If credit is good, it’s a good time to buy

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 24 March 2009 13:53

Motivated sellers, builders offering deep discounts and incentives, historically low mortgage rates, plenty of inventory and fierce competition for qualified borrowers—it’s actually a great time to buy a house.

If your credit score is good, you’re in an even better position to negotiate the loan on the home of your dreams this spring.

Spring has always been a popular time to buy a new home. More people put their homes on the market when the weather is warm, and a wealth of inventory is available. With winter thawing into distant memory, home shoppers are ready for a fresh start in a new house.

Buying a home in spring will help new homeowners ensure they move their families during the summer, and not at the beginning or in the...

Read more: If credit is good, it’s a good time to buy

Hire an inspector before signing for that ‘dream’ house

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 24 March 2009 13:53

RealEstateInspector.jpg Homebuyers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a home inspection. If you’re selling your home, having it inspected before you list it may help sell your home in less time and for more money.

You found your dream deal on a foreclosed home, but will that great price tag come with a different kind of higher cost?

Buying a repossessed property, short sale or a home offered at a bargain price—because of its condition—can mean you’re assuming much higher risks.

Repossessed and short sale homes are often abandoned and neglected, leaving them with much more potential for unforeseen structural defects, plumbing, electrical, heating systems, environmental issues and many other problems.

Fixing...

Read more: Hire an inspector before signing for that ‘dream’ house

SPRING CARCAREFOCUSVehicle maintenance a smart economic investment

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 17 March 2009 14:05

CarCare.jpg As any vehicle ages, routine maintenance and upkeep become increasingly important, not only for a vehicle’s longevity, but also for its efficiency and safety.

With challenging economic factors, many consumers are making tough financial decisions, including postponing or canceling plans to buy a new vehicle.

The typical vehicle on American roads is now a record 9 years old, according to a recent report by R.L. Polk & Co.

As any vehicle ages, routine maintenance and upkeep become increasingly important, not only for a vehicle’s longevity, but also for its efficiency and safety.

After their homes, most Americans’ second-largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good...

Read more: SPRING CARCAREFOCUSVehicle maintenance a smart economic investment

Healthy Geezer- Constipation a common complaint

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 10 March 2009 14:04

Q When my husband misses his daily BM, he complains that he’s constipated. Don’t you think that’s a bit of an exaggeration?



A Your husband is not alone. A lot of people believe they are constipated if they don’t go every day. The clinical definition of constipation is any two of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) in the previous year: straining during bowel movements, lumpy or hard stool, sensation of obstruction or incomplete evacuation, fewer than three bowel movements per week.

Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults age 65 and over. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States.

Common causes of constipation include...

Read more: Healthy Geezer- Constipation a common complaint