....and it's a scary freakin' process. See my signature.

I need all the help and advice you Org homeowners can give me. My boss gave me a couple of idea like asking how old the roof, furnace and boiler are but I know that ain't all to it.

I appreciate all responses.

make sure you get someone to come and inspect it for stuff like termites and leaks and whatever other stuff that maybe wrong but you can't see right away. you'll have to pay a fee but its well worth it.

and also pay attention to the area and how it may affect the property value of your house.

I'm not a homeowner but the #1 thing I've heard to do is don't skip out on the inspector. And make sure they are reputable. It can be expensive but soooo worth it.

Also there are major discounts if you are a first time home buyer. In my area they have 3 classes to go to and then you get some certificate to waive a bunch of fees. Look into it and GOOD LUCK!

brownsugar said:

As for the rest, I've only purchased new, so I couldn't say.

Ask if the prior owner can give you estimates on how much heating and water bills were per year (I know sometimes they're available in the listings around here)

Good luck!! The process can be frustrating but so worth it!

Stymie said:

What state are you in?

Make sure little golden midget servants come with the mortgage.

Check out the plumbing.

Undersinks, and definately check out the pipes.

Roof, water heater, and heater are very important... The cost of replacing a heater is around $3500.

Check for bugs...

I just bought a house.

The process wasn't as scary as my friends made it out to be. Get a Realtor to look out for your interests. Possibly consult a real estate lawyer, if you're really, really rattled. An architect friend of mine said she buys only houses at least 10 years old, because they've done their bulk of settling. Property values, neighbors' habits and upkeep are important. Connected to that is the length of time you expect to be in that house. Do get an inspector, by all means. Crucial, in that it counteracts whatever warm fuzzies a particular home may leave you.

CarrieLee said:

definitely! and don't use the one the real estate agent recommends - ask around and choose your own.

When you've begun to narrow it down, before you sign on the dotted line, go by the house at different times of day. Early morning, rush hour, weekends.

My sister found a great little townhouse...didn't check it out other than durning the week while everyone was at school or work, so she thought it was a nice quiet little neighborhood.

Then she bought the place and reality hit....tons of cars....tons of loitering teenagers...a real drag.

dont let people tell ya about "aggravationss etc" ... it should be an exciting FUN time ...

i just recently bought our third home - and each one was a great $$$ investment - better than anything else - stocks, etc ... especially over the last couple of years .... i too looked to see where u lived - i wasnt sure ... i am in southern Pa near the Md line and prices are goin up here kinda wacko because of alot of people moving outta DC/Md area ...

The "inspection " advice is a good one ... I did not use a home inspection due to the fact that i am in the business -- it can cost you 250.00 or more for a whole home inspection --- however i would recommend them ... especially if u have any "fears" associated with buying ... if nothing else - they will "help " despel some of your irrational fears - and teach you things about the heating system , the roof , etc .... (i do real estate appraising)...around here - every home sold gets tested for TERMITES and POTABLE WATER/SEPTIC SYSTEMS (if you are buying a home with public water and public sewer they will NOT test them )...

The home i just bought - i wanted to make the "best deal" i could - so i waved the whole house inspection (still required a termite insp which was good becus we did have the critters) and i just made a low ball offer - to settle fast - and i did NOT make it contigent upon my other house selling (a frequent request of buyers that is not a really good offer)--- and they took the deal !

I have to comment quickly about termites --- if you are getting a mortgage - YOUR mortgage company will require a termite insp - to protect their investment as well as yours ! ... usually- at least around here - if you do have termites in the home the SELLERS are required to kill em /get rid of em , etc .... and the termite companies will not "insure " that you do not get a re-infestation so you do have to keep up on that (they could come back in a yr or 2 ... etc)

the most stress about the home we were buying , the termites had done some damage so i paid 75.00 for an additional "structural " inspection where the guy came in and really looked to see if any furthor damage on the sill plate/ beams etc had taken place ... that guy said there was some damage but he did not think it needed absolutely to be replaced as long as they were treated ---- well ... (he was a friend of mine)...then he said ... hmmm... lets just say he estimates the replacement of the sill plate to run 2500.00 so the seller kicked back to me 2500.00 and i never got it fixed (yet) ...lol ... i may when i figure out what i am doing down in the basement...

any questions on your real estate hunting ... shoot me an orgnote !

Ivy I am so proud of you girl!!! A house and a job promotion you go girl!!! But seriously consider going through a Homeownership Program. They can walk you through all the details, improve your credit score, get you the best and lowest rate, plus answer any and all questions about it.

They also have the ins and outs to programs that provide financial assistance with a down payment and low-interest loans for your home. Some of our programs here give single moms has much as $16,000 down payment on their home, it is a grant that they don't have to pay back either!!!!! Some moms here also have gotten 1-3% interest loans to buy houses as well, even in the six figures!!!!

The mechanicals are extememly important. These are exactly what your boss mentioned. Find out how old the furnace, water heater and the central air are. The furnance basically lasts 20 years. If the furnance is getting near that old plan on replacing it soon. Also, have the home inspected by an independent company. I did this when I placed a bid on my first home. I was able to get out of the contract because of the results of this inspection.

Find a house that is ready for you to move in. You may think that once you move in you will be able to do a lot of projects, but you will find that you never have enough time.

Drive through the neighborhood at all hours of the day. Be sure to drive through at a few different times at night. You will find a lot about the neighborhood this way.

Good luck.

Congrats on the promotion and looking for a place of your own.

Look for cracked walls in the basement, everything mentioned above about an inspector/plumbing/furnace and there's a service that requires putting a camera into the drian pipe that goes from the house underground to the main sewer connection at the street. Do this because having a yard dug up to replace this is really expensive.

Oh yeah, any signs of water damage (basement, kitchens, bathrooms) pass on the house. Black mold is a nightmare and so is water issues (old pipes, cracked foundations, etc.). Some homes are fixer uppers but the price should reflect it.

Good luck Stymie! I was scared when i bought my house. But life settles down after! Dont be afraid to ask anyone questions about even stupid things. And keep asking until your happy.

Great advice on this thread...

I would just stress the home inspection. It cost us just over $300, but
it's well worth it for the piece of mind (especially if you are like me,
no expert at home repairs 'n such)

Not sure about your kid situation, but keep in mind the city's school system.
A good school system will make it easier for you to sell your house when
the time comes.

Comin' back to this one real soon. I'm in the same boat.

hi Mama

i have no advice, i sux at practical things

but i will paint a mural on the side of ur home and plan the house warming party!

love u