Investor 203(k) Introduced in the House
This week, Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA 25) and Congressman Scott Peters (D- CA 52) introduced H.R. 1997, the Communities Achieving Sustainability Act (CASA). CASA Authorizes the Housing Urban Development (HUD) to make 203k loans to small investors for a 2-year period. This legislation will help revitalize communities (especially those hurt most by the recent […]
When Should I Change My Asphalt Roof?
The most obvious time to change your roofing material is when it begins to leak…but that’s not always true. I use this 4 stage method when performing a roof inspection. The roof’s life span can be shortened by several factors, including (but certainly not limited to) poor attic ventilation, hail damage, and poorly manufactured roofing […]
How Secure Is Your Folding Stairway Pulldown
Normally, you’d find a string hanging from the cover of the stairway. For outside locations that might present a bit of a security issue. A quick pad lock will help secure the hatch. Done…unless there was NO string to pull!
Oscars for Remodeling – More Drama Than a Kardashian Divorce
I ran across this piece submitted by Paul Lesieur of Remodel Crazy. Great pun on the drama that sometimes surrounds a residential rehab project. How about giving out Oscars for remodeling? We could have 4 categories. Best Dramatic Performance by a Homeowner or Contractor. Nominees are: Mrs. Buttwig, homeowner and president of Women for Chocolate. For […]
‘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.