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Tips on buying an ol Some buyers prefer older homes to new houses because they want a mature garden, paved driveway or finished recreation room. But they may be so im- pressed with some features of the house they forget to look at the roof or check the basement for leaks. Ex- perts at Ontario's Con- sumer Ministry say a top-to- bottom inspection is the best assurance a dream- home won't turn into a nightmare of debts and dissatisfaction. "It's amazing how many consumers will take two hours to choose a new television set, but spend on- ly 30 or 40 minutes looking at the house they plan to buy," says Gordon Randall, registrar of the Real Estate and Business Brokers' Act. Even home-hunters who've carefully looked over a house may say they worry about the condition of things they can't readily see. The frame, plumbing "and wiring may be com- pletely inaccessible. That's why increasing numbers of consumers are hiring home-inspection ser- vices to look for problems. It's now common, in major centres, to include an in- spector's approval of the property as a condition of sale. But consumers should take the time to find the right inspector, ministry ex- perts say. Professional home inspectors generally have backgrounds in engineering, architecture or the building trades, but their qualifications may vary greatly. They aren't regulated or licensed by government. '"'Unfortunately, the home-inspection" business has attracted a few fly-by- night operators who may do little or nothing for their money," says Randall. "In part, this is because the businesses are so simple to set up. All a dishonest per- 528 son has to do is put an ad in the phone book, rent a telephone, buy a flashlight and say they're a home inspector." Many reputable inspec- tion businesses have volun- tarily joined professional groups, such as the Ontario Association of Home In- spectors. Members agree to a code of ethics and stan- dards which requires that results of their inspections Turn to Page 2 FRA 1888 SCUGOG ST., PORT PERRY PHONE: 985-7386 - REALTOR TORONTD LINE 5863931 « SCUGOG POINT ESTATES" 3 + 2 Bedroom all brick bungalow overlooking Lake Scugog. Finished out-law apartment, upgrades & custom features throughout. Located just east of Port Perry. Priced for todays market at only $199,900. Call 985-7386 4 Toa nem -- 0 y Ko 38. EEF 3 ade PORT PERRY EAST $139,900. 3 Bedrooms, hollywood style kitchen, dining area and living room separated by stone fireplace. Full basement, double garage. Private mature treed lot bordered by Pine trees. Many extras. Call 985-7386