How to buy a house: Finale

At this point, you have a nice house, clean, ready to be lived in and enjoyed.

I'd like to make a few suggestions.

First off, furniture. Good, quality furniture can be passed down for generations, should you have the desire... At the very least, quality furniture can last a life time. My Mom and Dad bought one piece at a time, over a period of years, and by the time I was 3 they had all they needed... yeah, Ethan Allen furniture, made of solid hardwoods with interesting burl veneers. That stuff is still sound and good! I am 54. Classic designs are just that and stay in style due to their classic nature.

Of course it is up to you and some people like to change their style from time to time, but cheap stuff tends to be easily damaged and last not for very long while still not being all that cheap to buy... So, if you are in the mood for advice, mine is simply: Look for quality stuff, something that will last longer than the payments on your credit card to buy it will!

Next, home improvements.

This is a bone of contention I have... Conventional wisdom says that many will not net you back in sales price what you paid for them... Well, that may be true, BUT you will also get to enjoy them while you have them! That's gotta be worth something, right? SO My second piece of advice is simple: Add whatever turns you on to YOUR house! If you want that spa on your deck, go for it! Enjoy it!. If you want to redo the kitchen and get new appliances, then why not? Budget, plan, hire licensed professionals, ensure they understand what you want... Get 3 - 4 quotes. Then go for it!

Good Luck and may the force be with you!