ON THE HOME FRONT
A marriage grows up in an Everglades condo
Of course, love had something to do with our getting married, but I think my husband was also motivated by his desire to own property. He was tired of renting apartments, tired of a temporary relationship, tired of having new neighbors every year or two.
( BY HELENE SOUKUP, 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

HANDYMAN ON CALL
Linoleum covering may contain asbestos
Q. I am replacing linoleum in my kitchen. Home Depot said it will not remove the covering that's there now because it is more than 10 years old. Why
( By PETER HOTTON, Boston Globe, 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

ELLEN JAMES MARTIN, Smart Moves
Don't overlook commuting time when house hunting
When people are buying a home, they usually take into account such factors as sale price, floor plan, schools, neighborhood safety and the size of the yard. But Alan E. Pisarski, an expert on personal transportation issues, says many overlook another key element: commuting time.
( 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

KENNETH HARNEY, Washington Report
Seek lower title insurance rate when refinancing
A series of class-action suits against major title insurance companies is focusing new attention on a question that home mortgage refinancers across the country need to ask:
( 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

Florida sets rates; refinancers must ask for 'reissue' credit
Title insurance rates in Florida are set by the state, though companies have discretion in the fees they charge for title searches, exams and closing services.
( 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

PEOPLE
Plantation Prudential adds several agents
Cynthia Frank, Paulette Bayer, Herbert Schenk, Debbi Lynn Skolnik and Kim Pernetti have joined the Plantation office of Prudential Florida WCI Realty.
( 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

RICHARD WHITE, Condo Line
Insurance protects not only officers, but members
Q. Our directors and officers insurance costs have recently been increased. Several members of the board believe the cost is too high and are talking about dropping the coverage. They say that we are a volunteer board and cannot be sued. Would you provide us with guidance?
( 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

BREIFLY
Builders' group picks `Realtor of the Year'
Howard Marcus of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate has been named ''Realtor of the Year'' by the Builders Association of South Florida (BASF) Marcus joined Coldwell Banker in 2002 through the company's purchase of Wimbish Riteway. His office is in Aventura.
( 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

BOOK REVIEW
Guide to profit in rundown rentals
Investing in Fixer-Uppers, by Jay P. DeCima. McGraw-Hill, New York. 293 pages, $18.95. Author Jay P. DeCima, author of Investing in Fixer-Uppers, ruined my vacation last week. As I was leaving on my trip, I bought a copy of his new book at the airport bookstore. At every opportunity on my vacation I read this book, which is almost impossible to put down because it offers unique ''how to get rich in real estate'' ideas.
( BY ROBERT J. BRUSS, Special to The Herald, 04/13/2003 03:01 AM EDT)