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!

• 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 blockage

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

Here’s a GREAT primer for greening up your Rock Hill SC 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.

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.

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.

 

1. Have a plan! Think about your daily lifestyle, do you enteretain often, do you have young children, etc. This can impact your decision on your furniture choices, layout, and even color.

2. Paint can Maximize your Budget. There is nothing that can be more drastic to a room for your dollar. A gallon of paint to a room can completely change your room and make all the difference. There are so many choices, textures, and designs.

3. Throw pillows and slipcovers to the rescue. If new furniture is not in your budget, work with what you have. Throw pillows can change the look of a chair or couch, and if the piece needs a face lift, a slipcover can do the trick.

4. Accessories. Candles, flower arrangements, and artwork can add to the personality of a room. You can find some cheap but great finds on the internet, flea markets, or even yard sales.

5. Let your Light so Shine. Lamps, overhead lighting, and natural light can make a small room open up. It can set the tone, and and increase the value of the home ten fold.

6. Window treatments. Its important these are done right because they can last a lifetime. This can stretch your dollar to new limits.

7. Flooring and throw rugs. If you cant afford new flooring throw down a rug. Inexpensive and easy to move, this can make all the difference.

I hopes this help when you decide to makeover your home. These are inexpensive ways to change the look of a room on a budget

Here’s are some great tips about how to check the plumbing of any home before you buy it:

* Find where the water meter is and determine if the shut off valve is working. If the water comes from a well the shut off valve should be inside the house.

* Check the size of the water pipes in and around the house. In order to have adequate water pressure when there are a few water lines open in the house there should be a three quarter of an inch to 1-inch line directly from the main water source. Inside the house the diameter of the pipes is generally a half-inch in diameter.

* Determine if the plumbing has any lead pipes. Typically homes that were constructed before 1986 tend to have plumbing that is lead or galvanized. This is not always the case though as newer homes can have a lead pipe leading to the water meter.

* Be sure the plumbing has protection for freezing weather. The protection can be things such as wrapped pipes and vents, which will close off in the winter when the weather gets extremely cold. If the home uses well water the well should be protected from freezing weather as well.

* Inspect the hot water heater. You should check the water heater’s capacity, location, and how old it is. Some areas in the home can have high levels of mineral deposits that are in the water that can settle at the bottom of the water heater. When these deposits build up in the water heater tank there will be less room for hot water. If you check the water heater and there is a large build up of deposits you may want to ask for a new water heater.

* Find out what type of sewer system the house uses. If the house uses a septic tank find out where it is located, the capacity of the tank, and where the lateral lines are located.

* Check all the faucets around the house and make sure they do not drip. This
can seem like a minor thing but a dripping faucet can end up costing you a lot of money on the long run.

* Go to all the bathrooms and flush all the toilets. Make sure they empty and fill correctly.

Source: www.handyhouseholdhints.com

So, take the time to  check all these things BEFORE you buy and you’ll thank yourself  after you’re enjoying your new home!