Home Loan

Loans - cheap car, personal & secured homeowner loans - MoneySupermarket UK moneysupermarket.com HOME MONEY loans cards mortgages current accounts savings refused finance business finance shares INSURANCE car home travel life critical breakdown pet mortgage income bike dental medical van TRAVEL flights hotels car hire travel insurance top destinations MOTORING new cars car insurance loans car breakdown motorbike insurance car hire van insurance car leasing GAS & ELECTRICITY dual fuel gas electricity Loans Compare Over 400 Loans Looking for the cheapest loan available? Compare over 400 products in the UK market. Enter the loan amount: £ Select the repayment period: -- Select -- 6 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 6 Years 7 Years 8 Years 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years 14 Years 15 Years 16 Years 17 Years 18 Years 19 Years 20 Years 21 Years 22 Years 23 Years 24 Years 25 Years Enter your date of birth: / / Select your required search: Smart search with Our smart search will show you the cheapest loans based on your individual credit score! (No record or ‘footprint’ will be left on your credit history). Quick search All products displayed and sorted by APR. Please answer the following questions: What is the postcode of your current address? How many years have you lived at your current address? -- Select -- Moved in within the last three months Less than 1 year Over 1 year and less than 2 years Between 2 and 3 years Between 4 and 7 years Between 8 and 10 years More than 10 years Have you ever had a CCJ or bankruptcy? -- Select -- No Don’t know Yes within the last year Yes over 1 year and less than 2 years Yes between 2 and 4 years ago Yes more than 4 years ago Have you ever defaulted on a credit account? (E.g. personal loan, credit card, overdraft etc...) -- Select -- No Yes, within the last 1 year Yes, over 1 year and less than 3 years ago Yes, more than 3 years ago Don’t know Have you ever missed a payment on a credit account? (E.g. personal loan, credit card, overdraft etc...) -- Select -- No Yes, within the last 3 months Yes, within the last year Yes, more than 1 year and less than 2 years ago Yes, more than 2 years ago Don’t know How many credit accounts have you applied for in the past 6 months? (E.g. personal loan, credit card, overdraft etc...) -- Select -- None 1 2 3 or more Don’t know How many credit accounts do you currently hold? (Enter 0 if you do not have any of that type.) Number of personal loans Number of overdrafts (in use) Number of credit/store cards What is your current residential status? -- Select -- Home Owner Outright Home Owner Mortgaged Private Tenant (Furnished) Private Tenant (Unfurnished) Living with parents Other What is your current employment status? -- Select -- Full Time Part Time Retired Homemaker Student Unemployed Self employed / other How long have you held your main current account for? -- Select -- Don’t have a Bank account Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 3 to 5 years 6 to 10 years More than 10 years Don’t Know E-mail: See privacy policy . Compare Over 150 Homeowner Loans Homeowner loans are an ideal solution for homeowners who have recently been refused a personal loan or for homeowners wanting to borrow a larger loan amount. See the latest homeowner loan rates using our online loan calculator. Best Selling Loans Customers with a ' Customers with an \'excellent\' or \'good\' credit profile normally have all or most of the following charcteristics: employed in same job with same employer for a reasonable period (or long term self employed); same address for long period and on the electoral role; never missed a payment and not been late with payment in recent years for credit or utilities such as Gas; Electricity etc.; a homeowner (maybe a tenant if in a very desirable residence or location); same bank account for a long period; plenty of credit history e.g. has credit card/s. Note 1: each provider has it\'s own policies which are strictly confidential and not shared with staff from moneysupermarket.com. These characteristics are compiled from ongoing research and dialogue with providers and represents our \'best judgement\'. It is intended as \'helpful guidance\' rather than a precise definition. Industry parlance for this category is \'Super Prime\' and \'Prime\'. Note 2.: Share of market figures are estimates based on feedback from loan providers. Loan rates quoted are the typical rates quoted by the lender. ', 500)" onmouseout="kill();"good ' credit profile Loan APR Comments cahoot 5.8% Instant decision online Northern Rock 5.8% Fixed interest rates AA 5.9% 3 month payment holiday option MS Exclusive 6.3% Lowest homeowner loan rate in the UK Customers with a ' Customers with a \'fair\' credit profile normally have some of the following charcteristics: may have changed employer a few times in recent years or be self employed for a few years or less; may have changed address a few times in recent years or the provider may have difficulty seeing accurate address history on the electoral role; frequently apply for credit; may carry a fairly high level of debt; may be in the younger age group and/or living with parents; may have missed some payments and been late with payment in recent years for credit or utilities such as Gas; Electricity etc.; no CCJ\'s or, possibly, may have one old CCJ for small amount. Note 1: each provider has it\'s own policies which are strictly confidential and not shared with staff from moneysupermarket.com. These characteristics are compiled from ongoing research and dialogue with providers and represents our \'best judgement\'. It is intended as \'helpful guidance\' rather than a precise definition. Industry parlance for this category is \'Near Prime\'. Note 2.: Share of market figures are estimates based on feedback from loan providers. Loan rates quoted are the typical rates quoted by the lender. ', 500)" onmouseout="kill();"fair ' credit profile Loan APR Comments Picture Loans 7.9% Moneysupermarket Exclusive FirstPlus 8.4% Loans for homeowners Customers with a credit profile that ' Customers with a credit profile that \'needs improvement\' normally have some of the following charcteristics: will have missed payments and been late with payments in recent years; may have had CCJ\'s. Any but the oldest CCJ\'s make inclusion in this category almost certain; may have changed address or job frequently; if details cannot be found on electoral register; presently employed or self employed but may have had recent periods of unemployement; will have a bank account; tenants will often be in this category. Note 1.: each provider has it\'s own policies which are strictly confidential and not shared with staff from moneysupermarket.com. These characteristics are compiled from ongoing research and dialogue with providers and represents our \'best judgement\'. It is intended as \'helpful guidance\' rather than a precise definition. Industry parlance for this category is \'Sub Prime\'. Note 2.: there is a further category which we would call a \'poor\' credit profile which, in the industry, is described as \'non conforming\'. This market segment includes the unemployed, individuals that have been declared bankrupt or people with current debt problems. Individuals with a poor credit profile may find it particularly difficult to borrow money. Note 3.: Share of market figures are estimates based on feedback from loan providers. Loan rates quoted are the typical rates quoted by the lender. ', 500)" onmouseout="kill();"needs improvement ' Loan APR Comments Loans.co.uk 11.4% Consolidation available Black Horse 24.9% Also offers secured loans Been turned down for credit? Give our financial helpdesk a call on 0870 027 0269 . Lines are open 24 hours a day. Homeowner Loans: The actual rate available will depend upon your circumstances. Ask for a personalised illustration. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Contact Moneysupermarket.com at Moneysupermarket House, St David's Park, Ewloe, Flintshire CH5 3UZ. Debt Consolidation Tool If you've got existing credit and you're finding it hard to keep track of the repayments or you just want to reduce the amount you do pay each month then use our debt consolidation tool to see if you can benefit from one simple monthly repayment. Best Loans Guide Looking for the cheapest loans? Personal loans are available for a range of different amounts & repayment terms. If you are looking for a low cost loan, comparing the APR (loan interest rate) is a good place to start. Read our personal loan guide here covering bank loans, flexible loans, personal loans - the lot. Secured loans for homeowners are available for many different purposes including debt consolidation. The amount available usually ranges from £3,000 to £50,000 although some lenders will consider loans of up to £100,000. Read more of our secured homeowner loan guide . Having Problems With Your Credit? If you have poor credit and are in need of help and advice, Gregory Pennington or Baines & Ernst may be able to help. Alternatively, you can access your credit report with credit reference agency Equifax. Be updated with our rate alert Register now for up to date news on the cheapest loans and financial deals. Overhauling your finances is thirsty work, so moneysupermarket.com has teamed up with Virgin Wines to offer all users registering for loan RATE Alert the opportunity to get 20 off a case of wine. MISSING PAYMENTS WILL HAVE SEVERE CONSEQUENCES AND MAY MAKE OBTAINING CREDIT MORE DIFFICULT IN THE FUTURE. Contact Us - About Us - Awards - Add to Favourites - Careers - Press - Terms & Conditions - Security © Moneysupermarket Financial Group 2005 Secured Loans >>

Home For Sale

Phoenix Arizona Real Estate / homes for sale / mortgage / refinance / home equity ® , requesting a mortgage, apartment locating services and moving resources." Real Estate .com - Phoenix real estate listings, new homes for sale, find a REALTOR ® or request a mortgage, refinance or home equity loan. Find a REALTOR ® in Phoenix and Receive a Gift Card Worth Up To $1,000 or more. OR Find a Builder in Phoenix with iNest and Get 1% Cash Back! You may also want to: Use Our FREE Personal Home Buying Guide Get Pre-Qualified through LendingTree Get Your Credit Report Search Homes in Phoenix You may also want to: Find out what the house in Phoenix isworth, it's FREE. Get a Mortgage through LendingTree Related articles: Negotiating Strategies Understanding Contractsand Contingencies Find a Home Inspector in Phoenix Find a Mover in Phoenix Related article: Understand a Home Appraisal FREE Utilities Setup in Phoenix Receive Competitive Quotes for Homeowners' Insurance in Phoenix Type: Homes, The Real Estate Book Additional Home Listings New Construction Homes Foreclosure Homes State or Province: Please Choose Alberta, AB Alaska, AK Alabama, AL Arkansas, AR Arizona, AZ British Columbia, BC California, CA Colorado, CO Connecticut, CT District of Columbia, DC Delaware, DE Florida, FL Georgia, GA Hawaii, HI Iowa, IA Idaho, ID Illinois, IL Indiana, IN Kansas, KS Kentucky, KY Louisiana, LA Massachusetts, MA Manitoba, MB Maryland, MD Maine, ME Michigan, MI Minnesota, MN Missouri, MO Mississippi, MS Montana, MT New Brunswick, NB North Carolina, NC North Dakota, ND Nebraska, NE New Hampshire, NH New Jersey, NJ New Mexico, NM Nova Scotia, NS Nevada, NV New York, NY Ohio, OH Oklahoma, OK Ontario, ON Oregon, OR Pennsylvania, PA Rhode Island, RI South Carolina, SC South Dakota, SD Tennessee, TN Texas, TX Utah, UT Virginia, VA Vermont, VT Washington, WA Wisconsin, WI West Virginia, WV Wyoming, WY City: Select a State or Zip: Price Range: Any $50,000 $75,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $475,000 $500,000 $525,000 $550,000 $575,000 $600,000 $625,000 $650,000 $675,000 $700,000 $725,000 $750,000 $775,000 $800,000 $825,000 $850,000 $875,000 $900,000 $925,000 $950,000 $975,000 $1,000,000 $5,000,000 $10,000,000 to Any $50,000 $75,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $475,000 $500,000 $525,000 $550,000 $575,000 $600,000 $625,000 $650,000 $675,000 $700,000 $725,000 $750,000 $775,000 $800,000 $825,000 $850,000 $875,000 $900,000 $925,000 $950,000 $975,000 $1,000,000 $5,000,000 $10,000,000 Bedrooms: Any 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ Baths: Any 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ Please note: Not all real estate professionals participate in the "Find a REALTOR ® " program, which you must use in order to receive The Home Depot ® incentive. Lenders use qualifying ratios to determine how much of a mortgage you can reasonably afford. Read More Loan Amount: Term in Months: Interest Rate: Monthly Payment: How much will your gift card be if you use a REALTOR ® on the Network? How much can you borrow? What will adjustable rate payments be? Which is better: 15 or 30 year term? Find a REALTOR ® in Phoenix and Receive a Gift Card Worth Up To $1,000 or more. You may also want to: Use Our FREE Personal Home Selling Guide Find a Home Inspector in Phoenix Featured articles by Realty Times ® : 20 Ways REALTORS ® Successfully Market Homes Let the Seller Beware? Tips for Home Sellers Find out what the house in Phoenix isworth, it's FREE. Related article: Why Should You Use A Seller's Agent in Phoenix? Negotiating Strategies Understanding Contractsand Contingencies Find a Mover in Phoenix Related article: Understand a Home Appraisal FREE Utilities Setup in Phoenix Buying a Home | Selling a Home | Homes for Sale | Credit Report & Score | House Prices at Domania New Home Construction | Find a Mover | Find a REALTOR ® | Home Financing | Real Estate Learning Center Customer Service | Publications | For the Media | News Releases | Join Our Real Estate Network | Post Home Listings Privacy | Security | Terms of Use | Jobs | Disclosures and Licenses | Sitemap | Loans | Commercial Real Estate Houses for Sale in: Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Charlotte | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Las Vegas | Los Angeles Miami | Minneapolis | New York | Philadelphia | Phoenix | San Antonio | San Diego | San Francisco | Seattle Washington, DC | Real Estate in More Cities LendingTree technology and processes are patented under US Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816. © 1998 - Real Estate.com, a service of LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved.This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only. Conversion to LendingTree, LLC We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTOR ® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS ® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all of the real estate professionals participating in the "Agent's Competing" program are REALTORS ® , which are members of the National Association of REALTORS ® . The Home Depot ® is not affiliated with LendingTree, LLC. The Home Depot ® is a registered trademark of Homer TLC, Inc. RealEstate.com is not sponsored by or affiliated with the parent franchisor companies of any of the participating members of its network. Partner Sites: Citysearch | Expedia | Hotels.com | Ticketmaster.com | Hotwire.com | Entertainment.com | Match.com Home Shopping Network | ReserveAmerica | LendingTree.com | iNest | ServiceMagic | Ask Jeeves | Gift Ideas Mortgage Calculator | Refinance at GetSmart | LendingTree Mortgage | Free Online Credit Report | Home Equity Loans

Real Estate Broker Requirements

TREC - Broker Application Information -- Licensee Info Search Quick Links -- To Popular Pages -- Licensee Info Search R. E. Contract Forms Renew or Apply Online Salesperson Application Real Estate License Forms Education Providers Core R.E. Course List Freq. Asked Questions Real Estate License Act TREC Rules Data File Downloads License Information Licensing Main Page MCE Requirements FAQs Timeshare Registration Residential Service Company Program Licensed Residential Service Companies Fee Schedule Applications, Requirements Applications & Other License Forms Real Estate Salesperson Requirements Real Estate Broker Requirements R.E. Broker (Corporation & LLC) Requirements Candidate Info. Brochure Reciprocity Information Inspector Applications Renew Your License Renewing a Salesperson License Renewing a Broker License Online Renewal (Brokers, 2yr Salespersons) Duplicate of License Renewal Notice Inspector Renewals KEY To Symbols =Page is in area (folder tab) of this color = Adobe PDF file format = Web site external to TREC Applying to Become a Real Estate Broker (Please Read All Information Carefully) To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License, an individual must be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien, eighteen (18) years of age or older and a legal resident of Texas. If the applicant is a resident of another state, the applicant must be licensed by that state as a real estate broker. To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License, an individual must furnish the Commission satisfactory evidence of successfully completing the following: Not less than two (2) years active experience in Texas as a licensed real estate salesperson or broker during the 96 month period immediately preceding the filing of the application; or If licensed as a broker in another state, not less than two (2) years active experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or broker during the 36 month period immediately preceding the filing of the application. 270 classroom hours of core real estate courses . An additional 630 classroom hours in related courses acceptable to the Commission. Evidence of successful course completion shall be presented via credit transcript or certificate accompanying an application. DO NOT submit original transcripts and/or course completion certificates. Keep the originals for your personal files and send photocopies to the Commission. To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License you must first obtain a letter from the Commission attesting to satisfaction of all education requirements. THE EVALUATION OF EDUCATION DOCUMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE THE APPLICATION CAN BE FILED. To obtain an evaluation of your education documents submit the form, Request for Evaluation of Education Documents . A fee of $20 is required for the evaluation of education documents for the purpose of determining if education requirements have been satisfied. This fee is good for one year. Please submit copies of your transcripts or course certificates with your request for evaluation. DO NOT submit original documents. The following required fees must be submitted at the time of filing an application. AN APPLICATION RECEIVED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE FEES WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED. The following fees should be submitted in ONE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER payable to the Texas Real Estate Commission. ALL FEES LISTED BELOW ARE NONREFUNDABLE. Fees Required with Real Estate Broker License Application Fee Amount Comment Original Application $300 Required for all applicants Recovery Trust Account (formerly Recovery Fund) $10 Required for all applicants unlesspreviously paid License examinations are administered by PSI, a testing service company. Once your application has been received, processed and accepted, you will receive notification that you may obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Brochure (CIB) to register for the exam. The CIB will provide instructions on how to make reservations to take the examination and contains study material and instructions about licensing. A copy of the CIB can be downloaded from the PSI web site at http://www.psiexams.com . Please DO NOT attempt to register for the exam without first receiving notification from our office. The filing of an application authorizes an investigation of the applicant's background. Information revealed in an investigation may be cause for disapproval of an application even though other requirements for a license are met. If an investigation is necessary, it may not be conducted until the applicant has passed the examination. State law prohibits issuing more than one license after a licensee has defaulted on astudent loan guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC) unless the licensee has entered into a repayment agreement with TGSLC. YOU SHOULD CONTACT TGSLC BEFORE FILING THIS APPLICATION if you have defaulted on a student loan. An application or renewal may be rejected if this agency has received information from TGSLC that the applicant has defaulted on a student loan. The Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation can be contacted at: Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation P.O. Box 15996 Austin, Texas 78761-5996 Telephone: 1-800-222-6297 The time involved in processing an application depends on work volume. Inquiry as to the status of an application delays processing work. Inquiry should not be made unless there isreason to believe that information submitted to the Commission has not been received. An incomplete application will not be returned for completion. A letter will be mailed requesting the incomplete information. The examination must be passed within six months from the date the application is filed with the commission office. You are not authorized to perform any act for which a real estate license is required until an ACTIVE Texas Real Estate Commission license is in your possession. Submit Documents And Applications On Plain Paper. Do Not Send "Thermal" Type Paper. Page last modified: 11/21/2005 Site Map Privacy & Security Policy Open Records Accessibility Texas Online Statewide Search TX Homeland Security

Colorado Real Estate

State of Colorado-Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Real Estate Home Page Debbie Campagnola Director To promote a balanced and sensible approach to regulation that protects the public interest and supports economic growth. Information about Appraisers Information about Brokers Activities || Funding Sources || Trends Activities The Division of Real Estate regulates real estate appraisers, salespersons and brokers through licensure and discipline. Licensees must comply with established educational and experience requirements, and pass a test prior to licensure. Earnest money deposits and escrow and trust funds are regulated by the Division. The Division's objectives are to: Provide public protection to the citizens of the State of Colorado from incompetent and dishonest persons in the real estate and appraiser professions, and from unscrupulous or financially unsound subdivision developers. Mitigate financial loss to the public resulting from real estate fraud and theft. The objectives are met through the following activities: I. Licensing real estate brokers and appraisers and registering time share and raw land subdivision developers under the jurisdiction of the Real Estate Commission. II. Enforcing laws by investigating complaints, conducting investigative and routine financial audits, and administering disciplinary action. III. Administering a mandatory Errors and Omissions Insurance Program. IV. Communicating, to include anticipating and responding to the public need for effective information and assistance. The Division regulates time share projects sold in Colorado, and regulates developers of subdivisions consisting of 20 or more residential sites, tracts or lots that are not required to be approved by another state planning authority. A five-member Commission meets monthly to conduct rule making hearings, make policy decisions, consider licensing matters, review complaints and take disciplinary action against licensees. Commission members serve three-year terms, and members are appointed as follows: three real estate brokers, one person with expertise in subdivision development, and one public member. License verification can be found on line through the License Database. For information regarding disciplinary actions consult the online Disciplinary Documents . Persons wishing to file a complaint against a licensee should send a written complaint to the Division. See Complaint Process. The Division also regulates real estate appraisers pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989. The Board of Real Estate appraisers consists of seven members appointed by the Governor: three licensed or certified appraisers, one of whom must have expertise in eminent domain, a county assessor, an officer or employee of a commercial bank experienced in real estate lending, and two public members. Board members serve three-year terms. Funding Sources The Division of Real Estate is cash funded from fees pursuant to Colorado statute. Fees are paid for licensure or registration in the real estate and appraiser professions. Fee amounts are established annually for the purpose of covering direct and indirect costs incurred by the Division for licensing and enforcement. Fiscal Year Revenue Expenditures FY 03 (Actual) $3,825,954 $3,953,316 FY 04 (Actual) $3,258,895 $3,798,301 FY 05 (Actual) $4,733,079 $4,116,100 FY 06 (Estimate) $3,162,421 $3,812,724 The following pie chart shows the estimated source of revenue for Fiscal Year 06. . The following pie chart shows the estimated expenditures for Fiscal Year 06. Trends The real estate market in Colorado will remain strong in the coming year, although activity will slow somewhat as a reflection of higher interest rates. Licensing by the Division of Real Estate should continue to increase in the current year, reflecting the continuing strong real estate market. The sale of raw land subdivisions and condominium/loft conversions remain strong and the Division is continuing increased enforcement activity in these areas. No major state or federal legislative initiatives affecting real estate are expected in the coming year. While one-stop shopping and affiliated business arrangements remain topics of great interest in Colorado and nationally, Congress's decision to again postpone a major review of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act leaves the states and industry without clear guidance in these areas. As real estate companies continue to consolidate and expand nationwide and the Internet provides consumers with instant access to properties on a vast scale, increased regulatory scrutiny is being focused on interstate operations. In Colorado, a reciprocal licensing program has facilitated the growth of interstate commerce. Another result of increasing real estate activity on the Internet is the heightened level of sophistication on the part of the general public regarding real estate transactions and real estate procedures in general. The public is coming to expect a higher level of performance on the part of real estate brokers, which the Division must address by increasing the competency level of licensees and maintaining a close watch on the pulse of the public. As with all government agencies, the public and real estate industry will expect higher levels of customer service from the Division. This will be particularly true in the areas of e-commerce and electronic communications. Last update 9/28/05 Privacy Statement | Disclaimer Technical Assistance: E-Mail Information Technology Section Revised November 7, 2005 Federal Home Page || State Home Page || Department Home Page Top of Page E-Mail the Division of Real Estate 1900 Grant Street, Suite 600 Denver, CO 80203 (303) 894-2166 or (303) 894-2185 - Phone (303) 894-2683 - Fax Relay Colorado (TTY (English & Spanish), Voice, VCO, ASCII, STS Assistance Numbers)

Buy Property in a

How to Buy Property in a Retirement Community - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Finance & Business Center Real Estate How to Buy Property in a Retirement Community Seniors at all levels of independence may choose to buy property in a continuing-care retirement community. These communities can offer a vibrant social environment, a packed schedule of activities, help when needed, and the opportunity for transition into a more assisted living environment should needs change. They're also a good choice for people who simply want to live in an adults-only community. Steps: 1. Consider your present needs, and think about what lies ahead. Your goal may be to hold on to your independence for as long as possible. 2. Be aware of the costs beyond the cost of the home or apartment purchase (which may start at $150,000). Monthly maintenance fees can run into the low thousands. 3. Ask for referrals from your doctor, a social worker or a senior support group. You can also get lists of nearby communities online or in your phone book. 4. Tour as many properties as possible. Investigate the upkeep and safety of the facility. Find out about special amenities, from sports facilities to dining options. 5. Ask for a typical schedule. Does it offer activities both on and off the site? Does it reflect your interests? 6. Talk with the director about the staff. Is the facility properly staffed with well-trained and -screened people? What's the turnover? Talk to the employees, too. Are they happy? Do they enjoy working there? 7. Find out exactly what the fees include. If you have special meal requirements, ask if they can be met. Inquire whether the fees will change as residents find they need more assistance. 8. Chat with residents and ask for their honest opinions about the facility. If everyone is hiding in their home or apartment, that's not a good sign. Also, what is the average age of the people you see? Is that the stage you're at? Overall Tips: Check your contract to establish what happens if you decide to sell your home. In some cases, you may forfeit your entrance fee, which can be $10,000 and up. The monthly fees for some retirement communities are higher than for other types of assisted living. Get financial advice before signing on the dotted line. What to look for: Affordability Great facilities Well-trained staff A good fit with your lifestyle Please Share Your Tips with Us More Resources: Contribute to eHow: Write an eHow Article Suggest a Topic Give Us Feedback on This Article Related eHows: Buy a Tenancy-in-Common Unit Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home Find Out About Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities Buy a Condominium Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior Project Details: Skill Advisory: Moderate New! -- Related eHows: Buy a Tenancy-in-Common Unit Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home Find Out About Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities Buy a Condominium Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior Check out Thousands of How-To Solutions in eHow's Centers Automotive Careers & Education Computers & Home Electronics Family & Relationships Finance & Business Food & Entertaining Health Hobbies & Games Holidays & Traditions Home & Garden Personal Care & Style Pets Sports & Fitness Travel How to: --? Web eHow.com Home | Site Map | About Us | How To Books | Link to eHow Subscribe to the eHow of the Day Mailing List : Have the eHow of the Day appear on your My Yahoo! Page: Add the eHow of the Day to your RSS reader: © 1999-2005 eHow, Inc. How things get done. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .