Q: We have a frame house with a stucco exterior. Part of it is over a crawl space about 3 feet high. The house is bolted to the foundation and the exterior stucco covers the walls down to the ground. On the inside of the crawl space, I can see the 1-by-8 redwood backing for the stucco and we have no problems with termites.

I'd like to improve the insulation and make the house more earthquake-safe. Would it be...

Q: I was going to refinance the loan on my house. The day I was going to go to the office to sign the closing papers, I asked again what the loan amount and monthly payment would be. Well, it had changed and was higher than what I was told originally. So, I cancelled the refinance.

My appraisal fee was going to be free, but now they're saying I have to pay it because the loan was not closed. But the only reason I did not close was...

Real estate agents are clearly the most influential persons in every real estate transaction and their power is not reserved for buyers and sellers -- it extends to all professionals involved.

That position of influence becomes magnified in a slower housing market. Everybody is desperate for deals. And, while Realtors typically offer beneficial referrals, consumers should always remember that they have a choice when picking the...