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Mark this day: The worst is over

By Lou Barnes, Friday, September 19, 2008.

Mark this day: The worst of this crisis has passed. However, not yet the halfway point in time: We are 13 months into this wreck, and you'll sure as hell feel credit-market distress 13 months from now even though the greatest risk has passed.

I wrote last week that I heard "hoofbeats of cavalry on the way" -- for a while this week it looked as though John Wayne had arrived to shoot the settlers and give firewater to the Apaches.  more...

Miter saw great for DIY projects

By Paul Bianchina, Friday, September 19, 2008.

If you're framing a new deck one weekend and then installing some intricate stain-grade crown molding the next, you might be wishing for one saw that could handle both those tasks -- and everything in-between. If so, then you don't need to look any further than one of the big and versatile 12-inch compound or sliding compound miter saws that are now on the market. Tough and powerful yet remarkably accurate, these saws can power through wet framing lumber or handle delicate cuts on fine trim.  more...

Just say 'no' to commission-cutting Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Friday, September 19, 2008.

Consumer Reports just released a study saying that 67 percent of all agents were willing to lower their commissions simply because the seller asked. If you haven't mastered the art of earning your full fee, there's no better time than now.

I recently had a conversation with Doug Rebert and Rick Doyle of Prudential Homesale in Lancaster, Pa. Agents in one of their offices wanted to slash commissions because they felt it was the only way they could survive the commission war in their market area.  more...