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rr PORT PERRY STAR ouse hunting checklist Today, more and more Canadians are taking ad- vantage of plummeting in- terest rates and more af- fordable housing prices to become homeowners for the first time. However, many first-time buyers find it confusing to try and remember various details of the homes they've viewed; after a while, de- tails can become hopeless- ly jumbled together as they strive to zero in on the home of their choice. While it's a good idea to view any home you're real- ly interested in more than once, you can save your- self alot of time by making a comprehensive checklist of homes you like as you go through them. That way, youdon't have to do alot of backtracking; the data is at your fingertips, and you can ask much more specif- ic questions during your second viewing. Carry a clipboard and several sheets of paper with you when looking at homes. You may want to make up a detailed check- list ahead of time, or mere- ly take notes as you go along. And if you have questions, ask the realtor. Start With Exterior To start with, jot down the address of the home, the asking price, annual property taxes, mortgage terms and zoning restric- tions. Then. take notes on the home's exterior, including PORT PERRY'S LONGEST ESTABLISHED REALTOR | FRANK 985-7386 REALTOR Toronto Line 686-3931 1888 SCUGOG ST., PORT PERRY PHONE: 985-7386 the lot size and shape and the position of the home on the lot. Also stipulate whether it has a private or shared driveway, at- tached or detached garage and jot down a few words about the general condi- tion of the home, driveway and front yard. For in- stance, is it a large or small lot? Is it nicely land- scaped or overgrown? Will it require a lot of mainte- nance? Also note whether the home is detached or semi- detached, the number of storeys it has, and de- scribe the siding -- wheth- er it's brick, brick veneer, wood, aluminum or a com- bination of these materi- als. One of the most impor- tant items to take notes on is the roof. Many people overlook this when view- ing a home; they focus en- tirely on the interior and forget to scrutinize the ex- Turnto Page 4 EXECUTIVE LIVING This country estate on 21 acres in quiet village boasts 3 ponds, private golf course, professional landscaping & new barn. Spacious 4 bedroom home features 3 bath- rooms, main floor family, laundry room, central vac, security & intercom system, solarium with wet bar & hot tub plus much more. Listed at $339,000. A must to see. Call KAREN NORTHEY 985-7386 or (7/05) 439-2488. Vilig BLOSSOM COURT BEAUTY 4 bedroom brick & aluminum home on a quiet court. Includes family room/woodstove and walkout to private fenced yard. $159,000. Call today for your appointment to view. Call GLENN McCOY 985-7386 or 985-3063.