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Seven Safety Tips for First Time Home Buyers
By: Christine Hill, Broker
When it comes to helping you choose the right house, a good real estate agent listens to your wants and needs. As your agent I'm also concerned with your safety. Here are some tips for the safety conscious home buyer:
- Consider buying a home with an attached garage. During the winter when daylight hours are short and inclement weather can make sidewalks icy an attached garage can minimize a number of safety hazards.
- Consider finding a home in a gated community. The added security of a coded entry gate along with an organized and vigilant home owners association can bring added peace of mind.
- Consider bedroom location. A second floor bedroom may seem like a more secure location, but it could also mean the location has natural sound proofing. Also if it's located on the backside of the house, it could provide an opportunity for someone to break in unnoticed. Additionally, a second floor bedroom may be more difficult to escape in the event of a fire.
- Pay attention to outside lighting. If you enjoy a walk in the evenings street lighting and motion sensor lights on neighbor's homes can be very beneficial.
- Inspect door locks and jambs. Look at the door jamb to determine if it's been cracked or repaired. Notice if the lock is new. If you notice a damaged door jamb or a new lock, ask why. A screen door that acts as a security door with its own locking system provides more protection. Also, make sure all exterior doors have strong deadbolts, which unlock from the inside without a key -- for fire safety reasons.
- Inspect windows. Single pane windows are easier to break and provide less insulation. If any of the exterior doors have large windows of glass, make sure the door knob is located far enough away from the window to discourage break-ins. For energy savings and safety look for double pane windows.
- In additional, consider installing an alarm system, make sure that alley way access is not overgrown with large trees and shrubs, and fence your back yard to discourage easy access to your home.
Finding the right home and creating a safe haven for you and your family will be well worth the effort.
For more saftey tips and other real estate information, please follow the Blog of:
Diary of a Real Estate Broker
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This gorgeous family home in Awbrey Village has it all - 3 large bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms including a spacious master suite on the main level, a dream kitchen, comfortable layout, beautiful hardwood floors, landscaped and fenced yard with water feature and mature trees, fabulous views and so much more! High quality construction and a great location in a family-friendly neighborhood. A truly special property to call home.
$365,000
For more information on this listing visit the Featured Listings on our website or contact: 
Cynthia Hinkle, Broker Total Property Resources LLC chinkle@total-property.com O. 541.330.0588 C. 541.848.1348 |
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The Fine Print
RELIEF TO HOMEOWNERS FROM POTENTIAL DEFICIENCY CLAIMS
(AND SOME PITFALLS!)
Question: I'm a homeowner facing foreclosure, and understand the law has changed regarding my lender's rights to go after me for a deficiency claim. First, what the heck is a deficiency claim, and second, how has the law changed, and does it benefit me?
Click here for the ANSWER.
Disclaimer: this column does not constitute the giving of legal advice, and your reading this column does not create an attorney/client relationship. You are encouraged to consult a lawyer or accountant should you have questions about how this information may be applicable to your particular situation.
David R. Ambrose
Principal, Chief Executive Officer
Ambrose Law Group LLC
Direct Dial: 503.467.7217
drambrose@ambroselaw.com |
