Real Estate News - October 26, 2011

This week I have had the amazing opportunity to spend the week in Playa del Carmen, Mexico; the sun has been shining, the water couldn't be bluer, but now Hurricane Rina is bearing down on us. But neither a hurricane nor a vacation have stopped the real estate business world, and so I offer my picks of the week in real estate news and tips.

General News/Tips
An Ode to the Commode - I have no idea why this made the list other than the fact that it is about toilets; everyone loves to read about toilets, right?

The Big Chill: Winterizing Checklist - With winter right around the corner, make sure your house is ready for the big chill.

Homeowner Horror Stories: Snakes, Mold, Sinkholes, Gators and Beyond - For some reason my favorite post, Real Estate by the Numbers, didn't make it out this week; so, enjoy some freaky stuff in honor of the upcoming Halloween holiday.

Zillow Names 20 Best Cities to Trick-or-Treat in 2011 - I'm not really how useful this info is. I mean, who is going to drive to San Francisco just for a safe trick or treating experience. In my opinion it seems easier to stay home and buy your own candy.

Major Overhaul to HARP Program Designed to Reach More Borrowers - "In a move designed to allow more people to refinance 'no matter how far the value of their homes have declined,' the federal government today unveiled a major overhaul to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)."

Seller's Tips
Do-It-Yourselfers Are Excellent At Reproducing Similar Results of Mediocre Pros - I guess you could take this one of two ways, 1) I might as well do it myself, or 2) I better higher a really good professional. Personally, I usually prefer the latter.

Buyer's/Investor's Tips
Three Mistakes New Real Estate Investors Make and How to Avoid Them - Whoever wrote this headline is good; how can you avoid any title that says "top mistakes" and "how to avoid them"?

How to Actually Close a Short Sale - The ever elusive short sale; how you can learn to get that property.