There are many advantages to purchasing a new home: buyers are able to build equity, to enjoy the pride of ownership, and to obtain accommodation that is often larger and/or more luxurious than what is available to rent. Property has also proven to be a relatively safe and profitable investment in the wake of the technology stock plummet of 2000 and the Enron and Worldcom scandals.

If you are planning to buy a home within the next few weeks or months, preparing now can help you save time and money. When competing in a seller's market, being prepared may also give you an advantage over other buyers. Consider the following tips prior to beginning your home search.

To put the finishing touch on a great meal, you are ready to serve pie with whipped cream-not the stuff out of a can, but the real thing. Now where is that mixer you got for Christmas last year? Somewhere in one of these drawers or cupboards, somewhere.

You've invested a lot in your home. Fire and theft insurance covers the contents. What about protecting the people who live there, your family, with mortgage life insurance? This type of term insurance is available through most financial institutions. When the unexpected happens - make sure your home remains your family's home. Have the comfort of knowing that the amount you owe will be paid and your family can live mortgage-free.

What if you are retired and discover that your retirement income isn't enough. Or perhaps you need some money to pay for home care or to help finance a grandchild's education. The reverse mortgage may be for you.

It’s every child’s dream to have a backyard pool.  It’s also the dream of electric and gas companies!  Depending on your climate and the size of the pool, the cost of conventional heating can be $200 or more per month.  Would you be interested to know that you could make an investment in a heating system that pays for itself in five years and then operates for free for the next 15 years?  Solar heating for pools is one of the best applications of solar power for home use and is simple to install and maintain.