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.

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How to Prepare for the House Hunt

Looking for a new home can become a time consuming and overwhelming experience that'll test your patience. The hours and homes can quickly blur into one hazy memory. Lisa Skolnik has some advice on how to prepare for the endeavor.


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.

Becoming Selective When Purchasing A Home
How Much Can You Afford?
Determining Future Costs: Maintenance and Upkeep
Figuring Out Where You'll Be in Five to Seven Years
Identifying Priorities For The House Hunt


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.

How to Prepare for the House Hunt
Finding the Right Agent or Broker
Should You Do It Yourself or Find an Agent?
Developing "Vision"
Matching Your Wants and Needs to What's on the Market
Working With A Buyer's Agent
Choosing the Right Neighborhood


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.

Needed Renovations and the Purchase Price
Buying a Fixer-Upper
A Multi-Family Building
Buying a Gut-Job


 

 

 

 
 
 
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