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New house, new nightmare

By Barry Stone, Tuesday, January 2, 2007.

Dear Barry,

Construction was just completed on our new home, but the building official would not approve the final inspection. He says an as-built permit is now needed before major corrective work can be done. The builder, we have now learned, failed to follow the plans that were engineered and approved by the county building department. He contends that he is only required to comply with the building code, not the specific standards determined by the engineer and the county. Is there any validity to his position?  more...

Refinance at 1.25% a disaster in disguise

By Jack Guttentag, Tuesday, January 2, 2007.

I seldom publish long letters in their entirety, but I'm making an exception in this column. The letter below is so wonderfully descriptive of the gullible mindset of a victim waiting to be plucked, and the modus operandi of a predator poised to do the plucking, that it is worth the space.  more...

What to do when home listing expires

By Dian Hymer, Tuesday, January 2, 2007.

Three months was more than enough time last year for home listings in many areas to sell and even close. But now listings are expiring unsold, often leaving sellers wondering what to do next.  more...

Mortgage broker reveals shocking insider facts

By Robert Bruss, Tuesday, January 2, 2007.

The only people who should read "Mortgage Confidential" by mortgage broker David Reed are home buyers who want to avoid unnecessary mortgage fees, homeowners who want to refinance and save money, and real estate agents looking out for the best interests of their buyers. All others should avoid reading this superb new book because you will be shocked by what goes on in the home-loan industry.

The author must need 24-hour security guards because he reveals the dirty tricks some mortgage lenders use to secretly increase their profits at the expense of borrowers.  more...