|
May 5, 2001
 |
In today's litigious society, neighbors, friends and even relatives may parlay an accidental fall into a big settlement. It's up to homeowners to guard against hazards. Story
A homeowner's hazard checklist
Here is a list of the most common potential hazards, starting from the outside and working in. Many of them are easy to overlook, but they're also easy to fix.
[Times art: Teresanne Cossetta] |
The Home Front
Briefs and news of note
Expect a rather liberal definition of 'family'
Question: Our documents restrict use of homes to a single family. A purchase is pending and the new owner will move in with a live-in nanny, another woman and her son, plus a possible teenager. We know this is a non-traditional lifestyle. I'm told by some that there is zero we can do about this.
Reader Exchange
Teacher's laptop needs guidance
 |
At Xeriscape University, gardeners can learn how to create a lush landscape that conserves water. Story
[Times photo: Jamie Francis] |
Personality blossoms in a garden
In one Old Northeast garden, large plants and bright colors create an expansive, eager mood, a reflection of the gardener's approach to life. Spring strollers may be inspired by this and other gardens during today's tour.
How do we use our kitchens?
We cook from scratch most days, a survey finds. The most important area is the sink, and most of us have too much clutter on our countertops.
Make hurricane plans now for pets
Question: We missed your hurricane information last year. Please write a column before the season starts, giving safe places to take pets and farm animals. Thanks.
St. Petersburg Times real estate classified ads:
Other recent real estate stories:
Lower your taxes with homestead exemption
A nation of homeowners
How good is your escrow coverage?
Don't ask
To have and to hold a mortgage of their own
A testament to hope (Jan. 23, 1999)
Program can help with down payment, closing costs
From hope to homeowner (Jan. 9, 1999)
Woman's untidiness leads to legal wrangle
Commission add-ons (Jan. 2, 1999)
Children are not to be seen here either
Other real estate links (from Yahoo!):
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. From the folks at HomeFair.Com.
Best Places to Live 1997: From Money magazine.
MoveQuest: maps, financing tools, price data, logistical tips.
TenantNet: a resource for residential tenants' rights.
FAQs for Home Buyers and Owners: From the America Society of Home Inspectors.
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.
R-Net: Real Estate and the Net: links and tips for the busy. Of interest to investors, brokers and consumers. Accepts factual ads.
Real Estate Library: collection of informative articles about buying and selling real estate.
Realtor.com: includes info on buying and selling real estate, allows you to browse property ads in the U.S. and locate realtors.
Regional real estate links:
Florida Home Builders - features Florida developers with Web sites.
Florida Living Network - listing of real estate companies and Realtors in Florida.
© Copyright 2001 St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.
Looking for some helpful real estate links on the Web? Click here.
Contact real estate writer Teresa Burney via e-mail at burney@sptimes.com. |
