Patricia Mertz Esswein
Latest articles by Patricia Mertz Esswein
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5 Things for Condo Buyers to Learn Before Buying a Property
real estate Before signing on the dotted line, find out exactly what you might be getting yourself into.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
real estate -
6 Things to Know About LED Bulbs
spending They're pricey, but they promise to shed a lot of light and cost you less over time.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
spending -
Mortgage Lenders Relax the Rules
real estate If you have good credit and a stable job, you've got options.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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New Rules for Renters
real estate To find a place, you need big bucks, clean credit and quick reflexes.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
real estate -
Check Up on Your Home Insurance
insurance You may be able to lower your costs while upgrading your coverage.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
insurance -
Trim Your Home-Insurance Premiums
insurance Raising your deductible can help you in multiple ways.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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How to Refinance Your Home if You’re Underwater
real estate Two government programs can help homeowners who qualify get lower rates.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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What It Takes to Buy a Home
real estate Homes are affordable and mortgage rates are low. Are your finances ready for the leap?
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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An Expiring Tax Break on Home Short Sales
Tax Breaks Short sales take an average of four months to close. Uncle Sam's generosity expires at year's end.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
Tax Breaks -
How to Get Started Buying a Home
real estate Be sure you’re ready to commit. You should plan to stay put for at least five years so that you have a shot at recouping the costs of buying and selling through home price appreciation.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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How to Sell Your Home Fast
real estate Following these three steps will help make your home irresistible to buyers.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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3 Things Home Sellers Should Know About This Market
real estate Three things homeowners looking to sell need to be aware of.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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5 Steps to Picking the Right Agent to Sell Your Home
home Tips on how to find a real estate agent that will sell your property with no hassle.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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The Foreclosure Settlement: Who It Will Help and How
real estate A little bit of financial relief is coming for some mortgage borrowers caught in the downdraft of the housing bust and foreclosure-processing mess.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Escape the Debt Trap
credit & debt If your loans are holding you back—or you simply want to chip away at what you owe—try these strategies.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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What’s Ahead for Home Prices in 2012
Economic Forecasts The bleeding is just about over. But don’t expect a speedy recovery.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
Economic Forecasts -
Refi Out of an Egregious Mortgage?
real estate The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) targeting homeowners with underwater mortgages may be able to provide some relief.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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New Rules for Light Bulbs Mean Lower Electric Bills
spending As federal energy provisions kick in, it means the end for inefficient light bulbs.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Refinance at Today’s Lower Interest Rates to Save Money on Your Mortgage
real estate For a lot of borrowers, it makes sense to refinance.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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What My Mom Did Right: An Estate Planning Success Story
retirement After my dad died, my mom diligently updated her end-of-life documents -- will, durable power of attorney and advance directives -- and filed them away.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
retirement -
8 Smart Estate Planning Steps to Die the Right Way
estate planning Excuse #1: You're not going to die. Excuse #2: You've been too busy. Excuse #3: You can't stand thinking about a future that doesn't include you.
By Jane Bennett Clark Published
estate planning -
Fall and Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
home 15 things for you (or the handyman) to tackle before winter sets in.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
home -
Don't Bury Your Technotrash
Technology Your electronic castoffs could be someone else’s e-treasure.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
Technology -
6 Good Reasons to Buy a Home Now
real estate Houses are more affordable than they’ve been in a decade.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
real estate