The First-Time Homeowner's Survival Guide : A Crash Course in Dealing with Repairs, Renovations, Property Tax Issues, and Other Potential Disasters

For many new homeowners, the euphoria that comes with buying the perfect new house can soon turn into total panic. First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance their new home requires—not to mention the nasty problems and surprises that seem to be lurking around every corner (and in every wall). Finally, author and real estate guru Sid Davis provides the antidote for the common worries that plague every new owner. From easy repairs to seemingly insurmountable projects, readers will discover sanity-saving advice on: • improving roofing, siding, walkways, and driveways • fixing or replacing appliances and fixtures • refinancing tips and traps • reducing the costs of home ownership and maintenance • lowering property taxes • working with contractors and not getting taken • insurance tips • budgeting for the unexpected Owning a home should be exciting, not terrifying. Now with this reassuring guide, novice homeowners can experience all of the joy, and none of the trepidation, that comes with having a place of their own. Owning a home should be exciting, not terrifying. Get a crash course on what new homeowners can expect, from the good to the bad and the ugly. For many new homeowners, the euphoria that comes with buying the perfect new house can soon turn into total panic. First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance their new home requires?not to mention the nasty problems and surprises that seem to be lurking around every corner (and in every wall). Real estate guru Sid Davis provides the antidote for the common worries that plague every new owner. From easy repairs to seemingly insurmountable projects, you will discover sanity-saving advice on: improving roofing, siding, walkways, and driveways fixing or replacing appliances and fixtures refinancing tips and traps reducing the costs of home ownership and maintenance lowering property taxes working with contractors and not getting taken insurance tips budgeting for the unexpected With The First-Time Homeowner's Survival Guide, novice homeowners can experience all the joy, and none of the trepidation, that comes with having a place of their own. A stress-free guide to caring for your biggest investment. For many new homeowners, the euphoria that comes with buying the perfect new house can soon turn into total panic. First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance their new home requires - not to mention the nasty problems and surprises that seem to be lurking around every corner (and in every wall). Finally, author and real estate guru Sid Davis provides the antidote for the common worries that plague every new owner. From easy repairs to seemingly insurmountable projects, readers will discover sanity-saving advice on: improving roofing, siding, walkways, and driveways; fixing or replacing appliances and fixtures; refinancing tips and traps; reducing the costs of home ownership and maintenance; lowering property taxes; working with contractors and not getting taken; insurance tips; budgeting for the unexpected. Owning a home should be exciting, not terrifying. Now with this reassuring guide, novice homeowners can experience all of the joy, and none of the trepidation, that comes with having a place of their own "For many new homeowners, the euphoria that comes with buying the perfect new house can soon turn into total panic. First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance their new home requires-not to mention the nasty problems and surprises that seem to be lurking around every corner (and in every wall). Finally, author and real estate guru Sid Davis provides the antidote for the common worries that plague every new owner. From easy repairs to seemingly insurmountable projects, readers will discover sanity-saving advice on: ? improving roofing, siding, walkways, and driveways ? fixing or replacing appliances and fixtures ? refinancing tips and traps ? reducing the costs of home ownership and maintenance ? lowering property taxes ? working with contractors and not getting taken ? insurance tips ? budgeting for the unexpected Owning a home should be exciting, not terrifying. Now with this reassuring guide, novice homeowners can experience all of the joy, and none of the trepidation, that comes with having a place of their own."--Provided by publisher Most books only provide advice on repairs. "The First-Time Homeowner's Survival Guide" provides information on: reducing the costs of home ownership and maintenance; lowering property taxes; AE working with contractors insurance tips; AE refinancing tips and traps understanding their home's electrical system and more. It includes helpful charts and graphs as well as disaster-planning checklists. It makes the perfect housewarming gift. Sid Davis is a real estate expert and the author of two popular books on the topic: "A Survival Guide for Buying a Home" (081447196X), and "Home Makeovers That Sell" (0814473733) just released Your home's electrical system -- Maintaining and fixing your home's plumbing system -- How to create great-looking walls and ceilings -- Improvements that add value -- Exterior maintenance and improvements that add value -- Your home's landscaping and curb appeal -- Hiring and working with contractors -- Tax aspects of owning a home -- Insurance matters for homeowners -- Avoiding the ten most costly house problems -- Appendix A. Dealing with disaster -- Appendix B. Average life expectancy of your home's components -- Appendix C. Energy savings and a greener home.