The Dream of Living in a Log Home is Alive in Northern Michigan - My North - April 2010 - Northern Michigan

The Dream of Living in a Log Home is Alive in Northern Michigan - My North - April 2010 - Northern Michigan

Photograph by: Todd Zawistowski

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Speeding up spring means work for farmers

Speeding up spring means work for farmers: The last day of winter is feeling a lot more like summer, and these hot temperatures have farmers across Northern Michigan scrambling to get ready for an early crop.

Real Estate Terms and What They Mean

By Patricia Orsini | Posted Sep 8th 2010 3:40PM

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Jaime Uziel knows that as a real estate attorney his clients depend on him to interpret the legalese that's part of any real estate transaction. He's happy to do that, he says, but he also tries to educate his clients about real estate terms and what they mean.

"They are the ones signing these documents, and they should know what it all means," says Uziel, who practices in San Francisco. "I want them to know what a title is and what exactly goes into closing costs."

Here are common real estate terms that homebuyers encounter when they work with real estate agents, mortgage brokers and real estate attorneys. Be prepared by knowing these real estate terms and what they mean before you sign on the dotted line.

3 Ways for Twentysomethings to Get Ahead Financially - Kiplinger

3 Ways for Twentysomethings to Get Ahead Financially - Kiplinger

In Light of Recent Weather Events, Here are "Winter Storm Questions and Answers" for Home Owners

Winter Storm Questions & Answers

Posted: 12/22/2011

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Q: What are some steps homeowners can take in advance of a winter storm to help prevent or minimize damage?
A: Have a plan. What will your alternate heat and/or power source be? Where will you go if your residence is not fit to live in? Most areas have emergency plans — who can you contact locally for assistance? City/County/Red Cross/Faith-Based Group? Good general maintenance of your property will minimize opportunity for loss during winter storms. If you lose power during freezing temperatures and it becomes necessary for you to leave your residence unattended, turning off the main water source could prevent serious water damage if any plumbing is affected.

Goodbye, paper. Hello, 'e-closings'

Electronic processes are poised to make homebuying easier on the wallet — and on trees.

When Charles Schaffner of West Haven, Utah, closed on a home recently, he didn't leave with a giant stack of paperwork. Instead, he left with a CD containing electronic versions of all closing documents.
The closing took less than 20 minutes, and yet Schaffner knew exactly what he was signing; he'd reviewed all of the documents at home the night before.
Schaffner got his loan through Mountain America Credit Union, which is one of the first banks in the country to roll out an electronic-closing option. Encompassing home contracts, closings and loans, electronic processes are saving time and money. (Bing: Paperless real-estate transactions)
Schaffner says his experience with electronic closing was a far cry from previous closings.