This is the second on a multi-part series by Laci Rose at Forbes.com. Follow the link: http://tinymce.moxiecode.cp/mce_temp_url
LP Siding: There is a 25 year warranty from the date of install!
In case your home has LP siding, you should know that you have a 25 year warranty from the date of installation. To make a claim call 1-877-677-6722 to speak to an LP representative. It takes 4 to 7 months to complete the process, so it is best to get it started sooner than later. An excellent siding replacement company …
Forbes:Most Expensive Homes In America: The Northeast
Many of us hold a fascination with the expensive homes. Here is a link to a Forbes Magazine series covering the the most expensive homes in America. The one focuses on homes in the continental Northeast. http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/realestate/2006/06/02/expensive-homes-northeast_cx_sc_0605home.html Next will be homes in the South.
Seattle Times: “Do remodeling jobs with resale in mind”
This article http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2003035832_realhowto04.html?syndication=rss is a good start. We've worked through many, many remodeling projects with customers over the years, with resale in mind. (I've threatened to start a diary on this site for awhile detailing what we do for our clients in preparation for market. I've held off because I am afraid of sounding more like a handyman than a Realtor. …
Seattle Times: “Appreciate fact that prices don’t always rise”
This Elizabeth Rhodes article can be seen at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2002959756_homeforum30.html While the title is a little weird/misleading, as is often the case with Ms. Rhodes articles, the point is adequately stated: what goes up doesn't necessarily keep going up. Appraiser Alan Pope correctly states that it is important to keep the investment aspect of your real estate purchase in perspective: it …
Seattle Times: “Hanky Panky In Title Insurance Revealed”
This is an article about one of the least understood aspects of every real estate transaction. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2002975217_harney07.html Ken Harney does a good job reporting real estate issues. However, the Seattle Times seems to do little to verify the applicability of his articles to our local market prior to publishing Harney's syndicated column. The "hanky-panky" aspect of this article is not known …
Seattle Times Article: “For Sale By Owner? It’s No Primrose Path”
For the Seattle Times, this is a pretty good article offering insights into what it takes to succeed as a "For Sale By Owner" ["FSBO"]. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2002975214_fsbo07.html However, there is an important aspect that was overlooked by this article: buyers that shop FSBO's are generally looking to save money just as the FSBO seller is trying to save money i.e., buyers …
CNN Report on Jobs
This is a critical component if you are trying to determine what the future holds for mortgage interest rates. http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/05/news/economy/jobs_april/index.htm?section=cnn_topstories 1. Higher or faster job growth worries the Federal Reserve about inflationary pressure, seemingly more than fuel prices or groceries. I don't get it, but that's the way it works. 2. Higher unemployment causes the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates down.
Here is a Forbes Piece on the World’s Tallest Buildings
This is interesting material. Included are details about future projects in Moscow and the Freedom Tower which is to be constructed in place of the World Trade Towers. http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/realestate/2006/05/02/tallest-towers-skyscrapers_cx_sc_0503feat_ls.html?partner=rss
Long Term Mortgage Rates Rise For Fifth Straight Week According to Freddie Mac’s Weekly Survey
McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market SurveySM (PMMSSM) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.58 percent, with an average 0.5 point, for the week ending April 27, 2006, up from last week's average of 6.53 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.78 percent. The 30-year …