Buying A Home

Are You Being Watched? How to Spot Hidden Cameras in Vacation Rentals

When staying at an Airbnb, VRBO, or hotel accommodation, should you be concerned about whether the host is secretly watching you with hidden cameras? Are you being monitored with video, audio, or both? Possibly. It’s always a good idea to take a look around when you settle into your accommodations. Here’s a quick recap of the laws and rules, along with tips on how to detect secret monitoring. ...

Where are hidden cameras not allowed?

There are two levels of requirements that a host must follow. There is governmental law, and there are the policies of the hosting business. ...

Federal and state laws regulate the use of recording devices. Twelve states require all parties to be on record as acknowledging awareness of devices and providing consent. Thirty-eight states only require one party to be aware and give consent. A secret recording, whether audio or video, made by a third party without the knowledge of the individuals being recorded is illegal under both state and federal law....

Inside a dwelling, cameras are not allowed in rooms where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists, such as bedrooms and bathrooms....

Separately, Airbnb and VRBO require hosts not to use any cameras or recording devices inside a home. Only outdoor cameras are allowed; even then, they must not be positioned over an area where privacy is expected, such as a sauna or outdoor shower....

Independent property management companies establish their policies regarding the use of recording devices. You should read their policies before booking through them. ...

Trust, but verify

Laws and rules aside, you never know whether a host might secretly place a hidden device in one room or throughout the whole house you have rented. The owners may or may not be aware of the laws and hosting policies, but they should be and should abide by them. ...

Some monitoring devices are especially sneaky. The flashlight feature on your smartphone is your most effective tool for detecting surveillance devices. Here’s how to check for them....

Turn off the lights and use your cell phone flashlight to scan the room. Look for a dot-shaped glint of reflection, which could be a camera lens, especially on electronic devices, audio-video equipment, mirrors, and in small holes in walls.
A USB charger in a wall outlet should be checked, especially if it has a small, round dot on the face beside the USB port. Turn off the lights in the room and shine your cell phone light into the hole. If it reflects back to you, it is a miniature camera.
Inspect ceiling smoke detectors. If you see a similar unexplained round dot on the face, shine a light into it and look for the glow of a camera lens.
Perform the same light check on the face of a clock radio, which is another popular hidden camera ploy.
Look for any furniture or electronic devices that are oddly positioned, facing the bed or the central part of a living area. Perform the light test.
Go to the Wi-Fi network finder on your phone or laptop. It will list all the Wi-Fi networks nearby. Look for anything that says “camera” or is somehow suspicious.

What to do if you find hidden cameras or audio recording devices

If you find a hidden recording device:...

Use your smartphone to narrate a video of how and where you found it, showing the device.
Unplug the device, if possible, without causing any damage.
If the device is located in the bedroom or bathroom, call the police immediately.
Notify the host organization, whether it is Airbnb, VRBO, or a hotel.
Contact the host and inform them that you have found the issue and reported it to the appropriate authorities.
Check out and find other accommodations.

Buying, Finding a Home,

Can You Park There? The Truth About Street Parking

Every neighborhood has dilemmas at some point, and street parking is one of the most common. A household with multiple cars may not have sufficient space in the garage or driveway, resulting in vehicles left on the street. If street parking is prohibited, sparks can fly. Is there a solution?...

Who makes the rules about street parking?

Traffic and parking rules in subdivisions are typically established by one or two entities: governmental law, as well as the neighborhood homeowners’ association (HOA), if one exists. ...

The government sets laws on speed limits, stop signs, and school zones. It can also prohibit street parking if the fire marshal designates the sides of the streets as fire lanes, with red striping along each side. Police and sheriffs’ deputies enforce these laws with citations and fines....

Police do not enforce HOA parking rules. If there is an HOA in your neighborhood, a second layer of rules applies. And, you guessed it, the most common HOA traffic rule is a restriction on street parking. Even if there is no fire lane designation, if the HOA covenants and restrictions prohibit street parking, the rules are enforceable through warnings and then penalties applied to the errant homeowner’s dues. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that guests also park in accordance with the regulations....

HOAs set these restrictions to prevent neighborhood streets from becoming cluttered with parked cars, thereby limiting driving space. Some HOAs even limit the number of vehicles that can be parked in a driveway and may require keeping the garage free of clutter so that cars can be parked inside. Homeowners may find it onerous, but the HOA’s purpose is to safeguard the neighborhood’s appearance and uphold home valuations. ...

Some HOAs issue parking permit stickers to homeowners and temporary permits to guests. Some neighborhoods also offer guest parking spaces. ...

Public versus private streets

In any gated neighborhood, the streets are privately owned by the collective homeowners. This means the public cannot drive the streets at will and must have a gate code for entry. Such streets sometimes are narrower than public streets by as much as 5 feet. In such communities, street parking is likely not allowed, as it would further congest the already narrow streets....

What happens if you park on the street where it’s not allowed?

If you park on the street in violation of the municipal code, a police officer may issue you a citation, and your car may be towed. It is a violation of the law to block intersections, driveways, mailboxes, fire hydrants, and crosswalks. If someone parks in a way that blocks any of these, law enforcement may be contacted to address the violation. ...

Suppose you park illegally in the street and an emergency arises. In that case, a fire truck or other first responder vehicle can lawfully push your car out of the way, if needed, without legal liability for any damages to your vehicle....

If there are no government or HOA restrictions on street parking, someone can park on the street in front of your house without violating any laws. ...

Over major holidays, when you may have family guests, you can get a temporary waiver if you request it from the HOA in advance. Alternatively, the HOA board may permit you to temporarily exceed driveway limitations, but not street parking restrictions....

Building a Home, Buying,

Home Safety: When Lightning Rods Are Worth the Investment

Are lightning rods a good way to protect your home? Lightning strikes cause approximately 4,400 house fires per year. Here’s how to determine if a lightning rod system is right for you....

A bolt from the blue

When lightning strikes nearby, it is terrifying. The sound is deafening and the flash blinding. It can split a tree and set it on fire. When a building is struck, superheating can initiate a fire, and the heat flash transmitted through the structure can cause mini-explosions of building materials, thereby spreading the fire. The electrical system can be destroyed....

Surprisingly, metal roofs are not more attractive to lightning than other types of roofing materials. Lightning is attracted to the tallest object regardless of material. Therefore, a nearby tree, if taller than the house, is more likely to get struck. ...

Would lightning rods be a good investment for your home?

Do you live in a region prone to thunderstorms? Most of the southern states, from Texas to Florida, are highly prone to severe thunderstorms. In fact, Florida is unofficially the lightning capital of the world. With a higher risk for lightning strikes than other states, lightning rods might make sense for homes in these areas....

Homes in states farther north—or otherwise not prone to lightning storms—present less of a risk, so lightning rods are not needed.
If taller objects (such as trees) do not surround your house or it’s somewhat isolated from other structures, the home is more vulnerable to a strike.
Retrofitting a house with lightning rods is often more expensive than including them during home construction.

Installation and cost

Lightning rods stand a little taller than the roof and are fashioned to have a decorative appearance. A cable connects the rod down through the structure of the house into the ground, thus channeling the massive electrical charge into the earth, or “grounding” it. You may need more than one rod, depending on the size and configuration of your house. The cost of installing a lightning rod system ranges between $1,000 and $2,000....

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Why Aren’t My Flowering Plants Blooming?

You bought flowering plants known for their luscious blooms for your garden or flowerpots. After placing them, watering them, and tending them, the flowers you saw at the nursery have fallen off, seeming never to return. What’s going on?...

Factors beyond your control

Some issues affecting plant blooming are simply beyond your control. For bedding plants in particular, weather conditions play a significant role. Unusually hot or cold weather can inhibit blooming and the ability to thrive. Periods of drought or heavy rain may set plants back as well....

Another factor is the age of the flowering plant. Very young blooming plants may not produce flowers until they mature. ...

Fostering ideal conditions for flowering plants

There are several factors you can control to help your plants thrive and show their beautiful blooms:...

When purchasing, read the tag carefully, noting a plant’s blooming season, how much sun it needs, and how often it requires water.
Learn what kind of soil the plant needs. Consult the nursery staff and purchase bagged soil and compost as suggested.
Place plants where they will receive the necessary amount of sun. For those that need full sun many hours of the day, look for an open place away from shade. Plants needing partial sun should be placed where the sun shines directly for only part of the day.
Take into account how the sun moves not only through each day, but also the change in its position over the year.
Adjust your watering schedule, fine-tuning it according to the plant’s needs, both in frequency and quantity of water.
Fertilize as needed. Sometimes, too much nitrogen can inhibit blooms. Sometimes, not enough will do the same. Learn your blooming plant’s specific nutritional needs.
Improper pruning can affect blooming. Prune sparingly, only enough to help the plant increase its density of foliage, and prune just above branching nodes to ensure maximum growth.

Related – Growing a Meadow Garden...

Buying, Buying a Home,

Permitted Activities Guide: 15 Outdoor Projects That May Be Illegal

You may think your home is your castle; however, some of your ideas may not be considered permitted activities. In fact, certain outdoor endeavors are prohibited on private property, whether by law, deed restrictions, or covenants and restrictions of the homeowner association (HOA). Certain activities can only be undertaken with the issuance of a permit. ...

Permitted Activities: Know Before You Grow, Build, or Dig

Even if it’s your land, specific outdoor projects require more than just a good imagination. Before you break ground, check local ordinances and HOA rules to see if you need permits or approvals for the following:...

Building a Fence Over 6 Feet Tall
Tall fences usually require both a city permit and HOA approval....
Installing a Deck
Deck construction must comply with city building codes and often requires HOA preapproval....
Adding a Swimming Pool
In-ground or large aboveground pools need permits and inspections for safety and health compliance....
Installing Solar Panels or Large Satellite Dishes
These often require HOA approval and may be subject to placement and size limitations....
Excavating or Altering Land Grading
If changing the soil contour will cause runoff to neighboring yards, it is typically prohibited....
Hardscaping and Paving Large Areas
An excessive amount of impermeable surface can violate environmental runoff regulations and may require permits....
Drilling a Water Well
This may be permitted with local or state approval; it’s often subject to water conservation regulations....
Creating a Large Garden or Crop Production
Large-scale gardening or high-water-use landscaping may require permits or be subject to restrictions.

Your Property Rights Have Limits

Ownership doesn’t mean unlimited freedom. These outdoor activities are commonly restricted—or entirely prohibited—by local laws or HOA covenants:...

Raising Chickens or Livestock
Most urban and suburban neighborhoods prohibit the keeping of chickens, goats, cows, and similar animals. Some areas may allow a few chickens but no roosters....
Beekeeping
Where allowed, this usually comes with strict regulations regarding property size, setbacks, and beekeeper certification....
Operating a Home-Based Business Open to the Public
Zoning laws and HOA rules typically forbid businesses that generate public traffic or industrial noise....
Running an Auto Repair or Industrial Operation
These activities are usually prohibited in residential zones due to safety, noise, and zoning violations....
Storage Buildings or Sheds in Visible Locations
Most neighborhoods require sheds to be placed in a fenced backyard and at a height below the fence....
Excessive Outdoor Lighting
Some cities have “dark sky” regulations limiting light pollution in residential areas....
Discharging a Firearm on Your Property
This is prohibited in most cities and even in some rural areas for lots with acreage below a minimum.

Home Technology, Ownership,

Don’t Be Fooled: How to Recognize Impostor Scams

Imposter scams can become particularly personal, especially with AI-driven fraud. That text with a “final notice” on a toll violation from the Department of Motor Vehicles? Bogus! But a scarier impostor would be an AI-generated voice sounding just like your child calling and claiming to have been kidnapped, then begging for money. How can you tell if these interactions are real or fake? Don’t panic. Read on....

High-tech impostor scams

We all receive fraudulent texts and emails attempting to scam us out of money. But those scams pale in comparison to an AI-generated voice that sounds just like a loved one in distress. With just a snippet of a person’s authentic recorded voice, AI programs can then carry on a conversation sounding just like someone you know....

How can you keep from panicking if it sounds like your teenage son or daughter is in distress? And for lower-level imposter scams, how can you flush out a phony?...

Go to the source

Criminals spew out tens of thousands of texts and emails pretending to be common vendors. You might get a fake text from a bank demanding a payment for an overdraft. The crooks send out thousands of these, knowing that hundreds of bank customers are likely to receive them and that someone might fall for it....

To avoid this imposter scam, investigate the source independently. Do not respond to the message by clicking an embedded link or calling a number that appears to be from the vendor. If you receive a text or email allegedly from your credit card company requesting approval for a large purchase, log in to your account and check the activity. If you see activity you did not authorize, contact the credit card company directly from your account page, not with any number supplied in the bogus text or email....

Scams by voice call

Sometimes, you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS or the Social Security Administration, making a bogus claim that you must repay some money. These agencies will never call and demand money by phone. Never. ...

Do not be alarmed if your caller ID gives the name of that agency. Scammers can mask their numbers in that way....

Much more alarming would be a voice sounding just like your loved one pleading for money. Dealing with this imposter scam requires some preplanning and a cool head....

As part of an overall family safety plan, discuss this very scenario. Establish a code word or an answer to a code question. A code word or question must be something that all of you can remember, and it should not be something shared publicly on social media that the bad guys can harvest. For example, if you vacation together each summer in Destin, Florida, and post about it on social media, don’t make your code question about where you vacation. The code word or question should be something private and closely held that all of you are familiar with. ...

If you receive such a call, do not panic. Ask the voice on the line for the code word or answer. If the caller does not respond but still tries to get you to cooperate, write down the phone number, hang up, and call the police. This type of call is attempted extortion and is more severe than common scams by phone, text, or email....

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Skin-Irritating Plants: How to Spot and Avoid Them

When you pull weeds in a landscape, your hands may get a stinging, burning, or itching sensation if you come in contact with certain skin-irritating plants. Various plants use chemical warfare to protect themselves from being eaten by foraging animals or removed by human hands. Don’t touch these five toxic plants without wearing gloves....

Skin-Irritating Plants

Stinging nettle, as its name implies, sets off a stinging sensation in your skin upon contact and may produce a rash. After the stinging stops, the skin may feel clammy and slightly wet. Stinging nettle leaves are narrow and can be recognized by their sharp, saw-toothed edges. ...

Wood nettle makes your skin burn upon contact. Wood nettle leaves are broader than stinging nettle leaves and have a ribbed pattern radiating out from the center to the edges. Generally, any plant with “nettle” in its name is not your friend....

Poison ivy is the most commonly known toxic plant to the skin, causing a rash containing blisters. Some people have an exceptionally allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Only pull poison ivy while wearing gloves, long sleeves, and pants. Stuff the vine into plastic bags, tie them off, and toss them in the trash. Never burn poison ivy, as even the smoke can carry the toxin and irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract. Poison ivy is recognizable by its distinct, large, saw-tooth leaves that grow in groups of three. In the fall, the leaves may change color to red or yellow. If unsure, remember the saying: “Leaves of three, let it be.”...

Poison oak and poison sumac bring similar symptoms as poison ivy and should be handled with similar precautions. The rash these plants cause may produce blisters. Poison oak leaves resemble those of an oak tree, although the plant is not part of the oak family. Poison sumac, on the other hand, is a bushy plant characterized by long leaves that radiate sideways from the branch....

Giant hogweed is not as widespread as nettles and poison ivy—it’s found in just 16 states. It is an invasive species introduced from the Caucasus Mountains of Asia in 1917 as a decorative plant. It grows aggressively and crowds out other plants. It can reach over 10 feet tall and has very broad leaves topped with clusters of white flowers. It is sometimes mistaken for Queen Anne’s lace. Touching the plant is not toxic, but getting the sap on the skin damages your skin’s ability to protect itself from ultraviolet light, leading to a severe sunburn called phytophotodermatitis....

Other, lesser-known irritants

Wild parsnip roots are edible, but getting the sap on the skin can also produce phytophotodermatitis, just like giant hogweed.
Baby’s breath is a staple in the floral trade, often used in flower arrangements, but the sap can cause minor skin irritation.
Besides skin irritations, there are a host of plants with pollen that causes respiratory irritation, such as ragweed and many others.

What to do if you’re affected

Most plants that irritate the skin and respiratory tract utilize histamines, among other chemicals. Using a topical treatment with an antihistamine, such as calamine lotion or Benadryl cream, brings temporary relief. Taking an antihistamine tablet can help as well. There are several nondrowsy antihistamines available over the counter....

If you experience shortness of breath, numbness, and tingling at the site of the irritation and a thickened tongue, call 911 or Poison Control, as these are signs of a severe allergic reaction that could be life-threatening....

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

How Cute! Finding Baby Wildlife on Your Property

You might be working in your flower bed one day and find baby wildlife that seems to be abandoned: a tiny raccoon, deer, squirrel, or bird. As adorable as the creature may be, with its big brown eyes and tiny whiskers, you should leave it alone. Here is why....

It’s a wild animal, and so is its mother.

Finding baby wildlife is exciting, but just because an animal is alone does not mean it has been abandoned. Mother deer often hide fawns in bushes while they go forage, possibly for extended periods. Baby squirrels and raccoons might sometimes be abandoned by their mothers, but most likely, they are also nearby. ...

Baby birds may fall out of the nest or be found on the ground after making their first attempts at flying. If a baby bird has feathers and open eyes, it is probably starting out on its own in life, so don’t disturb it. If it has closed eyes and no feathers, it will die if left out of the nest and needs help. The nest may be right overhead, so you can hopefully put the bird back where it belongs. ...

Baby lizards and snakes will do just fine without their mothers. Reptiles are born to be independent from the start....

What to do if you have baby wildlife on your property

If you find a baby mammal of any sort, leave it alone and just keep an eye on it throughout the day. Chances are, the mother will return for it. There is one exception, and that would be if the animal is visibly hurt or sick. In such a case, call your local animal control or a wildlife removal service. Trying to handle a sick or injured animal puts you at risk of being bitten, scratched, or possibly infected with disease. Animal control will handle the creature with compassion and care....

If no mother returns for the baby and you must move it for some reason, first lay a towel over it. Wearing thick gardening gloves, gently pick the animal up and move it to a safe place. Then call animal control....

Remember, it is a wild animal.

Resist the urge to try to make a pet of the animal. Adorable though it may be, when a wild animal grows to adulthood, it can become more aggressive and pose a danger to you and your family....

Buying, Financing a Home,

How Tariffs Might Affect the Housing Market

The new administration in Washington, D.C., has announced trade tariffs, causing confusion and turmoil in various markets. Economists warn that tariffs will mean higher prices for a host of goods, including houses. How might tariffs affect the cost of a home?...

What are tariffs, and who pays them?

Governments impose tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods, to make foreign products more expensive and to give domestic businesses a competitive advantage. The idea is to encourage US companies to buy products made in America; however, tariffs can significantly raise the costs of goods for American consumers. As an example, if the US imposes a tariff on steel imported from China, then buyers of Chinese steel in the United States will have to pay more for that steel. If auto makers use Chinese steel to manufacture cars, then the higher production costs are passed on to the customer, who ultimately pays the increased price....

How do tariffs affect the housing market?

Higher prices for materials such as lumber and metals (and even appliances) raise the cost of new construction. Prices may not just rise, but they may also fluctuate, creating instability:...

New home builders raise the price of homes due to rising costs for construction materials.
Homeowners’ insurance costs rise because the potential insurance payout for a loss increases.
Some potential buyers get priced out of the market by the increases.
Opportunities arise for buying pre-owned homes that are not subject to rising materials costs. But as this demand rises, so do existing home prices.
Discouraged buyers opt for the rental market. Increased rental demand raises lease rates.
Sellers in a soft market and with high interest rates stay put and don’t try to sell.
In turn, the softening of demand causes home prices to retrench. Home builders may offer incentives to attract buyers. Thus, conflicting factors cause prices to become unstable.

Financing may go through a similar cycle:...

The increase in the cost of materials and subsequent increase in new home prices could cause the Federal Reserve to hold the line on the high interest rates of recent years, or even raise them slightly, trying to dampen rising inflation.
Higher rates dampen demand as the cost of homeownership rises, pricing many buyers out.
As demand softens, the Fed decides to dial back rates, trying to “fine-tune” to prevent a recession. This is known as a “soft landing” for the economy, which is difficult to accomplish.

What should home buyers and sellers do?

In uncertain times, buyers and sellers alike need to simply stay vigilant. Prices rise and fall due to fluctuating market conditions. Therefore, it is essential to research current market trends, interest rates, and your local housing market’s performance. ...

Two practical steps to take are to have a real estate agent already on board, briefed on what the buyer’s or seller’s goals are, ready to move quickly on an opportunity. Second, buyers should have a mortgage preapproval already in hand to be able to act quickly at the right opportunity....

Buying, Buying a Home,

Attorney Versus Title: State Requirements at Closing

The closing is the culmination of a real estate transaction, when the property title and payment exchange, and the professionals guiding the transaction get paid for their services. Depending on the state in which your transaction occurs, the closing is conducted by different parties: a real estate attorney versus a title company. Here are the differences....

Attorney Versus Title: Who handles the closing process?

Closing on a real estate transaction is a complex legal and financial process. The aspects include:...

Completing the sales contract, which in most states is a set template set by state law.
Vetting the title history of the property to determine who owns it or may hold a legal claim, such as a lien for unpaid taxes or vendor work.
Preparing the deed documents for transfer from seller to buyer.
Dispersing escrowed funds to receiving parties. The buyer’s down payment is escrowed, and later it and the full funding are paid to the seller at closing. Fees to the attorney and other vendors involved in the sale process will also be paid out.

What are the differences in how a closing is handled?

In states where an attorney-managed closing occurs, the attorney handles all the steps. The state may not require a title insurance policy....

The advantage of an attorney-managed closing is the confidence for both seller and buyer that the legal process has been professionally overseen and is dependable. The disadvantage is that legal fees are higher than in states where a title company handles the closing. If no title policy is issued, any ownership defects found later are more costly to resolve....

In states where a title company manages closings, the process is more expedited. Attorney oversight is reduced, but not eliminated. The title company does a title search and issues title insurance policies to protect the buyer and the new mortgage lender. Most title companies have attorneys whom they pay to vet the documents, but since the forms are usually state-mandated templates, the vetting is less in-depth, and the legal fees are less costly. ...

Therefore, the advantages of a title company closing are savings in time and money. In contrast, the disadvantage is that reduced attorney involvement means the process does not receive as detailed a legal review....

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