Posted on October 21, 2009Calculating the REAL costs of Home Ownership
The amount of property tax that you pay depends on the municipality you live in. It is usually calculated as a percentage of your assessed home value. While they can be below 1% of your home’s assessed value in some areas, property taxes can exceed...
Home Owning Articles
Posted on July 15, 2009Lower Your Property Tax Without Hiring a Lawyer
Ask what criteria the assessor is using for evaluating your home the way they did and why they don’t think that your evidence indicates why your home should be assessed at a lower value. Make sure you take note of what they say; this is the position...
Posted on June 11, 2009A Slice of Aloha: Vacation Property in Hawaii
So, where is the best place to shop for vacation property? Well, if you're looking to buy a house or condo at a discount, but you want to make sure that the property value will remain strong for many years to come, then Hawaii could be your best bet....
Posted on June 2, 2009Buying a Second Home: Your Dream Awaits
Think about what you're going to use the second home for. Will it be strictly used for family vacations? And if so, how often do you plan to stay there? If you want to visit regularly, you may want to buy a home that is close to your primary...
Posted on May 26, 2009What Gone with the Wind can Teach Us About Real Estate
Even today, when the Internet and modern communication have brought people together from all over the world, the identification with land is strong in us. We identify ourselves as members of our country, of our community and even our neighborhood.
Posted on February 3, 2009Dealing with a Rotten neighbour
Imagine that it's a lazy Sunday afternoon, and you decide to take a well-deserved nap. You curl up on the couch, sink into the pillows, and lay awash in tranquil relaxation. Just as your eyelids become heavy with sleep, your ears are inundated with...
Posted on December 10, 2008Extraordinary Gifts for the New Homeowner
If you think that your friend's new home is a bit small and could use an extra room, why not get them one? The Cloud is a portable nylon room that self-inflates using a fan. The Cloud can house about six adults without claustrophobia setting in, and...
Posted on December 10, 2008Unique Gift Ideas for the New Homeowner - The Sensible Sort
For instance, if your friend's a gardener, the Solar Shed Light will come in handy when the eerie cover of dusk creeps in. Solar Shed Lights can provide nearly 3 hours of light per charge, and run on rechargeable batteries that are powered by solar...
Posted on November 28, 2008Trendy Fireplaces That Don't Break the Bank
Many people are getting rid of their old wood-burning fireplaces and opting for lean, clean gas versions. They're extremely energy efficient and are available in a myriad of models from modern to traditional with realistic flames.
Posted on November 28, 2008Financial Assistance Programs for Canadian Homeowners
With the Emergency Repair Program, only emergency repairs are made, regardless of the habitability of the rest of the home, whereas with the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program, the entire property must be brought to a minimum standard of...
Posted on November 28, 2008Think Wildlife When Planting Your Garden
Garden ponds make great little homes for frogs, but if you want fish in your pond, they tend to eat the frog eggs and tadpoles. Have plenty of camouflage and protection such as rocks, vegetation and perches for them to escape to. Layer flag stone to...
Posted on November 27, 2008Go AWAY... Please? Dealing with Door-to-Door Annoyances
When you move into a new house, in a new neighborhood, you probably will be annoyed from time-to-time by people coming to your door, soliciting employment, magazine sales, Girl Guide cookies, religion, chocolates for the local swim team... you name...
Posted on June 22, 20085 Ways of Earning Alternative Income With Real Estate
You have to write. Not only that, you have to be passionate and original about your blog content. There is also no guarantee that you will get a steady income from blogging - like writing novels, only a few make it to the top.
Posted on June 22, 2008Vacation Home Owners Share Advice
It may be an added perk for your guests, but it is one more thing that needs to be cleaned, maintained and may contribute to higher utility bills. It also presents a possible hazard, and you may want your guests to sign a waiver before using.
Posted on June 19, 2008Five Stories of Stupid Home Owners
A Brushy Fork, West Virginia man found that he had a termite infestation in his house. Natural gas, he knew, was hazardous to human health. He figured that it would be just as hazardous to the termites. To make a long story short, he opened the front...
Posted on March 10, 2008Exposed: The Truth About Baby Boomers' Second Homes
Contrary to the common belief that baby boomers are the richest amongst us, up to date statistics are now telling us that, in this generation, only the same percentage owns second homes as was the case with their parents. And this could even just be...
Posted on March 10, 2008Houses - Still Better Than Money in The Bank
It is obvious that we are in an unprecedented realty situation at the moment. Losing your home is listed as one of life's major crises, up there with death and divorce, and yet this crisis is predicted to continue for another year.
Posted on March 1, 2008Build Your Own Outdoor Shower
It's common for beach front homes to come equipped with outdoor showers. They're extremely handy for a quick rinse of salt and sand before entering the house. Maybe you have a scenic property and simply want to enjoy a garden shower al fresco. If...
Posted on February 18, 2008Homes: A Tax Shelter You Can Live In
Tax and legal benefits may not be the first things on the minds of home buyers, but they provide some of the best reasons for owning a home. Well-informed buyers know that homes double as great tax shelters, allowing owners to deduct tens of...
Posted on February 18, 2008Choose a Solid Home Inspector
Surprises can be good and they can be not so good. As a homeowner the last thing you want to discover is that home you recently purchased is full of surprise flaws. The prime time to discover what surprise problems might plague a house, is during a...
Posted on January 29, 2008Home Owners' New Year Resolutions
Made any New Year resolutions? How about making some for your home? What of: 'I will boost my savings'? How about: 'I will look for economical ways to increase the value and livability of my home?' and the big one: 'I will get my home finances in...
