The Easy Way To Happy Home Ownership
 Will you own your home or will it own you? Here's how to ensure happy home ownership…
Even if you're not a realtor, an investor or someone who could somehow fiscally benefit from the selling of a home, you may have figured that "now is definitely time to buy."
You're right. According to the National Association of Realtors overall home price increases have slowed down from 9.1 percent in 2003 to just 4.7 percent this year. Bigger news has been the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, projected to average only 6.4 percent in 2004, up modestly from an average of 5.8 percent from 2003--the lowest in four decades.
Today is what is called a 'buyer's market', which means you have more time to look for what you want in a home, not only to satisfy your personal taste but for the eventual resale value. Homes with master bedrooms with attached bathrooms and walk-in closets are highly sought after. With home sellers eagerly looking for buyers instead of vice versa find out what kind of extras you can get. Is there a private patio or balcony, an indoor laundry room with hook-ups for full-size washer and dryer and attractive living areas? Do you want a fireplace? Cable and broadband hook-ups, rounded drywall corners and designer bathroom tile are standard requests for most new homes. Recessed-hinged oak cabinetry, laminate counter tops and chrome bath accessories are also important for long-lasting home value.
Great advice for first-time buyers and those who want to alleviate many homeowner headaches is to buy a new home. Moving into a brand new home means spending less time and money fixing up an older house. Plus there are many other advantages to buying new:
1. Pride. You are the first person to live in the home; a new home is a direct reflection of you and you alone. Many homebuilders offer options allowing you to personalize your home, this may include both the interior and exterior.
2. You don't have to worry about replacing stained carpeting and yellow countertops. You can choose from a variety of options for the floori g and the amenities.
3. A new home features all new appliances and plumbing fixtures, so you don't have to worry about leaks and old appliances breaking.
4. New homes have improved designs. A new home is configured to suit your needs and features numerous conveniences such as built-in appliances and walk in closets. They are also being wired to take full advantage of today's communication and entertainment technologies.
5. New homes carry better warranties and higher standards. New homebuilders are subject to more stringent disclosure standards than existing home sellers.
6. New homes feature safer wiring techniques and meet today's stricter building codes.
7. Asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials are no longer being used to build homes as they once were.
8. New homes are more energy efficient. Due to better windows, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, control of air infiltration, and greater use of insulation, new homes are twice as energy efficient as homes built prior to 1980. This translates into savings on your monthly energy bills.
9. New homes require less upkeep. Existing homes require more maintenance and money to keep them in optimum condition.
10. New homes are less expensive to maintain. A new home saves money in many aspects: less upkeep, more energy efficient, safer, and the installation of new appliances. A new home can be operated for 20-30% less than a home built in the 60s.
| TIPS TO MAKE PACKING AND MOVING MUCH EASIER |
| Pack one room at a time labeling each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents and which room the box belongs in. Also label boxes containing breakable or sentimental items with Fragile. Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.
Empty all drawers of breakable or spillable items. To keep from unnecessary damage, it's a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container that you can keep with you so the parts won't get lost.
Do not pack flammable goods or heat sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil based paints, and certain cleaning fluids.
Wrap items individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper.
Make sure cartons are firmly packed with heavier items on bottom and lighter ones on top.
If you'll be putting some boxes in storage, make sure to pack according to the seasons during which your things will be in storage and mark the boxes accordingly.
Put heavy items in small boxes so that they're easier to carry.
When packing the truck, make sure the items you'll need first are loaded in last (ie. kids toys, kitchen items, telephone and radio) to make access easier.
Use common sense when loading your truck by keeping in mind the size, sturdiness, and weight of your boxes.
Plan ahead for what you'll need the first day after your move. Packing a separate bag with your toiletries, a change of clothes, etc. will avoid unnecessary scrambling or a run to the local store.
If possible, move on a weekday when banks, utilities, and government offices are open.
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