Looking Into Your Future Before You Buy in the Present
If you're like most Americans, you'll probably move about every five to seven years. That's a distinct change from your parents and grandparents, many of whom probably lived in the same house for 30 years.
Why do people move so frequently? You start off in one home, perhaps when you're single. You trade up when you get married, and again when you have children. You might make another move if you get a big job promotion or want your children to be in a better school district. You might downsize when your family has outgrown your home.
To make a smart decision about buying, you have to think about how long you'll be in your home. You should also think about where you'll be personally, romantically, and financially, so you buy the right size home to accommodate your changing lifestyle.
Ilyce Glink is the bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask, and is the Managing Editor of Right at Home Daily.
Buying a Fixer-Upper
Why do people buy fixer-uppers? They're looking for a real estate investment: Buy a home that needs work, throw some time and money into it, and then sell it for a profit. Jim Sulski overviews the pros and cons.
It's easy to dream. It's a lot tougher to make real-life
decisions based on what you have to spend and what's
on the market. Barbara Buchholz, former editor of House
& Garden Guides Magazine and co-author of Porch Style
and the New Homeowner's Handbook will provide you with
information to help you figure out what kind of home is
really right for you and make your dreams a reality.
Hunting for a home can quickly become confusing and
frustrating. Should you use an agent or house-hunt on
your own? How can you choose the right neighborhood?
In this section, Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan
Home magazine and co-author of Porch Style will help
you find information that can help you get moving in the
right direction.
If you're looking for the perfect home, forget it. Every
house, including one that's just been totally renovated or
newly built, will need a dose of TLC as time goes on. If
you're willing to live with and correct these
imperfections, you may be able to create real value that
translates into a nice profit when it comes time to sell.
Jim Sulski, real estate development and home
improvement contributor for numerous publications
including the Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business
and Consumer's Digest offers some guidelines.
