(NC)—After a sustained period of rising prices and competitive bidding wars, first-time buyers are pleasantly surprised by the current opportunities to enter the market as a result of the current economic climate.
Declining housing prices are opening up more possibilities for first-time buyers, who have the advantage of not needing to sell an existing property. For some, the dream of owning a home is closer to reality, and it is easy to get carried away by the excitement of the home-buying process.
Despite the temptations of price reductions, buyers should not sacrifice quality. Judy Pryma, president of MasonryWorx, offers the following tips for how to buy right:
• Go green. Whether buying new or resale, pay careful attention to the materials used to construct the home. Masonry products – brick, block and stone – are the original green building materials. They have a very long life, are produced locally, do not release toxic compounds into the air and can be reused.
• Think resale. Most people live in a home for an average of 5 to10 years, so keep the resale value in mind. Research shows a masonry home will earn 4 to 6 per cent more in resale than non-masonry, which means a little more cash in your pocket for your next home.
• Safety first. When considering a semi-detached or townhome, find out about firewalls. Masonry materials are the best choice for ensuring optimal protection in case of fire because they don't burn and can help prevent the spread of fire between units.
• Looks matter. Stand back and admire the home from the street. It should fit in well with the neighbouring homes and be pleasing to look at. Look for damaged cladding or siding that may require ongoing maintenance. Choosing a home with low maintenance cladding, such as masonry, will ensure the home always looks its best.
More information on this topic is available online at www.masonryworx.com.
- News Canada