I use to say,  “I can get you price, location and the ‘wow’ factor…. but, you can only pick two…” 

That saying still holds true, but, a kinder way to put it is that the right home is one that fits your lifestyle, your family and your budget.

What is more important to you and your family, your being close to work and getting home quickly, or being close to a special area of town that has great night life or church activities?  Only you can answer those questions.

Then determine which schools and activities do you need close to you.  What type of neighborhood do you want your kids to grow up in.  What resale do you need?  And what will your budget allow?

Once you know the answers to these questions, we can find the right home.

• Is the surrounding neighborhood or the home itself the most important consideration?
• Is each of the neighborhoods safe?
• Is quality of the schools an issue?
• Do any of the areas seem to attract more families with children or adult residents? And where do you fit in?

As for the return on your investment, home-price appreciation is hard to predict. In the late 1980s, and again 10 years later, the more expensive move-up housing appreciated wildly.  But, during the recession that followed, smaller homes tended to hold their value better than more expensive ones.  The same thing is happening today.

How do I get the real scoop on homes I am looking at?

Home inspections, seller disclosure requirements appraisals and our experience will help.

The law requires the seller to complete a real estate disclosure statement that will include these

• In the kitchen — a range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, trash compactor.
• Safety features such as burglar and fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, security gate, window screens and intercom.
• The presence of a TV antenna or satellite dish, carport or garage, automatic garage door opener, rain gutters, sump pump.
• Amenities such as a pool or spa, patio or deck, built-in barbeque and fireplaces.
• Type of heating, condition of electrical wiring, gas supply and presence of any external power source, such as solar panels.
• The type of water heater, water supply, sewer system or septic tank also should be disclosed.

Sellers also are required to indicate any significant defects or malfunctions existing in the home’s major systems.

• A checklist specifies interior and exterior walls, ceilings, roof, insulation, windows, fences, driveway, sidewalks, floors, doors, foundation, as well as the electrical and plumbing systems.
• The form also asks sellers to note the presence of environmental hazards, walls or fences shared with adjoining landowners, any encroachments or easements, room additions or repairs made without the necessary permits or not in compliance with building codes, zoning violations, citations against the property and lawsuits against the seller affecting the property.

It also asks about

• settling, sliding or soil problems, flooding or drainage problems and any major damage resulting from earthquakes, floods or landslides.
• People buying a condominium must be told about covenants, codes and restrictions or other deed restrictions.

It’s important to note that the simple idea of disclosing defects has broadened significantly in recent years. Many jurisdictions have their own mandated disclosure forms as do many brokers and agents. Also, the home inspection and home warranty industries have grown

What are the pros and cons of adding on or buying new?
Before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or buying a larger one, consider these questions:

• How much money is available, either from cash reserves or through a home improvement loan, to remodel your current house?
• How much additional space is required? Would the foundation support a second floor or does the lot have room to expand on the ground level?
• What do local zoning and building ordinances permit?
• How much equity already exists in the property?

Are there affordable properties for sale that would satisfy your changing housing needs?