Other Posts by: Paul Picard

Last week I told you the beginning of my Tale of a First-Time Home-buyer. Below, my story continues...

Money Matters

So, we want to buy a house. That much is determined. How are we going to do that, you ask? That’s a great question. When you find out, please let me know.

ANSWER: Wires improperly bolted to deck

This electrical lateral is bolted to the second-level deck on this home, which is a major life/safety hazard for the people living there. The contact with the wood can also lead to premature deterioration of the wire sheathing, which can cause fires. All laterals and drops should have at least 10 feet of clearance from grade, and at least 15 feet of clearance from the ground.

There is encouraging new evidence that the floundering housing market has begun to rebound. A proverbial “perfect storm” of favorable home buying conditions, particularly for first-time home buyers, is spearheading a buying surge in a seller’s market.

According to the latest survey from the National Association of Realtors, home sales are up in all four major regions of the country. In October alone, sales of single family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and co-ops swelled by 10%, and are currently 24% higher than just one year ago.