Thanks to the perfect storm of low prices, attractive inventory, and  affordable interest rates, this continues to be a lucrative time to  invest in a home, whether it be a first home, a move-up home, or a  second home.
 Choosing a home is no easy process, however, and many factors must be  carefully weighed before making your selection. As a member of the Top 5  in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, advise our clients to  pay careful attention to a few details in particular when considering a  home—these important details will significantly impact your long-term  happiness in the home as well as the home’s appreciation over time. So,  as you begin to consider properties in our neighborhood, here are a few  issues to think about that may help you find exactly the right home for  you and your family: 
Type of home: One-story or two, single-family, duplex  or condo? How will paying homeowner dues affect your overall buying  power? Will a swimming pool be a bonus or a hindrance? Making these  decisions in advance will help you focus on the right types of home to  look at. 
New or existing: A new home is all shiny and clean, but  will carry with it some hefty initial costs such as landscaping and  window coverings. An existing home will have many of these things, but  repairs or renovations that may need to be made will also impact your  budget. 
Features: Weigh the costs of gas vs. electric heating  and cooling, and the possible need for fencing. How important is a  fireplace? Does the home have enough bedrooms and bathrooms to support  your family in the coming years? 
Ease of maintenance: What is the condition of the roof?  The appliances? Will you have to paint the interior or exterior and/or  replace the carpeting? Be sure to factor in such costs in your budget  and your negotiations. 
Location: Do you want to be in the city or in the  country? Nearer to libraries, parks and entertainment or set among tall  trees and lakes? What about the need for public transportation? Nearby  hospitals and schools? 
Crime rate and public schools: Check with local  enforcement and local residents to get a feeling for statistics and  quality. We can also provide you with up-to-date statistics on this  information. 
Economic stability: Whether an area is growing or not can affect its future property value—as will the economic stability of the area. 
Property tax: Examine the annual amount of real estate taxes and other assessments levied in the neighborhoods you are considering.
 We can help find the answers to the above concerns as well as provide more suggestions on what to look for in a new home—just 
e-mail our team. Also, please pass this article onto others who may benefit from this information. 
To 
buy or sell your Tulsa, OK area home, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or
 www.darrylbaskin.com.
For all your 
Tulsa, OK area roofing needs, contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or 
www.abestroofing.com. 
For all your 
Tulsa, OK area home maintenance needs and more, visit 
www.tulsahomemaintenance.com.