Q: I own my home and have been recently widowed. I would like to rent an extra bedroom to a roomer, who will share the kitchen, living room and other common areas of the house. I want to make sure that when I advertise and interview applicants, I don’t set myself up for a fair housing claim. Do those rules apply to me?
Source: Extra room for rent raises questions on fair housing laws
If you fit the profile - typically buyers with little cash on hand or small-scale investors looking for a deal on a foreclosed house - a little publicized national lending program could be just what you need this fall.
Source: Fannie program offers excellent loan terms
Q. What happens when you go to sell your house and find out your neighbor’s fence is on your property? I’ve known for some time, but I have let it go to keep the peace. But now I’m looking to sell.
Source: Ask lawyer to help with property line issue before sale
Starting from scratch can be freeing, exhilarating — and scary. Interior designer Scott Sanders tells how he achieved continuity in furnishing and decorating an oversize family home
Starting from scratch can be freeing, exhilarating — and scary. Interior designer Scott Sanders tells how he achieved continuity in furnishing and decorating an oversize family home.
Source: Decorating a 9,000-square-foot mansion
It’s no secret that owners are staying longer in their houses these days and it’s no secret that people remain cautious about spending. Yet fixtures wear out, décor becomes outdated and home remodeling becomes crucial.
Source: How to find a remodeling contractor who won’t cut corners
With its 2-year-old Walk Score product already used by more than 4,000 realty Web sites, Seattle-based software company Front Seat has expanded its data options so Chicago homebuyers can see whether a potential neighborhood is public transit-friendly as well as walkable.
Source: Transit Score a change of pace for Chicago homebuyers
“I received a confidential note from a firm claiming that they can eliminate my second mortgage. I am inclined to believe them because the value of our home is now less than the amount of the first mortgage. Is this an opportunity or a scam?”
Source: Beware of offer that plays up falling property values
Despite significant price declines, housing market dries up after federal tax credit ends
During three decades of working for Allstate Corp., California native Roger Parker never shed his desire to grab his surfboard and a good wave, and he thought he’d be able to return to that lifestyle when he retired 18 months ago.
Source: Chicago area home sales plunge in July
We are interested in buying a house with all cash for our retirement home. We’d live there after five years. In the meantime, our daughter will live in the house and rent one room out. Is it a good plan to buy with all cash, no mortgage?
Source: Buying for retirement five years in advance not wise