1. Decide your needs from your wants.  You may want a fenced in back yard, but can that be something you can add on later, where as you can’t change somethings like a homes location or number of bedrooms.  Be realistic and decided what you have to have and what you want to have.

2. Know your budget, and STICK to it.  There are many mortgage calculators to help you decide on what you can afford.  Just because you are pre qualified for an amount, does not mean that you can afford that amount.  You don’t want to be house poor where you can’t afford anything but your house payment and have no emergency fund.  As a homeowner, new home or not, there will always be an emergency.  Know your numbers.  A lender will be happy to help you.

3. Hire a professional.  You may think you can do this on your own, but seeking professional advice can save you money.  A professional can show you what a good price for the home is, so that you don’t end up over paying for a home.

4. Don’t be fooled by the shiny pretty lights.  Always get a professional home inspection, even on new construction.  A home can be staged beautifully with pretty new things, but there could be major repairs that a novice wouldn’t know to look for.

5. Don’t hesitate when you find the “one’. If you have found the home that you feel and seems perfect, don’t wait to make an offer.  Some buyers think the home will be on the market forever, but often the best homes go quickly no matter what the market is like.  This is why it is important to have a professional from the beginning so they can help you act quickly when the perfect home is found.

Now that you have a few tips, good luck, and happy home shopping!

First, understand that this review is not an appraisal. An appraisal protects the lender’s financial interests and is the bank’s way of determining if the property is worth what you have agreed to pay. On the other hand, your inspection protects you, the buyer or seller, by identifying structural or mechanical problems with the house.

Buying real estate can be an attractive proposition in an economy where home prices are down tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Would you believe some people only spend 15 minutes deciding on the residence they want to buy? Keep in mind that no purchase is perfect, and you should never buy a home without having it inspected first.

This is especially true if you want to buy one that has gone through a foreclosure. You absolutely must have it inspected. It is possible the previous owner may have sabotaged it in anger over a desperate situation. As astonishing as it may seem, home inspectors have found such problems as headers cut from steps, rafters cut in attics, electric wiring cut, and in one instance reported motor oil had been poured over flooring and carpeting.

The thorough analysis of a home inspection brings to light areas that need attention so unpleasant surprises can be avoided later. Investing a few hundred dollars in now can save you thousands down the road.

The walk-through should take at least two hours and could take as many as six hours. This varies depending on the size of the residence. Your professional service person will examine the foundation, roof, gutters, all types of siding, doors and windows, electrical wiring, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and appliances. He will be on the lookout for fire hazards, mold, and emissions of carbon monoxide and radon gas.

Though it is not necessarily required, he may also check driveways and sidewalks, the porch, patio, balcony, septic tank, and the garage or other buildings that go with the property. Some of these may require an additional fee.

Your inspector should be properly qualified for your state and local area and should have all the necessary equipment to do the job. You can expect his services to cost roughly $400 to $800, depending on the size of the property and the area of the country in which you live.

The report he provides you should be very specific and detailed. It should not be just a quick checklist. It is a good idea for the report to be accompanied by photographs. Your report should include digital pictures to document the findings. Your inspector should take time to answer any questions you have and define terms you are unsure of.

Exercise caution when choosing your home inspector. While getting a recommendation from your real estate agent may sound like a good idea, consider choosing an inspector yourself. Avoid any possible conflicts of interest by getting an independent inspector.

Ask trusted friends and coworkers for referrals. Listen to their concerns and criticisms as well. Check for recommendations from the American Society of Home Inspectors (http://www.ashi.org).

Verify the inspector’s credentials. How long has he been doing business? Does he have a license; what is the license number?

A home inspector can be worth his weight in gold. When he does his job, he will help you gain perspective about the home you are buying. You need to know the positives and the negatives. That will help avoid pitfalls and keep all parties involved from having unrealistic expectations about the property.

Choose a home inspection company as carefully as you have selected the home you are buying.

Author Gary Monfeli provides professional home inspection in Chicago. Click now to view frequently asked questions about Illinois home inspection.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Monfeli

Ms. Bolling’s article shares the story of Julie and Andrew Weiss and the problems they had with their new $200,000 home built by Scenic Homes.  Due to some faulty wiring, they had roughly $3,200 dollars worth of electronic equipment and appliances that were destroyed as a result of several shorts to the electrical system.

“The Weisses say the builder, Scenic Homes, initially refused to pay for new appliances. They wanted to go after the company in court. But they couldn’t.

At closing, the Weisses signed an agreement not to sue Scenic Homes if any dispute arose. Instead, they would have to go through binding arbitration with a specific arbitrator chosen by Scenic Homes – and pay the arbitration fees themselves, regardless of whether the builder was found at fault.Weiss says she and her husband, a lawyer, were dumbfounded when they learned a one-day arbitration session would cost $5,000 – more than the damages she was seeking.”

Unfortunately, you must be VERY careful when purchasing any type of home, even new construction.  That’s why it does pay to have a real estate expert on your side.  And it today’s tight real estate market, buyers are typically in a position of power so use that to your advantage!

Some of the comments that accompanied the article were very insightful as well.  For example, Megan722 wrote:

“Whenever you build, you need to get what is called a “phase by phase” building inspection. You have to hire your own inspection company to do this but they act on your behalf in making sure that everything is on the up and up throughout the build. If you mention it to a builder, they will try to dissuade you from doing this, but you must if you want to ensure quality workmanship. I believe it was around $1200 dollars when I hired one a few years ago.”

As much as you’d think you could trust the county inspectors to do a thorough job of inspecting new construction homes, that’s not always the case.  Especially in South Carolina according to tnenger.

“If you buy a spec home in York County, SC do not rely on county permit inspections to insure quality work! Based on my experience these inspections are almost useless. The building inspection department needs a complete overhaul. I suggest you get a electrical engineer to inspect wiring from the crawl space to attic. Inspect footings for proper size and have soil test done. Inspect shower construction to insure they used a membrane, etc. The builders in York county don’t have to prove that they used licensed contractors. You have no way of finding out who did the work. The builders themselves may not have a license but can still get a permit! Check with SC to see if they have a license. Do not rely on a 3 hour inspection by home inspector. A inspection will take a couple of days. Many half million dollar homes in York County may have major defects because of lax building code enforcement. Realtors will tell you anything to sell a home.”

The only thing I’d disagree with is the last statement.  Yes, SOME realtors will tell you anything to sell a home, but a quality agent will ALWAYS have your best interest in mind.  That’s why it’s always a good idea to have an agent represent you, even when you’re buying a spec home.  A good agent can be the bad guy and make sure EVERYTHING is being done correctly so you can avoid all the headaches and hassles the Weiss family, and many others, have experienced.

If you’d like to work with an experienced agent that knows the ins and outs of the Rock Hill SC, Fort Mill SC, and all of York County real estate markets, contact me today and let’s get you into your dream home!

1. Spend an hour with a pro to get some tips and ideas
   While a designer will most likely charge you a consultation fee, it shouldn’t be more than $100 for at least an hours worth of idea sharing. They should be able to give you some great ideas for ways to spruce up your home on a budget.
   If you’re not sure you want to pay for the consultation fee, most Realtors^TM will do it gratis. In fact, I’d be more than happy to come take a look at your home and give you some ideas!
2. Inspect It

   Not every update you make is cosmetic. A leaking roof, termite infestations, electrical problems, or other hidden issues can really bring the value of your house down.
   Hiring an inspector is a great way to make sure your home is in tip-top shape, or at least check things out so you can know the actual condition and what needs to be done to bring things up to where they need to be.

3. Paint it

   One of the easiest, most cost-effective improvements you can make is to paint! A freshly painted room looks clean and updated and that means increased value.

   When selecting paint colors, remember that neutral colors appeal to the greatest number of people, so if you’re thinking about selling anytime soon it will make it much easier.

   Plus, if you figure a gallon of paint costs around $25 on average, you’ll have plenty of money left over to buy the rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths and brushes. So, buy a few gallons and get busy!

4. Find Inspiration in Magazines or TV Shows

   An alternative to hiring a designer is to search for remodeling and decorating inspiration in design-oriented magazines, books, TV shows and websites. Simply tear out or print off the ideas you want to try and start your to-do list. Just remember to keep it simple.

   When you’re on a tight budget, do-it-yourself projects are often the best.

5. Cut Energy Costs

   The amount of money you spend each month on energy costs may seem like a fixed amount, but many local utility companies provide free energy audits of their customers’ homes. They can show you how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home.

   An energy-efficient home will not only save you money right now, but it’s also a more valuable asset in the long run that’s easier to market and sell.

The key to success in this real estate market though is knowing the market and avoiding the pit falls.  Here’s a FANTASTIC article from House Master that shares some critical things to consider when thinking about buying or selling your home in the current market.

Many news reports point to the sub prime lending mess as the cause for the housing slump. But home sellers should know that plenty of people with good credit are simply cautious buyers, which can keep sales down.

In most areas it’s a buyer’s market, so people can be picky. “Most buyers in this market will try to re-negotiate based on the findings of their home inspection. If the seller is unwilling to make repairs or lower the price, they may walk away because they knew other properties are available,” says Kathleen Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster.

With approximately two million home inspections collectively performed by its franchise offices, HouseMaster is aware of a number of conditions that are more likely to scare buyers away.

But sellers do not have to stand by with their fingers crossed to secure a fair sale.

“More and more home sellers are getting a pre-listing home inspection that helps identify potential deal-breaking issues before the house is listed on the market,” Kuhn says. “This way, sellers can fix problems and worry less about a buyer walking away late in the deal process.”

According to Kuhn, the following are “The Fearsome Four” when it comes to real estate deals:

1. Roofing Concerns: A new homeowner does not want the expense of roof replacement shortly after closing. Many sellers believe that if their roof is not presently leaking it is in acceptable condition. But an astute buyer knows that a worn roof needs to be replaced before it leaks.
2. Electrical Problems: Older panels are often undersized and might even pose a fire hazard. Although an upgrade is usually straightforward, the potential fire risk can be scary for prospective buyers.
3. Structural Issues: Major structural issues are one of the least common defects found in homes, but when they do occur, they can be costly to repair, and can really stop a buyer in his tracks. Fortunately, there are often repair options that will make the sales process go smoother. But it will often require another inspection by a structural engineer or repair professional, and additional time, to determine what can be done.
4. Synthetic Stucco or Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS): Overall EIFS can be effective, economical alternatives to traditional stucco. Unfortunately improper installation can lead to trapped moisture behind the siding. This can cause structural damage and mold, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to correct.

“Sellers lose some advantage when they are caught off guard by issues, even minor ones. In a market where every edge counts, sellers can use tools like pre-listing home inspections and repair records to show that they are conscientious and have taken appropriate steps to sell responsibly and competitively,” Kuhn says.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

This article was reprinted with permission from HouseMaster.com.

1. Better marketability: You can choose to fix potential defects that could turn off a prospective buyer.
2. Positive impressions: The fact that you took the time to inspect your home and address defects shows house hunters that you’re serious about selling your home, trustworthy and conscientious.
3. Helps avoid last-minute deal breakers: Pre-listing inspections help reduce the probability of complications at closing.

Pre-Listing Inspection Tips:
1. Choose the inspector carefully. Check the inspector’s training, ongoing education programs, any certifications they may carry and if they have all the necessary local licenses.
2. Attend the inspection. A good home inspector will encourage you to attend the inspection because it makes the written report more meaningful.
3. Focus on the major elements. Every home has minor or cosmetic flaws, that you should consider correcting. However, an inspector’s role is not to really focus on peeling wallpaper or cracked sidewalks, although he may document it. In general, anything that would cost less than $500 to fix should be considered normal maintenance. Repairs that exceed that amount are more likely to be negotiable.
4. Be realistic. If defects are discovered, get credible estimates to substantiate your position so that negotiations are substantive and professional.
5. Offer a home warranty. If many of the major systems in the home are working but are older, consider including a home warranty as a value-added bonus.

With the right preparation, you can sell your home in a way that feels fair and straightforward.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a real estate professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.

© Copyright 2007 HMA. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

Prevention Saves Time and Money
The ongoing maintenance of a home is a significant contributor to holding or increasing its value. According to Kathleen Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster, “Homeowners should plan a solid preventive maintenance schedule, so problems can be fixed before they become more costly and damaging. Quite often when we inspect homes, many of the damages we find would have been preventable with some routine monitoring and smaller repairs. But left unchecked, minor concerns grew into more significant defects.”

There are many other benefits for current and potential homeowners when they incorporate preventive maintenance into their annual planning. Preventive maintenance:

• Avoids expensive emergency repairs: Contractor fees rise in proportion to the urgency and the hour of the service call.
• Saves money and aggravation: Repairs planned for completion during off-peak times are less expensive and stressful.
• Minimizes homeowner insurance premiums: Correcting deficiencies before they represent an insurance claim will keep premiums reasonable.
• Eliminates costly consequential damage: When major home components, like a roof, fail, the damage to home interiors and furnishings can be substantial.
• Homes in good condition sell at higher prices than neglected counterparts.

Create a Maintenance Checklist
Every house is different, but there are some common elements every homeowner can include on a regular maintenance list:

• Check the grading and drainage around the foundation
• Seal driveway and walkway cracks
• Check fencing and gates
• Check and trim trees near the house
• Check for deteriorating/damaged siding
• Check for loose, damaged, or missing roofing and flashings
• Clean all gutters and leaders
• Check weather-stripping and seals on all windows and doors
• Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing
• Check condition of the water heater
• Check ventilation openings for nests, blockage

While this list is not comprehensive, it’s a good start to identifying some potential trouble spots in any home.

Do Your Own Research
In order to personalize your home maintenance checklist, it’s important to learn as much about your particular home’s operations. Many Web sites and newsletters contain valuable information and tips, and housemaster.com® contains a wide array of resources for homeowners, homebuyers, and home sellers such as a Home Defect Survey, A Preventive Maintenance Checklist, Common Home Concerns Overview, and Home Inspector selection guidelines.

Even if you are not comfortable making repairs on your own, simply learning more about spotting potential problems can help reduce the extent and cost of contractor repairs. Kuhn adds, “More and more homeowners are calling us to inspect the homes they currently own to help them identify potential problems and develop a plan of action for home maintenance. A home is a major investment. We tend to monitor our financial and investment portfolios quite closely, and it’s equally important to monitor the status of our homes.”

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided with permission for general guidance purposes only and as a courtesy of housemaster.com. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.

© Copyright 2008 HMA. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

Research indicates that once trapped inside a home, radon can accumulate to the point where it can be harmful to the occupants. Actually, it is the breakdown of radon into what is referred to as radon decay products (or radon daughters) that represents the greatest concern. These radioactive products become attached to airborne particles, which can be inhaled and ultimately cause lung tissue damage and cancer. Smokers are especially prone to the adverse effects of long-term radon exposure.

The potential for radon in any particular home is dependent on a number of variable factors such as the underlying soil composition, the type of construction materials and methods used, weather conditions, and even occupant lifestyle. Radon concerns tend to be greatest in hilly or mountainous regions, and less of an issue in sandy coastal areas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov) and local health departments can provide information on radon and have maps identifying known radon hot spots. But pockets of radon-producing elements can be found almost anywhere.

Radon levels may vary from season to season, day to day, or even by the hour, as pressure differences occur outside or within a structure. Dramatically different radon levels can be found in seemingly identical neighboring homes. Consequently, the only way to determine if there is a radon concern is to perform a test. While radon kits are available for consumer use, it is generally recommended that radon screening or testing be performed by a qualified radon specialist, especially for real estate transactions.

Even with professional testing, it can be difficult to readily determine average annual radon levels in a particular home. Radon levels tend to become elevated when the air pressure within a house is less than that of the radon gas in the soil. This type pressure imbalance can occur with the use of certain appliances and fans, particularly in relatively airtight structures. Fuel-burning appliances that require indoor air for combustion, or draw in air for other purposes, lower indoor air pressure. This action can result in the radon gas being drawn into the building through sub-surface cracks and/or other openings. The adjacent illustration highlights the common radon entry points for a house.

Since radon gas is naturally occurring, it cannot be eliminated; but it can be controlled. Once the radon level in a particular house is quantified using one of several recognized radon-testing methods, steps can be taken to lower the radon level and the potential health concern. The EPA has established a continuous exposure level of 4 (or more) picocuries per liter (pCi/L) as the action level for remediation.

This measurement does not necessarily represent a safe amount of radon; rather it is a guidance point to determine when remedial action is advisable. It is also deemed the point to which conventional radon remediation methods can be expected to lower radon levels in a building. Radon levels below 4 pCi/L are commonly measured in buildings and generally do not require any significant remedial action (subject to the specific situation or occupant concerns), as it may be difficult to achieve significantly lower levels even if a radon mitigation system is installed. In Canada, the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation considers 20 pCi/L as the guidance level for remedial action.

There are several methods that can be used to lower radon levels. These include ventilation systems, pressurization of the basement air, and block wall ventilation. However, the most commonly used and effective radon mitigation method is sub-slab suction. This method makes use of plastic piping, installed through the floor slab of a house, basement, or even crawlspace, and a low-volume, continuously operating fan to create a negative-pressure within the piping to draw in radon-laden air from below the house and vent it harmlessly to the exterior.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.

© Copyright 2007 HMA. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

With approximately two million home inspections collectively performed by its franchise offices, HouseMaster is aware of a number of conditions that are more likely to scare buyers away.

But sellers do not have to stand by with their fingers crossed to secure a fair sale.

“More and more home sellers are getting a pre-listing home inspection that helps identify potential deal-breaking issues before the house is listed on the market,” Kuhn says. “This way, sellers can fix problems and worry less about a buyer walking away late in the deal process.”

According to Kuhn, the following are “The Fearsome Four” when it comes to real estate deals:

• Roofing Concerns: A new homeowner does not want the expense of roof replacement shortly after closing. Many sellers believe that if their roof is not presently leaking it is in acceptable condition. But an astute buyer knows that a worn roof needs to be replaced before it leaks.
• Electrical Problems: Older panels are often undersized and might even pose a fire hazard. Although an upgrade is usually straightforward, the potential fire risk can be scary for prospective buyers.
• Structural Issues: Major structural issues are one of the least common defects found in homes, but when they do occur, they can be costly to repair, and can really stop a buyer in his tracks. Fortunately, there are often repair options that will make the sales process go smoother. But it will often require another inspection by a structural engineer or repair professional, and additional time, to determine what can be done.
• Synthetic Stucco or Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS): Overall EIFS can be effective, economical alternatives to traditional stucco. Unfortunately improper installation can lead to trapped moisture behind the siding. This can cause structural damage and mold, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to correct.

“Sellers lose some advantage when they are caught off guard by issues, even minor ones. In a market where every edge counts, sellers can use tools like pre-listing home inspections and repair records to show that they are conscientious and have taken appropriate steps to sell responsibly and competitively,” Kuhn says.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.HouseMaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither Sharon Salisbury, HMA Franchise Systems, Inc., nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local HouseMaster franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.

Sharon Salisbury is NOT associated with HouseMaster and this information is provided with permission as a general resource for home buyers and sellers in the Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Tega Cay SC area.

“Approximately one quarter of homebuyers do not get a professional home inspection for their prospective home,” says Kuhn. “An even smaller percentage of home sellers acquire a pre-listing inspection to help them better present their home in a competitive way.” Years of witnessing costly and avoidable errors prompted Kuhn to help develop a guide to home inspections. He believed that if people knew more about the home inspection process, they’d understand what it includes, why it is necessary, and how to make the most of it.

A professional home inspection can help buyers avoid buying someone else’s problems, and for sellers the home inspection can help them eliminate potential defects that could turn off a prospective buyer.

A professional home inspector will review the major, visible and accessible components of the home and provide a detailed written report rating each element. The report should objectively include information in a detailed manner that allows the client to make informed decisions.

A professional home inspector also educates and provides tips on proper home maintenance. Buyers or sellers are encouraged to attend the inspection. Kuhn adds, “HouseMaster inspectors are specifically trained to communicate throughout the inspection, demonstrating how to operate many of the home’s systems and discussing maintenance needs.”

More than ever, buyers need to know what they are buying to reduce the possibility of making a very costly mistake. Sellers need to do what they can to make their home standout from the others on the market. The average home inspection costs between $350-$550, but in almost any kind of real estate market, a home inspection is a wise investment. For more information about The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Home Inspections and other home inspection resources, visit housemaster.com.