchen Conundrum
Lease, sell or fix
Contracting? Cover Your Bases
Reverse Mortgages: The Choices Expand
Loan Servicers, the Lesser-Known Predators
There's No Debating This Policy: Everyone Needs Renter's Insurance
Condo Board Must Juggle Privacy, Openness
Architectural Committee Has No Right to Remain Silent
By Benny L. Kass, Page F14--WashPost 8/4/07
The New Jersey Supreme Court recently dealt a serious blow to dissident community association homeowners there, ruling that protections for free speech and freedom of assembly don't apply to a private community association. Happy With Homeowners Groups
About 57 million people live in communities governed by associations, including homeowners associations, condominiums and cooperatives. A 2005 survey of association members by Zogby Research found:
By Benny L. Kass, Page F14
What is a point? What is a margin? What does "due on sale" mean? Did you comparison shop and review the APR? What's APR, anyway?
By Robert J. Bruss, Page F09
Q: DEAR BOB: About two years ago, I set up a revocable living trust and included my checking, savings and stock brokerage accounts. I recently realized that the title to my condominium is not in my living trust. What must I do to place my condo into my living trust to avoid probate after I die?
By Benny L. Kass, Page F13
Real estate commission rebates are back in the news.
By Robert J. Bruss, Page F15
Q: DEAR BOB: As a real estate agent, I want to thank you for your recent item about the drawbacks of cutting home sales commissions below the customary rate.
Subleasing? Protect Your Rights by Making It Official.
By Robert Griswold, Steven R. Kellman and James McKinley, Page T13
Q: I own a condo that I have rented out for 13 years. I'm concerned about my property manager.
By Benny L. Kass, Page F16
By Robert J. Bruss, Page F04
Q: DEAR BOB: Which home mortgage fees are proper for a lender to charge borrowers?
By Benny L. Kass, Page F05
Q: We own and live in a small condominium in the District. The tenant who lives below us smokes, and the smoke is entering our unit. We plan to have a baby soon and do not want the smoke to create health problems for us. What can we do?
Page F10
Setting ground rules is a critical part of managing a remodeling project. David Lupberger, author of "Managing the Emotional Homeowner," suggests some issues homeowners should discuss with their builders before a project begins:
Page F08
What happens when the owners of a two-story house can't manage the stairs any longer?
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