Tips for hiring a contractor - 03/30/10 03:44 PM
One of the best ways to select a contractor is to ask friends or relatives for recommendations.  Make sure they have worker's compensation insurance and general liability insurance in case of accidents on the job. 
Building codes set minimum safety standards for construction.  Generally, a building permit is required whenever structural work is involved.   The contractor should obtain all necessary building permits.
Hire only licensed contractors. Contact the Contractors State License Board at www.cslb.com.gov or at 800-321-2752 to verify the contractor's license. Get three references and review past work. Get at least three bids. Get a written contract and don't sign … (3 comments)

Governor signs Home Tax Credit Bill - 03/25/10 07:43 PM
Governor Schwarzenegger today signed AB 183 providing $200 million for home buyer tax credits.  The bill allocates $100 million for qualified first-time home buyers who purchase existing homes and $100 million for purchasers of new, or previously unoccupied, homes.
 Eligible taxpayers who close escrow on qualified principal residences between May 1, 2010 and December, 31, 2010, or who close escrow on a qualified principal residence on and after December 31, 2010 and before August 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before December 31, 2010, will be able to take the allowed tax credit.
This credit is equal … (0 comments)

More Immigrants Choose to Live in Mid-Cities - 03/24/10 01:53 PM
A new study by the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate finds that more immigrants are choosing to put down roots in mid-size cities rather than larger gateway areas, in part because many smaller metro areas feature established, growing neighborhoods of fellow immigrants and less competition for entry-level jobs. The study, "Immigrants and Housing Markets in Mid-Size Metropolitan Areas," finds that mid-size markets, such as Nashville, Detroit, Colorado Springs, Colo., Minneapolis, Sarasota, Fla., and El Paso, Texas, had an average 27 percent increase in new immigrant population at a time when the major gateway cities are losing residents. The largest numbers … (0 comments)

A Comfortable Computer Work Station - 03/19/10 12:55 PM
Arranging your office so you can be efficient is important, but since you spend so much of your time there, you also want to be comfortable while you work.
 To promote well-being and prevent injury, you should try to position your body so your joints are naturally aligned.  Leaning forward, slouching or having to extend your arms to reach the keyboard can strain your muscles, tendons and skeletal system.  With time or repetition, this can lead to aches and pains or more serious conditions.  Neck stiffness, tight back and aching wrists are common complaints of people who work daily on a … (0 comments)

All About APR - 03/15/10 05:34 PM
If you are interested in purchasing a new home, you'll need to research your financing options.  One major part of financing is the annual percentage rate (APR).  As you enter into a deal, you will likely know your area's prime interest rate, but you also need to learn about the lender's APR.
 The APR is the final rate the lender charges you annually.  After adding on any loan fees that are involved and points that will be charged, the final rate will usually be higher than the prime interest rate.
 When applying for a mortgage, the lender must notify you about … (0 comments)

Americans Spend Less & Save More - 03/05/10 11:45 AM
The economic crisis has affected Americans' spending and borrowing habits. According to a Harris Interactive poll.  Nearly 2/3 of Americans say they are spending less, while 64 percent say they are less likely to take out a loan.  Another 33 percent say they are using their credit cards less often than before.
The survey also finds that one in five Americans (21 %) with a personal savings account and one in ten with retirement savings have added bank savings and CDs to their portfolios in the past six months.
However, many Americans admit that they have not saved enough to weather a … (3 comments)

 

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