RISMEDIA, March 13, 2010—According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), mortgage fraud is an escalating problem. It is the fastest growing white collar crime in the U.S. The FBI estimates annual losses of $4 billion to $6 billion in mortgage-related fraud, and the numbers are expected to increase. While there are legitimate programs to [...] Story

RISMEDIA, March 13, 2010—Water heaters are the unsung heroes of the home–providing warm water for baths, hot water to sanitize dishes and a range of temperatures that make cleaning clothes a breeze. And even though homeowners rely on them to perform their jobs daily, water heater maintenance is something that doesn’t often cross homeowners’ minds [...] Story

By John Voket, RISMedia Columnist RISMEDIA, March 13, 2010—I recently joined many other individuals and agencies across the country celebrating National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Among the many informative programs and issues that were highlighted was an effort that focused on the many resources the Better Business Bureau (BBB) makes available to educate consumers about spending [...] Story

RISMEDIA, March 13, 2010—Consumers these days are taking a more pro-active stance when dealing with credit card debt. No longer content to let the chips fall where they may, many have discovered that there are a great many strategies that can be implemented either on their own or with the aid of professional financial help. One [...] Story

A: Most projects require a set of basic services. They are as follows: preliminary, or schematic, design; design development; preparation of construction documents (drawings and specifications); assistance in the bidding or negotiation process, and the administration of the agreement between you and your builder or contractor, if needed. Some projects will require other services, such [...] Story

Commission. Payment, or brokerage fees, given by the seller of a property to a real estate agent for services rendered. Usually paid at the closing. Copyright© 2010 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Services, All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia. Story

By John Voket, RISMedia Columnist RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—I recently reported on incrementally rising real estate commissions – which in a declining market could be viewed as bad news for homeowners needing or waiting to sell. But according to the Federal Reserve, there is a glint of good news for those who have some decent level [...] Story

By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—Huge numbers of American families live in geographic areas prone to natural disaster. But any neighborhood can unexpectedly fall victim to fire or other danger and it is vital for families to plan in advance to be ready for any emergency. To develop a proactive readiness plan in your [...] Story

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—As the spring sun begins to shine, we all look forward to putting this season’s very wet weather behind us. According to pest experts, the wet winter will be a perfect breeding ground for pests, and termites are no exception. Long considered one of the most prevalent and damaging pests in the [...] Story

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—As the deadline for filing taxes grows nearer, there are many tax rule changes that taxpayers should be aware of that could net them thousands of dollars in deductions or credits. Bills.com, one of the leading resources for free, personalized and expert money advice provides a rundown of the most important changes [...] Story