I'd like to say that I am "thrifty" but the truth is that I'm down right cheap. My "thriftiness" often (very often) has me purchasing less quality items than the original (best) product available. Two items I refuse to compromise on are my faith and my health.
At the grocery store I do (my wife does) purchase a lot of generic (brand X) products except when it comes to meat. We like to purchase meat that has country of origin labeling if possible and like the photo above we do not buy fake meat (except mock crab).
Real Estate Application
There are many examples of the advantage of using original products and services in Real Estate.
Starting with services: A licensed Real Estate agent is far better than working with a FSBO (for sale by owner) or relying on a friend or family member for advice. Realtors are not lawyers but they are far more aware of your legal rights than most others.
A professional Home Inspector knows what to look for more than a friend or relative that knows something about construction.
A well know local lender is better than an internet lender that no one has heard of. With a local lender you can stop by and visit with them when you have questions or run into a time of hardship.
I am sure there are many more good examples but for now my point is keep it local and use competent professionals.
One further point. Certain substitutions can be very hazardous. In a recent conversation with an insurance professional she told me how certain products, like plastic decking and flooring give off highly toxic chemicals in a fire and will cause the entire home to be "totalled". In the case she mentioned the deck caught fire from a grill mishap and although the fire was totally outside the home some of the smoke entered the home and those toxic fumes totalled out the entire home.
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