If you think you might like to become a real estate appraiser, first read "How to Get Started in the Real Estate Appraisal Business" by Daniel J. Nahorney. After you learn how difficult it is to get started and the very low pay for trainees who must acquire 2,000 experience hours, plus taking training courses to qualify for the basic appraiser's exam, you might consider another career.

The author is not an appraiser, but he interviewed many longtime successful appraisers who responded with glowing reports about the wonders of the appraisal profession.  more...

Dear Barry,

The water valve in our toilet tank turns on by itself every 10 minutes or so. It makes a noise for about five seconds that sounds like the final moment of tank refill after the toilet is flushed. This happens throughout the night and often wakes us up. Can this be fixed, or does the toilet need to be replaced? --Linda

Dear Linda,

Your toilet does not need to be replaced. What you have is a leaking flapper. The flapper is the rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank. When you flush a toilet, the flapper lifts, releasing water into the bowl.  more...

DEAR BOB: I bought a property, as a married man, as my sole and separate property under my name alone. Then I added my wife and the in-laws to the title. We refinanced and I signed a deed to my in-laws. The title and mortgage is in their names. It seems like they don't want me to go back on title. Is there anything I can do? I made the down payment from my 401k plan. Please help. --Eric D.

DEAR ERIC: Why would you foolishly add your in-laws to the title to your property?  more...