Real Estate Info | Articles

Mechanic's Liens

Details: Category: Real Estate Info Real Estate Info; Published: 05 September 2006 05 September 2006; Hits: 20628 20628

The Mechanics' Lien law provides special protection to contractors, subcontractors, laborers and suppliers who furnish labor or materials to repair, remodel or build your home.

If any of these people are not paid for the services or materials they have provided, your home may be subject to a mechanics' lien and eventual sale in a legal proceeding to enforce the lien. This result can occur even where full payment for the work of improvement has been made by the homeowner.

Condominium and PUD Ownership

Details: Category: Real Estate Info Real Estate Info; Published: 05 September 2006 05 September 2006; Hits: 20983 20983

Builders, in an effort to combat the dual problem of an increasing population and a declining availability of prime land, are increasingly turning to common interest developments (CIDs) as a means to maximize land use and offer Homebuyers convenient, affordable housing.

The two most common forms of common interest developments in many states are Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments, often referred to as PUDs. The essential characteristics shared by these two forms of ownership are:

Living Trusts

Details: Category: Real Estate Info Real Estate Info; Published: 05 September 2006 05 September 2006; Hits: 19569 19569

Estate planners often recommend "Living Trusts" as a viable option when contemplating the manner in which to hold title to real property. When a property is held in a Living Trust, title companies have particular requirements to facilitate the transaction. While not comprehensive, following are answers to many commonly asked questions. If you have questions that are not answered below, your title company representative may be able to assist you, however, one may wish to seek legal counsel.

Who are the parties to a Trust?

Common Ways of Holding Title

Details: Category: Real Estate Info Real Estate Info; Published: 05 September 2006 05 September 2006; Hits: 21003 21003

How Should I Take Ownership of the Property I am Buying?

Real property has become increasingly more valuable and the question of how parties can take ownership of their property has gained greater importance. The form of ownership taken -- the vesting of title -- will determine who may sign various documents involving the property and future rights of the parties to the transaction. These rights involve such matters as: real property taxes, income taxes, inheritance and gift taxes, transferability of title and exposure to creditor's claims. Also, how title is vested can have significant probate implications in the event of death.

Underground Heating Oil Tanks

Details: Category: Real Estate Info Real Estate Info; Published: 05 September 2006 05 September 2006; Hits: 19600 19600

Underground heating oil tanks can pose many potential problems to both home buyers and sellers. They have been the source of many environmental problems such as contamination of surrounding soil and ground water.

Leaks are caused by the rust inside underground tanks, or by an electrical condition sparked by electric utility lines.

Buyers should have the tank inspected to make sure that it is structurally sound.

Radon Gas

Details: Category: Real Estate Info Real Estate Info; Published: 05 September 2006 05 September 2006; Hits: 19921 19921

Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that has been estimated to cause 5,000 to 20,000 lung cancer deaths yearly. It is second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer. It has been estimated that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the US has elevated radon levels.

Radon is produced when small amounts of uranium and radium in soil and rocks decay. Radon gas will also decay into smaller and radioactive particles that can be inhaled into the lungs where it can damage cells and cause lung cancer.

Lead Poisoning

Details: Category: Real Estate Info Real Estate Info; Published: 05 September 2006 05 September 2006; Hits: 19700 19700

Lead poisoning is a serious problem which can lead to adverse health problems. In children, high levels of lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, behavioral and learning problems, slow growth, and hearing problems. In adults, lead poisoning can cause reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorder, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain.

Lead poisoning is especially a problem in cities with older buildings. Typically, lead is present in the paint from older buildings, in the water supply, and in the environment from cars and buses. Preventing lead poisoning in large cities, where there is so much possibility for exposure is both difficult and expensive. Federal programs have attempted to address this problem.

Environmental Issues

Details: Category: Real Estate Info Real Estate Info; Published: 05 September 2006 05 September 2006; Hits: 23237 23237

When purchasing a piece of property, it is important to be aware of any environmental liabilities associated with it. For example, you should find out if there are any registered underground tanks within several miles of the property, any known contaminated properties in the neighborhood, or any property owners who have been fined by the government for failing to meet environmental safety standards.

Before, it took a costly site investigation for the information, but now there are online environmental databases available at a fraction of the cost. Anyone can access reports on otherwise hard to detect environmental issues. With these databases, it is possible to obtain a listing of hazards near a property, or spills and violations attributed to businesses nearby.

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Don Wixom
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~Scott and Naomi Watson, satisfied buyers

"We were long distance buyers. We had been through some major life changes in 2005 and had first contacted Don Wixom in August of 2006. He stood by us 2 1/2 years showing us houses, driving out to houses and emailing us pictures when we were unable to go ourselves, never knowing if he actually would have gotten a sale from us and he never complained or pressured us once.
He always treated us with great respect as if we were his only customer. Don has done more for us than we would have done for ourselves. He gave us great advice. He was always learning what it was that we were looking for. As our needs changed midway through our searching he adjusted to them.
His website allowed us to search the multiple listing service without addresses and phone numbers needing to be given. He would always check into and answer our questions and requests.
When buying or selling in Idaho we would never consider anyone but Don Wixom. He stayed with us for the long haul and we will stay with him."
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Ernie Garza, Buyer