[AP Photo]

One company takes the testing of its carpet fibers an extra step: using a team of walkers to measure a rug's durability. Story

Home front
Briefs and news of note

Who is responsible for injuries incurred during repairs?
Question: The president of our homeowner association does repairs and maintenance periodically in the neighborhood and is compensated for this work. One of the residents does the same. Do they need workers' compensation insurance? Is the board in jeopardy if something happens to either of these people?

Bay area home starts remain high
Residential communities in Pasco County held three of the top five spots in a ranking of the area's top 10 communities based on annual new home starts.

House Values
St. Petersburg

Homebuyer U
TOPIC: "Getting a Mortgage" classes are designed to help first-time home buyers go through the process and qualify for down payment and closing costs assistance. SPONSOR: Community Service Foundation. WHERE: Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N, St. Petersburg. WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday. COST: Free. CALL: (727) 461-0618.

 

St. Petersburg Times real estate classified ads:

Regional real estate links:
Tampa Bay Homes - Search local MLS listings, a service of Tampabay.com.
Florida Home Builders - features Florida developers with Web sites.

Other real estate links:
Cost of Living calculator: compares the cost of living in any two cities. Also includes links to Salary Calculator and Moving Calculator among other tools.
Home Buyer and Renter Consumer Information: From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Home Buying Tips: from the U.S. Government General Services Administration.
Realtor.com: includes info on buying and selling real estate, allows you to browse property ads in the U.S. and locate realtors.