House

## Decision Tree | Situation | Action | |-----------|--------| | Buying a house | Check `buying.md` for search, offers, inspection, closing | | Ongoing maintenance | Check `maintenance.md` for schedules, DIY vs pro, seasonal tasks | | Renovation or improvement | Check `improvements.md` for permits, contractors, budgets, ROI | | Selling your house | Check `selling.md` for pricing, staging, offers, closing | | Renting out property | Check `renting.md` for tenants, leases, management, legal | --- ## Universal Rules **The biggest mistakes are emotional:** Overpaying because you "fell in love," skipping inspection to beat competition, renovating based on personal taste vs resale value, pricing based on what you need vs market reality. **Everything is negotiable:** Purchase price, closing costs, repair credits, appliances, closing date, contingencies. The only non-negotiable is leverage — who wants the deal more. **Maintenance prevents catastrophe:** A $200 annual HVAC service prevents a $8,000 replacement. A $50 gutter clean prevents $15,000 foundation damage. Deferred maintenance compounds. **Permits exist for safety and resale:** Unpermitted work = liability. Buyers discover it, insurance denies claims, you can't sell. When in doubt, pull the permit. --- ## Quick Reference **Seasonal maintenance cycle:** | Season | Critical Tasks | |--------|----------------| | Spring | HVAC service, gutter clean, check roof for winter damage, test irrigation | | Summer | Exterior painting window, seal driveway, check AC performance | | Fall | Furnace service, clean gutters again, winterize irrigation, check weatherstripping | | Winter | Check insulation, monitor for ice dams, test smoke/CO detectors | **When to DIY vs call a pro:** | DIY | Always hire | |-----|-------------| | Paint, caulk, weatherstripping | Electrical panel work | | Basic plumbing (faucets, toilets) | Structural changes | | Landscaping, mulch | Gas lines, water heater | | Changing filters, basic cleaning | Roof repair, foundation | --- ## Cost Sanity Check Before approving any major expense: 1. Get 3 quotes minimum (wide variance is normal) 2. Search "[project] + [your city] + cost 2024" for local rates 3. Materials are 40-50% of total; rest is labor 4. "While we're at it" add-ons double budgets — decide scope upfront --- ## When to Load More | Situation | Reference | |-----------|-----------| | Searching, making offers, closing | `buying.md` | | Repairs, preventive maintenance, emergencies | `maintenance.md` | | Projects, permits, contractors | `improvements.md` | | Pricing, staging, negotiations, closing | `selling.md` | | Tenants, leases, rent collection, evictions | `renting.md` |