(ARA) – You’ve made the decision to sell your home. But before you put the “for sale” sign in the yard, make sure it’s ready to make a good impression on prospective buyers and clearly stands out among the many other homes on the market.

There are many easy and inexpensive ways to clearly differentiate your home so that it appeals to a wide range of buyers … and in return, yields a fast and profitable sale.

To begin, purge. Nothing makes a home look smaller than cluttered countertops, cupboards and closets. Plus, buyers want to envision a home with their own possessions – not yours. As you start cleaning, sort items in three categories: donate, sell or keep. Soon, your home will look neater and you may add some cash to your wallet or gain a tax write-off.

Next, consider tackling projects that are easy, fast and inexpensive – but will significantly boost your home’s appeal. Magazines are a great source of inspiration, and brands such as Krylon even have Web sites (www.beamoverandshaker.com) that offer practical advice and dozens of projects specifically designed to stage your home for sale.

Some indoor and outdoor projects that are quick, inexpensive and guaranteed to get your home noticed include:

Focal point finishes
Lighting fixtures are the focal point of many rooms – but replacing them can cost hundreds of dollars. With a little elbow grease, $20 and less than two hours, you can update your existing ones with a new, more attractive and popular stainless steel finish.

Directions: Cover your work area with newspaper and disassemble the fixture. Clean the pieces and tape off areas that don’t need to be painted. Following the instructions, apply indoor/outdoor primer followed by the new metallic paint. Once dry, remove the tape and reassemble the chandelier.

Cover the smallest details
When sprucing up your home for sale, sometimes it’s the small details that can make the biggest impact. Painting dull, dirty or chipped register covers or light switch plates can give any room a quick pick-me-up, in less than an hour.

Directions: Remove register covers or light switch plates and place them on newspaper. Sand the surface lightly and wipe clean. Clean all pieces to remove any built up dust and grime. Following instructions, apply a number of light coats of primer, followed by a couple coats of gloss or metallic spray paint. Once dry, reinstall and enjoy.

Illuminate the exterior
Exterior lighting showcases the beauty of your home, so make sure that your light fixtures are just as attractive. Update faded, rusty or outdated finishes with a fresh new finish for a minimal price and maximum impact.

Directions: Turn off power to the lights and detach the fixture from the house. Remove the light bulb and mask off any parts that should not be painted – including wires. Place the fixture on newspaper and lightly sand. Clean all pieces and wipe dry. Following the directions on the can, spray several light coats of Krylon’s Outdoor Spaces Metallic Finish. Make sure to evenly apply paint to the entire fixture. Once paint is completely dry, reattach the parts, reconnect the lightning fixture and turn the power back on.

Freshen up with flowers
The right landscaping and use of plants and flowers can greatly improve your home’s curb appeal for prospective buyers. Brightening up your flower boxes is a quick and easy way to add some color to the front of your home in just a few hours.

Directions: Place a clean flower box on newspaper, sand the exterior to create a smooth surface. Apply several light coats of indoor/outdoor primer to help ward off drips. Next, apply a few coats of indoor/outdoor paint in your favorite color. Once dry, the box is ready to display your favorite flowers.

Whether you’re prepping your house for sale or fixing up your new home, you’ll find dozens of fast and easy projects at beamoverandshaker.com.

(ARA) – Many would-be home sellers are concerned about reduced housing prices, and those who are highly motivated are pulling out all the stops to make their homes more appealing than the competition.

If you’re preparing to sell this spring but aren’t in a position to invest in ambitious renovations, such as a kitchen remodel or new hardwood floors, the best advice is to look to the “bonus” spaces in and around your home and maximize their appeal.

Decks, patios, sunrooms and porches have always been popular with home buyers, but real estate agents say that too often those spaces are neglected or not used to their best advantage.

“Anything that adds living space adds value, and the least expensive way to gain space is to build a deck or turn the one you have into an outdoor room by staging it so that it flows seamlessly with the rest of the house,” says Mary Beth Harrison of The Harrison Group, a Dallas-based real estate agency. “A great deck can set your home apart from others with the same interior floor plan or square footage, and deck additions typically add value when it comes time to sell.”

A bonus space – for example, a tiny deck or rarely used balcony off a master bedroom – can be transformed into a romantic getaway by staging it with cozy, cushioned seating and a raised fire pit. You can safeguard your deck and add designer style with deck stones, 16-inch interlocking square tiles made of natural slate or granite. Deck stones can provide an effective fire barrier that’s an asset under fire pits or grills, or when used to create an outdoor kitchen.

“More than ever before, people look at their decks as outdoor rooms,” says Chris Fox of Universal Forest Products, an American company that’s focused on easy-to-install, low-maintenance decking material and deck add-ons. “For some, it’s a kitchen; for others, a living room. Decks can be party spaces or quiet retreats. With so many different types of deck materials, lighting, rail systems and decorative accents, it is possible to turn a nondescript deck into a great outdoor space.”

Universal’s Latitudes line features low-maintenance, top-quality composite decking and accessories. Their Capricorn line gives the exotic look of rich tropical hardwoods which are a current design trend that will instantly update a home.

Whether working with an old deck or a brand-new one, details count when it comes to staging. Outdoor lighting on a deck or patio provides ambience and adds versatility to the space, showing buyers endless possibilities for evening entertainment.

If you want to open up the view on a bonus space, consider replacing wooden deck balusters with contoured glass balusters from Deckorators, or update the rails with distinctive aluminum balusters. New rails will add a dramatic difference to your deck. Deckorators aluminum rail systems come in kits that allow easy installation and give old decks a fresh look at a fraction of the price of a total deck replacement or addition.

“Buyers always react positively to nice decks that look like a great place to hang out,” says Harrison. “From a buyer’s perspective, if all else is equal, it’s true that the home with the best deck wins.”

(ARA) – The high volume of foreclosed homes on the market is allowing some astute buyers to turn eyesores into eye-catching properties with only minimal investment. While not every property can be fixed up affordably, there are some common projects that dramatically improve a foreclosed home’s appeal and value.

“Many people are finding huge opportunities in fixing up foreclosures,” says Tom Sullivan, founder of Lumber Liquidators, the nation’s largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring. “Most of these houses can be completely transformed with just a few improvements. Often, the fixes are easy enough to be do-it-yourself projects.”

Here are some popular cost-effective options for breathing new life into a home in need.

Add new countertops.
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home, since it is a space where people spend a lot of time – from cooking dinner to entertaining friends. One of the most dramatic changes that can be made to a kitchen is adding new countertops. It alters the appearance of the space by changing the color scheme, depth and texture of the whole room.

Countertops range in price depending on room size, type of material and mode of installation. In an average kitchen, a new laminate countertop starts at around $1,000, with granite or quartz ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. Butcher-block countertops are another attractive, yet cost-effective option. Williamsburg Butcher Block Company offers options in both maple and American cherry starting around $310.

Replace the bathtub.
Foreclosed houses frequently come with water stains left by standing water in sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Updating a bathroom by installing a new bathtub not only removes the problem, but, because the tub is a core item, it creates a more pleasant feeling in the room. Bathtubs are available in many different styles and sizes, so there is likely to be one that suits any taste, from traditional to contemporary. Bathtubs start at around $300, depending on the size and style.

Trade carpeting for new wood flooring.
Foreclosed houses are frequently abandoned with soiled carpet that continues to gather buildup over time. Mold is also common in homes that have been left bare for extended periods. To get rid of hidden odors, allergens, irritants and mold, replace carpet with wood, particularly in high-traffic areas such as living rooms and great rooms.

In addition to reviving these common areas, swapping carpet for wood adds style and creates a more spacious feel. The choice of wood can also make a big difference. Light wood colors can make a room appear larger, medium-toned woods can make a room appear more traditional and dark flooring can make a room appear warmer.

“The introduction of so many new species, colors and types of wood flooring in recent years gives homeowners a lot of options when renovating a room at different price points,” says Sullivan.

Laminate flooring can deliver the appearance of solid hardwoods, but costs less than $1 per square foot at places like Lumber Liquidators. This allows budget do-it-yourselfers the ability to transform a 400-square-foot area for as little as $750.

In addition to making a foreclosed home look new again, completing these easy and affordable updates can go a long way in restoring the value of the property when it comes time to sell.

(ARA) – With today’s record low real estate prices and attractive mortgage rates, now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement. By taking a “buy-and-rent” approach before you’re ready to retire, your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time you’re ready to move into it.

“Buying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until you’re ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownership,” says Brian Sharples, CEO of HomeAway, the world’s leading online vacation rental marketplace. “The income stream, in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs, make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirement.”

According to HomeAway, the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year, generating more than $28,000 in rental income annually. And the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing, which is good news for second-home owners. In fact, 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 – a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009.

To generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire, Sharples suggests consumers take the following steps:

* Consider the location and market potential – Carefully review the markets where you want to retire, and before you buy, consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high, but inventory is low. For example, Atlantic City, N.J.; Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.; Hampton Beach, N.H.; Dauphin Island, Ala., and Mount Pocono, Pa., were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009, according to HomeAway.

* Factor in tax write-offs – Talk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home. Expenses such as insurance, utilities, home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted, depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year.

* Advertise to attract renters – When you’re ready to rent out the property, be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like HomeAway.com or VRBO.com, which reach millions of travelers each month. A 12-month listing costs $329 – or less than $28 per month – on HomeAway.com, so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking – and the rest is pure rental income.

* Stay competitive and network with owners – Check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates they’re charging travelers, and price your home at a competitive rate to help drive bookings. Also, be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment.

For more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income, check out HomeAway’s online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunity.homeaway.com.

(ARA) – Real estate pros often coach their clients on the value of making “curb appeal” improvements to help sell their homes. Outside painting and minor repairs signal that the house has been well cared for.

That’s a great marketing tactic, but an even better advantage is offering multiple bathrooms. So if you’re planning to put your house on the market and want to make it stand out, consider going a step further and adding a new bathroom.

A spare bath is a great investment. Second only to kitchen remodels for recouping resale value, bathroom additions boast a 63.5 percent rate of return, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2008-2009 “Cost vs. Value” report. And when an up-flushing, macerating toilet – or “up toilet” – is used for the project, its comparatively low installed-cost makes a bathroom addition very affordable.

An up toilet can be installed virtually anywhere in the home. That’s because this type of plumbing system operates above the floor, using small-diameter piping to pump waste and water up, not down, and into sewer or septic lines. As a consequence, there is no need for the mess and heavy expense of digging through flooring, especially the concrete variety in the basement.

“An up toilet is a super alternative, and it can go where traditional plumbing cannot,” says Mike Coletto, an independent plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical contractor in Illinois with extensive experience installing and servicing up toilets manufactured by SFA Saniflo.

Macerating technology is ideal for adding a bath in tight spots, Coletto notes, such as under a stairway or inside a closet. The simple installation process drives the cost savings. “With no digging,” says Coletto, “I can install a Saniflo system in about half a day.”

Best of all, this type of home renovation reaps instant rewards, improving the quality of life now and paying dividends later.

So, if you are thinking of selling your home, now is the time to plan your new bath installation. Last year’s federal, first-time homebuyer tax credit fueled an impressive increase in the home-resale market. The incentive helped drive year-over-year gains for nine straight months in 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Thanks to an extension and expansion of the program for those signing before April 30, many expect a similar increase in existing home sales during early 2010.

In addition to readying your home with a bathroom addition, here is a checklist of other ways you can easily increase the curb appeal of your home:

* Remove broken toys and tools that may have collected in the yard.
* Pick up debris and store trash cans out of view.
* Install new bulbs in porch and security lighting.
* Check bricks and pavers for cracks: Replace them and reset any that are loose.
* Patch worn or cracked asphalt or cement in the driveway.
* Edge grass and remove weeds that may have grown over walkways.
* Repaint the front door and freshen up chipped and peeling paint trim.
* Clean and polish the brass on doorknobs and lock housings, or replace them if severely tarnished.
* Replace any broken glass panes.
* Clean out gutters and downspouts.
* If you have a post mailbox, make sure it is upright and sturdy.

Learn more about low-cost above-floor bathroom systems by visiting www.saniflo.com or calling toll-free at (800) 571-8191.

By Paul Owers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The three-bedroom waterfront estate in Fort Lauderdale normally would rent for about $5,000 a month. But Angela Genereux gets to live there for roughly a third of the cost.

The tradeoff is she has to keep the place in show condition — no dirty dishes or wild color schemes, please — and move out when the place sells.

That’s the deal she struck with Showhomes, a home management and staging company that opened a Fort Lauderdale franchise last summer. The Nashville, Tenn.-based company works with owners of vacant residential properties and their real estate agents, providing live-in managers who make the homes more appealing to potential buyers.

Managers, or stagers, typically bring their own furniture and agree to have the homes ready for showing on 30 minutes’ notice. In exchange, they get reduced housing costs.

“A big part of it is psychology,” said Don Vanderhoef, owner of Showhomes’ Fort Lauderdale office. “Buyers see food in the refrigerator, clothes in the closet. They see all the signs of life of a regular home.”

The housing bust has left millions of vacant homes in its wake nationwide during the past four years. Some homes become unmaintained eyesores, with overgrown lawns and swimming pools full of green water. They also can attract squatters and crime, hurting nearby property values.

“Vacant homes are a prime target for vandals,” said Gerry Schilian, a Boca Raton, Fla., lawyer who handles foreclosure cases. “Any way you can keep these homes intact preserves a community.”

Still, some real estate agents are skeptical about the value of Showhomes’ approach.

There’s no guarantee the managers will maintain the homes properly, said Bob Melzer, an agent in Boynton Beach. There also could be legal issues if they didn’t want to leave when the homes are sold.

“It sounds like a clever idea, but then you’ve got to make it work,” Melzer said.

Vanderhoef insists it does work. Managers sign contracts and undergo thorough background checks. Only once in the 24-year history of the company has there been a problem with a manager, he said.

Showhomes prefers to list upscale homes — those that are priced at $500,000 or above — but will consider lower-priced homes. Vanderhoef said properties in the program tend to sell faster and for more money than other vacant listings.

The company’s eight Florida offices have more than 100 staged homes for sale. The start-up Fort Lauderdale office has two so far. Small firms tend to offer similar services in individual markets, Vanderhoef said, but he isn’t aware of a competitor with a national presence.

Showhomes says it has staged about 60 homes statewide this year that sold for an average of $816,000. The homes were on the market for an average of 135 days after staging. High-end homes can take more than a year to sell.

Homeowners — including individuals, builders and lenders — pay Showhomes an upfront fee that ranges from $750 to $1,500 for a 3,000-square-foot property, Vanderhoef said. They continue to pay the mortgage, insurance and taxes while the property is listed for sale. The company covers normal operating expenses, such as utilities, and minor maintenance costs.

Once the home sells, the owner pays a “success” fee, up to 1 percent of the home’s list price. If the property doesn’t sell, Showhomes pockets only the upfront money.

The Fort Lauderdale home Genereux is renting went to contract Nov. 12, less than two weeks after she moved in. Vanderhoef said the home is selling for close to the $599,000 list price.

Genereux will have to find a new place later this month, but she said she doesn’t mind such a transient lifestyle.

“You get to live in luxury on a smaller budget,” she said.

___

(c) 2009, Sun Sentinel.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

By Ilyce Glink

At the end of 2008, I said I wouldn’t be surprised if that year went down as one of the worst ever for housing since the Great Depression.

But as we get ready to say goodbye to 2009, it’s clear that this year hasn’t been much better.

We’ve had another record year of foreclosures (3.9 million foreclosure filings, according to RealtyTrac). Housing prices fell sharply in the first half of the year, as millions of Americans lost their jobs.

The housing market is still on life support: The $8,000 first-time home buyers’ tax credit, which was originally set to expire November 30, 2009, was extended until June 30, 2010. In addition, a $6,500 home buyer tax credit for homeowners who had lived in their prior residences for five out of the past eight years was added.

Millions of Americans (about 27 percent, according to Deutsche Bank) are living in homes worth less than the amount they owe on the mortgage. The government’s loan modification program has been a failure so far. More than 760,000 homeowners are in a trial modification, and just about 31,000 of those have been converted to permanent status.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, still under government conservatorship, have taken hundreds of billions of dollars in losses, and economists believe they have large, unrealized losses left to be taken. The Treasury Department spent $1 trillion buying U.S. housing-backed mortgage securities, and will spend up another $250 billion before the program finishes in 2010.

FHA now accounts for 30 percent of all loans originated, but it has used up its insurance fund and will require higher down payments and bigger mortgage insurance premiums starting next year.

And then there are the real estate investors, swooping in to scoop up properties on the cheap. As the year ends, investors account for about 40 percent of all home sales. Some investors are finding ways of buying distressed properties and flipping them to other buyers for a profit. (Some things never change.)

Speaking of which, perhaps 4.5 million existing homes will sell this year plus another 430,000 new construction houses. That is the lowest number of newly built homes sold in any year since records have been kept — save 1982, the year interest rates climbed above 18 percent.

If there has been a bright spot, it that mortgage interest rates touched a 50-year low twice this year. Millions of Americans (including your columnist) refinanced to take advantage of rates that were as low as 4.25 percent for a 15-year fixed-rate loan and 4.75 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

And the first-time home buyer tax credit seems to have propped up the housing market, for the moment.

It’s hard to believe that two years ago, as we ended 2007, some were comparing that housing market to the Great Depression. We’ve fallen so much farther since.

The good news is that if you’re looking to buy a home in 2010, mortgage interest rates will be low and home prices will be relatively cheap. You’re going to need more cash for a down payment, closing costs and reserves. And you’re going to need a higher credit score.

If you’re planning to buy a house this coming year, here’s my annual list of New Year’s resolutions you should consider making.

As a buyer, I resolve to:

–Get my credit and finances in shape. If you want to take advantage of today’s low interest rates, you’ll want to have a credit score above 760. The higher the better. If your credit score is below 620, you’ll have trouble getting even an FHA loan.

–Know how much I can afford to spend before shopping for a home. Getting preapproved before you shop for a home has never been more important. You’ll need all kinds of documentation (W2, tax returns, account statements, etc.), so get it together before you visit a local lender. And, shop around. Although Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA account for nearly 90 percent of all loans, each lender sets its own fee schedule. Get the best deal by chatting with four or five different types of lenders.

–Know my neighborhood, and be comfortable with it, before I buy a home there. Houses are great. Neighborhoods that are littered with foreclosures may be unstable for years. Spend time in the neighborhood before falling in love with a particular house.

–Interview at least three brokers before hiring one. This is the single biggest purchase of your life. You deserve to have the best representation. Make sure you interview at least three different agents or brokers before hiring one. Ask questions about how many transaction sides they’ve closed, what price range they work in, who their typical customer is, and what kind of technology they use. Hiring an agent is like being in a short-term marriage. You want it to be good, supportive and productive.

–Read and understand all documents before signing them. I know loan documents are long and boring. So what? You’re committing to the next 15 to 30 years of your life (less if you refinance). Take the time and read your loan and purchase documents. Make sure you understand what they’re saying. Make sure the numbers match what you were promised. And if they don’t, speak up before you close — not after.

NEXT WEEK: If you’re trading up, you’ve probably got a home to sell before you can buy. How can you sell in a slow market? How can you compete against 10 other homes for sale in your neighborhood? Will you qualify for the new home buyer tax credit after you sell? Next week, we’ll continue our look back at 2009 and I’ll have your home seller resolutions for the New Year.

(Ilyce R. Glink’s latest eBooks are “Save Your House From Foreclosure” and “Divorce and Your Finances,” which can be purchased at www.thinkglink.com. If you have questions, you can call her radio show toll-free (800-972-8255) any Sunday, from 11a-1p EST or contact her through her Web site, www.thinkglink.com.)

(C) 2009 REAL ESTATE MATTERS

DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Declining home prices, increasing numbers of foreclosed properties and unique government stimulus programs are luring potential homeowners into the market. But, purchasing a new home is more challenging then it was just a year or two ago. Relaxed lending standards over the past decade led to one of the greatest housing market booms in the nation’s history, and have now contributed to one of the greatest housing market crashes. Lenders who were previously able to easily lend to most homebuyers have now severely tightened their lending standards, making it more difficult for potential buyers to obtain financing.

If you are still ready to make the jump from renter to homebuyer, here are some tips from FindLaw.com, the world’s leading online source for legal information on how to prepare to purchase your first home.

Carefully inspect your credit report

Lenders check your credit report to see if you have the means, the capacity and the track record to pay the mortgage on the home you would like to purchase. The better your credit score, the more likely you will obtain a favorable interest rate and terms on a mortgage.

To learn what your credit score currently is and if there are any mistakes on your credit report, contact the three major consumer credit reporter companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The Fair Credit Reporting Act mandates that each of the consumer credit reporting companies must provide you with a free copy of your credit report at your request once every 12 months. If you find mistakes on a credit report, notify the credit reporting company in writing of the mistake. The reporting companies must, by law, investigate the disputed items unless they find that the dispute is frivolous. Credit scores are based on a range of 300 to 850 and a score of 700 or more suggests good credit management, according to Experian.

Become familiar with mortgage terms and conditions

A mortgage is a legal agreement between the lender and the buyer of a home in which the property is collateral for the loan. A lien on the property being purchased secures the promise to repay the loan. Never sign any legal documents, including a mortgage, if you do not clearly understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. If you feel pressured to sign a document, walk away and seek the assistance of an attorney or trusted real estate professional.

Shop around for your loan

Contact at least three financial institutions to obtain information on mortgage rates, terms and conditions for a first-time homebuyer. When you believe you have enough money for a down payment, obtaining a pre-approval letter from the lending financial institution can speed the purchasing process along. Sellers may be anxious to sell a property in today’s market, but they’re just as anxious to avoid a buyer who is unable get a mortgage to pay for their property.

First time home-buying programs

As you consider buying your first home, look into local, state and federal programs that may offer financial assistance for first-time homeowners. Check with your mortgage lender to learn more about, and to see if you qualify for the 2009 first-time homebuyer’s tax credit. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the first-time homebuyer credit by increasing the credit amount to $8,000 for purchases made in 2009 before Dec. 1, 2009. In most circumstances, the 2009 credit does not have to be paid back, but be sure you fully understand your obligations before you count on not paying back the credit.

You also may be able to obtain a bridge loan and apply the funds to your closing costs. Additional information is available at www.hud.gov and www.irs.gov. If you’re a military veteran, the Veteran’s Administration also offers special loan programs for which you may qualify.

Hire a real estate professional

Buying a home will probably be the largest financial transaction you will make in your lifetime, and it’s a process that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Most buyers often rely on their realtor, loan officer or closing agent to guide them through the purchase process. If you feel that you do not clearly understand the purchasing process, or you would feel more confident if you had additional expertise to make a sound decision, consider hiring an attorney who specializes in real estate law to review and negotiate your offer to the seller, to review your mortgage and closing documents, and to be present and represent you at the closing. Hiring an experienced real estate attorney would be especially useful in dealing with the complexities of purchasing a foreclosed home.

Do your homework

When shopping for a home, take the time to research neighborhoods where you would like to own a property. There are many online tools to help you research the schools, property taxes and values and crime statistics. Visit as many open houses as possible in the neighborhood, and as well as nearby shops and other facilities that add value to owning a property. As you narrow down your home choices, work closely with your attorney or real estate professional to obtain a professional inspection of the structures and to understand any disclosures made about the homes.

Consult with friends and family

Experience is often the best teacher. When you start looking for your first home, consult with a parent or friends who have purchased homes to get their perspective of what to look for in a home, and what to expect in terms of ownership and maintenance.

Co-buying a home

If you’re interested in co-buying a home with a friend or a future spouse/partner, work with a real estate lawyer to clearly define the arrangement and the sharing of the title. Working things out up front will reduce potential problems if circumstances change.

For more information and tips on buying or selling a home, visit realestate.findlaw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent