In short, January 1 is expected to bring with it some environmental requirements that will affect owners installing water heaters, air conditioning, and new roofs. The refrigerant requirements change for cooling systems, so the cost to install new or recharge old will increase significantly. The low knox requirement of gas heaters has raised materials cost there also.

Rumored building code changes for new roof installations may or may not go in to effect. I've not received a confirmation this is going into effect January 1, but it's anticiapted. Per local company, Affordable Roofing:

Iif the roof system is changed next year, they will have to get reflective, Title 24-compliant shingle roofing and/or attic installation upgraded to meet new building codes. The Title-24 compliant shingle will add about $1,000.00 to the overall cost of the roof while upgrading the insulation could be as much as $2,500 or so. This assumes that Title 24 compliance won't be pushed back another year due to economic hardship in the state's economy, of course.

What are my options to upgrade an old bathtub that is stained and losing it's polish?

Tubs can be reglazed for a reasonable fee around $300 to $500, depending on size and color. Reglazing is certainly a cheaper option in time and materials than replacing a tub. The drawback is that reglazing does not last as long as the original tub surface, and it can easily be damaged by careless use.

The surface of a reglazed tub is not heat-fired, so it is "soft" in that dropping a shampoo bottle in the tub can dent or chip off the new surface. Scouring brushes and cleansers also can't be used on the surface, but rather "green" or a mild cleanser such as water and vinegar doesn't damage the finish. Bathmats will also damage the surface, so best to avoid using one. The reglazing company can recommend products to use if the tub is primarily used as a shower, but any product sitting on the surface (including a soap dish) should removed regularly to allow the surface to dry and breathe.

A reglazed surface should last three to five years when properly cared for. However, for a rental property, the lifespan is certainly not as long. The most common problem we see in a rental situation is the lack of cleaning. Dirt can get ingrained in the porous surface, so infrequent cleaning causes staining. Bleach shouldn't be used on reglazed tubs, so the unfortunate solution is to reglaze it again if cleaning doesn't brighten it up.

Our tub was reglazed just over three years ago, and I'm happy with the results. The only damage to the finish is from things being dropped! The tub was fiberglass and some spidering cracks were showing through on the original surface. Reglazing smoothed them out and the new surface has not cracked. We also were able to have a custom color rather than white or bisque. And, while the dark color is harder to keep looking clean, it hasn't faded even in direct sunlight.

I'd definitely recommend reglazing as a first step in lieu of replacing a tub. It's a cost-saving method of dressing up an older bathroom if you're planning to sell or refi your house. We got kudos on our refi as it turned a hideous 80's brown and tan marbled tub into something that looked like it came off a showroom.

And, yes, you can reglaze a jacuzzi tub as well as a "normal" tub!

I want to get into real estate. I've had a long-term interest and would love to flip houses and get a license. Where's a good place to start so I can get a feel for how things work and what's involved?

Starting as a receptionist, office help, transaction coordinator or broker's assistant in a RE company is a good way to learn how things are done from the inside. The RE exam/coursework really doesn't teach you how things are done, so hands-on experience working under experienced agents is a definite plus. You get a good feel for the sales process and customer service needs.

Other places you could get your foot in the door are working at a title company, bank (in mortgage dept), new home/developer sales office, or as a property manager/assistant manager.

If you want to flip houses, I'd highly recommend the property management route. After a few years there's not much you won't know how to address, and you'll be more equipped to walk into a house and evaluate what needs to be done. Plus you'll know the cost up front and have a complete vendor list you trust whom you can hire for the flip. If you watch the house flipping shows, flakey contractors and unexpected problems are quite common for young investors.

Thought I would share this article I found a while back on MSN, with some handy tips about how to makeover your kitchen without replacing it! I think I might try the cabinet "refinish" idea on my bath vanity–when time allows.

http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=16828411

Think that an REO is a good deal?

It could be, but I don't recommend it as the best choice for a first-time buyer.

A "normal" sale–if you can find one in your price range–would be the best situation for a first-time buyer. (A "normal" sale is where the buyer purchases from the homeowner who can supply disclosures and background information on the house, and they negotiate terms through the escrow process.) That's really the safest way to not get in a project over your head. However, homes will have issues, so any home you purchase–no matter how good it looks–may have hidden flaws or things that break after escrow closes.

Most REOs are sold as-is and the bank will not negotiate any repairs. Often there are daily penalties if you do not close escrow on time. There are no disclosures to give you background information about the home's history or problems. It's definitely a "buyer beware" situation.

The bank may also require you to qualify with their choice of loan agent before they will accept an offer. Start out with a 740 score and qualify for 5 REO offers, when you finally get one you may no longer be an A-paper buyer.

Ultimately, if your purchasing power does not give you the option of shopping within the boundaries of a "normal" sale, spend time looking at various REOs before you jump into an offer. Consider the overall financial commitment you'll need to rehab the house. If a major component goes awry, you'll be stuck with a house you may not be able to live in if you don't have cash on hand for unexpected repairs.