LIVING THE DREAM FOR A DOLLAR AN ACRE

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Can they stop me from paying any amount I want on the principal, any time I want, as long as the regular monthly payments are up to date?

— Gordon Lewis
Thomaston, ME

A. Congratulations on the purchase of your land! You are to be commended for thinking about your future payment ability when you entered into your real estate contract. Read your contract carefully. Unless it contains specific conditions under which you may pay it off with no pre-payment penalty, you certainly may pay additional amounts that apply directly against the principal, over and above your regular payments. These amounts may vary and it should be noted in writing they are to be applied to principal rather than to your regular payment schedule. Whenever you make extra payments to the principal, be sure to keep accurate records and to compute the diminishing principal balance. Good luck in achieving an early pay-off.

Q. I have been considering relocating to another part of the country (Ozarks). Before I start searching for property suitable to my needs, there are certain areas I would like to avoid. I do not want to be downwind nor within a certain radius of nuclear power plants, hazardous waste sites, military installations, large hydroelectric dams, chemical processing plants, etc. Is there any one resource I can use to locate this type of information? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

— Douglas Nelson
Waynesburg, PA

A. Your question is excellent, as many people have these or other questions about an area before they relocate. One of the easiest things to do is contact the realty agents in your favorite area and specify your criteria for your land search. An agent, especially one who has lived in the area for some time, will be able to select property to show you that will meet your requirements.

You can also write to the chamber of commerce in your selected area and ask for the location of any nearby facilities like those you mentioned. You can relay that information to your realty agent for his or her reference. Good luck in your land search.

Q. Seven years ago, I rented a house on some remote acreage. I love the old house even though it was, and is, in terrible shape. I have had to make extensive repairs to the plumbing, electricity, windows, doors, driveway, etc. The landlord says he rented to me "as is" and will not reimburse me for these costs. Now the roof needs work and he won't pay for it. I really don't want to move from here. Every place else is too expensive.

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