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Helpful Hints for House Hunters

Sure, you want the right-sized house, with a certain number of bedrooms, and you probably know what other amenities and conveniences are important to you and your family. Schools are important, too.

But here are a few things to consider that you might not have thought about:

Be comfortable with your Realtor and lender. These professionals will help you find and finance your new home, providing guidance and advice along the way. If you are not happy with your agent, find someone else who will provide you with the appropriate level of service. Remember that the Realtor's fee is negotiable.

Check the outside of the house to see where downspouts and storm drainage are located. Make sure stormwater runs away from the house.

Look carefully at the condition of the house. Once the purchase goes through, will you be able to afford repairs that will be necessary - plus have enough left over for an emergency fund should something unexpected arise?

Consider the heating, cooling, and hot water equipment. Generally speaking, the older it is, the less efficient it is. And the bigger the house, the more it costs to heat and cool.

Be sure to look at more than just the carpet and fixtures. For example, an 80+ gallon water tank might seem good because you'd always have hot water. But you will be paying to constantly heat that water.

In other words, look carefully at the condition of the house. Once the purchase goes through, will you be able to repair or replace the materials and equipment that need it that first year? The next year? Will you have enough left over for an emergency fund should something unexpected arise? Can you afford the winter and summer energy bills?

If you're buying a fixer-upper, or if you are otherwise expecting to make some home repairs, check the Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor to find out how economical it is when you upgrade with energy efficiency in mind. If you buy new windows, doors, refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, air conditioners, TVs, or almost any other major appliance or consumer electronics, choose ENERGY STAR.

Content updated on 8/9/2004

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