Entries Categorized as 'RSS'

The Possible Impact (and Real Cost) of Extending the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Date September 24, 2009

Today we announced the results of a recent survey, which Zillow conducted with Harris Interactive, asking prospective first time homebuyers how an extension of the $8,000 tax credit would influence their decision to buy a home next year.  If the credit were extended, of those who intend to buy a home, 18 percent called the credit the “primary [...]

What Kind of Neighbor Are You?

Date September 23, 2009

(G-rated edits made to sign above)
Neighbors can make or break a nice, enjoyable living situation. There are neighbors from hell, there are neighbors of faith, there are neighbors who play horseshoes naked, there are neighbors in high, political places and if you’re lucky (or, unlucky) there are celebrity neighbors.
But the real test of what kind [...]

Neighbor’s Tree Leans Into My Yard. Can I Cut It?

Date September 23, 2009

AJW 1975 of Darien, CT asks for help in Zillow Advice in dealing with a common problem for many homeowners:
If a neighbor’s tree leans into my yard, can I cut it?
He goes on to say:
There is a tree that is fenced in by three yards behind my house, but it leans into my yard.  I need [...]

Mosquitoes Still an Issue When it Comes to Foreclosed Homes

Date September 23, 2009

No one likes mosquitoes (really, no one) and they just won’t quit. And their nastiness has another side effect related to real estate. Zillow VP of Communications Amy Bohutinsky wrote a blog post two years ago that foreclosures are helping spread the West Nile Virus since untended backyard swimming pools are the perfect breeding ground [...]

Moammar Gadhafi Pitches Tent in Bedford, NY

Date September 22, 2009

A few weeks ago, we reported that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi was interested in renting Joan Rivers’ New York City penthouse as his New York City base for when he is scheduled to appear before the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23. Rivers told him where to stick it. The reviled leader then turned [...]

Christina Ricci Lists Los Angeles-Area Home For Sale

Date September 22, 2009

Christina Ricci, teen starlet from the 1990’s, is on the move. The Addams Family actress is asking $1,549,000 million for her Hollywood Hills home. While it’s a stretch to call this home “affordable” for the average Joe, the listing is in a lower price bracket than many of the celebrity homes for sale reported [...]

People Are Renting Rooms in Their Homes, But What About Zoning Laws?

Date September 22, 2009

in this tough economic time, people are finding ways to help pay the mortgage or pay the rent. Here’s an interesting question in Zillow Advice by r33brooks:
I see a lot of people renting out rooms in their homes (craigslist). But what about zoning, laws?

Originally posted here.

Mortgage Rates Stay Steady This Week

Date September 22, 2009

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed rates remained steady this week, with the weekly average rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 5.04%, which is unchanged from the week prior. For 15-year fixed mortgages, borrowers were quoted on average, 4.45% and for 5/1 ARMs, 4.00%.
This morning, the national rate for 30-year fixed purchase mortgages [...]

Best-selling Diet Author Harvey Diamond in Foreclosure, Son Arrested for Fraud

Date September 22, 2009

Celebrity foreclosures are becoming more frequent these days, but few have ties to large criminal cases.
Harvey Diamond, author of the best-selling 1980s diet book Fit for Life and father of recently arrested Beau Diamond, is currently in foreclosure on his $1.1 million Sarasota home, located at 8424 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL. The St. Petersburg [...]

Hulk Hogan’s Florida Home on Market for $13.9 Million

Date September 21, 2009

Former pro wrestler/actor Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan) and his ex-wife Linda have finalized their very public divorce, but not the sale of their Belleair, FL home.
The Hogan family, former stars of the VH1 reality TV show “Hogan Knows Best,” have been unable to unload their 17,000-square-foot home, located at 130 Willadel Dr, Belleair FL 33756. [...]