C21GT

Creative New Ways To Buy A Home

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

A traditional bank mortgage isn't the only option for purchasing a house.

In Depth: 10 Creative Ways To Buy A Home

Even though mortgage rates are at near 30-year lows, some homebuyers are completely avoiding banks and getting below-market rates--even without credit or income qualification.

C21GT.com: What's the saying? Everything old is new again? These ideas are new to today's market of relatively easy financing, but they have been around before. Still alternative financing options are definitely something to consider for the right buyer(s).

The article covers 10 alternatives. Some like using stock or other securities and the family loan will probably become a bit more common, but assuming a mortgage or automatic principal reduction mortgages are very unlikely to happen without industry AND government involvement.

Stocks rise on Pfizer-Wyeth deal, home sales data

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Original Article

Wall Street had a burst of optimism Monday, rising on news that drugmaker Pfizer will acquire rival Wyeth for $68 billion and on a surprise jump in sales of existing homes in December.

C21GT.com: We'll be posting the 4th quarter numbers as soon as we have them, but it does look a little better than expected.

The Cost of Closing

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

When you are buying a home it may feel like every time you turn around there is a hand out for some unexpected fee or expense. This is probably especially true if you are a first-time buyer.

Foreclosure relief bill closer to House vote

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Original Article

WASHINGTON – A bill to save homes from foreclosure by letting bankruptcy judges alter mortgage terms moved closer to a House vote on Tuesday. The lending industry has worked unsuccessfully to stop the bill.

C21GT.com: Legislative update.

Project Time

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

If you are considering putting your home up for sale this spring, now is the time to decide if you need to undertake a home improvement project to increase the home's appeal and potential asking price. Starting now should allow you enough time to outline the project scope, define the budget, hire a professional, apply for permits and complete the job before the "for sale" sign is put in place.

Shivering With a Skimpy Furnace

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Original Article

Are all heating systems the same? Mine is running constantly and can maintain a temperature of only 67 degrees in my home. It's below zero outdoors. But still, I would expect the house to be comfortable even if the temperature outside is bitterly cold. Why is my heating system not able to keep up? What can be done to keep me warm when it gets really cold?

C21GT.com: Although it's not mentioned in the article, this is very important for energy efficient homes -- also check ALL windows and doors for air leaks. Using a smoking incense stick, you can quickly detect nearby drafts. (Be careful around curtains.)
Even small openings can make a huge difference. You should also check around in the basement, and it may be a simple as buying some expanding foam (aka "Great Stuff") to plug a few cracks.

Make It Sell!

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Selling your home during a recession-like climate certainly brings extra challenges. One of the best ways you can raise to the occasion is to make your home a marketplace standout. In a competitive real estate marketplace first impressions are paramount. When potential buyers turn the corner, you want them to feel a strong, emotional connection. You want them to think, "I want to live here!" not, "What else is for sale in the neighborhood."

Replacing a Shower Head Is Easy, Do-It-Yourself Task

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Original Article

Homeowners can find a wide variety of shower heads, from water massagers to hand-held versions, costing from about $20 to more than $150.

With a wrench and some thread tape, most of them can be changed in a few simple steps, if you follow the product instructions carefully.

C21GT.com: The thread (teflon) tape is very inexpensive but as long as you're buying tape, pick up some masking tape, too. You can wrap it around your new shower head where you will (carefully) apply the wrench to help protect it from scratches.

Hello Inspector

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

There are many variables at play during a real estate purchase; so when you have the chance to control one of those factors, it can be very appealing. That may be one of the reasons most buyers choose to "lock in" their mortgage rate.

Now the question becomes, "How do I find a qualified inspector?"

In Depth: Who Pays America's Highest Property Taxes? -

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Original Article

1. Passaic County, N.J.
Taxes as a percentage of income: 8.5%
Median Homeowner Income: $81,853
Taxes as a percentage of home value: 1.7%
Median Home Value: $398,800
Median Property Taxes Paid on Homes: $6,928
Source: The Tax Foundation
If you liked this story, read:

C21GT.com: Check out this article and be glad that you don't live in NJ. Over half of the top 25 counties with the highest property taxes are in NJ.