Whether you are a first-time buyer, or a current homeowner looking for more room, buying a home is one of the biggest and most important decisions you’ll ever make.  When looking for a new home, you will discover there are many choices, one being whether to buy a condo or single family house. Depending on what your needs and wants are, you will need to look at what is right for you.

Below are some things to consider when deciding on which might be best for you.

•It is vital to consider the location of where you want to live. Once you have decided on the area, are there options for both condos and single-family houses in this area?

•For many people, privacy is important. Having a neighbor that is very close may be a turnoff for some. Condo's may not be the way to go if that concerns you.

•Be sure to consider the maintenance that both options require. If you like to take responsbility for your own landscaping and lawn work a home might be for you. However, a condo might be the way to go if you love the idea of never having to mow again.

•Are you looking for enough space for a growing family or are you in need of just enough for yourself or spouse? Do keep in mind however, that not all condos are small. Many offer large square footage.

These considerations as well as price can help you determine what might be the best for your situation. Keep in mind that as your priorities (and family) grow and change in the years ahead so will your need for a home. 

Househunting is an exciting time and most homebuyers have an idea of what they are looking for in a property.  It is important when looking at homes to not overlook a potential home just because they may have outdated flooring, ulgy walpaper or is decorated in a style that is not your taste.

Keep in mind there is no such thing as the 'perfect home'. When making an offer, be sure to consider what you can afford to change. There may be some changes that will take some work and time but in the end it will be worth it and just what you wanted! 

A recent article in  Business Week today, indicated that Billionaire Warren Buffett said the U.S. residential real estate slump will end by about 2011, predicting that’s how long it will take demand for homes to catch up with the supply.

Warren made note in his annual letter to shareholders of his Berkshire Hathaway Inc, that “Within a year or so, residential housing problems should largely be behind us,”  “Prices will remain far below ‘bubble’ levels, of course, but for every seller or lender hurt by this there will be a buyer who benefits.”

It is important to note that the current real estate market has left one in five U.S. mortgage holders owing more than their houses are worth. In addition, record foreclosures last year flooded a real estate market already stocked with unsold property, causing new construction to fall to the lowest in at least 50 years.

“People thought it was good news a few years back when housing starts -- the supply side of the picture -- were running about two million annually,” said Buffett, the chairman and chief executive officer of Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire. “But household formations -- the demand side -- only amounted to about 1.2 million.” High-value houses and those in certain localities where overbuilding was particularly egregious” will take longer to recover, he wrote.

Buffett joked that curbing home construction was the best of three ways to reduce supply. The other two, he said, would be to explode homes in a “tactic similar to the destruction of autos that occurred with the ‘cash-for-clunkers’ program” or “speed up householder formations by, say, encouraging teenagers to cohabitate, a program not likely to suffer from a lack of volunteers.”

If you are a homeowner who is selling their home or even if you just want to improve your kitchen area and make it more up to date, there are some fixes you can do that won't break the budget! Keep in mind that improving the kitchen space will get you more value. According to the Remodeling Online’s 2005 Cost vs. Value Report, even a minor kitchen remodeling project will return an average of 98.5% of its cost when it comes time to sell the home.

Consider these below kitchen fixes to help sell your home faster and for more money:

1. Paint or re-stain worn wood cabinets.

2. Install cabinet hardware. Stay with simple and neutral hardware, avoid large clunky designs.

3. Remove outdated or busy wallpaper and any bold, bright paint. Stick with neutral colors.

4. De-clutter all counter tops, keep them free and clear of appliances, butcher blocks and knickknacks.

5. Update the faucets. New faucets can make a outdated sink look revitalized. Faucet replacements are also fairly inexpensive and simple plumbing projects with all of the parts available at your local hardware store.

6. Remove photos, calendars and personal effects from the refrigerator door.

7. Updated and simple rugs and towels with a splash of color can bring warmth to a kitchen.

Replacing outdated appliances and flooring are great improvements that should be considered but may not always be part of your budget. Keeping a kitchen clean and maximizing space is key to getting buyers interested. Always remember to keep garbage cans, and pet bowls etc. out of sight.

When you begin the house hunting process, it can be a fun and exciting time but can also be difficult to not catch potential problems because you might get all caught up in the moment. If you do find a home that you love, you should always have a professional home inspection before signing any contracts. Below are a list of some potential things to look for that might signal that something may be problematic.

1. Ceiling stains. Some buyers don' think about looking up at the ceiling but if you see stains then its obvious..something’s leaking. It might be a simple repair or it might be quite costly. Most roof leaks result from neglected flashing that seals “valleys” in the roof or around a chimney or vents, roof leaks mean mean it’s time to replace shingles. If the leak is under a bathroom it might be shower or even the toilet that is causing problems.
2. Bad odors. Pet smells, musty odors and even cigarette smells are red flags as they can be hard to get rid of and may signal a deeper problem. Keep in mind if the home smells like heavy cleaning products the seller might be trying to hide a problem.
3. Wiring Problems. While an electrician is the only one to accurately diagnose wiring problems there are some things you can be on the look out for. Make sure all the switches and outlets in the house function properly. Any lights that flicker or don't work as well as hot outlets are all symptoms of wiring problems.
4. Problems With Windows. You can tell a foggy window problem right away just by looking at them but also be sure to check out all the windows to make sure they are fully functional. Some older windows maybe warped or painted shut and if you do see foggy windows that is a sign that the seal is broken.
5. Insects and Rodents. Keep a close eye out for signs of rodents and bugs. Be on the lookout for hidden mouse traps, rodent droppings, roach motels or other signs that there may be a problem. If you do locate a home that you are ready to purchase, absolutely get a termite inspection as they can only be detected by a professional inspection.

If you do find a home that you have looked thru and found no red flags and you are ready to take the next step it is vital that you hire a professional home inspector to ensure that everything is good to go. It will be the best money you will spend, it will save you thousands of dollars and headaches down the road.

When it comes time to move into your new home, it is likely that no matter how careful your movers are you will still have a lost or damaged item. So what should you do if a box of belongings arrives in pieces -- or just fails to materialize? Here are some tips for what to do if a moving company damages property or loses something of yours.

1.Be sure to read the Bill of Lading carefully.  This contains the terms of your agreement with specifics such as information on the type of liability you and your mover agreed upon. By law all companies are required to insure their cargo at a rate of up to 60 cents per pound. However that means small high value items will only be replaced for 60 cents.

2. Address any obvious damages or loss. It is vital that you review your inventory and make sure that everything has been accounted for and is not damaged beofre you sign anything.   If you do notice any damages or missing items before make sure to alert them of any issues and make a note on the inventory sheet or Bill of Lading. It is recommended to not accept any offer made by the company to settle on the spot as you may end up underestimating the damages.

3. Know your rights.  According to The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates moving companies, they indicate that "Movers are prohibited from having you sign a receipt which relieves the mover from all liability for loss or damage to the shipment.  Make re to NOT sign any receipt which does not indicate thatprovide that you are signing for your shipment in apparent good condition except as noted on the shipping documents." If you've made a note on your contract about concealed damages, that last bit will keep you covered. However, even if you have a claim, you are still responsible for paying for the move in a timely fashion.

4. If you suffer a lost, file a claim. You have to file a claim within nine months of the date of service. Contact the movers via certified mail, informing the movers of the damage and requesting a claim form. Be sure to keep a copy of your inventory sheet handy, along with any photos or videos that can support your claim. If the movers are not in contact about your within 30 days or if they refuse to recoup your loss, you may want to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or even take your case to small claims court.

5. Invest in moving insurance. Even before you sign a contract with a mover, research your options for moving insurance.  This type of insurance will insure your possessions in the event of a damage or loss, or for a catastrophe occurrence.  Check with your current renter or homeowners insurance company to see what might be covered from your current policy as well.

Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance.  A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house by promoting the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air.  One way to keep the air inside your home clean is to have your air ducts cleaned.

Costs can range in costs depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, and level of contamination.

You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:

• There is substantial visible mold growth inside the ducts. You may not always be able to see the mold in sections of the ducts that are not accessible. You will need a professional to inspect the ducts for this.
• Ducts are infested with vermin such as rodents or insects.
• Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.
• You notice a strange or offensive odor from your air supply.

If you decide to have your heating and cooling system cleaned, be sure to have the service provider clean all components of the system and is qualified to do so. Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

To find a qualified HVAC technician near you and to learn more about duct cleaning, visit the   National Association of Duct Cleaners.

If you are in the process of purchasing a home,  you will hear about title insurance and many homebuyers are confused at to exactly is title insurance is and whether or not they really need it? When you buy a home you are given a title. The title is the owner's right to possess and use the property. It is important to know that it may not the home seller who owns the title. A bank with a mortgage on the property might own an interest in the property, as does someone who has done work on the house and filed a lien against it or even a homeowners association if the dues have not been paid. The government may also have liens against the property for unpaid taxes.

Homeowners will need to ensure that there are no problems with the home's title as well as confirm that the seller really owns the property. Problems with the title can limit your use and enjoyment of the property, as well as bring financial loss. A title search and title insurance will protect the homeowner from these problems.

A title search will reveal if someone other than the owner of the property owns the title. This search can be done by examining public records to look up the history of property ownership. While you can easily do your own title search, if you are obtaining a loan to purchase the property, the lender will require that a qualified third party do the title search. The title search shows not only limitations on the use of the property and rights others may have in the property, but also liens or monetary obligations that are outstanding against the property. 

Title insurance is different than the standard insurance where you are covered in case of a future event. For example, if you get car insurance you are insured in case you have an accident, you buy health insurance in case you get sick.  Title insurance is different as it covers events relating to the title that have already happened. It does not cover anything that happens to the title after the date of issuance. For example if you have liens filed against the property for taxes that you have not paid, your title insurance policy is not going to help you. But, if the lien is for taxes not paid by someone who owned the house before you, then you may have coverage under your title policy.

A title company will do a title search on the property before issuing the policy to see if there are any problems with the title. This search is done in an effort to minimize the risks of offering insurance.  Problems such as deeds, wills, outstanding mortgages, judgements, and tax liens can be located from the search and can typically be cleared up before the closing on the property. When these problems are not cleared they will often be listed as exceptions to the policy's coverage. You would then need to decide whether the property is still something you want to purchase given the known problems with the title.