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Are Sizable Earnest Money Deposits Necessary? Oct. 25, 2022
Dear Monty: We are trying to buy a house, but the seller backed out of the sale. The real estate age... Read More
Four Options When the Seller's Agent Refuses to Present an Offer Oct. 11, 2022
Dear Monty: We made an offer on a home through our agent that is $400k overpriced at $1.3 million. O... Read More
The Cause and Effect of Post-Contract Home Inspections Sep. 27, 2022
Dear Monty: We are first-time homebuyers. We asked the seller for a credit when the home inspection ... Read More
Match Stainless Steel Appliances With a New Sink Sep. 22, 2022
Dear James: I have installed all-new stainless appliances in my kitchen. I may have to install the s... Read More
Going for the Handyman Special Sep. 13, 2022
"I am a general contractor and builder whose business has gone downhill with the current housing dow... Read More
Would You Rather Haul a $750 Sofa to the Dump or Spend $50 to Fix It? Sep. 05, 2022
Imagine this scenario: You spend $750 for a new sofa — not on a whim, but after saving and sho... Read More
The High Cost of Procrastination Mar. 28, 2022
Recently, another tale of woe landed in my inbox reminding that it's a story old as time still being... Read More
Simple Maintenance and Clothes Washer Repair Tips Jan. 20, 2022
Dear James: My clothes washer leaks a little when in the drain and spin cycles. What things should I... Read More
Got a Problem? Try WD-40 Dec. 16, 2021
The year is 1953. Rocket Chemical, a struggling company in San Diego, sets out to create a rust-prev... Read More
Barriers for the Disabled Run Deeper Than Fixing Sidewalks Dec. 10, 2021
In a report issued in May 2020, the American Psychological Association speaks of mounting psychologi... Read More
Use Permanent Window Film to Block Heat Jul. 22, 2021
Dear James: The old-tinted film on my windows blocks heat, but the corners are becoming loose and cr... Read More
Clean and Maintain Old Door Deadbolts Jul. 01, 2021
Dear James: The old deadbolts on my front and side doors are difficult to turn with a key or from in... Read More
Make Sure Concrete Is Properly Poured to Minimize Cracks Apr. 08, 2021
Dear James: I am having a new house built in an area where others have had many cracks in the concre... Read More
Biden Must Expand Labor Force if He Wants to Fix Roads Apr. 05, 2021
President Joe Biden is right. The United States has an infrastructure crisis and fixing it is "long ... Read More
Dollar-Store Lightbulbs, Free Windshield Repair and More Reader Tips Nov. 24, 2020
Not all companies are starving for business these days. In fact, some are setting records for growth... Read More
The Case of the Frugal Florist Oct. 28, 2020
Dear Mary: I offered to do flower arrangements for a very small family wedding. The bride donated $1... Read More
Replace or Repair? Jun. 29, 2020
You're worried the washing machine may be on its last spin cycle. It makes a horrible screeching sou... Read More
Pets Teach Responsibility on Many Levels Feb. 18, 2020
DR. WALLACE: My sister has a pet cat, and I have a dog. We both have to take care of our pets and pa... Read More
Repair Toilets Yourself to Save Water and Money Sep. 12, 2019
Dear James: We have three toilets in our house, and each one seems to have a different problem. It c... Read More
Finding the Confidence to Do Household Repairs Yourself Nov. 21, 2016
Figuring out how to install a new tile floor in the family room paid off big for my friend Mary Broc... Read More
