http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/older-homes-and-inspections.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/older-homes-and-inspections.html Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Electrical Systems - In today's high-technology world we use a lot of electricity. Appliances and electronics use far more energy that ever before and most older homes do not have electrical systems that are well set up to handle this load. The minimum load that most homes today require is around 100 amps and many older electrical systems are rated at 40 - 60 amps. Overloading an electrical system is a highly dangerous thing as it can very easily lead to shorts and fires.

Foundations - One of the bigger concerns with older homes is the condition of its foundation. Over time foundations can settle, or worse; crumble if they were improperly built or damaged. Settling foundations can cause floors to become uneven, doors to stick and can cause problems with walls and joists if left to be. At the first sign of floor depressions (usually the first sign of foundation trouble) have a professional look at the foundations to see if they are to blame.

Water - This is likely the cause of more home damage than any other single factor. Luckily it is fairly easy to detect, in some homes. Look for discoloration on ceilings, floors and walls. Sometimes water damage is accompanied by mold and the musty, mildew smell is hard to miss. Perhaps the most aggravating thing about water damage is that it can start anywhere. Leaky roofs, leaky pipes or leaky foundations, water can get everywhere in a home quite easily and once it gets where its not supposed to be; trouble follows.



Never buy a home without having it inspected. This goes doubly for older homes as there is the wear & tear factor to consider. Inspecting a home is a step towards the protection of your family and your investment so never skimp on the inspections.

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Cyndi Gerken and her husband Cary both specialize in Thunderbird Country Club Communities. For the best in California Golf Communities, Cyndi and Cary are your "in the know" Thunderbird experts. Please, don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Or, feel free to visit us online at www.thunderbirdonly.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/why-a-golf-community.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/why-a-golf-community.html Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A great example of this kind of community is the Thunderbird Country Club located in California. This area is comprised of seven distinct communities that all offer different takes on the Golf Club lifestyle. Built around the fabulous Thunderbird Country Club Golf Course that was constructed in the early 1950's and is the state's oldest desert golf course. The course is an 18 hole par 71 golfing adventure set amongst tall trees and features a challenging layout with split level greens. This course serves as the hub of the community and is also home to the club's signature neighborhood which showcases truly luxurious homes along the lush green fairways.

Life is good at Thunderbird. Whether you are enjoying a round of golf, hiking through the beautiful landscaping, or just relaxing and enjoying the view that has made Thunderbird a favorite of discerning home owners for over 50 years, the beauty of this area will never cease to impress and inspire. The seven different neighborhoods are designed to encompass all that is desirable about County Club living while providing residents with the peace and tranquility that people have come to expect from a golf course home. Just make sure you replace the divots!

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Cyndi Gerken and her husband Cary both specialize in Thunderbird Country Club Communities. For the best in California Golf Communities, Cyndi and Cary are your "in the know" Thunderbird experts. Please, don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Or, feel free to visit us online at www.thunderbirdonly.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/golf-course-communities.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/golf-course-communities.html Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Thunderbird Country Club is California's oldest desert golf development. The course itself is a beautiful 18 hole, par 71 desert course that was constructed in the 1950's. A number of fantastic communities have sprung up around the course offering a wild variety of different housing choices and , of course, excellent access to the golf course. However, living in a Golf Community goes far deeper than a nice home and golf course. The really desirable facet of living at Thunderbird is the inherent lifestyle that comes with residency. It's a peaceful and relaxing life at Thunderbird, whether you are enjoying the course or simply relaxing in the sun, this area has a special feeling that is hard to describe.

Another great aspect of the Thunderbird area is the fantastic weather that it enjoys. In fact; this is one of the most temperate and sunny places in the nation. It's hard to imagine a more prefect place to spend your time. When the days draw to a close, there is an amazing array of fun things to do and see. There is a lot more than just golf happening here. With the towns of Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Thousand Palms, Cathedral City and Palm Springs in close proximity the entertainment, shopping and cultural opportunities are endless. Come and check out the Thunderbird Country Club area!

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Cyndi Gerken and her husband Cary both specialize in Thunderbird Country Club Communities. For the best in California Golf Communities, Cyndi and Cary are your "in the know" Thunderbird experts. Please, don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Or, feel free to visit us online at www.thunderbirdonly.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/are-your-ready-to-make-an-offer.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/are-your-ready-to-make-an-offer.html Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Possibly the most important thing to have before you make an offer on a home is an approved mortgage. It may seem like a simple common sense thing, but enough offers are made without financing to back them that it is worth mentioning. More and more sellers are requiring that potential viewers verify that they are "qualified" by showing documentation from a mortgage lender that indicates that they have been pre-approved for funding. So go and make sure your funding is in place, the sellers will take you more seriously.

Another thing that you need to have is an idea of what you want. Now most people will already know what it is they are looking for; however, this is different than actually making a list of home necessities. Make a list of the things that you cannot possibly be without. This is important as it will give your realtor something to work from when looking for homes for you. Having such a list can also easily eliminate homes and save you time in the search process.

The last thing that you will need quite a bit of is patience. Sometimes homes can be found and bought in a day or sometimes it takes a lot longer to find that home that is perfect for you. Don't be in a rush to buy a home that isn't going to make you happy. Take your time and be sure about your purchase, buyer's remorse is a horrible thing. A home should be just that, a home. Make sure the one you buy is truly the home of your dreams.

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Cyndi Gerken and her husband Cary both specialize in Thunderbird Country Club Communities. For the best in California Golf Communities, Cyndi and Cary are your "in the know" Thunderbird experts. Please, don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Or, feel free to visit us online at www.thunderbirdonly.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>