 by Lawrence Dworin
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Remodeling for Profit, 5
Why Buy? 7 Chapter 2
Selecting the Right House, 11
What Property Is Best for You? 12
Choosing a Neighborhood, 22
Bargains to Avoid, 25
Chapter 3
Using Real Estate Agents, 28
Visiting a Real Estate Office, 28
FSBO vs. Real Estate Agent, 38
Repossessions, 40
Selecting an Agent to Help You, 41
What Your Agent Can Do for You, 44
Chapter 4
Buying the Home, 46
Conducting a Thorough Examination, 47
Evaluating the Property, 49
Negotiating a Deal, 53
Chapter 5
Getting the Financing You Need, 57
A Little Background on the Industry, 58
Lenders and Real Estate Investors, 59
Working with Lenders, 61
Loan Fees and Other Costs of Buying, 64
Types of Sales Transactions, 69
Chapter 6
What Work Should You Do? 78
Consider Your Buyer, 80
Consider Your Price Range, 81
Organizing Your Decisions, 82
Exterior Repairs, 83
Chapter 7
Repairing Structural and Mechanical Problems, 102
Sagging Floors, 102
Working with Water Damage, 105
Heating Systems, 109
Repairing Old Furnaces, 111
Electrical Modifications, 119
Plumbing Repairs, 121
Problems to Avoid, 122
Chapter 8
The Living Room, Dining Room and Bedrooms, 126
The Ceiling, 127
The Walls, 130
The Floors, 135
The Bedrooms, 143
The Fireplace, 145
Chapter 9
The Kitchen, Bathroom and Basement, 148
The Kitchen, 148
The Bathroom, 159
The Basement, 167
Summing Up Repairs, 169
Chapter 10
Improvements That Pay Off, 172
Making Better Use of Space, 173
Simple Modifications with Appeal, 173
When to Do Major Additions, 180
Converting Space, 180
Adding Fireplaces, 182
Attic Conversions, 183
Porch Conversions, 186
Garage Conversions, 190
Chapter 11
Decorating the Exterior, 193
Architectural Styles, 195
Getting Decorating Ideas, 205
Specific Decorating Considerations, 207
Landscaping and Garden Décor, 217
Chapter 12
Decorating the Interior, 223
Choosing Your Interior Décor, 223
Ceiling Treatments, 225
Wallpaper, 226
Decorative Trim, 229
Windows and Window Treatments, 231
Lighting, 232
The Entry, 236
The Living Room and Dining Room, 237
The Hallway, 240
The Bedrooms, 240
The Kitchen, 242
The Bathroom, 246
Finished Basements, 253
Enclosed Porches, 257
Chapter 13
Selling Your House, 259
Pros and Cons of Using an Agent, 260
 For Sale by Owner, 265
What If Your House Doesn't Sell? 277
Unloading a Lemon, 280
Chapter 14
Keeping Rental Property, 282
Advantages of Rental Property, 282
Protecting Your Investment, 284
Summing Up, 289
Buyer's Checklist, 291
Index, 299
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