Underwater homeowners turning into reluctant landlords
Posted on December 4th, 2011
Michael Ablack would like to sell his Coral Park West townhouse but because of the steep drop in its value he has reluctantly resorted to renting his three bedroom condo. (Susan Stocker, Sun Sentinel / December 1, 2011)
The epic housing collapse has turned thousands of South Florida homeowners into reluctant landlords.
They’re learning the hard way about how rentals work. They’d much prefer to sell, but they can’t get the price they want or need. In many cases, the homeowners are “underwater,” owing far more than the properties are worth.
Reluctant landlords at least have a red-hot rental market going for them. Some have taken jobs elsewhere and collect rent from afar.
Energy upgrades may be appraised less than expected
Posted on November 26th, 2011
Q: I read your piece on “low-ball offers” on Oct. 15, in particular the part where you said help has arrived Sept. 1, when appraisal reports begin including new sections designed to more accurately compare competing properties and their overall condition. They are taking into account recent improvements to the home. Based on the above information, I decided to go for a federal Home Affordable Refinance Program refinance. I am getting ready to protest the fact that the appraiser did not assign any value to the most expensive and highest returning solar equipment installed on my house.
Page 3 explains (the appraiser’s) position in the second paragraph: “They are technically considered to be a superadequacy at this point in time.”
Is that appraisal policy? Does the state of Nevada support the fact that a $25,000 home photovoltaic system would come in on an appraisal the same as a gilded toilet?
I would like to know what the official appraisal policy is on energy-saving upgrades installed on a house, also water-saving upgrades. I Full article…
Peace of Mind with Landlord Insurance
Posted on November 20th, 2011
Several benefits are offered by companies rendering proprietor insurance in your city and it is important for every landlord to understand the importance and benefits of these policies. By availing the services of best institute, individual can not only save additional amount to be spent on other institutes but can get benefits of the best company. First and the foremost benefits offered by the landlord insurance companies is the provision of peace of mind. There are several risks associated with business.
When the landowner owns the property, some of the most common risks are destruction or damage of the building because of natural disasters. The building might be subjected to fire, earth quake or flood. Full article…
$622,500 USD MLS® – Braes Heights, Houston, TX, US
Posted on November 19th, 2011
“Beautiful one story home in sought after”Phone:7134619393Cell:281-650-4658Fax:281-664-3271DetailsAddress:8422 Braes BlvdType:ResidentialBedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Garage:2, DetachedSize:2,575 sq. ft.Lot Type:RectangularYear Built:1959MLSDescriptionBeautiful one story home in sought after Braes Heights, walking distance to Braes Bayou Trail/Mark Twain elementary. This recently remodeled home is a special home for entertaining. The paved courtyard with outdoor lighting and speakers showcases a recently re-plastered swimming pool, viewed by three sides of the home. R Full article…
Tags: Braes, Braes Heights
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Rich Pickings on Ecuador’s Coast
Posted on November 12th, 2011
I took this sunset photo from in front of our beachfront hotel in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
Over the last decade, weâve explored much of Ecuadorâs Pacific Coastâand one place we always enjoy revisiting is Puerto Lopez. Itâs about halfway down the coast, midway between the larger cities of Salinas to the south and Manta to the north, right off the Ruta del Sol highway.
Puerto Lopez is a small fishing village on a crescent-shaped bay that reminds us of what Puerto Vallarta, must have looked like about 70 years agoâlong before the rest of the world discovered it and turned it into the jet-setting beach resort it is today.
Just like Puerto Vallarta, the bay where Puerto Lopez is located is rimmed by tall jungle-covered cliffs and ridges. From the top o
Tags: Coast
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