In our class, we used a LeadCheck(TM) product that is now available in big box home improvement stores.

Things like faucets, ceiling fans, electrical fixtures, etc. would be covered under a warranty from your contractor, but you usually pay a bit more than you would from a "big box" store or on line.

Then there are some that couldn't tell the difference between a 3" box nail and a 3" deck screw.

Chock full of free plug-ins so a non-developer can get a lot of common functionality right out of the box.

When furnished, only those housenumbers and mail boxes which are installed by the Major Developer shall be used and maintained in the Properties.

Jason,I understand your points and they are well taken.However, I have to disagree with you that an HOA agreeing to a discounted payoff in the instance of facilitating a short sale would lead to the Pandora's Box situation you describe.

Avoid giving them your last name and have all correspondence mailed to a private mail box or ghost address - the same address your cell phone bill goes to.

UPDATE:so the tenant moved out as he said he would, on the 31st of August. he left everything a mess. i was dumbfounded, i let him know how displeased i was with the condition he left it. his reply was "well this is about normal for me being here as long as i was"..he did not trash the home it was just very very very dirty...carpet survived incredibly well for what the rest of the home looked like. also he took it upon himself to have verizon fios installed, not normally a problem except he had them mount the fios box in my laundry room !

People in Beverly Hills, CA have home alarm systems.Also, if you are all worried about agents not following directions and setting off your alarm, do not put a supra on the door, make sure all showing agents must contact you for a showing, then give them a combo box code for entry.

I always get an extra box or two of tile for breakage later on and save the extra grout in a zip lock bag for perfect tile repairs.