Articles by Peter Warden - Page 39

If you have to move, should you sell your house or rent it out? It depends on the numbers and how you feel about becoming a landlord.

A first-time landlord tends to focus in the good stuff (money!) and gloss over the inconvenient truths (midnight complaints, late rent, vacancies). Here's how to tell if you've go the right stuff to be a first-time landlord.

How can you keep your second home repaired and maintained and repaired from a distance?

A home inspection can find a home's hidden defects before you buy it. Here's what to expect on your report, and how to read it.

You may need bad credit loans if your credit is poor or even fair. FICO credit score ranges divide consumers into four tiers: excellent, good, fair and poor.

How much rent can I afford? What will my next rent increase be? Predicting your next rent raise isn't a no-brainer, but if you understand local trends, you'll have a better idea. The good news is that in much of the country, rent increases have slowed down.

What's better for you? A condo or house? Find out how to compare them and make the right choice when you buy a home.

You could probably pain your home yourself, if you're willing and able. But many would rather leave it in the (hopefully) capable hands of painting contractors. Here's how to find a cood one, and what you should expect to pay.

Once you have mortgage approval, don't blow it before the home closing process. Avoid changes to your application and make sure your final documents are correct.

The time to find a licensed plumber in your area is before you need one. Here's how to choose one.

Electricians can take care of dangerous or annoying tasks in your home that you don't want to do. Here's what you need to know about hiring an electrican.

Unless you want to put up a roof yourself, you'll likely be talking to roofing contractors. Here's what you need to know about getting bids from and working with roofing contractors.

Home security tips: learn how to secure your home, avoid home burglary, and what to do in case of a home break in.

Preparing a new house checklist before you move will remove some of the stress beforehand, and will definitely help you handle the inevitable emergencies down the road. The ounce of prevention really does beat the pound of care.

Who hasn't said, "I need to lower my bills" at some point in their lives? Unless you are free and clear of debt, you can probably benefit from these tips.

How to choose A SAFE neighborhood when buying a home? By investigating online and in-person. Here's how.

Student loans and credit affect each other. Many adults experience difficulty borrowing for a mortgage or car because of excessive student debt. Here's what you need to know.