Archives for the 'Buyer Essentials' Category
Technology Gains Ground in Home Transactions
Monday, December 11th, 2006
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Survey: Most home sellers choose full-service brokerage
Technology is dominating many aspects of the real estate transaction process, but the most important factors are purely human, according to an industry survey of home buyers and sellers. Most sellers prefer full-service brokerage, where brokers handle all aspects of the transaction process from listing to closing, according the [...]
Citizens delays vote on 55 percent insurance rate increase
Thursday, December 7th, 2006
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The state’s insurer of last resort decided Thursday to delay a vote on whether to increase its homeowners rates by an average of 55 percent, following requests from lawmakers to defer its action until after a special legislative session next month.
The decision by Citizens Property Insurance Corp.’s board of governors means a reprieve at least [...]
Rates Drop, Home Loan Applications Soar
Wednesday, December 6th, 2006
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Overall mortgage application volume increased 8.1 percent last week on a seasonally adjusted basis from the week before, inspired by a significant drop in interest rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported today.
The seasonally adjusted refinance index increased by 13.7 percent to 1,989.7 from 1,749.6 the previous week, and the purchase index increased by 4.9 percent [...]
Mold: Once it gets in your home, Is it hard to remove?
Friday, November 17th, 2006
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INSPECT FOR MOLD
• Water stains on ceiling, walls, floors and window sills
• Water leaks and seepage from exterior and from interior
• Standing water near or under sinks and in air conditioning and refrigerator drip pans
• Condensation on windows, walls and pipes
MOLD PRECAUTIONS
• Ask the builder about design safeguards against mold
• Consult design and construction resources, [...]
FICO score gains clout in rental market
Thursday, November 16th, 2006
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Consumers’ credit risk measured by 5 key criteria.
The FICO score was developed by Fair Isaac Corp. in 1989, and rates the credit worthiness of the applicant. Generally, a FICO score falls between 300 and 850. A score below 600 indicates a bad credit risk, while a score above 700 is considered good credit.
Until recently, FICO [...]
Moving and Storage Tips
Saturday, November 11th, 2006
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Chances are if you are moving, even locally, you will be putting some of your extra possessions or furniture in storage.
Selecting a Self-Storage Facility
Location - Are you going to be accessing your storage often? Is it a transitional space best placed between the 2 locations?
How often do you need access to the facility. Most self-storage [...]
13 Tips to Protect Against Mortgage Fraud
Thursday, November 9th, 2006
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With reports of mortgage fraud on the rise all over the country, real estate practitioners must be on guard for this white-collar crime and go out of their way to make sure they aren’t involved in a fraudulent deal.
There are many websites to fight mortgage fraud saying illegal schemes that have grown more complex over [...]
How Accurate is Zillow?
Monday, November 6th, 2006
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Have you ever checked out the satellite photos and market value estimates of homes in your neighborhood on Zillow.com - the Internet real estate site that offers “free, instant valuations and data for 67 million-plus homes”?
Zillow was launched with major media fanfare in February, backed with a reported $57 million in venture capital. It is [...]
Mortgage Fraud
Monday, November 6th, 2006
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Although many people have never even heard of Mortgage Fraud before, it is an issue everyone should be aware of, if you own a home or thinking of buying a home. With Mortgage Fraud growing along with the real estate market, it is important to be aware of who you are dealing with in your [...]
Citizens to Drop Most Investment Properties
Wednesday, October 25th, 2006
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The state-run insurance pool is getting ready to move second homes, vacation homes and most investment properties off its books.
An insurance bill passed in May requires Citizens Property Insurance to stop offering windstorm coverage to non-homestead properties after March 1, 2007. The aim of the law is to reduce risk and slow the growth for [...]
