Judy's Blog

Wishful thinking on my last post about avoiding the gas stations yesterday. I guess my wallet and gas tank better get used to the idea of being empty!

How Comprehensive Is Your Home Warranty? Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also check to see if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item. 􀂃 Plumbing  􀂃 Electrical Systems  􀂃 Water Heater  􀂃 Furnace  􀂃 Heating Ducts  􀂃 Water Pump  􀂃 Dish...

What Your Home Inspection Should Cover 􀂃 Siding: Look for dents or buckling  􀂃 Foundations: Look for cracks or water seepage  􀂃 Exterior Brick: Look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricks  􀂃 Insulation: Look for condition, adequate rating for climate  􀂃 Doors and Windows: Look for ...

10 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector 1. What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Association of Home Inspectors?  2. Do you have a current license? Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state.  3. How many inspections of properties such as this do you do each y...

Hidden Home Defects to Watch For No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for: 1. Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.  2. Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home's foundation.  3....

How High Tech Is Your Home? If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer's checklist. 1. Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups?  2. Are there enough telephone extensions or j...

10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying 1. Find a real estate professional who's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.  2. Remember, there...

10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers 1. Be picky, but don't be unrealistic. There is no perfect home.  2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.  3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and...

5 Common First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes 1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and miss out on the best deal.  2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.  3. They don't find the right real estate professional who is willing to help you through ...

7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home 1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home.  2. Gains. Between 1998 and 2002, national home prices increased at an average of 5.4 percent annually...