DUO Global Real Estate Group

Maybe you've grown tired of the eggshell white walls of your cookie-cutter apartment, or you can't convince your landlord to replace the brown shag carpeting in your rental.
When you own your home, you can mostly do with it as you please - paint the kitchen in Green Bay Packers gold, cover your den in knotty pine paneling or wallpaper your bedroom ceilings in Laura Ashley florals.
True, it all costs money - but when you buy your own place, it's a choice you get to make.

Another thing to consider is that you have the option to rent in order to cover your second mortgage.
You need to decide if you are going to declare it as a vacation home, or rental property though, because the IRS has different rules for both.
Also remember that if you declare it as a rental your mortgage could be slightly higher.
So the benefits include tax breaks, a getaway for the family on vacations or holidays, a future retirement home, renters making your mortgage payments for you, or just a smart investment.

Negotiation, when performed properly, can be an effective tool.
Using it correctly can end up saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
It is important to look out for your interests, and not to over pay for a house.
But the other side of that coin is making sure you consider the seller's interest as well.
There is a fine line between getting a good deal, and insulting the seller.
This can sour the deal and fix it so that not only are you turned down on your initial offer, the seller can refuse any more offers from you all together.

If you're a Bob Vila type, you may thrill at the idea of nailing shingles on a rooftop or replumbing the bathroom.
On the other hand, if you hire a handyman whenever your living room needs repainting, factor in labor costs for even simpler improvements.
As with all investments, those that have the greatest potential for payoff are also the riskiest.
But that's what appeals to some buyers.
A smaller outlay now could yield big rewards later, if you're willing to take that chance.

To find a reputable home inspector in your area, ask your local REALTOR for a recommendation -- or three!
Before choosing a home inspector, ask to see a copy of a recent report he or she has prepared on a similar property.
Read the fine print carefully to determine what (if any) warrantees are being made and what matters will be excluded from the report.
TIP: The home inspection field is still an "emerging" industry, and certification requirements (if any) vary from state to state.
Before hiring an inspector, be sure to ask about their length of experience and credentials.