How to write a Hardship Letter
The New York Times published this … If you are considering a loan modification or a short sale, you will need to proved a HARDSHIP LETTER. Writing the “hardship letter” Homeowners having trouble paying their mortgage are often required to write a hardship letter...MORE OF THOSE POPULAR ‘HOMEOWNER TIPS’
Splatter Stopper
Whenever I mix 5-gallon buckets of paint with a drill and paddle attachment, I put the paddle’s shaft through a hole in a large cardboard square before attaching the shaft to the drill. Then I lay the cardboard directly on the container before turning on the drill. No splatters!
Tidy Patio Joint Filler
Here’s an easy way to fill joints between pavers or patio flagstones: Simply take an empty screw-top wine bottle and punch a hole in the top of the cap near its edge. Fill the bottle with sand, mortar mix, or polymeric sand; screw on the cap; and pour the contents into the joints rather than on the pavers. There’s no waste and no cleanup.
Photographic Memory Aid
When I’m taking apart something that I need to put back together, I take pictures at each step of the disassembly. Then I arrange the photos in reverse order to see step-by-step how to reassemble it.
Tire Reviver
Here’s a quick way to inflate any small pneumatic tire after it’s gone flat. Tie a rope tightly around the circumference of the tire, then use plumber’s putty to seal the edge where the rubber meets the wheel rim. Now you can pump up the tire and untie the rope. Simple as that.
Home Owner Scams on the Uprise
According to Forbes; Homeowners beware. There are new scams galore out there and most new ones are aimed at the homeowner. Home improvement scams are still heavily represented in the top 10 homeowner scams. Auto and Debt related scams and new real estate scams are new...Help with a “Low Ball” Property Appraisal
Since home prices began falling a few years back, property appraisals have also been plummeting. Appraisal complaints have been rising steadily throughout the industry. Buyers and Sellers need to know that Real Estate Appraisers just report what the market is, they do not make or influence the market.
Appraisals can come in low for a variety of reasons.You need to understand that appraisals are based on closed sales for a comparable home or property. A low appraisal can prevent you from buying or selling a home at the price you have negotiated or planned on. If the appraisal comes in really low, the buyer has the option of increasing the down payment to lower the total loan amount. A buyer can also use a low appraisal to re negotiate a lower price. Both buyers and sellers should do their research on values in their neighborhood. The sellers should always clue in the appraiser on recent sales and on any special features that might influence the appraisal, like improvements or special materials that make the property more valuable. The sellers should also be present when the appraisal is being done.
Even when all of the above has been taken into account, some appraisals still come in short. The buyer usually pays for the appraisal and the buyer has the right to ask for another appraisal if the buyer isn’t happy with the results of the first appraisal. Also, the appraiser should be a local appraiser so they are aware of the market conditions of the area.
Tips on Ways to Squeeze More Miles From That Tank of Gas.
Most of us know these tips already, but forget some of them from time to time.
Keep your air filter clean and change it on a regular basis.
Change you cars oil according to the owners manual.
Check the fan belt. Is it too tight or too loose? This can affect your mileage.
Change your spark plugs regularly according to the owners manual. Worn plugs can make your car get less miles per gallon.
Try driving your lighter car. Heavy cars get worse mileage.
Only use the Air Condition when necessary.
Using your cruise control can increase mileage.
Don’t warm up your car. It isn’t needed and it will cost you money.
Check your tire pressure and keep the tires inflated according to the owners manual.