| There are a number of distinct advantages to | | | | you can look for that will give you a feeling for |
| buying a used home. A used home (or existing | | | | the overall condition of the amenities. Speaking of |
| home as they are called in the real estate | | | | signs, take a look at the signs for the club. Are |
| industry) will usually be a better bargain allowing | | | | they well maintained, lighted and landscaped? Take |
| you to buy more square footage for the same | | | | a look at the pool. Does it look clean and well |
| price as you would in a new home. You will also | | | | maintained? Is the clubhouse paint and siding in |
| benefit from a nicer looking neighborhood as both | | | | good shape or in disrepair? What is the condition |
| the homes themselves and the landscaping will be | | | | of the fencing and gates? Take a look at the |
| more established and mature than that of a | | | | tennis court and catch a glimpse of the net. Is it |
| newly established neighborhood. | | | | frayed or does it look new? |
| Another advantage is being able to tell what | | | | Another advantage of an established home is that |
| condition the neighborhood is in and whether it is | | | | a lot of the work that you would have to |
| on the rise, the decline or just maintaining the | | | | perform on a new home. First, there is the |
| status quo. Take a look at the make, model and | | | | landscaping. Builders have a reputation for putting |
| years of the cars that are parked throughout the | | | | in the bare minimum effort, low quality plants and |
| neighborhood. Shiny, well-maintained cars bode well | | | | bushes, and grass. All will have to be improved |
| but older model cars that are not well kept are a | | | | after you move in. |
| sign that the neighborhood could be on a decline | | | | You will also benefit from all the little flaws and |
| or will be soon. | | | | errors that are inherent in all buildings. Squeaks, |
| Another tell-tale sign is the condition of the homes | | | | loose floorboards, doors that don't close right, |
| and their landscaping. Any homes that have | | | | leaks, plumbing issues, heating and air conditioner |
| overgrown yards, peeling paint, broken windows | | | | problems have all been uncovered and fixed by |
| or window coverings are a bad sign. On the other | | | | the time you get there. The saying goes that if |
| hand, seeing contractor vehicle, new additions or | | | | there is going to be a problem or breakdown with |
| renovations underway are a sure sign that the | | | | any of these systems or appliances, it usually |
| neighbors take pride in their homes and are able | | | | happens in the first year. These problems will |
| to care for them properly. | | | | have been uncovered and fixed by the time you |
| If the neighborhood has a swim or tennis club, | | | | take ownership. |
| make sure you get a full tour. There are signs | | | | |