The American Institute of Architects just released its latest Home Design Trends Survey, reaching back to the fourth quarter of 2018 to focus on kitchens and baths, but its top finding couldn’t be more timely: Outdoor cooking spaces top the most-wanted list. Just in time for the Spring season when more Americans can use their […]
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Soft Second Mortgage Program Returns to New Orleans
A city program that helps first-time homebuyers purchase affordable homes has received an additional $3.2 million in grant funding. The funding will be used to make so-called “soft-second” mortgage subsidies up to $35,000 to New Orleans families of modest means who qualify for a first mortgage and have completed a homeownership training course. Qualified buyers […]
Why Do People Sell Their Houses?
The Top Reasons Property Owners Make a Move American property owners are a restless lot, moving every five to seven years on average. Ranging from personal relationships to physical surroundings, these are the top reasons why people sell their houses. House-Related Reasons The motivation for a move often reflects the residence itself, or the area […]
Scientists Define “Very Low Level” of Exercise That Lowers Risk of Death
These activity levels “may be easy to achieve by most adults.” In September, scientists identified the smallest amount of exercise needed to improve brain function. Now, in an effort to help us keep changing our habits as little as possible while maximizing health benefits, another study has even better news. An analysis in The British […]
#TrashTag Challenge Goes Viral As People Share Before/After Photos Of Their Cleanup
#trashtag challenge photos by Byron Román on Facebook, which prompted a resurgence of the #trashtag challenge https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156466235064055&set=a.10150601078734055&type=3&theater A new challenge has gone viral and this one is prompting people around the world to clean up their nearby green areas and post before/after photos. The space in which we live should be for the person we […]
Abstract of Title in Real Estate
An abstract of title is a written history of all the recorded documents and proceedings related to a specific property. When a sale contract is authorized, an attorney or a title company researches all the recorded records related to a property and prepare a written history. What Abstract of Title Means When purchasing real estate, you […]
Encumbrances in Real Estate Defined
A claim against, limitation on or liability against real estate is an encumbrance. Encumbrances include liens, deed restrictions, easements, encroachments, and licenses. Liens Liens can come from a variety of directions. If you don’t pay your property taxes or your income taxes, you can have a lien placed against your property. When it comes to […]
What Is The Bundle of Legal Rights of a Real Estate Owner?
Owning real estate carries with it a traditional “bundle of legal rights” transferred with the property from the seller to buyer. These are the recognized rights of the holder of title to the property. The right of possession: The property is owned by whoever holds the title. Once you close a real estate deal for cash and […]
The Basics of a Sheriff’s Sale – How to Buy Foreclosures at Auction
Buying foreclosed property at a sheriff’s sale is one way to get a great deal on an investment property. There are several rules for this type of sale and understanding them can help you make an educated—and perhaps lucrative—purchase. What Is a Sheriff’s Sale? A sheriff’s sale is a type of public auction where interested […]
Spending Too Much On Energy? A Guide to Energy Efficient Lighting
Climate change is the leading threat to our future and more specifically, the future of our children. This reality thrusts many different pressures on us to reduce our carbon footprint. This can be difficult; we have become accustomed to very wasteful habits over the centuries. Breaking these habits isn’t as easy as recognizing them. There […]