| |
 |
If you have to
resell soon, don't buy an unusual home. |
| |
|
Even if the quality
of a school district does not matter to you now,
remember it might someday to another buyer.
|
| |
|
Expect lower
maintenance costs with a brand-new home. |
| |
|
Never tell a sellers
broker how much you'll raise your offer for a
particular house. |
| |
|
When interest rates
are low opt for a fixed mortgage. |
| |
|
Pay attention to
floor plans. Changing layouts of rooms later,
can be costly. |
| |
|
You can deduct on
that years tax return points paid by either
party on the purchase of your own residence.
|
| |
|
If the present owner
has a title insurance policy less than 3 years
old, you could have substantial savings by
buying a reissue of that policy rather than a
completely new one. |
| |
|
Pay attention to the
original listing date of the homes you inspect;
Sellers tend to be more flexible in the price
the longer the home is on the market. |
| |
|
A house that's sited
to take advantage of the sun, the wind and the
typography costs less to heat and cool and can
save thousands of dollars over the years in
utility bills. |
| |
|
Buying a house whose
style is uniquely individual will probably
minimize rather than maximize its resale value
because the house will appeal to a somewhat more
limited number of potential buyers. |
| |
|
If you think you may
need more space in the near future, be sure the
house and lot will allow for expansion. |
| |
|
Redoing a kitchen is
likely to be expensive. So be sure of what you
need and want before you buy. |
| |
|
Don't buy a house
with foundation problems. Although most
foundation problems can be corrected, repair
work is usually expensive. |
| |
|
Before you buy a
house that may have a wet basement problem, get
a good unbiased diagnosis from a professional
with moisture control experience. The solution
could be costly. |
| |
|
A roof that
complements the style of a home and is carefully
maintained adds to the home's visual appeal and
its resale value. |
| |
|
A light-colored roof
reflects heat and is best in areas where
air-conditioning is the greater energy user. In
colder weather climates, a dark roof is
preferable because it absorbs more heat. In
temperate climates, a middle-range shade is
best. |
| |
|
The three most
popular wall choices are brick, wood siding and
stucco. About half of all home shoppers prefer
brick for exterior walls; about one-third prefer
wood siding; and about one-fifth prefer stucco.
|
| |
|
Wood floors suggest
warmth, quality and good taste and are an asset
when it comes time to sell a house. |
| |
|
Most home shoppers
prefer a combination of ceramic tile and vinyl
wallpaper as a covering for bathroom walls,
creating a positive effect on the house's resale
value. Ceramic tile is usually installed
wherever water comes in contact with the wall.
|
| |
|
Plant deciduous
trees, shrubs and vines on south and west sides
of the home to provide shade in the summer and
sunshine in the winter. Remember trees enhance
the beauty and value of a lot and house. |
