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

Home Heating Sources 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.

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.