2010 Newsletter Archive

January | Febuary | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

 


January Newsletter

Couple upset at work done by a bad contractor

How To Fight Back Against a Bad Contractor

You have options for recourse if a contractor disappears or does shoddy work, but which action to take depends on the particulars of your situation. Read

Woman adjusting thermostat in home

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home

Fixing mold damage can be one of the most expensive repairs you’ll ever perform on your home, so here’s how to prevent it. Read

Water heater and HVAC in basement

Water Heaters: Should You Repair or Replace?

When deciding to repair or replace a water heater, consider its age, the severity of the problem, and how much money a new energy-efficient unit will save. Read

File folders holding a CLUE report

Your CLUE Insurance Report Matters

Your homeowners claims don’t disappear after your insurer cuts a check because CLUE reports keep them alive for seven years—and that could cost you. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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February Newsletter

Man's hand signing construction contract

What Your Remodeling Contract Should Say

Review your remodeling contract carefully and adjust it to make sure it protects you in terms of payments, work schedules, and project specifications. Read

Contractor talking on telephone with client

5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

You’re ready to remodel but you want to make sure you get the best contractor for the job. Here’s what to ask the candidates before you decide. Read

Man painting his home's fence

When It Pays to Do It Yourself

Doing home-improvement jobs yourself can be a smart way to save money, but choose the right DIY projects or you’ll end up paying dearly. Read

Sawhorse in empty room of house

Budget for a Remodel

To calculate how much remodel you can afford, follow these four steps: Ballpark the cost, establish a spending limit, make a wish list, and set your priorities. Read

Move from or improve your home

Should You Move or Improve?

Whether to move or improve is a harder question to answer than it was a few years ago, but a few cost-benefit calculations can help you make the right decision. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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March Newsletter

Couple preparing for tax return

Tax Tips for Homeowners Looking Ahead to 2010 Returns

From energy tax credits to vacation home deductions, check out these tax tips for homeowners looking ahead to 2010 returns. Read

Couple looking at receipts for 2009 tax return

Tax Tips for Homeowners Preparing 2009 Returns

Follow these tax tips for homeowners to ensure that you receive all of the tax deductions and tax credits to which you’re entitled. Read

Exterior of red brick house with metal roof

Appeal Your Property Tax Bill

To successfully appeal your property tax bill, you first need to do a bit of sleuthing into your real estate assessment. Read

A capital improvement increases your home's value

Tax Breaks on Capital Improvements to Your Home

Keeping track of the cost of capital improvements to your home can really pay off on your tax return when it comes time to sell. Read

alt tag

Tax Deductions When You Work from Home

Working from home can offer many advantages including tax deductions, just take care what you try to write off for your home office on your return. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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April Newsletter

 

Pathway lighting at home

Landscaping for Curb Appeal

A well-landscaped yard creates curb appeal and helps your property retain maximum value. Read

Moss lawn at house

Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives: Ground Cover

If you want a yard that demands less time, money, and water, consider ground cover rather than a traditional lawn. Read

Dramatic landscape lighting outside house

Outdoor Lighting for Curb Appeal and Safety

Well-planned outdoor lighting improves curb appeal, safety, and security for your home. Read

Well-maintained residential garage

5 Tips for Inspecting and Maintaining Your Garage

Routine maintenance will help your garage retain its value and keep it trouble-free for decades. Read

Two-bin compost bin made of cedar wood

Start a Compost Pile

Save money and grow healthier plants by recycling yard and kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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May Newsletter

 

Red front-loading clothes dryer

Appliance Buying Guide: Clothes Dryers

When deciding on a new clothes dryer, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance. Read

Commercial-style range

Appliance Buying Guide: Ranges

When deciding on a new range, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance. Read

Hidden controls are a popular aesthetic upgrade

Appliance Buying Guide: Dishwashers

When you buy a dishwasher, hone in on the model that’s right for you by considering your needs: size, fit, features, and performance. Read

Red refrigerator in red kitchen

Appliance Buying Guide: Refrigerators

When you buy a new refrigerator, arm yourself with the facts, so you’ll be sure to make the right decision for your budget and space needs. Read

Front-loading washer in laundry room

Appliance Buying Guide: Washing Machines

Confidently purchase a new washing machine that makes sense for your particular budget and level of green-mindedness. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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June Newsletter

Tropical hardwoods such as ipe offer ease of maintenance

Smart Options: Decking

When choosing decking materials, factor in the savings gained by low maintenance and longevity, even if the initial cost is higher. Read

Hidden deck fasteners were used for this residential deck

Deck Addition: Return on Investment

A high return on investment makes a deck addition a worthwhile home improvement project. Read

Deck protection product on a wood deck at a house

Care and Maintenance of Your Deck

Annual deck maintenance will forestall major repairs, protect your investment, and boost your enjoyment of your deck. Read

Hidden deck fasteners were used for this residential deck

Smart Upgrades for Decks

A few cost-effective add-ons can give a modest deck an edge and deliver a handsome payback should you sell your house. Read

House with wood deck

Evaluate Your House for a Deck

Here’s how to plan a new deck that suits your property, meets your budget, and offers the best return on your investment. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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July Newsletter

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August Newsletter

Lawyer and client at judicial foreclosure

Foreclosure Process: How State Laws Vary

Foreclosure is a complicated, multi-step process—and each states handles it differently. Read

Man securing cashier's check at bank for loan reinstatement

Fight Foreclosure Through Redemption or Reinstatement

Redemptions and reinstatements are among the rarest tactics to fight foreclosure. Your home must be in a state that supports them; even more important, you must have access to cash. Read

Homeowner meeting with a credit counselor

Foreclosure Help: 5 Pros You Need on Your Team

Know which experts provide foreclosure help—often at no cost to you—and how to find them. Read

Yard sign at home up for short sale

Foreclosure Alternative: The Short Sale

A short sale is far from hassle-free, but it’s a better alternative than foreclosure. And now you’ve got a little help from your friends in D.C. Here are the facts about short sales and how to get started. Read

Moving van at house given up in deed-in-lieu arrangement

Foreclosure Alternative: Deed in Lieu

Facing foreclosure and you just want it over with? The deed in lieu of foreclosure may be your best alternative. Here are the advantages, disadvantages and tips on obtaining a deed in lieu. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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September Newsletter

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Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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October Newsletter

For rent sign in home's yard

The Costs of Renting Out Your House

Renting out your house can be a smart financial move, as long as you calculate your costs carefully. Read

Septic system installed at a house

Understanding Your Septic System

Learn about your septic system so you can prolong its life and avoid costly breakdowns. Read

Man inspecting the roof of a home

Inspecting and Maintaining Your Roof

Prevent expensive repairs and preserve the value of your property by inspecting and maintaining your roof. Read

Unfinished basement before Ten Directions Design remodel

Evaluate Your House for Basement Finishing

Converting your basement into living space requires being aware of building codes and understanding special requirements. Read

Energy meter installed on house

Energy Tax Credits: Beware False Promises

Not all home improvements qualify for federal energy tax credits, no matter how compelling a sales pitch sounds. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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November Newsletter

 

Man reading a good-faith estimate

5 Tips for Deciphering Your Home Loan’s Good-faith Estimate

Knowing how to read your good-faith estimate can help you save money on your home loan. Read

Man in a home office

7 Homeowner Tax Advantages

When you’re evaluating how much home you can afford, make sure you factor in the tax advantages of homeownership. Read

Determining the affordability of a mortgage payment

4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

By knowing how much mortgage you can handle, you can ensure that home ownership will fit in your budget. Read

Paying off credit card balance via computer

7 Tips for Improving Your Credit

Here’s how to clean up your credit so you get the least-expensive home loan possible. Read

Couple researching mortgage rates

Find the Home Loan that Fits Your Needs

Understand which mortgage loan is best for you so your budget is not stretched too thin. Read

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© Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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December Newsletter

 

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Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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