Frugal House BuyingI purchased a small house in a blue collar neighborhood. The owners had decided to retire about 3 hours away and kept lowering the price until I was able to pay cash.
Check Outlets with Hair Dryer On New Home Walk ThroughWhen doing a walk-through on a "soon to be yours" home or apt, bring along a hairdryer. It's an instantaneous way to check if the electrical plugs are working. The instant "whirr" will let you know to go on to the next outlet!
Home Inspection for First Time or New Home BuyersI have been a home inspection specialist for 35 years. Even with the housing market in as bad a shape that it is, there is still hope. Right now mortgage rates are the lowest they have ever been and this just might be the time for you to buy that home of your dreams.
Have House Inspected Before BuyingWith the bad U.S. economy, more houses are now for sale. If shopping for a home, if it was pre-owned, inquire about the sewer, plumbing and if it has a septic tank. Have the seller get the septic tank pumped out before you purchase the property.
Add Extra Principal To Your Mortgage PaymentsReduce the amount of interest you pay on your mortgage payments by simply adding additional principle dollars to the payments you make each month. You don't have to do this every month; you could do it once or twice a year if you receive bonuses or a tax refund.
When House Hunting, Buyer Beware!When House Hunting, Buyer Beware! My tightwad living tip of the day is when buying a home, any kind of home, it is buyer beware time. If you aren't handy, don't buy a fixer upper, buy a home that is livable, but within your very tight budget.
Checking Out the Neighborhood ShoppingWhen looking for a new home, in a new neighborhood and you're undecided if you'd like to live there, check out one of the local grocery stores, to see if they're clean, etc.
Buying a Home - TipsTips to consider when buying a home. Post your ideas.
Cut Years Off Your MortgageTo really cut years off your mortgage, make an extra payment a year but do it this way. Say your mortgage payment is 1200/month. Divide that by 12 ($100) and add that above and beyond that monthly payment.
