Q: I belong to a homeowners' association. The association, representing 18 owners, was formed about 20 years ago. The developer turned the association over to the owners about 16 years ago. The Articles of Incorporation and Covenants for the association state that the "Developer shall not be obligated for assessments on Lots owned by the Developer." The developer is long gone but his son is a homeowner here and was a partner with his father ... [full story]

Q: When we purchased a farm 13 years ago, we assumed the existing fence was the boundary line. The farm next to us was sold last year. That's when we found out that our neighbor had been using a portion of our land. The beginning of the neighbor's driveway is on our land. A developer bought the neighboring farm and is having the land annexed into the city. The developer claims the portion of our ... [full story]

Copley News Service If you're looking for an unconventional way to lose weight, Gregory Johnson has a diet plan that could change your entire lifestyle. The 42-year-old technology consultant has lost 50 pounds during the three years he has lived in a miniature home in Iowa City. After years of squeezing into a dwelling only 10 feet long and 7 feet wide, Johnson finds that he no longer has trouble squeezing into his trousers. "I tend to be ... [full story]

Homebuyers don't always know what to expect when they move in to a neighborhood governed by a community association, and that lack of understanding can generate confusion, frustration and turmoil. But there's help. A free brochure developed by Community Associations Institute, or CAI, gives potential homebuyers a better sense of association-governed communities. The brochure explains the benefits and obligations of living in such a community and addresses such topics as governance, rules, assessments and homeowner ... [full story]

Q: My wife and I purchased our new home in December, 2004. The builder financed 100 percent of the purchase price of $146,500 at 5 percent, which was great. We added around $10,000 in upgrades that we paid for out-of-pocket, which actually brought the purchase price to $156,500. At the last minute, the builder asked us to do a lease option for a year to help him on his taxes, and we agreed as long ... [full story]

A foreclosure is something that all homeowners definately want to avoid. A foreclosure can have long-term, damaging effects on your credit history because a foreclosue becomes a matter of public record and can stay on your credit for seven years. There are many public and private organizations that are eager to help you out during your financial crisis and hold on to your home. If you are in a bad financial situation, no one can ... [full story]

(NewsUSA) - You've decided to move, but the housing market is more competitive than ever. To get an edge on your competition, it's important to make your home as appealing as possible so that you can sell it quickly and at its maximum value. The experts at Nailite, a manufacturer and distributor of premium residential and commercial siding, provide the following tips to increase the resale value of your home: * Give it curb appeal. A home's ... [full story]

Few things are more disruptive and frustrating than unexpected home repairs. And when they occur, they can be budget-busters. From water heaters to air conditioners to dishwashers, homeowners spend hundreds of dollars annually to maintain and repair their home's systems and appliances. When major systems fail, expenses are even greater, averaging more than $1,000 in repairs, according to experts. The good news is, there's a practical and affordable solution to the surprise costs and hassles when home ... [full story]

How can you find and buy a home to enjoy for years to come? The first step is to answer this simple question honestly: Is it the right time for you to buy? You need to consider the tax deduction, building equity, monthly mortgage payments and maintenance expenses, funding for a down payment and closing costs, and staying in the home long enough for its appreciation to cover your transaction costs. If you can afford and ... [full story]

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It's a small piece of advice that becomes ever more valuable when you're trying to sell your home. The first impression your home leaves is based on its "curb appeal," which correlates directly to the home's perceived value. In fact, attractive, high-quality landscaping can lead to a 100 percent return on investment when a home is sold. Finding quality home-improvement products is the first ... [full story]

If you live in an average market and paid $200,000 for your home just four years ago, it is now likely to be worth more than $292,000. And if you were able to purchase just three more houses, then in four years, you could have sold those three homes and made enough money to pay off your mortgage. If you think this is impossible because you are worried about finding the money to use as ... [full story]

Nothing compares to the excitement of buying a home for the first time. However, purchasing a home also can be a nerve-racking experience, particularly if this is the first time you have dealt with real estate agents, shopped for a home loan or negotiated for the price you want. Being prepared and well-informed can help you reduce stress and make the process a success. American Home Shield, a national home warranty company based in Memphis, Tenn., ... [full story]

The recent housing market boom has resulted in a substantial rise in the number of new property investors. What new investors might not know is that investment property depreciation is the second most frequently missed deduction on federal income tax forms. But there's help. A new service created by three real estate experts enables property investors to quickly identify and track personal property, or "chattels," to accelerate their depreciation deductions. Chattel Appraisals - an easy-to-use online ... [full story]