Real Estate Designers offers totally innovative solutions for your software development, Internet programming, real estate web design and hosting needs. Our service includes domain name registration and real estate web design. Real Estate Designers provides the complete solution including design, application development and marketing.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Heat a casualty in foreclosures
Tenants in some foreclosed Boston apartment buildings are living without adequate heat because the new landlords - mortgage companies often based in other states - have not repaired broken systems or paid for the delivery of heating oil.
Karla Herrera, who gave birth to a daughter Wednesday, has lived without heat in her Roxbury apartment since November, when the system broke. "Sometimes, I turn on the oven for 20 minutes for heat," she said in Spanish, speaking through an interpreter.
Some foreclosed buildings also lack electricity, or hot water, or even running water, and the tenants may have no one to call: The new landlords often fail to provide tenants with a contact number, as required by Massachusetts law. And when landlords can be reached, the response is often so limited - half a tank of heating oil, for example - that the problems recur within a few days.
City officials say they have dealt with a dozen cases in the last two weeks of utility problems at foreclosed apartment buildings. Michael Kelley, acting administrator of the city's Rental Housing Resource Center, said the numbers are rising as foreclosures pile up and temperatures drop.
He said the city is searching for ways to compel companies to fulfill their responsibilities as landlords. The city also is trying to persuade the companies to improve voluntarily. "It is a sad state of affairs," he said, "that it takes a government agency to reach out to a responsible party to get some action."
At Boston Medical Center, a growing number of children who live in foreclosed buildings are being treated for problems related to a lack of heat, hot water, or electricity, according to the hospital's legal aid clinic, the Medical-Legal Partnership for Children.
One malnourished child was living in a building without running water, making it hard for the mother to mix formula. A child with sickle-cell anemia was treated for pain after temperature fluctuations in an unheated apartment caused the disease to flare up. The medical center's emergency room has treated children whose asthma inhalers cannot be recharged because their apartments have no electricity.
State law prevents utility companies from suspending service in the winter months if a tenant can prove financial hardship. Ellen Lawton, the legal aid clinic's executive director, said that isn't always enough. "The law on the books says they can't, but they do," she said. "And then who do you go to to get it turned back on?"
Massachusetts requires landlords to heat apartments to 68 degrees by day and 64 degrees at night. But on a recent 25-degree morning, Herrera's apartment was comfortable only with a winter coat. The thermostat was broken. When the heating system was engaged, the vents blew cold air into the living room.
source: boston.com
Karla Herrera, who gave birth to a daughter Wednesday, has lived without heat in her Roxbury apartment since November, when the system broke. "Sometimes, I turn on the oven for 20 minutes for heat," she said in Spanish, speaking through an interpreter.
Some foreclosed buildings also lack electricity, or hot water, or even running water, and the tenants may have no one to call: The new landlords often fail to provide tenants with a contact number, as required by Massachusetts law. And when landlords can be reached, the response is often so limited - half a tank of heating oil, for example - that the problems recur within a few days.
City officials say they have dealt with a dozen cases in the last two weeks of utility problems at foreclosed apartment buildings. Michael Kelley, acting administrator of the city's Rental Housing Resource Center, said the numbers are rising as foreclosures pile up and temperatures drop.
He said the city is searching for ways to compel companies to fulfill their responsibilities as landlords. The city also is trying to persuade the companies to improve voluntarily. "It is a sad state of affairs," he said, "that it takes a government agency to reach out to a responsible party to get some action."
At Boston Medical Center, a growing number of children who live in foreclosed buildings are being treated for problems related to a lack of heat, hot water, or electricity, according to the hospital's legal aid clinic, the Medical-Legal Partnership for Children.
One malnourished child was living in a building without running water, making it hard for the mother to mix formula. A child with sickle-cell anemia was treated for pain after temperature fluctuations in an unheated apartment caused the disease to flare up. The medical center's emergency room has treated children whose asthma inhalers cannot be recharged because their apartments have no electricity.
State law prevents utility companies from suspending service in the winter months if a tenant can prove financial hardship. Ellen Lawton, the legal aid clinic's executive director, said that isn't always enough. "The law on the books says they can't, but they do," she said. "And then who do you go to to get it turned back on?"
Massachusetts requires landlords to heat apartments to 68 degrees by day and 64 degrees at night. But on a recent 25-degree morning, Herrera's apartment was comfortable only with a winter coat. The thermostat was broken. When the heating system was engaged, the vents blew cold air into the living room.
source: boston.com
As housing slump continues, owners look for tax cuts
Homeowners across the nation are looking to county governments to reassess the values of their homes in the face of flattening and falling prices that have befallen scores of markets from coast to coast.
more stories like this
* Day of downtime at Logan
* Reconstruction usually not discussed before breast cancer surgery, study finds
* Ohio TV station produces news for rival
* Writers guild seeks Web compensation
* After fires, Calif. rain mudslide threat
*
Downward assessments appear to be most pronounced in areas where the housing market was exploding just a few years ago, or where economic conditions are poorest.
In Maricopa County, the largest in Arizona, a "large percentage" of the 1 million single-family homeowners will see their houses reassessed at lower rates in February, said Keith Russell, the county assessor.
In Phoenix, the largest city in the county, housing prices fell 8.8 percent over the last year, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller index, which monitors the residential housing market.
Among the roughly 200,000 parcels in Lucas County, Ohio, 7,083 owners requested reassessments in 2007, about 10 times the yearly average, said Anita Lopez, the assessor, who ran for office on a campaign to adjust assessments.
"Citizens know the market is slow if not declining," Lopez said, "and they are informed and feel comfortable in challenging their county values. People here can't sell their homes, they have less money, and they don't understand why the government is asking for more money in a declining housing market."
Local governments, which rely heavily on property taxes, will have to find ways to replace lost revenue or face having to cut services, lay off staff members or delay projects. The possibility of those losses has alarmed officials in areas already facing large numbers of foreclosures and slumping sales, products, in part, of the mortgage credit crisis that has rippled through the country.
While every state and local government has its own methods for assessing home values for tax purposes - some do it annually, some every five years, and everything in between - many counties are hearing from residents that they would like their homes reassessed, or have taken steps to bring the taxes down of their own volition.
"Government has been the beneficiary of increasing home prices," said Relmond Van Daniker, the executive director of the Association of Government Accountants. "And now they are on the other side of that, and they will have to reduce expenses."
While in some areas, a county or city is required to make whole any loss in revenues to schools, public education is the frequent benefactor of property tax revenues. "They are obviously concerned," Lopez said about her county's school systems.
No one has aggregated the total number of counties reassessing home values, and many counties take at least a year to catch up to the marketplace. In some places where reassessments are rising, the numbers have yet to approach historical heights.
For example, in 2007 roughly 1,800 homeowners asked for reassessments in Los Angeles county, far above the average of about 500, yet far below the tens of thousands of homeowners in Los Angeles who looked for tax adjustments during some years of the downturn in the 1990s. But elected officials and property tax experts said that the numbers were notable and that they expected them to grow in 2008.
"You should see more of this activity," said Chris Hoene, director of policy and research at the National League of Cities. "It is mostly in areas most likely to be seeing some decline, like Southern California, Florida, and big cities in the Midwest," rapid growth areas that are now seeing the other side of the curve
source: boston.com
more stories like this
* Day of downtime at Logan
* Reconstruction usually not discussed before breast cancer surgery, study finds
* Ohio TV station produces news for rival
* Writers guild seeks Web compensation
* After fires, Calif. rain mudslide threat
*
Downward assessments appear to be most pronounced in areas where the housing market was exploding just a few years ago, or where economic conditions are poorest.
In Maricopa County, the largest in Arizona, a "large percentage" of the 1 million single-family homeowners will see their houses reassessed at lower rates in February, said Keith Russell, the county assessor.
In Phoenix, the largest city in the county, housing prices fell 8.8 percent over the last year, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller index, which monitors the residential housing market.
Among the roughly 200,000 parcels in Lucas County, Ohio, 7,083 owners requested reassessments in 2007, about 10 times the yearly average, said Anita Lopez, the assessor, who ran for office on a campaign to adjust assessments.
"Citizens know the market is slow if not declining," Lopez said, "and they are informed and feel comfortable in challenging their county values. People here can't sell their homes, they have less money, and they don't understand why the government is asking for more money in a declining housing market."
Local governments, which rely heavily on property taxes, will have to find ways to replace lost revenue or face having to cut services, lay off staff members or delay projects. The possibility of those losses has alarmed officials in areas already facing large numbers of foreclosures and slumping sales, products, in part, of the mortgage credit crisis that has rippled through the country.
While every state and local government has its own methods for assessing home values for tax purposes - some do it annually, some every five years, and everything in between - many counties are hearing from residents that they would like their homes reassessed, or have taken steps to bring the taxes down of their own volition.
"Government has been the beneficiary of increasing home prices," said Relmond Van Daniker, the executive director of the Association of Government Accountants. "And now they are on the other side of that, and they will have to reduce expenses."
While in some areas, a county or city is required to make whole any loss in revenues to schools, public education is the frequent benefactor of property tax revenues. "They are obviously concerned," Lopez said about her county's school systems.
No one has aggregated the total number of counties reassessing home values, and many counties take at least a year to catch up to the marketplace. In some places where reassessments are rising, the numbers have yet to approach historical heights.
For example, in 2007 roughly 1,800 homeowners asked for reassessments in Los Angeles county, far above the average of about 500, yet far below the tens of thousands of homeowners in Los Angeles who looked for tax adjustments during some years of the downturn in the 1990s. But elected officials and property tax experts said that the numbers were notable and that they expected them to grow in 2008.
"You should see more of this activity," said Chris Hoene, director of policy and research at the National League of Cities. "It is mostly in areas most likely to be seeing some decline, like Southern California, Florida, and big cities in the Midwest," rapid growth areas that are now seeing the other side of the curve
source: boston.com
Stoughton
A recent study about this town summarized one of its key attractions this way: "It is an excellent place to live for those commuting to urban centers or other distant communities for work."
This Norfolk County town is served by three exits off Route 24, making Interstates 93 and 95 a short drive. It also has an MBTA commuter rail terminus in downtown.
Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz also said the community has a diverse population, affordable housing when compared to some surrounding communities, and "what I would consider a good school system."
Stankiewicz noted the town is now a full member of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, assuring steady water supplies, in contrast to neighboring Brockton which is pushing for a desalination plant.
Stankiewicz said residential taxpayers are helped by the fact that roughly 20 percent of town is commercial property, including a giant IKEA store and a Target store now being built.
"There is a lot of services for the tax money," he said.
Greenspace includes town-owned Cedar Hill Golf Course, a nine-hole course, and the 675-acre Bird Street conservation area.
Once home to Ponkapoag Native Americans, Stoughton was first part of Dorchester settlement, but became its own town in 1726.
On a recent week, Realtor.com listed 109 single-family homes, ranging from $149,900 for a two-bed, one-bath, 744-square-foot home to $1.3 million for a four-bed, 4.5-bath, 4,800-square-foot home on 4.2 acres. Median price of a single-family home through November was $320,000, according to Warren Group, which publishes real estate information.
source: boston.com
This Norfolk County town is served by three exits off Route 24, making Interstates 93 and 95 a short drive. It also has an MBTA commuter rail terminus in downtown.
Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz also said the community has a diverse population, affordable housing when compared to some surrounding communities, and "what I would consider a good school system."
Stankiewicz noted the town is now a full member of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, assuring steady water supplies, in contrast to neighboring Brockton which is pushing for a desalination plant.
Stankiewicz said residential taxpayers are helped by the fact that roughly 20 percent of town is commercial property, including a giant IKEA store and a Target store now being built.
"There is a lot of services for the tax money," he said.
Greenspace includes town-owned Cedar Hill Golf Course, a nine-hole course, and the 675-acre Bird Street conservation area.
Once home to Ponkapoag Native Americans, Stoughton was first part of Dorchester settlement, but became its own town in 1726.
On a recent week, Realtor.com listed 109 single-family homes, ranging from $149,900 for a two-bed, one-bath, 744-square-foot home to $1.3 million for a four-bed, 4.5-bath, 4,800-square-foot home on 4.2 acres. Median price of a single-family home through November was $320,000, according to Warren Group, which publishes real estate information.
source: boston.com
Best type of paint for atrium door?
I have just had an out-swinging exterior atrium door with an interior retracting screen installed leading to my deck. In nice weather, I plan to leave the door open for fresh air. The door came primed and I painted the outward facing side with an exterior latex paint. I have not painted the interior side yet. The top of the door is currently not painted, but is raw wood. If it happens to rain when the door is open, the door will get wet.
more stories like this
Should I paint the interior side with an exterior grade paint? Is there a product that is better than paint to apply to the top of the doors so water won't get in and warp it?
DJL, Boston
A. For your purposes, I think it is best to paint the primed interior face of the door with two coats of a latex solid stain; it is an exterior finish but will give an interior feel to it, and will be weather-resistant.
For the top (and sides and bottom, for that matter), prime with an exterior latex primer where necessary and finish with an exterior latex paint. This should seal it sufficiently to resist absorption of moisture and subsequent swelling.
Q. I know you addressed how to deal with noisy next-door neighbors in a townhouse. My problem is my downstairs neighbors. I can hear them talking in the bedroom late at night. Usually it's after 3 in the morning. I have wall-to-wall carpeting. Is there something I can put under the carpet to absorb the sound? I don't like having to go sleep on the couch every night.
C.C., by e-mail
A. The best way to stop that sound transfer is to build a separate ceiling in the neighbor's unit. Since this is impractical, I suggest you buy a sound-absorbing pad that comes in 4- by 8-foot panels.
Remove the carpet, and put down the panels, with tight seams. Make sure they are tight against the wall or baseboard; if there is a quarter-round at the bottom of the baseboard, remove it. Tape all seams and caulk perimeter joints. Put the carpet back.
It might take some effort to find sound-absorbing board. A lumber store, if it does not carry it, can order it.
Or, buy a fiberboard panel made by Homasote, which calls it carpet cushion. It is designed as a carpet pad, or cushion, but should also help reduce sound transfer.
Q. What is the deal with radiator covers and energy efficiency? I hear mixed reports as to whether they make the heating system more or less efficient. Based on what I hear, I am inclined to believe that they make the system less efficient, especially if they are wood rather than metal. That's unfortunate, because I am hoping to cover many of the radiators in my house with wood covers in order to keep them from burning little fingers. Is there anything you can do to help make radiator covers more efficient (or at least less inefficient)? I have heard about putting foil in back of the radiators but would like to hear if there is any company that makes these sorts of reflectors in a less ad-hoc way than using rolls of aluminum foil.
source: boston.com
more stories like this
Should I paint the interior side with an exterior grade paint? Is there a product that is better than paint to apply to the top of the doors so water won't get in and warp it?
DJL, Boston
A. For your purposes, I think it is best to paint the primed interior face of the door with two coats of a latex solid stain; it is an exterior finish but will give an interior feel to it, and will be weather-resistant.
For the top (and sides and bottom, for that matter), prime with an exterior latex primer where necessary and finish with an exterior latex paint. This should seal it sufficiently to resist absorption of moisture and subsequent swelling.
Q. I know you addressed how to deal with noisy next-door neighbors in a townhouse. My problem is my downstairs neighbors. I can hear them talking in the bedroom late at night. Usually it's after 3 in the morning. I have wall-to-wall carpeting. Is there something I can put under the carpet to absorb the sound? I don't like having to go sleep on the couch every night.
C.C., by e-mail
A. The best way to stop that sound transfer is to build a separate ceiling in the neighbor's unit. Since this is impractical, I suggest you buy a sound-absorbing pad that comes in 4- by 8-foot panels.
Remove the carpet, and put down the panels, with tight seams. Make sure they are tight against the wall or baseboard; if there is a quarter-round at the bottom of the baseboard, remove it. Tape all seams and caulk perimeter joints. Put the carpet back.
It might take some effort to find sound-absorbing board. A lumber store, if it does not carry it, can order it.
Or, buy a fiberboard panel made by Homasote, which calls it carpet cushion. It is designed as a carpet pad, or cushion, but should also help reduce sound transfer.
Q. What is the deal with radiator covers and energy efficiency? I hear mixed reports as to whether they make the heating system more or less efficient. Based on what I hear, I am inclined to believe that they make the system less efficient, especially if they are wood rather than metal. That's unfortunate, because I am hoping to cover many of the radiators in my house with wood covers in order to keep them from burning little fingers. Is there anything you can do to help make radiator covers more efficient (or at least less inefficient)? I have heard about putting foil in back of the radiators but would like to hear if there is any company that makes these sorts of reflectors in a less ad-hoc way than using rolls of aluminum foil.
source: boston.com
Stained glass, turned staircase, and wainscoting enhance condo
It's easy to forget this is a condominium upon entering this Grande Dame that came close to being destroyed in Salem's 1914 fire (the flames died out one block away). One of three units converted to condos, this one claims the elegant front of the building. The pillars on the large and private front porch, outer vestibule, and front door all hint at bold features inside. Indeed, a gallery-like entry features a festival of rich quarter sawn oak on raised-panel wainscoting, 13-foot coffered ceilings, a curved semi-circular area containing a niche, and a grand turned, hand-carved staircase. Stained-glass windows embellish the landing.
Off to the left of the entry, the kitchen once housed the smoking room, according to owner Alicia Churchill. She says three brothers built this and several other homes in the neighborhood and saved the best materials for this one, where they lived. The fireplace in the adjacent living room is made from Welsh brick and stone and is trimmed with egg and dart molding and a large bay window includes an alluring seat. On a far wall, handsome built-in bookcases sit on each side of a wooden archway, which has since been closed off with gorgeous solid wood. The hardwood floors throughout could stand to be touched up; the second and third levels are more prosaic as well as in need of refreshing, too.
Still, the upper levels are spacious and appealing and contain a good bathroom (none on first floor; one in basement). Two bonuses: The ocean is a block away and the neighbors, with whom the unit shares a yard, are quiet and congenial, says Churchill. The monthly condo fee is $228. Listing broker is Pam McKee of Keller Williams Realty, Salem.
source: boston.com
Off to the left of the entry, the kitchen once housed the smoking room, according to owner Alicia Churchill. She says three brothers built this and several other homes in the neighborhood and saved the best materials for this one, where they lived. The fireplace in the adjacent living room is made from Welsh brick and stone and is trimmed with egg and dart molding and a large bay window includes an alluring seat. On a far wall, handsome built-in bookcases sit on each side of a wooden archway, which has since been closed off with gorgeous solid wood. The hardwood floors throughout could stand to be touched up; the second and third levels are more prosaic as well as in need of refreshing, too.
Still, the upper levels are spacious and appealing and contain a good bathroom (none on first floor; one in basement). Two bonuses: The ocean is a block away and the neighbors, with whom the unit shares a yard, are quiet and congenial, says Churchill. The monthly condo fee is $228. Listing broker is Pam McKee of Keller Williams Realty, Salem.
source: boston.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)