> Supplement A. Energy Considerations (396k) Energy savings are an ever-increasing part of our culture. Here we take a quick look at the meanings of some of the terms and what they may mean in your home. The pluses and minuses of “tight” house are touched upon. > Supplement B. Building and Energy Codes (400k) Building and energy codes, as they apply to home building are reviewed to give the reader more understanding of what’s involved both in the actual codes themselves and in their enforcement. > Supplement C. Environmental Hazards (467k) The discussion of the four main toxins—radon, asbestos, lead and molds—found in houses today includes what they are and what we can do about them. It is emphasized that knowledge is your best protection. > Supplement D. Deed Restrictions (437k) Deed restrictions can come as a surprise the first time a homebuyer runs into them, not realizing how much they can add to the value of his property both aesthetically and financially. But there is a down side because these same restrictions can keep the homeowners from doing things they’d like to do both inside and outside the house. > Supplement E. Home Builders (710k) The problems builders face. What consumers can expect from builders—at least most of them. The problems consumers face because of builders’ ignorance, ineptness, resistance to change, and/or stress on the bottom line. The national builder organization (NAHB) and what it does and doesn’t do - but could. > Supplement F. Realtors (553k) The way the National Association of Realtors®, the local real estate agencies and the individual agents fit together is reviewed. The question of agency, just whom an agent represents in a given transaction, is explained along with the importance of having an agent that only represents you and not the seller when you are buying a house. One of the things you’ll have to do is decide whether you should buy your home on your own, i.e., without an agent. And, if you do use an agent, should you use a full-service agency, a discount agency, or use services available on a consulting, i.e., fee-for-service, basis. All of these are are discussed here. > Supplement G. User Friendliness (2.1 MB) Here we take a look at what user-friendliness is in a home and what you can do to get it. Examples of several widely different unfriendly things are given along with where you can go for further discussions to help you make user-friendliness a part of your thinking in your decisions about your new home. > Supplement H. The Players (1.4 MB) This is a brief introduction to some of the key players you’ll meet when you set out to get your home. Internet references are given to sources of more information. Back to the top | 
