Coldwell Banker American Homes Blog
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 30 Posts
- 2025 | 77 Posts
- 2024 | 85 Posts
- 2023 | 73 Posts
- 2022 | 72 Posts
- 2020 | 44 Posts
- 2019 | 27 Posts
- 2018 | 20 Posts
- 2017 | 29 Posts
- 2016 | 85 Posts
- 2015 | 85 Posts
- 2014 | 117 Posts
- 2013 | 50 Posts
- 2012 | 32 Posts
- 2011 | 35 Posts
- 2010 | 16 Posts
9
Why Title Insurance Matters
An owner's title insurance policy protects your property rights as a homeowner. Those purchasing a home should obtain a policy to insure against defects associated with the title of the home.
Owner's title insurance is worthwhile because…
…it protects your investment.
A home is likely the largest investment you'll make. Insuring it, says the American Land Title Association (ALTA), is like insuring any other valuable asset. Owner's title insurance protects the rights of the property owner for as long as he or she (or heirs) owns the home.
…it mitigates your risk.
Issues inevitably arise for every homeowner, but title discrepancies shouldn't be one of them. An owner's title insurance policy will cover you in the event a title claim occurs. According to the ALTA, these include a tax lien against the property, an outstanding mortgage or a pending legal action related to the property.
8
Sellers: What Every Buyer Wants to Know about Your Home
Home sellers are in an advantageous position this summer, with demand high and sales at their strongest in close to a decade. Planning to list your home in the coming weeks? Get the most for your house before the season's up by making it accessible to buyers—with information.
Every homebuyer wants to know specific aspects of homes they're considering purchasing—information that may seem premature to advertise initially, but could ultimately be determining factors in their decision to make an offer.
This information may include:
- How old is the home? When was it last renovated? How old is the roof?
- What structures or fixtures are included in the list price? (Appliances, ceiling fans, lighting, shed, swing set, window treatments, etc.)
- What are the home's annual costs? (Electric, municipal wa...
2
VA Loans: What They Are and How They Work
Most active-duty service members and veterans and some National Guard members and reservists can seek out home-related loans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
VA home loan programs may be used to finance the purchase of homes, condominiums or manufactured homes, refinance an existing home loan, or install energy-saving improvements. The three main types of guaranteed home loan benefits are:
• Purchase Loans
• Cash-Out Refinance Loans
• Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans
Qualified vets need suitable credit, sufficient income and a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan. Private lenders underwrite and fund VA home loans according to VA standards. VA's partial guaranty for these loans means that nearly 90 percent of all VA-guaranteed home loans are made with no down payment required.
If a VA-guaranteed loan becomes delinquent, the VA will work with the...
31
5 Ways to Curb Energy Costs This Summer
Our utility bills seem to rise along with the thermometer come summer. Certain steps and upgrades can help cut down on cooling costs and other seasonal home expenses.
One minor task that has major impact is cleaning the HVAC filter, says Ameeta Jain, co-founder of Homeselfe. Regardless of the unit you own, cleaning the filter on a regular basis is important. When the filter is dirty, the system consumes more energy. With a clean filter, the system can cool your home more efficiently.
Another task to consider is mulching your garden, Jain says. Mulch lessens the amount of watering needed for plants, reducing expense and consumption. Mulch works to prevent evaporation so plants have more time to absorb water.
Jain recommends using a rain barrel to collect water, as well. Harvested rainwater can be recycled in the garden, saving...
26
Barbecuing This Weekend? 5 Food Safety Tips
'Tis the season for eating out—doors, that is!
If you're hosting a backyard soirée this summer, make food safety a priority when planning the meal. Seasonal temperatures can accelerate the growth of foodborne bacteria, compromising the safety of you and your guests, cautions the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
"From picnics to cookouts, eating outside is a fun and tasty way to enjoy the warmer weather," says Torey Armul, a registered dietitian and nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy. "Be sure to follow proper food safety practices every step of the way to keep unwanted bacteria from crashing your party."
These practices include:
• Washing Your Hands – Wash your hands before and after handling any foods. "Bring along hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol in case water is not available," Armul says. "Remember to regularly clean your cooler, picnic basket and tote bags, b...