First-Time Homebuyers Q&A: Part 6..

By Heather Faucher | Posted on August 26, 2009 | Filed Under Real Estate 

Check out Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5 of this semi-regular series.

Okay, so what steps can I take to protect my family and myself?

22. WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE FROM LEAD IN THE HOME?

For all houses built before 1978, it’s absolutely crucial to have an inspection for lead-based paint if you have children under 7 years old. Lead flakes from paint can be contained in both the home and the soil surrounding the house, so make sure all potentially dangerous areas are checked. Temporary solutions include repairing damaged paint areas or planting grass over contaminated soil, but a more permanent fix is hiring a lead abatement contractor to remove the lead-filled paint chips and seal all damaged areas.

23. SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT POWER LINES?

There haven’t been any definitive findings in studies that indicate exposure to power lines brings about greater amounts of disease or illness. So the answer is, most likely not.

24. SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER TO BUY A HOME?

Read more

There May Be Hope for the Real Estate Market Yet!

By Heather Faucher | Posted on August 13, 2009 | Filed Under Real Estate 

There may be hope for consumers who have spent months–if not years–trying to sell their homes in a housing market that has been not-so-hot for the past couple of years. According to the latest survey conducted by the National Association of REALTORS®, existing-home sales showed healthy gains in the second quarter versus the first quarter in most states. Additionally, the decline in home prices has increased the affordability in most metro areas.

Thirty-nine states showed increased sales compared to the first quarter, and nine states had higher sales than those from a year ago; the District of Columbia enjoyed both quarterly and annual increases. According to the survey, the nation’s total existing-home sales (which includes single-family as well as condo properties) increased by 3.8 percent in the second quarter compared to the first, although it remains 2.9 percent lower than the amount of sales in the second quarter of 2008. Still, the fact that sales are once again increasing is definitely a positive sign.

Read more

First Time Homebuyers Q&A Part 5

By Heather Faucher | Posted on July 31, 2009 | Filed Under Real Estate 

Check out Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this semi-regular series.

SO I FOUND MY DREAM HOME! NOW WHAT?

19. WHAT ABOUT HOME INSPECTORS? WHAT DO THEY DO, AND HOW IMPORTANT ARE THEY?

Let’s tackle the last question first: EXTREMELY important! A home inspector is an expert in the safety, structure, and condition of homes. Once you hire an inspector to examine the home you’re considering purchasing, the inspector (we’ll use the pronoun “he” here on out just for convenience’s sake) will check the safety of the house, focusing mainly on the structure, construction, and mechanical systems of the house. He will also clue you in to any repairs that the home needs–something that is vital to know before you purchase the house and all problems become yours to take care of.

Read more

First Time Homebuyers Q&A Part 4

By Heather Faucher | Posted on July 21, 2009 | Filed Under Real Estate 

Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this semi-regular series.

14. WHAT’S A BETTER BUY:  AN OLDER HOME OR A NEW ONE?

There isn’t really a black or what answer to this question, since there are pros and cons to each.  Older homes are often located in more established neighborhoods which could translate to higher property value and a better school district.  They also typically offer more ambiance and lower property tax rates.  That extra atmosphere and charm can come with a price, however; those purchasing older homes should be ready for home repairs and maintenance costs that naturally come with the territory.  Newer homes, on the other hand, often have more modern architecture, amenities, and floorplans, require less maintenance and repairs, and can also be more energy efficient than older home.

15. WHAT SHOULD I KEEP IN MIND WHEN DOING A HOME WALK-THROUGH?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a Home Scorecard you can use in addition to any minimum requirement or wish lists you might have.  Questions to consider include:

Read more

First-Time Homebuyer Q&A: Part 3

By Heather Faucher | Posted on July 9, 2009 | Filed Under Real Estate 

Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this semi-regular series.

8. WHERE SHOULD I GO FOR INFO ON LOCAL SCHOOLS?

One surefire source for getting the low-down on local schools is by contacting the school systems themselves. They can give you basic information on their statistics and rating levels. You can also pop by their website, if they have one, to see what information they have posted online. Alternatively, contacting the city or county school board can also turn up further information on local schools. A good real estate agent is definitely going to be knowledgeable about schools in the area, so may be an additional source to tap.

9. WHAT ABOUT INFO ON COMMUNITY RESOURCES?

The local chamber of commerce is a great place to start. They should have promotional literature they can send you, as well as a website you can poke around on your own time. Also, try asking your estate agent about welcome kits, maps, and other information. Another place to seek information is the local library, since it can be an excellent source for information on local events and resources. Many librarians can often answer many of your burning questions–and are eager to help library patrons.

Read more

keep looking »

• Search for:

• AFFILIATE STATUS DISCLOSURE:

  You should assume that the owner of this website is an affiliate for providers of goods and services mentioned on this website and may be compensated when you purchase from a provider. To learn more, click here.

• Recent Posts

  • Just When is Fair Use Truly Fair?
  • Bankruptcy Basics
  • Sorry, No Tweet For You!!!
  • Gosselin Claws Come Out…
  • We’ve Come a Long Way Baby!
  • Tell Me No More Lies…Or Else!
  • First-Time Homebuyers Q&A: Part 6..
  • Back to School Basics: When Are Student Loans Dischargeable Through Bankruptcy?
  • Prenuptial Contracts Gaining Traction Worldwide…
  • There May Be Hope for the Real Estate Market Yet!

• Other Resources