Brian Ripp's Blog

Some home buyers who may be concerned about paying high closing costs might be tempted by a "zero-cost" or "no-cost" loan option, which requires no cash outlay, but typically adds a half percentage point to the rate. However, some financial consultants say these loans tend to be most beneficial t...

New single-family homes are getting smaller, and the trend is likely to last well beyond the recession, according to research from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). The median size of a new single-family home has dropped from a peak of 2,268 square feet in 2006 to 2,100 square feet...

Home buyers thinking of purchasing a distressed property in need of repair, but who are concerned that the cost of the repairs could drain their savings account may qualify for the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) 203(k) rehabilitation program.   KEEP THIS IN MIND • The FHA's 203(k) rehabil...

Starting January 1, 2011, a seller's first trust deed lender cannot obtain a deficiency judgment against the seller after a short sale.  Providing written consent to a short sale shall obligate the first trust deed lender to accept the sales proceeds as full payment and discharge of the remaining...

Don't wait until your house is so cold that you wear your winter coats indoors - fix drafty windows before the winter season arrives.  According to the Department of Energy, more than 40 percent of annual energy expenditures are consumed by heating and cooling in a typical house.  Proper selectio...

You don't have to tear up your bathroom to make decorating changes.  Redecorating your bathroom can be a simple weekend project that will leave you with some extra money and a new sense of style.  Replace mirrors:  It's amazing how different a bathroom can look with a new mirror.  If your medicin...

Autumn is the perfect time to begin a project that will ensure a bountiful garden next year: a compost pile.  Decaying vines, vegetables, leaves and grass clippings contain excellent nutrients that break down over time to recharge soil with nitrogen for spring planting. First, find a place for yo...

Fannie Mae "Five Step" Guides                                                              Fannie Mae recently released three "Five Step" guides offering information to current homeowners, those considering the purchase of a home, and homeowners at risk of default.  Each guide include: "Actions t...

Your home improvement project is done and it looks great, but now what do you do with the leftover paint?  Those old cans of paint in your basement, garage, or in the corner of your closet, can't just be pitched out with the trash.  They're considered hazardous household waste and need to be disc...

Zoning regulates what you can and can't do on your property.  For instance, if the land you purchased is zoned as residential, you would not be allowed to establish a restaurant on the lot. Other than restricting the use of the land, zoning also regulates the dimensional requirements for building...