LIFE AFTER CLOSING

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