HGTV`s FrontDoor.com Identifies Top 10 Real Estate Nightmares

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(Business Wire)--
The ugly truth in real estate is that deals don't always go smoothly. Sometimes,
buying and selling snags can even turn into true terrors, resulting in
frustration - and possibly panic - for all involved. HGTV`s FrontDoor.com has
identified ten hair-raising real estate horror stories and offers tips on how to
avoid such nightmares. (http://www.frontdoor.com/top10)

#10: Spooky surprises at closing. When it comes down to the wire, sometimes
interest rates, closing costs, and even mortgage payments turn out to be higher
than expected. Consulting an agent or broker to review closing documents
line-by-line can help figure out the problem.

#9: Awful agents. Most realtors are true professionals but some don`t live up to
their potential. Be sure to research and interview multiple agent candidates and
get recommendations from friends and family before hiring a realtor to represent
your best interests.

#8: Unwelcome guests. Homes vacated by foreclosure or uninhabited investment
properties may just have uninvited guests, as "squatting" is on the rise around
the country. A property management company can check on an empty house and take
care of routine maintenance issues.

#7: Scary short sale buying. Buying a short sale - a property purchased for less
than the owner owes - is anything but a short process. Even under ideal
circumstances, short sales take a long time and are always uncertain. Make sure
the participating agent has lots of patience and experience with the procedure.

#6: Formidable financing issues. Everyone is jumping through more hoops to get a
loan these days. It`s a good idea to get more than one good faith estimate and
stay on top of the mortgage application, working closely with the financing
company to keep it on a timely track until completion.

#5: Neighbor nuisances. Problem neighbors can quickly turn a dream home into a
nightmare. Before buying, talk to neighboring residents to get a feel of who
lives closeby. Be sure to be neighborly after the sale too, so any problems can
be addressed quickly and courteously.

#4: HOA horrors. Homeowners associations certainly have their perks, but
sometimes the rules and restrictions can be a bit much. When considering the
purchase of a home governed by association covenants, review them closely and
shy away from anything that seems outlandish.

#3: Showing shockers. Besides some bad taste in décor, there might be even worse
horrors inside today`s homes for sale. With many distressed properties on the
market, it`s not surprising that some of them have not been properly prepped for
the sale.

#2: Frightening home flaws. Many people buy seemingly well-maintained homes only
to uncover huge flaws later. Never purchase a house without first having an
inspection (even for a new construction) and check things out just prior to
closing to make sure the seller has taken care of the place since the contract
was signed.

#1: Ghastly pasts. A "stigmatized property" is a home with a shady past (think
crack house or murder scene). Sometimes there are good deals to be found on this
type of property, provided potential buyers can overlook a grisly background.

About FrontDoor.com

FrontDoor.com (http://www.frontdoor.com) is an online real estate information
service powered by HGTV, the No.1 source for home-related media content. The
site currently offers more than 4 million listings of homes for sale. In
addition to providing users with the latest real estate listings, FrontDoor.com
houses expert HGTV advice and videos along with original Web series and a
comprehensive library of features, tools, guides and information. Users can also
interact with FrontDoor through Facebook and Twitter.

FrontDoor.com is run by Scripps Networks Digital, a diversified multi-platform
programmer that delights millions daily with award-winning content in the home,
food and living categories. Scripps Networks Digital`s Web sites -- HGTV.com,
FoodNetwork.com, DIYnetwork.com, FineLiving.com, GACTV.com, Recipezaar.com,
HGTVPro.com, FrontDoor.com; and the newest Food2.com -- are powered by engaging
content, interactive tools and social spaces that take fans of Scripps Networks
cable brands further into the story and offer online users information and
inspiration to fuel their passions. SN Digital also distributes content to
mobile and online partners, providing lifestyle solutions virtually anywhere,
anytime.

If you are a member of the media, please log on to the Scripps Networks Online
Media Center (http://newsroom.scrippsnetworks.com) for the latest brand news,
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current research.

Scripps Networks
Corporate Communications:
Kristin Alm, 865-560-4316
kalm@scrippsnetworks.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009