With mortgage rates at historic lows and "For Sale" signs displayed on almost every street in America, 2009 could be a great year for house hunters to snap up big bargains.
Just remember to take your time. This isn't the Oklahoma land rush. In the real estate game, it's crucial to consider numerous factors beyond price and curb appeal.
Here are some suggestions to help ensure that your little piece of paradise doesn't turn out to be pit of endless problems after the papers are signed. You should be wary of making anything resembling a firm offer if:
***The neighborhood can only be accessed by crossing a small bridge with a sign over the entrance that proclaims, "Payment required when troll is present."
*** You step off the backyard patio and sink up to your knees in mud. Don't be lulled by assurances like, "That's only a problem during rainy season."
***The sales brochure includes ominous-sounding features such as "spontaneous combustion heating system" and "indoor irrigation network."
***You turn out all the lights in the basement and discover the walls are glowing.
***Strange gasps, groans and other noises are coming from a rusting old tool shed behind the garage, but when you ask the realtor about it you're told, "We can go over all that during closing."
***Some kids across the street have set up a table on the sidewalk but instead of selling lemonade their banner says, "Discount Tattoos."
***A crack in the front porch is dismissed as "just a little settling along the old earthquake fault that runs through this part of town."
***You ask to meet the sellers and the agent replies, "I'll have to get permission from their supervisor in the witness protection program."
***Basic laws of physics seem confused or disrupted. Be especially concerned if car keys suddenly turn magnetic, your wristwatch begins running backward, or your cell phone starts emitting old radio broadcasts of Amos n' Andy.
*** A neighbor peeks over the back fence, looks around nervously, and says, "We're kinda suspicious of outsiders. Fact is, we haven't had any new people move in around here since the year it rained blood and all the plants died."
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