Homeowner Resources

$8,000 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit: Details of the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers from the 2009 stimulus package
203k FHA Loan FAQ: Questions and answers about the FHA 203K loan program that allows you to purchase fixer upper properties.
5 Tips For Improving Your Credit Score: Understand how your credit score works along with 5 great tips for improving your credit score
6 Tips To Sell Your Home in a Down Market: Six great tips on selling your home in a down market
66 Ways To Save Money: Tips on everything from airline fares to prescription drugs
A Guide for First Time Homebuyers: Describes the 6 step process for the first-time homebuyer
Acetaminophen and Liver Injury: Q & A: Acetaminophen is the generic name of a drug found in many common brand name products such as Tylenol, Vicodin and Percocet
Adjustable Rate Mortgage: Looking to own a property for just a few years? An ARM can save you money.
After a Disaster: Choosing a Contractor: Tips for choosing a contractor when your home is damaged in a disaster
Alcohol Terms Explained: A standard drink has about half an ounce (13.7 grams or 1.2 tablespoons) of pure alcohol.
Asbestos: An information guide on asbestos and asbestos abatement. Also discusses vermiculite and how it relates to asbestos.
Ask Before You Alter: Information for homeowners altering their property within deed restriction guidelines; sample forms available
Avoid Scams!: A pre-purchase checklist to avoid problems and make safe purchases
Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Scams: These fraudulent foreclosure rescue companies offer vague promises, but will actually lie and cheat to get your business.
Balloon Mortgage Versus an Adjustable Rate Mortgage: Balloon mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are comparable, but with important differences.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females in the United States.
Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines: Ads may help you shop, but finding the best deal requires careful comparisons.
Changes to Bankruptcy Law: Under the new law, those who have the ability to do so may be required to pay back part of their debt.
Child Safety Seats (Car Seats): Safety belts are designed for adults, and children under 4 feet 9 inches tall should ride with a booster seat.
Choosing Utility Providers: How to choose an electric, natural gas, or water provider-you may have a choice.
Choosing a Credit Card: While some cards have no annual fee, others expect you to pay an amount each year for being a cardholder.
Clothes Washers: How to save energy using clothes washers and dryers
Comprehensive Consumer Agency Listing Guide: Comprehensive consumer agency listings with descriptions and links.
Computer Identity Theft: How to protect against computer identity theft.
Computer Safety in the Modern Age: How to keep your computer safe from viruses, spyware, and email hoaxes.
Condominium Insurance: Are You Insured Adequately?: Insurance for condos is different from homeowners insurance for a single family home, and usually requires more coverage
Controlling Moisture In The Home: Too much moisture in a home can lead to mold, mildew, and other biological growth.
Conventional Storage Water Heaters: How storage water heaters work; what criteria to use when selecting the right model; and some installation, maintenance, and safety tips.
Correcting Fraudulent Information in Credit Reports: Using the Fair Credit Reporting Act to correct fraudulent entries on your credit reports.
Couponing Abbreviations: As with most things in life, couponing has its own vernacular.
Creating A Disaster Supplies Kit: How to prepare a disaster supply kit for your home, office, and car.
Defensive Flying Tips: Most airline trips are uneventful. However, you can take steps to reduce even further your chances of encountering problems.
Do You Need an Attorney if You Are Buying or Selling a Home?: Paying an attorney for a couple of visits before all of the paperwork is signed may be worth the expense.
Do You Qualify for an FHA Loan?: What is an FHA loan, and who qualifies for one?
Drafty Rooms: Places where drafts occur and ways to fix them
Drive Green - Buy An Efficient Vehicle: The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $1,020 per year
Drive Green - Driving More Efficiently: Learn great tips on driving more efficiently and improving gas mileage
Drive Green - Keeping Your Car In Shape: Learn great tips on keeping your car in shape and improving gas mileage
Drive Green - Planning and Combining Trips: Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance
Dry Air: How to keep the air in your home from being dry.
Dust: Sources of dust in your house, and how to reduce dust.
EPA Asbestos Guide: Comprehensive EPA guide to asbestos
Education Tax Credits: Because they are credits rather than deductions, you may be able to subtract them in full, dollar for dollar.
Egg Safety: Egg-associated illness caused by Salmonella is a serious public health problem.
Energy Efficient FHA Mortgages: Describes the Energy Efficient Mortgage Program established by FHA
Energy Saving Dishwashers: How to lower the energy use of a diswasher.
Energy Saving Light Fixtures: Saving energy by using the correct light fixtures in your home.
Environmental Considerations When Landscaping: What we do in our yards often affects our neighbors and the environment.
Environmentally-Friendly Landscaping: How to go about implementing environmentally-friendly landscaping around your home.
Extended Unemployment Benefits: Extended Benefits are available to workers who have exhausted regular unemployment insurance benefits during periods of high une
FAQs About Buying HUD Homes: Answers to common questions about buying HUD homes
FHA 203K Loan: The FHA 203K loan program was designed to facilitate the purchase of homes that are in a state of disrepair.Sometimes know as...
FHA Cash Out Refinance Loan: If the value of your home has significantly increased, you could benefit from cash out refinancing for expenses or investments.
FHA Home Loan Financing and Benefits: FHA home mortages have many advantages from lower downpayments to stronger protections.
FHA Home for Sale - How to Buy a HUD Home: Almost anyone can buy a FHA foreclosed home, offered by HUD, and usually get a good bargain.
FHA Mortgage Insurance: Buying a home with an FHA Loan? Putting less than twenty percent down? You'll need FHA mortgage insurance.
FHA Refinance Loan Options and Guidelines: FHA refinance loan programs are available to those who have a current fha loan and those that don't.
FHA Streamline Refinance: The FHA streamline refiance program makes it easy and quick to refinance your home and lower your monthly mortgage payments.
FHA Streamline Refinance FAQ: This faq answers your questions on the FHA Streamline Refinance program. Requirements to qualify and how to find a lender.
Features of Reverse Mortgage Loans: Unlike the typical home loan, the amount you owe on a reverse mortgage grows over time.
Filing For Bankruptcy: Bankruptcy cases cannot be filed in state court.
Filing a Whistleblower Complaint: If you believe your employer has discriminated against you because you exercised your safety and health rights...
First Time Home Buyer Financial Assistance: A description of the unique financing opportunities only available to first time home buyers.
First Time Home Buyer Programs - Arizona: The Arizona Housing Finance Authority assistance for first time and low income prospective home buyers.
First Time Home Buyer Programs - California: The California Housing Finance Agency helps low-income families with programs for first-time homebuyers.
First Time Home Buyer Programs - Illinois: The Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund helps create and fund affordable housing programs for low-income families.
First Time Home Buyer Programs - Minnesota: The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency offers home loan assistance for low and moderate income borrowers.
First Time Home Buyer Programs - New Jersey: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency provides a variety of programs to assist prospective home buyers.
First Time Home Buyer Programs - New York: The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) offers mortgage programs and credit certificates to assist first-time homebuyers.
First Time Home Buyer and Other Home Loan Programs - Colorado: Colorado has several home loan programs available through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and other agencies.
First Time Home Buyer and Other Home Loan Programs - Nevada: The Nevada Housing Division assists low and moderate income families with various home ownership programs across the state.
First Time Home Buyer and Other Home Loan Programs - Ohio: Ohio has several home loan programs available through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and other local agencies.
First Time Home Buyer and Other Home Loan Programs - Oregon: Oregon Housing and Community Services provides affordable housing and supportive services for low income Oregonians.
First Time Home Buyer and Other Home Loan Programs - Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers home loans with low interest rates and fees.
Five Great Ways to Advertise your Rental Home: How to get the word out about your rental property
Fixing High Energy Bills: Tips for lowering the amount of energy your home uses.
Fixing Hot or Cold Rooms: Tips on fixing rooms that are too hot or too cold.
Fixing Moisture On Windows: How to solve the problem of moisture and condensation on windows
Funds for Handyman-Specials and Fixer-Uppers: How to get funds for handyman-specials and fixer-uppers through HUD's 203(k) program.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Effective treatments for anxiety disorders are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies.
Grocery Coupon Online Directory: Comprehensive Listing of local and national grocery websites that provide printable online coupons,flyers, and weekly specials.
Guide to Cleaning Up Heating Oil Discharges: How to clean up a heating oil discharge in your home.
HUD Manufactured Home Fact Sheet: Manufactured Homes Owner Information from HUD
Halloween Safety Tips: Tips can protect children who plan to go trick-or-treating this Halloween.
Hay Fever: The most appropriate medication depends on the type and severity of symptoms.
Hidden Home Health Hazards: How to test for radon and mold, and what to do if they're in your home
Hiring A Lawyer: Make sure to ask your attorney whether he or she specializes in an area of law before you decide to hire them.
Holiday Decorating Safety Tips: Safety tips for all types of holiday decorations: trees, indoor and outdoor lights, candles, and fireplaces
Home Loan and Mortgage Guide: Neighborhood Link has compiled articles to help you with buyng a home, mortgage programs, home loans, and foreclosure.
Home Security Basics-A Short Guide: Basics of Homeowner Security and Safety.
Home Sweet Home Improvement: Ways to safely choose a qualified home improvement pro to help with your project
Homeowner's Glossary of Building Terms: A nice reference for homeowners who are unfamiliar with building terminology.
Homeowners Insurance: Tips on how to shop for homeowners insurance and save money-also avice on flood insurance
Homeowners Insurance: Twelve Ways To Save: Twelve ways to save on homeowners insurance.
Homeowners Roles and Responsibilities: Purchasing a new home is a very exciting time and one that requires an enormous amount of thought and consideration.
How Can I Afford A Fixer-Upper?: Using a HUD 203 (k) loan to purchase a house needing repairs.
How Identity Theft Occurs: Ways thieves can steal your identity and what to do if it happens.
How Landlords Can Use Credit Scoring to Make Rental Decisions: Ways in which FICO credit scores can help landlords choose renters.
How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?: Reasonable planning to successfully afford a suburban house, urban condo, or rural ranch.
How To Avoid Foreclosure: HUD Guide on how to avoid foreclosure.
How To Choose A Contractor: Tips on choosing a contractor and things to watch out for.
How To Spot Counterfeit Money: Hold the bill up to the light and check for:
How To Stop Debt Collector Contacts: Info from the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act on how to stop debt collectors from contacting you.
How to Improve Your Credit Score: Your credit score is calculated using a complex algorithm that takes into account many different factors.
Ice Damming Leaks: What Happened?: How to prevent ice damming leaks on roofs.
Ice Dams: Causes and fixes for icicles and ice dams on the roof.
Identity Theft! Avoid It!: U.S. Governmenet guide to ID theft prevention
Ingested Magnets - Serious Intestinal Injuries: Small magnets can kill children if two or more are swallowed.
Inspecting for Possible Home Earthquake Hazards: Tips on making your home earthquake safe.
Interest Only Mortgage: Lower your monthly mortgage payments by paying only interest - at least for a little while.
Is Your Real Estate Agent Working for You?: The real estate agent that you think is working for your best interests might be working for someone else's.
Jumbo Loans for Jumbo Mortgages: For a home priced over $417,000, you are in jumbo loan territory - where the loans are large and the interest rates are high.
Landscape Shading: Proper landscape shading strategies can help save energy costs and keep you cool in the summer.
Landscape Windbreaks: Strategies, methods, and value of landscape windbreaks around your home-save money and energy.
Landscaping For Water Conservation: Various methods for landscaping while considering water conservation-Planning watering, and xeriscaping are discussed.
Loan Modification: Is it Right For You?: What is loan modification? How is it different than refinancing a mortgage and what does it take to qualify.
Lower Your FHA Loan Payments: If you have an FHA loan, a new loan modification program can help you lower your monthly payments.
Making Your Home Energy Efficient!: How to do a home energy audit and make your home more energy efficient.
Migraine Headaches: Migraine is three times more common in women than in men.
Minimum Wage: The Department of Labor enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Mutual Self-Help Housing Loan Program (Section 502): Self-help loan program to help low-income people afford and build a home.
National Cholesterol Education Month: High blood cholesterol affects over 65 million Americans. It is a serious condition that increases your risk for heart disease.
November is National Adoption Month: Adoption is a lifelong, life-changing journey for all members of the adoption triad.
Obama Loan Modification Plan Explained: Details of the loan modification plan that reduces your mortgage payments and allows you stay in your home.
Obama Mortgage Rescue Plan FAQ: Details on the Obama Mortgage Refinance and Loan Modifcation Plan-Who qualifies and how to get it.
Obesity Paper: Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): People with OCD may be plagued by persistent, unwelcome thoughts or images, or by the urgent need to engage in certain rituals.
Out! Out! Darn Spot!-Remove Oil Spots: How to remove oil spots from concrete driveways.
Paying for College 101: There’s no way around it. A college education is expensive, especially if you or your child goes to a private school.
Peeling Paint: Causes and cures for peeling paint
Pet Ownership Responsibilities: Responsibility aspects of pet ownership in an hoa or neighborhood association-methods and ordinances.
Pets and Asthma: The most effective method to control animal allergens in the home is to not allow animals in the home.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): People with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb.
Prepaid Credit Cards: There are plenty of situations where a prepaid card might be the most convenient choice, but be sure you understand the terms
Preventing Dog Bites: Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites.
Preventing Identity Theft: Detailed discussion of how it can happen to you and what to do if it does-many useful links as well.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Protecting Your Home From Burglars-Some Tips: Best methods of protecting your home from burglars in various situations and scenarios.
Removing Mold, Mildew Or Musty Odors From Your Home: How to remove mold, mildew, and musty odors from your home.
Renegotiating Technology Services in a Recession: Most technology companies are hemorrhaging customers.
Rights and Responsibilities in a Community Association: The various right and responsibilites that go along with belonging to a community associaton.
Rural Single Family Home Loans: Section 502 loans can help low-income families purchase homes in rural areas.
Safety Recalls: When buying a used vehicle or other second-hand product check to make sure it hasn't been the subject of a product recall-two links to gov't websites.
Safety at Home: Great safety tips for home-how to prevent poisonings, falls, fires, suffocation and other mishaps including keeping your home safe from intruders.
Save Money On Your Cable/Satellite TV Bill: Almost everyone can save money on their Satellite or Cable television bill.
Save Money On Your Cell Phone Bill: Before you sign your next cell phone contract, do the math.
Save Money On Your Family's Technology Needs: Do not continue to pay for any technology services at the current rates.
Saving Energy Use by Refrigerators and Freezers: Information and tips on saving energy use of refrigerators and freezers
Saving Water Can Save You Money: Excellent tips and planning guide for saving money by saving water in your garden and landscaping.
Secondhand Smoke and Asthma: Many of the health effects of secondhand smoke, including asthma, are most clearly seen in children.
Securing Your Wireless Network: A wireless network can connect computers in different parts of your home or business without a tangle of cords.
Selecting a Home Improvement Contractor: How to choose and deal with a contractor when doing home improvements-how to avoid fraud.
Selecting the Right Paints: How to select the right paint for your home or building-a consumer's guide.
September is Baby Safety Month: Most deaths are associated with cribs, baby baths/bath seats, and playpens.
Service Contracts: Should You Buy One?: Service contracts and extended warranties: Should you buy them?
Shopping for Energy-Efficient Appliances and Home Electronics: Guidlines and Info on Buying Energy Efficient Appliances and Home Electronics.
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder): People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others.
Soft Bedding May Be Hazardous To Babies: Great recommendations on safe bedding practices when putting infants down to sleep.
Space Heating and Cooling: Saving Energy and Money: Saving money and energy with heating and cooling-links to energy calculators and more.
State DUI Laws: Every state has "Implied Consent" laws.
Strings, Cords, etc. Can Be Hazardous To Infants: Never tie pacifiers, necklaces, toys, or other items around a child's neck.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): As of Oct. 1, 2008, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program.
Tax Credits for Energy Conscious Purchases: New tax laws will allow tax credits for energy-conscious purchases.
Ten Tips to Protect Children from Poisonings: These simple steps can help you save children from environmental hazards around the home
Teratogens (What to Avoid During Pregnancy): Many things can cause physical defects in a developing embryo
The 2009 Mortgage Bailout: The administration is launching what it calls the “Making Home Affordable” initiative.
The 2009 Mortgage Bailout Executive Summary: Homeowners with mortgages up to $729,750 may qualify for this program.
The Different Forms of Depression: There are several forms of depressive disorders. The most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.
The Digital TV (DTV) Transition: Converting to DTV will free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum.
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP): Two groups of people would benefit directly from the President’s plan.
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC): The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is the most important resource for creating affordable housing in the United States.
The National Do Not Call Registry List: Telephone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently.
Three Ways Tenant Screening Improves Your Neighborhood: Improving your neighborhood by screening renters
Tips On Buying a Home: Helpful tips and links on buying a home.
Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer: It is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare personal returns.
Top 5 Tips for Avoiding the Pitfalls of Email: email is playing an increasingly important role in the day to day operations of community associations
Top Five Water-saving Techniques: It's not just the dry western areas of the country which need to be concerned with water efficiency.
Top Ten Condo Defects: Arm yourself with the Top Ten Condo Defects before you go shopping for your new home.
Top Ten Home Improvements for Seniors: Placing non-skid strips in bathtubs or safety bars in showers and handrails on both side of the stairwells.
Toxic Mold Environments: Moisture and My Home: Toxic Mold:Health Risks, Detection, Prevention, and Remediation
Trade Adjustment Assistance: For those laid off or hours reduced because their employer was adversely affected by increased imports from other countries.
Trampoline Safety: Here are the steps you can take to help prevent serious trampoline injuries, especially paralysis, fractures, sprains, and bruis
USDA Rural Housing Repair and Rehab Loans: Loans and grants available for low income families to repair or rehabilitate their homes.
Understanding Car Rental Agreements: Renting a car can be confusing and expensive if you don't understand industry terms and how fees are calculated.
Unemployment Benefits Explained: It generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers: Benefits are paid for by the various branches of the military, NOAA or USPHS.
Unemployment Contact Information: You should contact the State Unemployment Insurance agency as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
Using Grocery Coupons Effectively to Save Money: Learning how to use coupons effectively can save your family hundreds of dollars each year.
Water Conservation Tips Around the Home: Conserving water around your home:Indoors and Outdoors-Very Useful Tips that will save you water and money
Water Efficiency Measures for Landscaping: Best practices for water efficiency measures in regards to landscaping
Wearing a Helmet Can Save Your Life!: Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head injury and even save your life.
What Are Biofuels?: Description of the different types of biofuels.
What Are Eating Disorders?: Eating disorders are very complex, despite scientific research to understand them.
What Are U.S. Savings Bonds?: U.S. Savings Bonds are a safe, easy way to save money and a solid addition to your investment portfolio.
What Is A Deed-In-Lieu?: If you are at the point of being willing to give up your home, but want to avoid foreclosure read this article
What Is A Pesticide?: Most pesticides contain chemicals that can be harmful to people, animals, or the environment.
What Is A Short Sale?: In a short sale, the owner of a home and their mortgage lender agree to sell the home at a discounted price.
What Is Phishing?: Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information.
What are Anxiety Disorders?: Effective treatments for anxiety disorders are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help.
What are Dust Mites?: Common house dust may contain asthma triggers. When you are treating your house for dust mites, try these simple steps.
What are Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)?: Health Savings Accounts will change the way millions meet their health care needs
What are the FHA Loan Requirements?: The FHA makes it easy to secure a home loan. The FHA Loan Requirements are described in detail in this article.
What is Binge Drinking?: binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above.
What is Depression?: Depression is more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days.
What is Ethanol?: Overview of Ethanol-How it is made and How it is used
What is Foreclosure?: If you are facing the possibility of foreclosure, there are two important questions that you need to ask yourself.
What is Panic Disorder?: Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep. An attack usually peaks within 10 minutes.
What is a Credit Score?: Your credit score is usually based on 5 criteria.
What is a Reverse Mortgage?: A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows you to convert some of the equity in your home into cash.
When CAUGHT in a Winter Storm...: Stay in your car or truck. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
Whistleblower Protection Program: Protecting employees who report violations of various trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, and other laws.
Why Are My Floors Cold?: Tips for figuring out why floors are cold
Why Is My Basement Damp?: Causes and solutions for damp basements
Winter Readiness: Homeowner Tips for preparing for Winter.
Winter Storms Deceptive Killers: Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms.

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