Last week, for the fun of it, I Googled how to hire a contractor. I discovered a couple of fascinating facts. “How to hire a contractor” comes directly between “How to hire a bill collector” and “How to hire a hit man”, and Kim Kardashian is only Googled three times more than “How to hire a contractor”
‘Rehab’ Loans to the Rescue
In the end it was another loan that came to the Mercados’ rescue: the Federal Housing Administration’s 203(k), also known as the F.H.A. rehab loan, which is designed to cover not only buying the home but also renovating it, and is then paid back like a regular mortgage. A hybrid that has been around for more than 30 years, the loan program has recently surged in popularity.
THE HILL Reports Housing Initiative – Project Rebuild
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) introduced the measure that expands the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan, and would offer $15 billion in grants for fixing up residential and commercial properties left vacant following foreclosure. It would also increase support for land banks, which work with communities to buy, hold and redevelop distressed properties as part of a long-term redevelopment strategy.
The Real March Madness: House Hunting with First Time Home Buyers
Imagine the scenario: you head out on a beautiful spring Saturday afternoon, driving around neighborhoods looking for the tell-tale signs of homes for sale. After a few “that’s a nice house” reactions you come across a home that just seems to speak to you. The porch is perfect. The windows invite you to come up and take a look. The yard is already looking great. And the garage is just right for your car. This is the dream “first home” you’ve been wanting. So far, so good.
Short Sale Negotiations | Seller Cash Contribution
In working in the short sale arena for the last five plus years, I have seen lenders do just about everything when it comes to negotiating short sales with home owners. There really is no “standard” in short sales. The way one short sale file at one particular lender is handled can be totally different on the next. One of the biggest reasons for this is…
Top 3 Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor
First and foremost, clear communication is paramount. If you know what you want the contractor to do for you and can clearly relate that need, your contractor is less likely to misunderstand those instructions. Cost overruns almost always start with poor communication. Step #1 starts with You! Write it down.
