(ARA) - The advantage typically tilts toward those buying homes in today’s housing market. Interest rates are low and housing inventories are up. But the tricky part for everyone is that buyers are often also the sellers and typically depend on selling their existing home to buy a new one. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), consumers can buy and sell in a soft market and still come out ahead.
“Whatever you’ve heard to the contrary, soft markets are not dead markets. People are selling houses successfully every day -- over 6 million resales this year alone, the third highest annual resale total in American real estate history,” says Kenneth R. Harney, a nationally syndicated real estate columnist. “To begin with, you’ve got to understand that while it may be a difficult time for sellers right now, it’s a great time for buyers. And many consumers happen to be both.”
Despite a current buyer’s market, a move may not be in your future. Certainly, you’re not alone. The remodeling market is booming as well as homeowners increasingly opt to upgrade their homes and remain in their familiar neighborhood. Remodeling spending surpassed $200 billion for the first time in 2005 and is expected to lead the residential construction industry in growth over the next decade, according to NAHB.
Whether you’re buying, selling or staying put, there are many factors to consider to help make sure your new or existing home performs at its best. Pella Windows and Doors offers these considerations when working with a window or door expert in making buying decisions for your new home, renovation project or as you get ready to sell your home:
Increased energy efficiency is key -- Windows and doors should increase the comfort in a home. Energy-efficient quality double or triple-pane windows (wood, fiberglass or vinyl) and doors help keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer.
A sign to look for in quality windows and doors is ENERGY STAR, symbolizing the most energy-efficient products. Also be sure to read the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label for more details on product performance. Other key ingredients for energy-efficient windows are low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, inert gas fill, multiple layers of glass, air infiltration prevention and insist on proper installation.
Breathe easier while cutting utility bills -- In warm weather, opening operating windows reduces dependency on air conditioning to help lower utility bills while filling the home with fresh air. Using windows for ventilation also helps prevent overheating caused by direct sunlight.
Increased home value potential -- Adding quality windows and doors to a new home or replacement or remodeling project can positively affect your home’s value. Windows and doors are seen from both the interior and exterior of the home and positively impact the all-important curb appeal. Plus you may qualify for U.S. tax credits on next year’s tax return. Check with your local utility company, as many offer rebates for replacing old windows and doors with more energy-efficient options.
Proper installation -- Pella offers a step-by-step installation process to help make the installation job easier and to provide years of enjoyment from quality windows and doors. These steps include:
* Inspecting new products and preparing them and the home for installation
* Protecting the work area by placing drop cloths on furniture and flooring
* Removing old windows and exterior doors
* Installing new windows and doors using Pella’s own proven Window and Door Installation Method designed to help seal out air and moisture
* Cleaning up the work area
* Performing a final walk-through and explaining how to operate the windows and doors
* Hauling away the old windows and doors
Read the fine print -- Quality windows and doors will come factory-assembled for consistency with a quality warranty. Familiarize yourself with them and ask about financing options.
Now’s the time to bolster your bottom line -- Take advantage of current market conditions to make your next move a profitable one. By choosing energy-efficient windows and doors you’ll be comfortable whether you buy, sell or add to your existing home.
For more information on home improvement featuring windows and doors, contact a local Pella Window and Door Showroom expert by calling (888) 84-PELLA or logging on to www.pella.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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