Home Buying Tips

Here are a few things to think about as you start your home search. Educate yourself on today's issues before making any offers. Knowledge you gain today can save you headaches down the road!

ASBESTOS CONCERNS HOME BUYING TIP

Many sales agreements mention asbestos by saying "the buyer is aware asbestos may be used in the construction of this home." This can be a little unsettling. Asbestos is a known carcinogen …

HOME HEATING SOURCES HOME BUYING TIP

Heating and cooling systems are some of the most important investments you'll ever make in your home. Heating and cooling accounts for 44% of your home's energy use …

INSULATION "R" VALUES HOME BUYING TIP

The most important thing to be aware of with insulation, other than the safety issues of urea formaldehyde and asbestos (covered elsewhere), is the R value, or the insulating factor. The higher the number, the better the insulator …

HOME INSURANCE HOME BUYING TIP

When purchasing a home, you will need to acquire homeowners insurance. In fact, all lenders will require a policy be in force prior to funding the loan …

LEAD PAINT HOME BUYING TIP

All sellers with homes built prior to 1978 are required to fill out a lead-based paint disclosure form and provide you, the buyer, with a lead-based paint educational booklet in any sale …

PLUMBING ALERT HOME BUYING TIP

You will spot several different types of plumbing systems in any housing market, including your own. Copper, galvanized, rigid plastic, polybutylene, and soft plastic are but a few. Certain systems are more prone to having certain problems …

LAP SIDING HOME BUYING TIP

When you are checking out homes, there are several items in our market you need to be aware of - including man-made siding. A lot has been said about …

THINKING OF STUCCO? HOME BUYING TIP

This is a terrific product, as it adds insulation value to the home, not to mention classy looks. However, it can also be a serious and very expensive repair if it isn't installed correctly …

ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS HOME BUYING TIP

Single pane, double pane, thermo pane, triple pane windows, plain glass, leaded glass, low "e" glass, wired glass, and tempered glass, too. WOW - There's a lot to know …

HOME WIRING HOME BUYING TIP

The type of wiring in residential homes generally depends on when the home was built, where it was built and if it has been updated. In the older homes, knob and tube type wiring was the norm …