L.A. Times - Real Estate News
Landscape rules on how much lawn is enough differ by cityDepending on what city you live in (and sometimes what part of your city), the rules vary that govern how much greenery you have . Best to check before ripping out the grass and pouring concrete.
KEEPING that thick, verdant blanket of grass watered in these dog days of summer is about as economical and conservation-minded an enterprise as gassing up the family SUV for the weekly commute or a long-distance vacation. It costs a bundle, and pretty soon you have to do it all over again. |
Real estate agents caravan is all about the foodAmid a slow housing market, Realtors are offering omelet bars, homemade cookies and other delectables to lure agents to their listings.
APPARENTLY, the way to a real estate agent's heart is through his or her stomach. |
Tankless water heaters don't always reduce energy billsImproper installation or product sizing can get in the way of any instant energy savings. Before installing, consider all the specifications.
STEVE BROWNELL has a dim view of his tankless water heater, and he's in denial about his utility bills. |
Condo buyers are in the driver's seatBut with few projects on the horizon, good deals that are available now may not last.
Saving up for a brand-new condo that's move-in ready? Just want to turn the key and unpack your boxes? Condominiums are a popular alternative to single-family homes because of their relative affordability and low upkeep. But with little construction on the horizon, there will be fewer newly built units to pick from down the road. |
Taking steps to make sure your builder won't go bustWith more firms in financial trouble, buyers could be left holding the bag.
It's always wise for would-be home buyers to make sure that the builders they choose are on solid footing. But at a time when many companies are teetering on the brink of financial ruin, it's necessary to be as picky about the builder as the floor plans and options he offers. |
Homeowners get tax breaks in housing billThe Housing and Economic Recovery Act doesn't only stave off foreclosures and help troubled lenders. First-time buyers, older homeowners and others also benefit.
Tax breaks for owning real estate are undergoing another shift, thanks to the Housing and Economic Recovery Act recently signed into law by President Bush. |
Law narrows home sellers' use of tax-free exclusion-- Deep in the nearly 700 pages of the new housing bill just signed into law is a complicated tax code change that could affect substantial numbers of people who purchase second homes or rental investment real estate in the coming decade with an eye to occupying them as their main residence later. |
Don't blow your budget on rentDear Liz: I have read in your columns and elsewhere that people shouldn't spend more than 30% of their gross incomes on housing. |
Should you buy a home now?The drop in prices may mean it's time to jump in. Or is it too soon? Experts offer pros and cons.
Southern California median home sale prices are down about 30% from their peak. That's about as far as they fell in the 1990s real estate downturn, and enough of a decline to have many asking: Is it time to buy? ¶ Some are already answering with their checkbooks. In the inland areas where prices have crashed hardest, buyers are slowly returning. ¶ But many of those who study housing markets say the worst is yet to come for real estate. Buy now, they warn, and you'll regret it as prices continue falling. ¶ Others contend that prices are low enough that renters who aspire to own should buy now so they can start building their equity. ¶ Predicting price trends is a dodgy business, and there's no one right answer for everyone. But if you are thinking about buying now, here are some pros and cons to consider. |
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