CHECKLIST Your Final Walk-Through Closing time is hectic, but you should always make time for a final walk-through to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Here’s a detailed list of what to check for on your final walk-through. Basement, attic, and every room, closet, and […]
WHAT TO KNOW About the Home Inspection Some items should always be examined. Structure The home’s “skeleton” should be able to stand up to weather, gravity, and the earth that surrounds it. Structural components include items such as the foundation and the framing. Exterior The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, doors, siding, […]
QUESTIONS TO ASK The Condo Board Before you purchase a condo, you should have an attorney review property documents for you. However, you should contact the board yourself ahead of time. You’ll learn how responsive and organized its members are and be alerted to potential problems. How many units are owner-occupied? Generally, the higher the […]
HOW TO Prepare for House-Hunting Know that there’s no “right” time to buy. If you find the perfect home now, don’t risk losing it because you’re trying to guess where the housing market and interest rates are going. Those factors usually don’t change fast enough to make a difference in an individual home’s price. Don’t […]
7 Reasons to Own a Home Tax benefits. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and some of the costs involved in buying a home. Historically, real estate has had a long-term, stable growth in value. In fact, median single-family existing-home sale prices have increased […]