" 1 ' '' ' Home and Garden Guide

Pointers Provide Assist In Buying or Selling Home

The search for a new home taxes time, patience and. most importantly, skill. Research shows that the average home buyer looks at 12 different propertips before making a new home purchase. Such factors as location of the home, its energy efficiency. size, design and proximity to schools, work and shopping, are carefully weighed before a final decision is made IF YOU'RE currently in the market for a new home, it's important that you make a thorough inspection of the one you've chosen prior to purchase. Naturally there'll be different items to look for depending on whether you're considering an older home or a new one. but the key areas for you to check are: Structural stability, energy-efficient qualities, and plumbing and heating systems. WITH THE investment

of a little time, you cin do a good inspection job on your own Here's a checklist if you're considering buying a home; • Roof and gutters — Look carefully to make sure shingles are in good condition. Check to see that gutters are not rusted, bent or non-existent. • Heating up — Turn the furnace on for at least 15 minutes to see if it runs smoothly and quietly. Check for oil stains and signs of wear. Ask how old it is. The average furnace can be expected to last about 25-:i£vears • Energy efficiency — Check the insulation levels in the home to determine if they are adequate for your geographic area. Look to . see if the home is caulked or weathers tripped See if storm windows and screens are in good condition. •Water -|Check the condition of thtrtypes by turning on the sink faucets in

the upstairs 'bathroom, then turn on the tub. If the water level drops more than 25 percent, the home may have a problem with pipe corrosion. IT PAYS to be a smart consumer when shopping for a home If you do notice any problems, get an estimate for repairs and use that information when negotiating prices. If you're selling a home. I obviously you're not in- I terested in spending the I money on major home im- I provement projects. It can. I however, be quite I beneficial for you to con- I sider less costly projects to I make your home more at- I tractive to potential . I buyers. The following low cost I home improvement pro- I jeets W ILL HELP: • Caulk and weatherstrip I cracks around doors and I windows • \I)I> INSULATION in I the attic to bring your I home up to today's energy I standards for your area of I the country Upgrading in- I sulation levels is easy to I do; millions of I homeowners have added I insulation to their attics in I a single afternoon. • If trim on your home is I worn or peeling, paint it. • Clean windows and I storm windows until they I are bright and shiny •Mow lawn, shovel snow. I or rake the grounds depen- I ding upon the season. • REMEMBER, buyers £ of energy-efficient homes I are receiving better breaks from lending institutions who are willing to relax income standards. The rationale is that owners of energy-efficient homes will spend less in cooling and heating; - therefore, they will have more income available to make house payments; thus, buyers can borrow more money Safety Tips For the Home Household chores and home maintenance have their own built-in hazards, but taxing precautions can minimize them. Here are some tips: • Ladders: Make sure they're in good condition and set up in the safest possible way For added protection, have somebody on the ground hold onto the ladder. v REPLACE loose rungs, broken spreaders and frayed ropes on extension ladders. Never attempt to climb a wobbly ladder. Remember, stepladders can be almost as risky as extension ladders. • Yard 'Garden: Don't leave tools and hoses on the ground — somebody could trip over them. Keep chemicals out of the reach of children And use insecticides. fertilizers and pesticides with care. Follow the instructions and pay close attention to wind conditions. INJURIES FROM stairs, ramps and landings often are caused by improper footwear, obstacles on stairs or loss of balance Other dangers around the house, and estimated annual injuries, are power saws. 45.000, and knives. 90,000. ' !

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