Sandy's Journal

Almost everyone’s thoughts turn towards wellness at the start of a new year—and even your home can be part of your plans for a healthier lifestyle. The connection between your health and the building you live in has been extensively studied since the 1980s.

Even though most homes don’t suffer from “sick building syndrome,” many homeowners feel better making improvements that promote the family’s health. Here are a few popular health-related home upgrades:

Whole-House Air Filter

Because we spend up to 90 percent of our time inside our home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports dust, molds, pet dander, pests and second-hand smoke can trigger asthma in family members or visitors. In addition to regularly cleaning furniture and bedding, you may also consider cleaning the air through your forced-air heating or central air-conditioning system. Types of filters include disposable HEPA filters, electronic “ionizing” filters and UV filters that kill airborne bacteria.

Household Water Filter

Many people want extra-clean drinking water, while others simply don’t like the taste of tap water. In any case, filtration can remove chlorine and other unwanted substances from your water. Installed under the sink, a plumbed-in water filtration system connects directly to an existing water pipe. Such a system offers convenience, though you may still need to change the filter cartridge regularly.

Low-Emission Paint

Are you thinking about repainting a room? Many paints and household finishes still contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, heavy metals such as mercury, or other toxins. Using paints and other finishes with low or no VOCs can help people with allergies and sensitivities breathe more easily.

If you add these health-promoting features to your home, remember to call attention to them when you decide to sell. Your “healthy” home may stand out from the competition so you receive a higher price.

One of the unfortunate realities of our current economic condition is the fact that it lends itself well to con artists who are looking to take advantage of innocent people who are in desperate times.

One of the unfortunate realities of our current economic condition is the fact that it lends itself well to con artists who are looking to take advantage of innocent people who are in desperate times. The reality is that con artists prey upon people who have fallen upon hard times, such as those who are having difficulty keeping up with their mortgage payments. As a result, the number of mortgage scams has seen a significant rise over the past several months. Therefore, in order to keep yourself protected, it is essential for you to be aware of these scams and how to recognize a con artist when you see one.

Recognizing a Scam

Sadly, recognizing a scam or a con artist can be quite difficult, as con artists are very good at what they do. By manipulating your feelings and your desperate situation, they can even get you to do things that you know in your heart simply don't seem "right." To that end, here are some general things you should always avoid doing in order to prevent being taken by a con artist:

• Never pay upfront fees to a person claiming to be a mortgage rescue advisor
• Never sign a contract related to your mortgage without first consulting with a legal professional
• Never trust someone who claims to be able to provide you with a "quick fix" to your mortgage problem
• Never send mortgage payments to anyone other than the company that is directly responsible for collecting your payments on behalf of your mortgage lender

No matter what type of identification the person shows to you, you should never pay any upfront fees to have your mortgage "fixed." Unfortunately, it is not unusual for con artists to pose as if they are government officials and they may have some convincing looking documentation to back up this claim.

Examining Common Scams

Although the con artists seem to have an unlimited array of scams to select from, there are a few common scams that are being seen within the mortgage industry.

One of the most common scam is the "mortgage rescue" contract. With this scam, the con artist will ask you to sign a contract that will allow him or her to take the steps necessary to help you with your mortgage problems. Rather than signing over permission to give you help, however, you will actually be signing permission for your title to be transferred. Once you have transferred the title to the scammer, he or she will promptly evict you from your home.

A similar scam that is causing people to lose their homes is the "rent-to-buy" scam. With this one, the con artist convinces you to sign over the title of your home so he or she can get it refinanced under better terms that what you can qualify to obtain. The scammer claims that he or she will arrange a rent-to-buy arrangement with you so you can remain in your home. Of course, after ownership is transferred, the con artist finds a reason to evict you from your own home.

The bottom line is that there is no quick fix to mortgage troubles and no one can offer you a "guaranteed" or "proven" solution. Although it may be tempting to take these scammers up on their offers in the hope of saving your home, steer clear of these individuals or you may soon find yourself without a home.