By Reference Librarian Marisela G.
The economic downturn of the last several years has made for one wild and wooly ride, especially as it relates to the housing market. Those of us in Michigan trying to sell our homes will tell you: we are in the granddaddy slump of all slumps! It can be extremely frustrating to feel so stuck.
The Capital Area District Library is committed to providing resources for the community to utilize during these very trying times. Here are suggestions from our collection to help you open up some doors in the real estate market.
For help on how to sell when you owe more money than you can get, check out How to Sell a House When it’s Worth Less Than The Mortgage: Options for “Underwater” Homeowners and Investors by Dwan Bent-Twyford.
Putting your house on the market? Before you list it, engage in a do-it-yourself home staging project to make it shine. In today’s market, presentation is everything, according to Staging to Sell: The Secret to Selling Homes in a Down Market By Barb Schwartz.
One of the more heartbreaking aspects of the downturn has been the overwhelming number of foreclosures. They climbed to a record 81% in 2008 when over 860,000 families lost their homes. The Foreclosure Survival Guide, written by practicing bankruptcy lawyer Stephen Elias, is the nation’s bestselling book on foreclosure. It includes foreclosure law information for all 50 states and is stuffed with easy-to-use legal charts and sample forms. Most importantly, The Foreclosure Survival Guide offers encouragement and big-picture perspective on keeping your home or coming out of foreclosure financially sound. This current edition is updated with the latest federal legislation and bank-implemented foreclosure-delay programs.
It’s important to protect yourself and your family by making sure you don’t fall prey to scam artists.
Stay informed of every possible option that may help improve your long term future, but be sure your information is credible. Start with the list of websites assembled by the Capital Area District Library staff. At cadl.org, click on “Local Links” in the left side menu. Choose “Social Services” from the list that appears, and then “Buying/Fixing a Home.”
Finally, if you are ready to buy your first house, be sure to check out our 2011 pick for new homebuyers: Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home by Ilona Bray. A little research first can add up to a happier home buying experience!
The Capital Area District Library Reference Department is located at 401 S. Capitol Avenue in Lansing, MI. Contact them at 517-367-6346 or by e-mail at reference@cadl.org.
April 10, 2011 – April 23, 2011 Edition
