Thinking of remodeling?
Not all projects result in substantial financial returns. Kitchen and bathroom remodels will return the most bang for your buck. A backyard pool or Jacuzzi could mean a lot to you, but not to a buyer some years down the road.
Consider also the cost per square foot of moving versus remodeling. For instance, remodeling your present home may cost $300 a square foot, while the house you're considering buying might cost $400 a square foot. Although you want to go bigger, you still might pay more for a new house than for an addition.
If you and your family can't do the work involved in remodeling, make sure to get at least three bids from reputable contractors in order to assess costs accurately.
And keep in mind that good contractors tend to be continually busy. If it takes a month or two or even longer to schedule them, be patient. It will be worth the wait to get the job done right.
If you choose to remodel, make your house a safer place to live, especially if you have young children. Install anti-scald valves on all faucets and locks or gates on all windows.
Ace Hardware Corporation also recommends ground-fault circuit interrupters for electric receptacles or circuit breakers near all water sources in older homes, since they may not have been installed prior to this requirement by the National Electrical Code.

Are you buying?
It's easier than ever to buy a new house, because mortgage companies are knocking themselves out to get everyone into a home.
There has been "some hesitancy" among local buyers because of the presidential election, higher gasoline prices, and a declining stock market, say real-estate experts. To combat this slump, banks and mortgage companies are offering dozens of new financing programs for the average buyer, even if he or she has a spotty credit record or has suffered a bankruptcy.
If you have good credit, you may be able to purchase a house or farm without putting down a dime.
Follow these key steps:

• Get "preapproved"-not just "prequalified"-by a lender for the amount of the loan you are looking for. This gives you greater clout with the seller.
• Always shop five or six local lenders that seem to offer the lowest rates and points. A point is one-hundredth of the loan amount. One point on a $100,000 mortgage is $1,000.
• Carefully read the lender's "good faith estimate" of all fees and closing costs. Question anything that's not clear. Especially check the "rate lock"-the time period between your application and the house closing-to make certain the rate can't bounce in the interim.

Are you selling?
If you are thinking about putting your home on the market, here are some tips from InspectAmerica Engineering (www. inspectamerica.com) on preparing it for sale.

• Repaint all areas, inside and out, in need of a touch-up.
• Maintain the lawn, and repair any worn walkways or driveways. The exterior will be a prospective buyer's first and last impression.
• Consider replacing carpeting or flooring.
• Replace or repair any rusted or leaking pipes and faucets, and make certain all drains flow freely.
• Open your shades, light otherwise dark areas, make certain tiled floors and counters sparkle, and don't leave any toys or garbage lying around.
• Remove pets from the house when it's being shown.

DO-IT-YOURSELF HELP
If you choose to renovate yourself, get some help to avoid botching the job. Check how-to videos and books from the library, sign up for a carpentry class, or check out some Web sites, including:
www.handymanonline.com
www.ourhouse.com
www.improvenet.com