homebuyers: Exit Drills Protect Your Family.
- 06/27/10 11:07 AM
While fires themselves may not always be foreseeable or preventable, in many cases the injuries they cause can be prevented with a family escape plan. Of course, one of the important steps in fire prevention is to install smoke detectors and check them monthly. But having these safety devices is not enough. According to fire experts, once a smoke detector sounds, you and other member of your household may have less than three minutes to escape. It’s critical to have an emergency escape plan and rehearse it regularly: Chart the Plan: Draw a floor plan of your home, one … (1 comments)
HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America, stresses the need for buyer education as U.S. home sales rise by the largest amount in ten years. Low prices coupled with the first-time home buyers $8,000 credit has encouraged many aspiring home owners to enter the market, providing a welcomed surge in the marketplace. With homes sales on the rise for the fourth month in a row, HouseMaster is pleased to offer first-time buyers some guidance on identifying “red flag” issues that might be signs of … (0 comments)
homebuyers: Be Mindful of Maintenance Costs
- 01/27/09 01:43 PM
Maintenance costs need to be considered when purchasing a home. General estimates indicate that every home will require between 1 percent and 3 percent of the home’s value in annual maintenance costs, and this figure does not necessarily include major or emergency repairs. Prevention Saves Time and Money The ongoing maintenance of a home is a significant contributor to holding or increasing its value. Homeowners should plan a solid preventive maintenance schedule, so problems can be fixed before they become more costly and damaging. There are many other benefits for current and potential homeowners when they incorporate preventive maintenance … (1 comments)
homebuyers: Buying Foreclosures: Deal or No Deal?
- 01/27/09 01:10 PM
Buyers and investors often look to foreclosure sales to find real estate bargains. But newcomers to this market could find some unpleasant surprises if they go in blind. All homes should be thoroughly inspected by a professional home inspector before sealing the deal. Why inspect if you can’t negotiate? Foreclosure homes are usually “as-is” sales. This means that buyers cannot negotiate for the cost of needed repairs, as they may do in a traditional home purchase. Buyers must absorb repair costs themselves and consider this in their purchase offer at auction. So why get a professional inspection on a foreclosure … (2 comments)
homebuyers: Newlywed Homebuyer Tips
- 11/21/08 02:53 PM
Many couples embark on the purchase of a new home soon after they are engaged or married. It’s a hectic time, but these tips should help new homebuyers be proactive and make educated real estate decisions. Location -- Proximity to employment and the quality of the schools are common factors in determining whether a location is suitable; so scan community web sites for more information about the area. Local Realtors® have access to extensive data regarding the community and its amenities, and are a wonderful resource for this information. Factor in maintenance costs -- All homes require constant care. Many … (0 comments)
While fires themselves may not always be foreseeable or preventable, in many cases the injuries they cause can be prevented with a family escape plan. ;)
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