Other topics of interest to buyers

Other topics that you may have Questions about –

The 10th in the series of 10 pages answering Frequently Asked Questions from Buyers. Mostly links to interesting articles and posts about the topics that weren’t covered in the first 9 pages. The real estate process is never the same twice and not all of these topics would come up in a typical purchase; but they do come up.

Where can I get help with my down payment? There is a State Government program available in Michigan (there are probably similar programs in other states) under MSHDA (Michigan State Housing and Development Authority). This response is from their site.

Is there any way to buy a house these days for zero down? - There are at least two programs available in Michigan in which you might qualify for a zero-down loan the USDA Rural Development Program and under your VA Benefits. There are special VA programs for disabled vets.

PMI – What is it and do I have to have it? From Bankrate.com Under FHA, VA and USDA this would be called MIP and here’s an article on MIP and how to cancel it.

Land Contracts – What are they – good article by Elizabeth Winetraub

Rent-to-Own – What’s that all about – from the How stuff Works site

Tips for Unmarried Couples Buying a Home – it’s not the same

Housing for LGBT People: What You Need to Know About Property Ownership and Discrimination

Guide to Buying a Home of Your Own for People with Disabilities

Advice for Military Service Members about Home Buying from Veterans United

Fair Housing Act – The HUD site that explains what your rights are under the Fair Housing Act

Home Warranties - Do I need One? – From Angies’ List

Wells and Septics – I’ve never had that before, what should I know about them? – a good read on the topic from the Barrington Area Council of Governments

Where can I find a map of the lake that the home I’m considering buying is on? – In Michigan the DNR maintains these maps of inland lakes

A Real Estate Glossary – this is a Web site that seems to have a relatively complete glossary of real estate and mortgage terminology

Home Buying Articles and Advice – the same Web site as the for the glossary above has a good collection of articles on home buying to read

Home remodeling – How much is too much? – from Yahoo’s Finance section

Divorce and Real Estate – a link to DivorceNet.com

Who owns the fence - an interesting article on the issue of shared fences

Mineral rights- what are they? How do I know if I own the mineral rights to my property?

Water Damage and Mold - a link to a great informational site dealing with those two issues.

What should I know about asbestos? Asbestos was used somewhere in some way in most homes built before the 1960’s. Most of the time is was used as an insulator, in the heating systems or is materials used as wall and attic insulation. It was also used to make floor tiles and siding for homes. Asbestos is a leading cause of cancer and you may end up running in to it in a home modernization project. Here is sa good site to do some research on before you try tackling asbestos - https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/home-repair-remodeling/

Thanks for taking the time to read through this series of pages. If you have questions that were not covered here, please email me and ask your questions. I’ll try to answer and you’ll be helping not only yourself, but others who probably are hitting the same things that you are.