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Flood victims fight Allstate over 'ambiguous' insurance policy

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, August 2, 2006.

In June 2005, Elmer and Alexa Buente bought their home and purchased a homeowner's insurance policy from Allstate Insurance Co. The policy was purchased from Allstate agent Brenda Pace who assured them the policy included hurricane damage coverage.

In answer to their questions, Pace's assistant told the Buentes they did not need flood insurance because their house is not located in a flood plain.  more...

What is a negative amortization home mortgage?

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, August 2, 2006.

DEAR BOB: Several times you recently mentioned negative amortization home mortgages. What does that mean? Is it good or bad? --Myron H.

DEAR MYRON: A negative amortization home mortgage is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). The borrower's monthly payment remains fixed for a specific time, such as one year, three years, or even longer.  more...

Soundproofing shower puts marriage in jeopardy

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Wednesday, August 2, 2006.

Q: They say there are no stupid questions, so here goes. My wife is an early riser and tends to shower long before my alarm goes off. Unfortunately, the plumbing for the shower is located inside a wall shared with the master bedroom, and it wakes me every time.

By any chance is there a foam insulation product that I could blow through one or more small holes in the wall to help reduce the noise the shower makes in the morning?

My wife really doesn't want me to tear the wall apart, but I'm at my wits' end.  more...