Texas Land Trusts About

Texas Land Trusts Directory: Introduction Maincontent Local Navigation print friendly search Regulations Publications Outdoor Learning Kids Game Warden Grants Get Involved Shop FAQ Calendar Español Experience Texas Fishing & Boating State Parks & Destinations Hunting & Wildlife Land & Water Doing Business Home Land & Water Land Private Tltc Dir Texas Land Trusts About Texas Land Trusts Starting a Land Trust Texas Land Trust Directory Foreword Listing Regional Index About the Texas Land Trust Council ( TLTC ) TLTC Board of Directors and Honorary Council News 2004 TLTC Conference Speech Bulletin Board TLTC Publications Land Trust Resources Texas Land Trusts Top 1-Million Mark in Acres Conserved Texas Land Trusts Directory: Introduction Texas Land Trust Directory A land trust is a local, state or regional nonprofit organization directly involved in protecting land for its natural, recreational, scenic, historical or productive value. Texas landowners have a variety of options available to them which can preserve and protect the special qualities of their property. The land trust organizations in this directory work with landowners to help them meet their long-term land use objectives. These organizations may be willing to purchase land or accept donated properties and easements for conservation purposes. These tools can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the property owner. Land trusts have varying conservation objectives. Some work in specific geographic areas, or concentrate on protecting different natural or cultural features; many provide technical assistance and educational programming about land conservation. Also listed in this directory are organizations in Texas that advise property owners on their land conservation options, but do not accept land donations or manage conservation easement agreements. Land trusts are a creative answer to today's land conservation challenges. They offer a flexible, cooperative and effective approach to land conservation. Land trusts are the fastest growing conservation movement today, with new land trusts forming at an average rate of more than one per week. America's 1,200 plus land trusts protect millions of acres of farms, ranches, wetlands, wildlife habitat, urban parks, forests, watersheds, coastlines and river corridors. Contact Us | Help | Accessibility | Media | Site Policies | Complaints | Intranet | State of Texas | TRAILS Search | TexasOnline | Compact with Texans Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 Toll Free: (800) 792-1112, Austin: (512) 389-4800 Content of this site © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. Last modified: July 29, 2005, 4:38 pm

buy property, be sure

Thailand websites :: Buying and renting property in Bangkok. Welcome to www.ThaiWebsites.com - Web directory with search function for English-language websites about Thailand Menu General Directory Hotels Directory Industry & Manufacturing Consumer & Household Goods About us & More Images of Rattanakosin (the cultural center of Bangkok) Search ThaiWebsites.com: Buying and Renting Property in Thailand Buying We have gained some personal experience buying and renting property in Bangkok, though we certainly do not claim to have the skills or knowledge of a real estate agent. Possibly you will find some of the suggestions below useful. They would mainly apply to renting or buying a condominium in Bangkok. First of all, anyone can rent (we assume), but buying property has its limitations. Practically speaking, a foreigner can buy a unit in a condominium, but can not own free land (and houses). There may be ways around it like long-term leases of land, but you will need to have a long talk with a real estate agent, to figure out further details. For most people, buying a property takes a large chunk out of their assets and savings, and should be considered wisely. After being in a long slump (this was actually a good time to buy) prices have climbed up again to levels seen in the pre-economic crisis period (1997). At the same time, we have the feeling that rents are still much cheaper than they were 7-8 years ago, so the balance still tills in favor of renting a property rather than buying one. Of course, there are other factors involved, having a property of your own (that is paid off), gives some feeling of security, and you can modify your condominium to your own desires. When buying location is of course the most important factor. This is especially so when you expect to make a profit by selling it in the future, or if you want to rent it out to other persons. One important thing to remember : When buying a property, you will in general have to prove that you have brought in the money involved from abroad. Banks have special forms to fill out for this purpose. So when you bring in the money to a Thai bank, with the purpose of using it to buy property, be sure to make it clear to your bank. Personally with the experience we gained, we would advise against property that is not built yet (of course). At least in the recent past, some developments went broke, and quite a few people lost a lot of money. There is a problem of long-term maintainance with properties in Bangkok that you should be aware off. While essential repairs may well be done, overal appearance of a building may deteriorate in a few years time. We noticed that some properties are very well maintained, but others, once prime property, seem to be allowed to slide into second-class real estate. This of course will depend on the management of the building, and on the residents staying there. Yearly meetings (where you do have voting rights) will be held, but often the money needed to keep up a building, might be used for other purposes. Furthermore, you will have little control over what happens around your property. A garbage dump or a slum may develop just around the corner. Thai people seem to more easily accept this. As long as it looks all right inside the home, who cares what is going on outside? Because of the above reasons, it may be of value to assess properties that have been around for a few years. At least you will have an idea how the building is being maintained, and what to expect in the future. A Juristic Person (elected by the condominium owners) with staff will usually manage the building, with help from real estate management companies. Management of a building may often change, with as a side-effect that there is less long-term planning and management. Some persons, owning a unit in a condominium, will refuse to pay maintainance fees as long as they do not live there themselves. This of course is illegal, and reduces the money available for maintaining the building. From our experience, it is very difficult for a Juristic Person to force people to pay their dues. As for maintaince fees, they are usually charged by the month, and the amount is decided in the yearly meeting of the owners. A fee higher than 30 baht per meter per month, is possibly high, but all depends of course on the value of the property itself, and the need for important repairs. Actually, in Thailand, it looks like people can cough up quite a few million baht to buy a property, but then do not want to spend a few thousand baht a month to maintain the value of their property. If you own a property, you will also be liable to pay a property tax. The amount of this tax depends on the estimated value of the property. You should check how much you will have to pay, though the rate may go up in the future. Our experience tells us to expect between 10,000-20,000 baht a year for a two-bedroom unit. As for other costs, you usually will pay the 'real' price, or something close to it. This can make a substantial difference in electricity costs (as compared to when renting a property). We advise that besides a real estate agent, you use the services of a law office, before you make a property purchase. Renting Of course, you do not have all of the problems above, when you decide to rent a property instead. We would certainly advise to do just that, in case you do not plan to stay permanently (or most of the time) in Thailand. Unless you have a lot of experience in real estate, we would not advise to buy property with the hope to make a profit in the future by selling it. [that is, buying property for investment purposes] Most rented property in Bangkok and around Thailand, is fully furnished and equipped. Poor buildings will usually have second-grade furniture and facilities, while valued property will be luxuriously furnished and have a lot of facilities. Most middle to high class condominiums will have a nice swimming pool, a sauna, laundry facilities, maid services etc. You may just have to get some towels, bed sheets, and coffee mugs etc., and move in. Television, washing machine, microwave, airconditioning etc., it will all be there. You can find all this, sometimes while paying a rent of 30,000 baht a month or less (especially in the suburbs of Bangkok). So, this should be considered good value. Much cheaper accommodations are available, but we do not have a lot of knowledge or recommendations about it. [If you do plan to stay a longer time in Bangkok, you can also consider staying for months on end in one of the two star or three star hotels. You will have the benefit of a hotel like maid service, room service, 'free' airconditioning, restaurants etc. Something acceptable can usually be found in the 15,000-20,000 baht a month range. Hotels may give 10-20% discounts if you stay long time. Just one place we know about : Honey Hotel in Sukhumvit soi 19] When renting you will be subject to additional costs. First of all, the usual deposit is valued at two months of rent, and the rent for the first month (and thereafter) has to be paid in advance. Be aware that the property owner (if working through a real estate agent) will usually have to pay one month value of rent as a commission to the real estate agent). Electricity costs (free in a hotel!) can run high in Bangkok, especially during the hot season. Expect about 800-1000 Units per month when using airconditioning on 'economy mode' for a medium sized room. Cost of electricity (as charged by the electricity provider) is below 3 baht per unit, but when renting, charges may be much higher (arbitrarily). We regularly notice charges of 4 baht per unit, and recently reviewed a website of a property, charging 5.5 baht per unit. So the building owners make quite a few thousand baht of easy money each month. [Customer protection is still in its developing stage in Thailand, unfortunately, that is why there do not seem to be binding rules about expenses as mentioned] When you lease property for a long time (like 30 years or 99 years), you may save some money when signing your contract, that is, a lease for 30 years may be cheaper than buying property. However, you should be aware that you forgo the rights of owning the property. For instance, you will not have voting rights in annual meetings. How the condominium is managed will be decided above your head. Monthly costs (like electricity) will also be charged, without you having control over it. Electricity costs and maintainance fees may go up over the years slowly but relentlessly. More Articles : Society and Culture : Thai Temples for Dummies | Basic Economic Realities | Siam Society (on Asoke Road) | 10 Wishes for Thailand | The Thai character | Erawan Shrine History of Thailand , from Ban Chiang to Rattanakosin era. Health matters : About healthcare in Thailand | Health Statistics, Health Risks in Thailand | Health Clubs, Fitness Centers | The Grande Spa and Fitness Club | Amazing Thailand : Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Bangkok | About Thai Massage Travel, Tourism and Shopping : Sukhumvit Road | What's at Skytrain Stations? | Shopping Guide for Bangkok | About Visas | Entertainment in Bangkok | Getting Around in Bangkok and Thailand | Travel Tips | Travel Story | Buying and Renting Property | Siam Paragon at Siam skytrain station Misc. : Guidelines for Webmasters | 'Thai Websites' in the News Out of Bangkok Series : Nakhon Pathom | Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi Subdirectories : Culture and Society Entertainment Business & Finance Travel & Tourism Real Estate Hotels & Resorts Read a bit : Editor's Articles Submit a Website | Link to Us | Link Partners Top Concept and website design by G.V., Bangkok

buy Home [Magazine Subscription]

Amazon.com: Better Homes and Gardens [MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION]: Magazine Subscriptions Your Store Magazine Subscriptions See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | browse subjects | top sellers | today's deals | gift ideas | newspapers | professional & trade Search Amazon.com Magazines Newspapers Newsletters Web Search This item is not eligible for Amazon Prime, but over a million other items are. Join Amazon Prime today. Already a member? Sign in . MAGAZINE INFO Explore this magazine buying info editorial reviews customer reviews See more images Customers also bought these magazines these other items Share your thoughts write a review write a So You'd Like to... guide tell a friend about this item RATE THIS MAGAZINE I dislike it I love it! 1 2 3 4 5 Edit your ratings Visit the DVD Store The Incredibles (Widescreen 2-Disc Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Holly Hunter Spec tacular Readers Never misplace your reading glasses again with the hip andstylish magnetic readers from CliC . Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . Better Homes and Gardens [MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION] Cover Price: $41.88 Price: $15.97 ($1.33/issue) You Save: $25.91 (62%) Issues: 12 issues/12 months See more images Print a Magazine Gift Card Ordering it as a gift? Give your recipient a personalized Better Homes and Gardens gift card! ( Flash Player required.) See more magazine gift options . Magazine subscriptions always ship free, and they help you qualify for FREE Super Saver Shipping on the rest of your order! See details . Ready to Renew? Learnhow . Availability: The first issue should arrive in 6-10 weeks. Here's why See more product details Better Together Buy this magazine with Good Housekeeping [Magazine Subscription] today! Total List Price : $71.88 Buy Together Today: $25.97 Product Details Format: Magazine Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. Publisher: Meredith Corporation Abstracts and Table of Contents. See here . ASIN: B00005N7OV Average Customer Review: Based on 18 reviews. Write a review . Amazon.com Sales Rank: Today: #89 in Magazine Subscriptions Yesterday: #147 in Magazine Subscriptions For magazine orders, your name and mailing address will be shared with the appropriate publisher. This magazine subscription is provided by Synapse Services, Inc. Customers who bought this magazine also bought: Southern Living [Magazine Subscription] House Beautiful [Magazine Subscription] Country Living [Magazine Subscription] Woman's Day [Magazine Subscription] Explore Similar Items : 20 in Magazine Subscriptions , 4 in DVD , and 1 in Music What similar items do customers ultimately buy after viewing this item? 18% buy Sunset [Magazine Subscription] 8% buy House & Garden [Magazine Subscription] 7% buy this item(Better Homes and Gardens [Magazine Subscription] 4% buy Home [Magazine Subscription] 4% buy Fine Gardening [Magazine Subscription] Explore Similar Items : 9 in Magazine Subscriptions , 9 in Books , and 2 in Kitchen & Housewares Editorial Reviews From the Publisher This home and family service magazine is designed for husbands and wives who have a primary interest in the home and family. It services its readers in the form of ideas, advice, information and inspiration to achieve a better home and family. Description Better Homes & Gardens magazine is designed for people interested in turning home, cooking, and gardening inspiration into action. It is focused on decorating, building and remodeling, crafts, entertaining, cooking, healthy living, and gardening. It also has extensive information specifically for women and families. In addition to providing product reviews, practical homeowner advice, step-by-step instructions, and money-saving suggestions, the magazine covers the latest developments and trends... read more See all editorial reviews... Spotlight Reviews (What's this?) Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 11 of 11 people found the following review helpful: cluttered but nice , October 17, 2003 Reviewer: Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California)- See all my reviews This magazine has a lower cover price than some of its competitors, and makes up for it with a massive amount of ads. A few ads contain coupons, for those that like to cut those little things out (unfortunately they are hardly ever for anything I want !). The paper is also a lot thinner than the higher priced home/garden publications, and the photographs do not reproduce that well on it. On the bright side, there are many nice dcor ideas, and simply terrific recipes. Taking the October 2003 edition as an example, Fall colors and produce are the theme. It has some ideas on how to display gourds, and an article on a community pumpkin patch, from the June planting by 140 neighbors and friends in a 6000 square ft. area, to harvest time. There are numerous articles on remodeling, "Foolproof Potted Plants", on the joys of having hardy succulents in your home, and a lovely piece with lots of photographs on actor Peter Strauss' gorgeous Ojai, California garden. The best article of all, is "The Magic of Soup", and some of these recipes are so good they might end up in your family for generations. They are simple to prepare, with easy to find ingredients, and will make a healthy, hearty meal for those frosty days ahead. Also included with the recipes is the preparation and cooking time, and nutritional statistics. As someone who writes a lot of notes and cards, I appreciate the final page which is about letter writing, and how this vanishing form of communicating is good for the soul. All things considered, this magazine gives good value, and is meant for those of us who do not live in a mansion or have hours to devote to a single recipe. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 7 of 7 people found the following review helpful: Essential for Decorating Tips! , December 30, 2001 Reviewer: Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Issaquah, WA)- See all my reviews If you are looking for ideas for that next decorating project, more than likely you can find at least one article each month to inspire you. With a focus on friends and family, gardening, interior design, building, family matters, flood, good health and shopping, you can't go wrong! I like the "Yours for the Asking" section where you can send away a postcard for more information instead of contacting each company. For mom's, the "kids project" section will be amusing and your kids will love the ideas. The cartoons are also cute and I had to laugh at the one that said: "Of course I love you. Didn't you get my fax?" Something about the pictures in this magazine always remind me of a bright sunny day. The open kitchens and lush gardens are just a treat to see. The recipe section really has a personality all of its own. The "Petite Caramel Apple" recipe they had in the September 2001 issue was so adorable! I look forward to every issue! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) All Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Better Ads & More Ads , June 20, 2005 Reviewer: theosuperstar "theosuperstar" (Hallstead, PA United States)- See all my reviews This magazine is a waste of money and bores me. Nothing here to see but ads. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: I love this magazine but... , October 7, 2004 Reviewer: Miss Seattle (Parker, Colorado)- See all my reviews most of the beautiful gardens I see are in Washington or Oregon or back east somewhere. Having lived in Washington, I do enjoy seeing some of the plants that I am missing here in Colorado, but it would be nice to see a more varied selction of gardens becasue we all can't live in the Pacific Northwest. I have a subscription to Sunset so I guess that will have to suffice, but I do wish BH&G would take that into consideration. Otherwise, I LOVE this magazine. I used to get several magazines, but this was always my favorite. It is chock full of ideas that we can really use. And I love the photography. What sets BH&G apart is that you can see a hint of life in these beautiful houses. Slippers on the floor, newspaper on the table and often the owners of the home are in the pictures too. They are sometimes blurred from movement which is actually nicer than a posed shot. It helps set the feeling that this home is lived in and is attainable. I would say get this magazine right away. I would have given it 5 stars except for the whole garden thing. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 7 of 10 people found the following review helpful: AKA...Better Homes and Advertising , February 18, 2004 Reviewer: A magazine reader (Glendale, CA United States) I ordered this magazine recently only to cancel my subscription. There is way too much advertising in the magazine and none of the crafts or projects really enticed me to get creative. It's too bad. Go with Martha Stewart Living or Sunset magazines instead, both high quality. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 6 of 17 people found the following review helpful: Hello... , January 8, 2004 Reviewer: A magazine reader (St. Helens, OR United States) For those of you that complain about advertisments in magazines, what are you whining about? How do you think magazines get a nice chunk of their funding? They have companies pay to have their products advertised in the mag. so shut up. On a happier note, I love this magazine. It has wonderfuly lovely ideas for make your house look beautiful though some of the ideas do seem a little pricey. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 18 customer reviews... So You'd Like To... "Be Well-Rounded" :by Mara Baechemel , 4th Grade Teacher, avid Amazon shopper Protecting Your Spines Natural Curves., :by Dr Adam Weiss , Doctor and Author "Enjoy a Terrific Media Mix" :by Mara Baechemel , 4th Grade Teacher, avid Amazon shopper Listmania! Interior Decorating Delights :A list by Psboston7 , 16 Various Magazine Subscriber Relaxing Gifts fro Mom :A list by hugandkiss , anyone Best Magazines for a Quiet Afternoon :A list by candi92 , Magazine Fiend and New Texan Browse for magazine subscriptions in: Titles, A-Z > B Subjects > Home & Garden > General Subjects > Home & Garden > Gardening I have read this magazine, and I want to review it. Is there a specific product you'd like us to sell? Tell us about it. Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect. The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . Product offered violates Amazon.com's policy on items that can be listed for sale. Comments or Examples: Examples: Missing information such as dimensions and model number, typos, inaccuracies, etc. Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Tax and seller information • Visit our Help department . Search Magazines Newspapers Newsletters All Products for Turn your past purchases into $$$ Learn more about selling at Amazon.com today! Top of Page Search | Browse Subjects | Top Sellers | Today's Deals | Gift Ideas | Newspapers | Professional & Trade Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France | China Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Releases | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1995-2005, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

House Rental Gull Lake

Winter Ski Snowmobile Rentals | Brainerd, Minnesota | Brainerd Lakes Vacation Land |Ice House Rental | Cross Country Ski Rental - Sleigh Rides Brainerd, Minnesota | Winter Edition | Rentals | Brainerd Lakes Vacationland |Snowmobile, Ski, XC SKi, Vacation Packages, Trail Conditions and much more SNOWMOBILE | ICE HOUSE | CROSS COUNTRY SKIS HAY & SLEIGH RIDES / DOG SLEDS | SNOWBOARDS | SNOW SHOES Summer Rentals Snowmobile Rental Cragun's Resort & Snowmobile Headquarters Located on south end of Gull Lake, Brainerd (800)-CRAGUNS (800-272-4867) New Polaris snowmobiles and Kitty Kats, helmets, jackets, bibs, boots & gloves. Hours: 7am-9pm Bait Box Marina Whitefish Chain of Lakes, Crosslake, MN 218-692-3850 McQuoids Inn - Located on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake (800) 862-3535 Ice House Rental Gull Lake Guide Service 9255 Interlachen Road Lake Shore, MN 56468 218-963-0422 · Cell Ph. 218-839-5598 · Email Walleye Dan Quarterdeck Resort Located on the west shore of Gull Lake Brainerd (800) 950-5596 Cragun's Resort & Snowmobile Headquarters Located on south end of Gull Lake, Brainerd (800)-CRAGUNS (800-272-4867) Comfortable heated fish houses equipped with lights, chairs and rattle reels. Hours: 8am-9pm Izaty’s Resort Located on the southeast shore of Lake Mille Lacs (800) 533-1728 Twin Pines Resort Located on the west shore of Mille Lacs Lake (800) 450-4682 Sleepers & hourly rentals. McQuoids Inn - Located on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake (800) 862-3535 Eddy’s Lake Mille Lacs Resort Located on the west shore of Mille Lacs Lake (800)657-4704 Sleepers, hourly rentals Cross Country Ski Rental Cragun's Resort & Snowmobile Headquarters Located on south end of Gull Lake, Brainerd (800)-CRAGUNS (800-272-4867) Skis, boots, poles. Hours: 8am-9pm Breezy Point Resort Located on Pelican Lake, Breezy Point (800) 432-3777 Snowmobile, Cross Country Ski and Ice House rental Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (320) 532-3523 Easy Riders Located on Washington St. Brainerd (218) 829-5516 Hay & Sleigh Rides / Dog Sleds Little Moran Hunt Club Sleigh Rides Staples Area (218) 894-3852 McQuoids Inn - Dog Sleds Located on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake (800) 862-3535 Snow Shoes Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (320) 532-3523 Easy Riders Located on Washington St. Brainerd (218) 829-5516 Snowboards Easy Riders Located on Washington St. Brainerd (218) 829-5516 Midwest Captions 2005

home mortgage for your

Mortgage Advice - How To Find the Best Mortgage - Home Finance Advice You are here: About > Home & Garden > Home Buying / Selling > Mortgage Advice Home & Garden Home Buying / Selling Essentials 10 Things Home Buyers Shouldn't Do Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers "Must-Do" Tasks Before You Sell How to Buy a Home, Step by Step For Sale by Owner Advice Articles & Resources How To Buy a Home How To Sell a House Celebrity & Historic Credit Reports & Scores Design & Remodel Home Maintenance Inspections & Appraisals Investing & Foreclosures Modular & Manufactured Mold, Radon, Lead, etc. Mortgage Advice Moving & Relocation Real Estate Careers Real Estate For Sale Vacation Homes Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Home Buying Books Foreclosure Books Mortgage Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Home Buying / Selling newsletter! See Online Courses Search Home Buying / Selling > Mortgage Advice Mortgage Advice Mortgage advice to help you select a lender and choose the best home mortgage for your needs. Learn the facts about mortgages before you apply for a mortgage loan with a bank, mortgage broker or other lender. Subtopics Appraisal Facts @ Mortgage Calculators (41) Construction Loans (3) Private Mortgage Insurance (5) Credit Reports and Scores @ Refinancing a Home (4) Downpayment Assistance (7) Reverse Mortgages (2) Find a Mortgage (11) VA Home Loans (9) Interest Rate Facts (7) Vacation Home Mortgages (4) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Analyzing Your Debt to Income Ratio When you're buying a home, lenders look at your debt to income ratio. This measure of your debt load has an impact on how much house you can buy. Learn how to calculate the ratio and find out what lenders are looking for. Are You Really Pre-Approved for a Mortgage? Do you know the differences between the terms pre-qualified, pre-approved and loan commitment? Find out how they affect your offer to purchase and your home contract. Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payment Plans Can a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan help you pay off your mortgage more quickly? Learn how bi-weekly plans works and read about other methods that can be used to reduce interest and pay your home loan off faster. Do You Have a Mortgage or a Deed of Trust? A security instrument gives a lender the right to sell your property to recover funds if you do not pay the debt. A mortgage and a deed of trust are both security instruments, but one allows a lender to take an easier road to foreclosure. Don't Get Caught Up In Loan Fraud Has someone involved with your mortgage asked you to do something that you feel uneasy about? It could be nothing--or it could be loan fraud, which is a problem in the home buying and selling community. Get the facts about common loan fraud schemes so that you can spot them early and avoid becoming involved in illegal acts. Facts About ARMs, Adjustable Rate Mortgages An adjustable rate mortgage offers lower initial interest rates, but rates are not guaranteed for the long term. Learn how ARMs work and when an adjustable rate mortgage might be your best option for a home loan. Facts About FHA Mortgages FHA loans allow you to buy a home with less down than conventional home loans. Get the facts about FHA loans and find out if you qualify. Facts About Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loans If you are buying a home, and have served in the US Armed Services, you might quality for a VA home loan. It's a good program for members of our Armed Forces. Learn more about it here. Finding a Mortgage for Your New Home If you're buying a home, chances are you'll need a mortgage. Do you know how mortgage brokers and bank loan officers differ? This article helps answer your questions about different types of lenders. RESPA's Required Disclosures Help You Shop for a Mortgage The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, RESPA, helps protect consumers when they buy and sell real estate, and teaches them to be better shoppers. One way RESPA accomplishes this is by requiring lenders and others to give you certain disclosures that make it easier to compare loans and services. Here's an explanation of disclosures you should be given during your home buying journey. Should You Buy Discount Points? Discount points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the interest rate on your home loan. Sometimes discount points make sense, sometimes they don't. This information helps you decide if you should buy points. The Many Faces of Escrow During Your Home Buying Transaction You'll hear the word escrow used many times during your home buying transaction. The term can be confusing, because it is used to describe different events that take place before and after your real estate settlement, the day of closing when the property becomes yours. Here's a look at the ways escrow comes into play during your home buying transaction. Home Mortgages - Top Books The world of home finance offers so many variables and options that it's often difficult to keep them straight. Here are five books that provide all the information you need to compare mortgages and find a home loan that's right for you. Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Oprah's Life Vacation Ideas Shop Safely Online VIDEO: Craft Rooms VIDEO: Christmas Traditions What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Headlines Getting Ready to Sell Your House Guests and lots of activities make it difficult to show... Before You Buy Gas Logs Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers... Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent You've decided you want to become a real estate agent,... Step-by-Step Directions Help You Measure Square Footage Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square...