Home

Privacy threats are everyone's problem

By Jessica Swesey, Friday, January 2, 2004.

A loosely defined collection of computer software known as "spyware" has quickly become the subject of considerable public alarm. Recent bills introduced in Congress are a step in the right direction toward curtailing these hidden self-installed computer applications, but such efforts won't be enough to ward off potential damage, the Center for Democracy and Technology concluded in a new study.  more...

Economic road 'lined with surprises'

By Lou Barnes, Friday, January 2, 2004.

Mortgage rates are holding just below 6 percent, rising on the extraordinary strength of the purchasing managers' survey for December, released this morning. If the jobs data next Friday are likewise way above forecast, the markets' assumption about Fed patience through 2004 will be questioned immediately.

It our custom at each New Year to recite our forecasting mantra, which is Peter Drucker's terse instruction to all: "Nobody can predict the future; keep a firm grasp of the present."  more...

Fed urges flood victims to beware of fraud

By Site Administrator, Friday, January 2, 2004.

As flood victims across the United States turn their energy and resources to cleaning up, repairing and replacing their damaged property, people with disrupted lives are an easy mark for con artists, according to The Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A common scam occurs when a person poses as an inspector or loss verifier of flood-damaged property. Some of these "inspectors" charge a fee for what they do. Some may have official-looking identification that they use to get inside residents' homes.  more...

Web sites reel in luxury home sellers Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Friday, January 2, 2004.

Do you have the technology tools and skills to secure a million-dollar listing? Do you know how to reach the maximum number of buyers for your estate properties? Do you know how to beat out the competition on your next million-dollar listing appointment? If you're dreaming about being an "estates agent," here are five strategies that will help you secure your next million-dollar listing.

1. Market your estates internationally, not just locally.  more...

Plan your 2004 home purchase now

By Robert Bruss, Friday, January 2, 2004.

Have you made your New Year's resolutions yet? If buying your first home, or perhaps moving up to a better home, is among your resolutions, today is a great time to plan for your 2004 home purchase.

Home mortgage interest rates are still very close to their record lows reached in June 2003. During this slow time of the year for residence sales in most communities, any house or condo seller who has their home listed for sale is usually highly motivated to sell.  more...

How do I store building materials safely?

By Paul Bianchina, Friday, January 2, 2004.

If you've been shopping at your local home center or lumberyard lately, you know that any lumber or other building materials you purchase can represent a pretty sizable investment. So when you get the materials home, it only makes sense to store them in a manner that protects them against breakage, warping and other forms of physical damage.  more...

Tenants shocked by frequent rent raises

By Helene Lesel, Friday, January 2, 2004.

My buddy James just called with a classic tale of woe. Signing a one-year lease on a place he just loved, he took for granted the price and terms. When the lease expired and turned into a month-to-month, he was shocked by a 10 percent rent raise. Six months later, it spiraled up another 10 percent.

"How can they do that?" he quizzed. "Isn't there a limit to how often and how much my rent can shoot up?"  more...

Real estate a better bet than Canadian stocks

By Frank O'Brien, Friday, January 2, 2004.

Someone who bought a house in Canada in the past three years has proved a more astute investor than the stock market gurus of Bay Street, home of the Toronto Stock Exchange. And, studies have found, investors in virtually any type of Canadian real estate would have seen their appreciation outstrip most of the TSE equity plays since 2000.  more...

Newlyweds face roadblock in keeping tidy home

By Katherine Salant, Friday, January 2, 2004.

Newlyweds George and Martha decided to start their marriage in a brand-new house. It was wonderful, of course. They had spent hours discussing what they wanted with their cleverest of architects, and he in turn delivered the best kitchen ever and the best floor plan ever, all with a view that takes your breath away.  more...