Astoria Civic Association

Real Estate, Property Values and Homeowner Resources

Selecting a Home Improvement Contractor

Selecting a Contractor Home improvements and repairs can cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints. When selecting a contractor: Get recommendations and references. Talk to...

Tags: Homeowner – Consumer Information – Home-Improvement

How To Challenge Your Property Assessment

If your home value is dropping but your property taxes are not, you can appeal the assessed value of your home which may help lower your taxes. Property values are down, so why doesn’t your property tax ...

Tags: Homeowner – Staff Pick

How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

A home, whether suburban house, urban condo, or rural ranch, is the largest purchase most Americans will ever make. Now that the country is starting to recover from the booming and busting of the housing...

Tags: Homeowner – Homebuyer

Reverse mortgage: the pros and cons

Reverse mortgages can offer extra cash for seniors, but there are drawbacks. Learn what you should take into consideration before taking out a reverse mortgage. Seniors are feeling just as cash-strapped as...

Tags: Homeowner – Mortgage – Staff Pick

First Time Home Buyer Financial Assistance

This is the second in a series of articles for first-time home buyers. This article discusses the exceptional opportunities that exist for financial assistance for First-Time Home Buyers. First Time Home...

Tags: Association – Thrifty – First Time Homebuyer – Homes – Staff Pick

How To Buy A Short Sale Property

You’ll need time and the right temperament to purchase a short sale property, but you could save thousands if you do. It’s no secret that some great real estate deals are out there, thanks to our...

Tags: Staff Pick – Association

FHA Mortgage Insurance

Buying a home with an FHA Loan? Putting less than twenty percent down? You will very likely be required to purchase FHA mortgage insurance. What Is FHA Mortgage Insurance and Who Needs It? Mortgage insurance ...

Tags: Homeowner – FHA Loan – Mortgage – Thrifty

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