Synopses & Reviews
Review
“On my scale of one to 10, this superb book rates a solid 10."
-Robert Bruss, nationally syndicated real estate columnist
“Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a long-time homeowner, you will profit from reading The First-Time Homeowner's Survival Guide by Sid Davis. He is both an experienced real estate broker and a home renovator so he knows which home repairs and renovations will reflect well in home enjoyment and increased resale value...Whether you are the do-it-yourself type or you prefer to hire professionals such as plumbers and electricians, this new book provides profitable information to save money and make the right choices. On my scale of one to 10, this superb book rates a solid 10."
-Robert Bruss, nationally syndicated real estate columnist
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance their new home requires. Finally, author and real estate guru Sid Davis provides the antidote for the common worries that plague every new owner.
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
Sid Davis (Farmington, UT) is the owner of Sid Davis & Associates, a real estate firm. He is the author of A Survival Guide for Buying a Home (0-8144-7196-X), A Survival Guide to Selling a Home (0-8144-7274-5), Home Makeovers that Sell (0-8144-7373-3), and numerous articles in Today’s Homeowner, Home Office Computing, Construction Management Today, and The Los Angeles Times.
Table of Contents
C O N T E N T S
Preface vii
Chapter 1 Your Home’s Electrical System 101 1
Chapter 2 Maintaining and Fixing Your Home’s Plumbing
System 20
Chapter 3 How to Create Great-Looking Walls and Ceilings 43
Chapter 4 Interior Improvements That Add Value 65
Chapter 5 Exterior Maintenance and Improvements That Add
Value 85
Chapter 6 Your Home’s Landscaping and Curb Appeal 107
Chapter 7 Hiring and Working with Contractors 128
Chapter 8 Tax Aspects of Owning a Home 147
Chapter 9 Insurance Matters for Homeowners 167
Chapter 10 Avoiding the Ten Most Costly House Problems 189
Appendix A Dealing with Disaster 205
Appendix B Average Life Expectancy of Your Home’s Components 211
Appendix C Energy Savings and a Greener Home 215
Index 217
A comprehensive glossary along with printable checklists and worksheets are
available at www.sid-davis.com by clicking on the book banner.