Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................7
Ten Important Steps After Closing...............................15
Warranty vs. Homeowner Insurance............................23
Homeowner Association, Condo,
and Front-Foot Benefit Fees........................................30
Call Before You Dig......................................................35
Plumbing......................................................................37
What is a Grinder Pump?.............................................41
Well and Septic............................................................42
Roof and Gutters..........................................................51
Grading.........................................................................53
Foundation or Settlement Cracks.................................54
Moisture Infiltration and Damage..................................57
What is a Sump Pump?................................................63
Electrical.......................................................................65
Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC).............68
Boiler Heating Systems................................................71
Flooring........................................................................72
General Maintenance..................................................73
Utilities.........................................................................77
Go Green at Home......................................................83
Uninvited Guests.........................................................86
Title Insurance.............................................................89
Adding a Spouse/Significant Other to a Deed.............91
Financial Issues After Buying......................................94
What If I Have a Reverse Mortgage?..........................97
What If I Need to Sell?................................................99
What If I Don't Have Equity?.....................................101
Security......................................................................105
Your Home is Your Castle......................................... 110
References............................................................... 113
About the Author....................................................... 117
Appendix................................................................... 118
