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Sellers, pay attention to lowball offers
Selling a home can be an emotional experience because most sellers have a lot more than money invested in their homes. So, it's understandable that sellers might be reluctant to respond to an offer that is for less than the asking price.
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Green Your Home
There’s a movement underway to lessen the impact that homes have on the environment, and both new and existing homeowners alike are doing their part by taking simple steps in the right direction. If you’re not sure how to join in, here are six ways to make your own home a little greener right now:
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What is an "as is" sale?
Occasionally, listings are advertised as "as is" sales. To some buyers this signals a potential bargain property. For others, an "as is" sale carries a negative connotation. It suggests that the property might be tainted. Often, neither perception is accurate.
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Using CFLs have both pros and cons
To many consumers, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are most commonly thought of as those squiggly light bulbs that offer energy-efficient lighting and are advertised to last at least six times longer than incandescent bulbs.
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Top ways to boost curb appeal
You've no doubt heard the term "curb appeal," which is the first impression that your home makes when a visitor arrives. Whether you have your home up for sale or just want things to look a little nicer when you or someone else pulls up out in front, the best place to start is by giving the front of your home a critical examination.
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No such thing as a "green" car, but there are "greener" options
Unless you've been cut off from all forms of media for the last two years, you're aware of the fact that vehicle transportation is a major contributor to climate change. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation accounts for 29 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Transportation also is the fastest growing source of emissions, accounting for 47 percent of the net increase in total U.S. emissions since 1990. And that's just getting from point A to point B -- the figures don't factor in the emissions created by manufacturing automobiles or refining fuel.
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Despite lower jumbo rates, refi may be unwise
Borrowers assumed when the conforming loan limit increased from $417,000 to $729,750 in high-priced areas like New York City, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area that lower rates on jumbo financing would follow. Unfortunately, the conforming jumbos (also called jumbo lights) were initially priced considerably higher than the conventional conforming loans.
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Buying an existing home that’s “green”
With rising energy costs and growing awareness – and availability – of environmentally friendly products, it's no wonder that interest in purchasing green homes is rising. Green remodels on existing homes both save the environment and save homeowners money on monthly bills. As green home remodeling becomes more abundant, so does the demand to purchase these homes. This increased interest in existing green homes has created a need to educate buyers on what is really considered "green."
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The importance of housing permits
How would you feel if you bought a house that was advertised as a having four bedrooms, three baths with a large recreation room and later discovered that technically it was had only three legitimate bedrooms, two bathrooms and a basement?
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How, What, Where, When: the 411 on Electronics Recycling
As conscious as consumers are becoming about recycling, every once in awhile it is easy to slip up. Maybe you didn't know where to recycle that AA battery, so you tossed it in the trash when nobody was looking. This is understandable. How much can one little battery hurt? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, each person in the United States discards eight dry-cell batteries per year. With a population of more than 305 million people, that adds up to a lot of batteries.
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Facing foreclosure: When must I move out?
DEAR BENNY: I am one of the unfortunate who has to deal with eventual foreclosure. Can you tell me how long I can remain in my home until legally having to vacate? –Constance
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Will shopping multiple lenders hurt credit?
It's not uncommon for home buyers to talk with several mortgage brokers or lenders to compare loan products and interest rates. One buyer who shopped around was scolded by a mortgage broker when he found out she was talking to more than one broker. He told her that she was ruining her credit score by allowing multiple credit inquiries.
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Pest repairs are turnoff for buyers
In a perfect world, houses wouldn't deteriorate over time. In reality, the wear begins as soon as a house is built. Older houses tend to have more maintenance issues. But even new homes can develop problems within a few years if they were poorly constructed.
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Benefits of green building
"Green building." You've probably heard the term, and perhaps even considered the use of certain green materials or green building concepts for your new home or remodel. But what exactly is green building and how can it benefit you and the world around you?
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Sellers use disclosure to their advantage
Forty years ago, seller disclosures weren't part of the home-buying process. The rule of the game was buyer beware. Now most states have seller disclosure requirements, although they vary from one state to the next. Consult with a Realtor, the Department of Real Estate, or a real estate attorney in the area where you're buying or selling if you have questions about what a seller is required to disclose.
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