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Economic uptick sparks interest-rate panic

By Lou Barnes, Thursday, May 6, 2004.

Last summer's rate panic reached this same point–6.5 percent for low-fee 30-year loans–and then retreated, in nine months back to the sub-5.5 percent record.

This time there will be no retreat–not far, anyway. The bond market is oversold, and due for some "technical" improvement, but there are times when a market should be oversold. This is one of those times.  more...

Online real estate agents flee 'Cookie Monster'

By Bernice Ross, Thursday, May 6, 2004.

(Part 3 of a three-part series. See Parts 1 and 2.)

Cookies are not only bad for your waistline–they can seriously hamper your computer's performance and even worse, leave you vulnerable to "Peeping Toms."

Is your computer running slow?  more...

Pros, cons of senior-citizen reverse mortgages

By Robert Bruss, Thursday, May 6, 2004.

Are you a senior citizen homeowner at least age 62 who could use additional tax-free income? If not, perhaps your elderly parents might be interested. Or, are you at least 62 and would like to retire, but you know social security income alone, plus your modest pension, IRA or other retirement income, won't be enough?

If you or someone you know is in one of these situations, a homeowner reverse mortgage might be ideal.

Purchase Bob Bruss reports online.

WHAT IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE?  more...

Temporary guardrails revamp real estate construction

By Paul Bianchina, Thursday, May 6, 2004.

On any construction site, whether it's a new home or a remodel, one thing you can't help but notice are the various warning signs and protective devices that seem to be everywhere. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a huge volume of rules pertaining to protection of workers on the job, and their requirements are certainly something that the home handyperson can learn from in order to remain safe and injury free.

One often-ignored area of home construction safety is the installation of temporary guardrails to protect against accidental falls.  more...

Range hood brings Mother's Day smile

By Katherine Salant, Thursday, May 6, 2004.

Something for her for Mother's Day. Something for him for Father's Day. How about a small-sized extravagance for the dream kitchen in your new house? When I attended the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Chicago last month, I saw endless possibilities–for example, how about a built-in espresso machine?

Kuppersbusch, a German company, now makes one that fits into a standard 18-inch-wide cabinet box, and it's fully plumbed so you never have to clean the tank. This espresso maker also grinds the beans and makes the coffee, just like the new ones at Starbucks.  more...