Tips for First Time Home Buyers

<h1>Tips for First Time Home Buyers</h1>Author: <a title="Craig Elliott" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/craig-elliott/46175.htm">Craig Elliott</a> Buying a home for the first time is very exciting - no more renting, you are now paying and investing in yourself by paying your mortgage. However, through all the excitement of a mortgage and buying a new home, it's easy to get carried away and to forget some important things you should be looking for. It would be awful if your first home buying experience turned out badly and you bought a house that was a money pit because you didn't take a few moments to look at all the aspects.

One of the key things first time home buyers should do is look into home warranties. A home warranty works similarly to warranties that you have on your vehicle or your appliances. You wouldn't buy a new car or an appliance without a warranty, so why would you make the biggest purchase of your life and not get a warranty? Home warranties cover a variety of major repairs that may happen after you purchase the house. Home warranties are available for both new homes and older homes.

Either the buyer or seller can purchase a home warranty. If the seller has purchased the home warranty, it's because they are trying to secure their pricing on the home and sell their home faster. As a buyer, you would purchase a home warranty as a safe guard against any major reparations that need to be done to the home that you couldn't see, or tell, when you purchased the house.

Regardless of who purchased the home warranty, it is important to look at the coverage that is offered by the company. Coverage varies from company to company and state to state. When you talk to a home warranty agent, or look at the sellers' policy, be sure to ask what is and is not covered on your home warranty specifically.

Most home warranties will cover:<ul>

<li>Air conditioning system

<li>Built in dishwasher

<li>Built in microwave

<li>Built in trash compactor

<li>Ceiling fans

<li>Central heating unit

<li>Duct work

<li>Electrical systems

<li>Garbage disposal unit

<li>Plumbing systems

<li>Refrigerator

<li>The oven or range

<li>Washer and dryer

<li>Water heater</li></ul>

Most of everything else is not covered. This includes:<ul>

<li>Outdoor sprinkler systems

<li>Outdoor water systems

<li>Faucet repairs (unless otherwise stated in the policy)

<li>Spas (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)

<li>Pools (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)

<li>Hot tubs (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)

<li>Permit fees

<li>Hauling away debris

<li>Hauling away old appliances</li></ul>

It's also important to find out when a request would be denied. There are plenty of reasons why a home warranty would be considered void, including:<ul>

<li>Improper maintenance

<li>Improper installation

<li>Code violations

<li>Unusual wear and tear</li></ul>

Buying a home can be so exciting that you may jump at the first house that meets your needs and your budget - many people have been there. It's always a good idea to take a step back from the situation and really look at the house - is this where you want to live for at least the next three to five years? Is it what you hoped it would be? Are there other homes that you are considering?

In some cases, having a home warranty can make or break the decision to purchase your first home. Most often, first time home buyers aren't entirely up on what they are taking on - there's no landlord to call if the pipes burst - that's for you to handle. No heat? No hot water? You have to pay to replace and fix those items. These items cost up to thousands of dollars - do you have the money to fix and replace these major items, such as the electrical system, major appliance, hot water heater or furnace if they should stop working? This is why it's always a good idea, especially for first time home buyers, to purchase a home warranty to protect them from the sometimes incredible expense that is associated with owning your own home. When you look for a home warranty, be sure to ask lots of questions and get a few quotes so you can compare the coverage on the home warranties and the rates that you will be charged.About the Author: Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics involving insurance including <a href="http://www.ahswarranty.com">Home Warranties | Home Warranty</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/tips-for-first-time-home-buyers-340407.html" title="Tips for First Time Home Buyers">Tips for First Time Home Buyers</a>

Buying a home for the first time is very exciting - no more renting, you are now paying and investing in yourself by paying your mortgage. However, through all the excitement of a mortgage and buying a new home, it's easy to get carried away and to forget some important things you should be looking for. It would be awful if your first home buying experience turned out badly and you bought a house that was a money pit because you didn't take a few moments to look at all the aspects.

One of the key things first time home buyers should do is look into home warranties. A home warranty works similarly to warranties that you have on your vehicle or your appliances. You wouldn't buy a new car or an appliance without a warranty, so why would you make the biggest purchase of your life and not get a warranty? Home warranties cover a variety of major repairs that may happen after you purchase the house. Home warranties are available for both new homes and older homes.

Either the buyer or seller can purchase a home warranty. If the seller has purchased the home warranty, it's because they are trying to secure their pricing on the home and sell their home faster. As a buyer, you would purchase a home warranty as a safe guard against any major reparations that need to be done to the home that you couldn't see, or tell, when you purchased the house.

Regardless of who purchased the home warranty, it is important to look at the coverage that is offered by the company. Coverage varies from company to company and state to state. When you talk to a home warranty agent, or look at the sellers' policy, be sure to ask what is and is not covered on your home warranty specifically.

Most home warranties will cover:

Air conditioning system
Built in dishwasher
Built in microwave
Built in trash compactor
Ceiling fans
Central heating unit
Duct work
Electrical systems
Garbage disposal unit
Plumbing systems
Refrigerator
The oven or range
Washer and dryer
Water heater

Most of everything else is not covered. This includes:

Outdoor sprinkler systems
Outdoor water systems
Faucet repairs (unless otherwise stated in the policy)
Spas (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
Pools (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
Hot tubs (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
Permit fees
Hauling away debris
Hauling away old appliances

It's also important to find out when a request would be denied. There are plenty of reasons why a home warranty would be considered void, including:

Improper maintenance
Improper installation
Code violations
Unusual wear and tear

It is a good idea, when you buy your first home, that you have an inspection done on the house to ensure that it is properly up to the building codes and that there are no code violations and that the major systems and appliances in the house are properly installed and that they've been properly maintained.

Buying a home can be so exciting that you may jump at the first house that meets your needs and your budget - many people have been there. It's always a good idea to take a step back from the situation and really look at the house - is this where you want to live for at least the next three to five years? Is it what you hoped it would be? Are there other homes that you are considering?

In some cases, having a home warranty can make or break the decision to purchase your first home. Most often, first time home buyers aren't entirely up on what they are taking on - there's no landlord to call if the pipes burst - that's for you to handle. No heat? No hot water? You have to pay to replace and fix those items. These items cost up to thousands of dollars - do you have the money to fix and replace these major items, such as the electrical system, major appliance, hot water heater or furnace if they should stop working? This is why it's always a good idea, especially for first time home buyers, to purchase a home warranty to protect them from the sometimes incredible expense that is associated with owning your own home. When you look for a home warranty, be sure to ask lots of questions and get a few quotes so you can compare the coverage on the home warranties and the rates that you will be charged.

Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics involving insurance including Home Warranties | Home Warranty

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/tips-for-first-time-home-buyers-340407.html

Article Tags: Mortgage, First Time Home Buyers, Appliance Repair, Air Conditioner Repair, Home Owner Warranty, Home Buyer Warranty, Home Seller Warranty, Homeowner Program, Furnace Repair, Plumbing Problems

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

13 Essentials for a First Aid Kit

Play

How to Buy a First Home

Play

First Time Home Buyer Programs

Play

How to Install a First Sheet of Wallpaper

Play

How to Coach Baseball: Home To First

Latest Home Security Articles
More from Craig Elliott

For Reliable Home Security – Have Smoke Detectors in your House

By: Rose | 25/11/2009
There are standard regulations for most buildings and infrastructures that are basically required for installation. For commercial and industrial places, the relevance of smoke detector devices is of utmost priority. Even for home owners who aim to secure their safety against fire-related incidences, this gadget is definitely significant.

Are Panic Rooms Imperative for Home Security?

By: Oswald Melman | 25/11/2009
There has been a lot of talk about Panic Rooms in the news and media. From movies to television panic and safety rooms are a hot topic. However, they may not be on the top of the discussion list amongst friends, family, other homeowners, and neighbors. It may seem like these highly fortified safe havens are only for the rich and famous, but the reality is that a safety room may just buy you enough time in an emergency situation to successfully summon the authorities.

Home Security Solutions for Wired and Tech-Savvy Homes

By: Oswald Melman | 25/11/2009
Technology has been growing by leaps and bounds in all areas, and many of its advancements have really helped out daily life. After all, it's now possible to get driving directions through a GPS device attached to a satellite--or something as simple as a cell phone. Smart phones allow for a number of different applications to make life easier, from checking movie times while riding the subway to finding out via Twitter if there are any traffic back-ups on your route to work.

Eleven Simple Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

By: Ashley Ford | 24/11/2009
There are a few very simple do it yourself things that can be done to your home to improve of its security and safety of your loved ones. Follow these easy to do tips from National Home Security Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to help you improve your home security. Boost your home security with a one of ADT’s trusted home security systems or home alarm systems today!

Cavity Wall Insulation Grants – Damp-proof & winter-proof for FREE

By: Jack | 24/11/2009
Cavity wall insulation grants are obtainable by any homeowners and tenants. They must select insulation materials that match industry standards, building regulations, and manufacturing quality control rules.

How to choose a Security Door

By: Kent Rusel | 24/11/2009
You want your home to be welcoming and beautiful. On the other hand, you have to provide maximum security to safeguard it against theft and intruders. Privacy is another factor to consider while installing a security door for your home. Other than the door, there are additional security measures you can take to protect your home from all harm.

Dog Housebreaking Training- A Necessary Lesson

By: jamiehanson | 24/11/2009
Many people think they can simply purchase a puppy and teach it a few commands, then live happily ever after. While there are a few dogs that are naturals, chances are you won't be quite that lucky.

Selecting Protection Dogs to Accompany You

By: jamiehanson | 24/11/2009
If you decide to go with a guard dog, you'll need to make sure that you choose one from a legitimate company which provides quality dogs that have been trained.

Why Winter Weather Makes Your Home a Bug Magnet

By: Craig Elliott | 19/03/2008 | Home Improvement
Just as people tend to stay indoors more often during the winter, bugs like termites seek refuge in warmer places to protect themselves from the bitter cold of the winter months. They usually prance around in the summer, fall and spring. In the winter we don't see them around much. And yet...

Positive Aspects of Termites-a Fine Line Between Your Yard and House

By: Craig Elliott | 19/03/2008 | Home Improvement
It seems contradictory to say that termites are good. People are horrified of them, and home buyers who are looking for homes will ask the seller if there are termites in the house or if there are signs of termite infestation. Most times a "yes" answer will make buyers think twice.

What to Look for in a Home Warranty Service

By: Craig Elliott | 18/03/2008 | Home Security
When you are looking for a home warranty service there are a few things that you need to consider. There are many different home warranties available from a variety of companies.

What a Home Warranty Will not Cover

By: Craig Elliott | 24/02/2008 | Home Improvement
Many people think that home warranties are exclusive to new homes. This is not accurate, although for many years home warranties were primarily marketed for newly constructed houses. Today, many people are becoming more aware of home warranties for older homes.

Top Five Crucial Areas Covered in a Home Warranty

By: Craig Elliott | 24/02/2008 | Home Improvement
Home warranties vary from one company to the next in a variety of aspects. These aspects include rates, deductibles and also what is and is not covered under the warranty. However, the vast majority of home warranties will cover these five crucial areas in your home.

Tips for First Time Home Buyers

By: Craig Elliott | 24/02/2008 | Home Security
Buying a home for the first time is very exciting - no more renting, you are now paying and investing in yourself by paying your mortgage. However, through all the excitement of a mortgage and buying a new home, it's easy to get carried away and to forget some important things you should be looking for.

Trees That Can Withstand the Winter Cold

By: Craig Elliott | 19/02/2008 | Gardening
In the Interior of Alaska, the forests at this time of year show that few kinds of trees thrive here. The forests contain only a handful of families, white spruce, black spruce, poplar, birch, willow, with the odd tamarack or over-grown alder thicket providing scant variety. There was a little research on why so few tree types grow naturally in Alaska.

Reasons to Plant Evergreen Trees in your Yard

By: Craig Elliott | 19/02/2008 | Gardening
Evergreen trees are extremely valuable in your yard. Evergreen means that the plant retains its foliage all year long. Even in the smallest areas they can help to prevent a look of bareness in the winter months. They also make a great windbreaks and shelters for small animals and birds that live in your yard. You can plant evergreens in early spring and also safely in late August and in September. You can also transplant evergreens in these same seasons.