Helping the kids buy a first home is a time-honored tradition that has become even more significant as home prices rise and incomes flatten.
Here are three ways parents can help their children:
Cash. For parents with the means, cash is clean and easy. An individual can give $12,000 a year to a recipient without having to […]

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Home inspectors are rolling out new programs to help them survive the slow market. Some are now offering energy audits, maintenance inspections, phased-in inspections and other related services. And, of course, they are urging homeowners to hire an inspector before placing their property on the market.
"Maintenance should be at the top of every seller’s list […]

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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), have agreed to form an independent organization to launch and monitor a new set of loan appraisal standards in an effort to reduce the risk of fraud, among other issues.
The "New Home Valuation Protection Code" establishes new requirements governing appraisal […]

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A nationwide Web site, CrimeReports.com, which extracts police reports from official databases, posts information in detail and maps it online, is encountering both fans and criticism.
The site lists only the block on which a crime was reported, not the actual address, to protect victims’ privacy, but critics say that the reports provoke paranoia anyway. Founder […]

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When choosing a vacation spot, be aware of the following
advertising terminology and their meanings . . .
 
Tropical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rainy.
Old world charm . . . . . . . . No bath.
Open bar . . . . . […]

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Good home maintenance is key to creating and preserving a home’s value. Not to mention, it also impresses potential buyers.
Here are five basic steps that every home owner ought to take — before spending money on dream bathrooms or gourmet kitchens.
1. Safety. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and in good […]

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Consumers rely more heavily on the Internet than any other source when it comes to solving issues connected to the government or for access to government-provided resolution support, according to a new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
In a recent survey, respondents were asked to reveal how they attempted to resolve problems […]

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Preparing a home to be most appealing to prospective buyers is a key element in today’s market when sales are generally sluggish. Buyers are out there seeking the best possible home that satisfies their needs and tastes, and sellers need to market their properties. Both parties are most likely to achieve their objective if the […]

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California’s New Laws for 2008 Include Cell Phone Restrictions, Driver Safety Improvements for Lost Car Keys

California will usher in a host of new laws in 2008 related to traffic safety, driver behavior and vehicle fuels, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Among the laws taking effect on Jan. 1 is one that actually was […]

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Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove,
set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy.
No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and
it really works.
Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till […]

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