The Ten Biggest Home Buying Mistakes

This article highlights the greatest mistakes buyers can make. Get familiar the following mistakes and make sure to stay clear of them.

• Not being prepared from the start. In this age of the internet there quite simply isn?t an excuse for not thoroughly researching any topic of this significant importance. An abundance of information is available on the internet. See Part Three for more on this.

• Purchasing on a hunch of what future demand might bring. You need to buy based on your own current and future needs. It?s very risky trying to guess what will happen to the market in the coming years.

• Selecting a poor location even within a fine neighborhood. Location, location, location. Even location within neighborhood boundaries is important. Is there high traffic volume? Do you have a porch view of a wooded buffer zone or the backside of movie theater? Discussed more thoroughly in Part Four.

• Forgetting the importance of the interior layout because the exterior is so impressive. It may be attractive from the outside, but it?s the interior that must suit your family?s needs.

• Selecting a home which does not match your family?s needs. How do you really live? Are certain rooms going go completely unused? If given the choice, would a space used as a home office be more important than one used as a formal dining room? Is a child on the way?

• Not having the home properly inspected. Every prudent buyer will take the time to get a thorough home inspection. The investment is simply too great to take any chances. Get an inspection from a qualified, respected professional.

• Failing to verify the qualifications and reputation of a home builder. It?s advisable to speak with three to four people who have purchased from the home builder, particularly one that is new on the scene. Are they satisfied with the end product? Has there been an unusual amount of troubleshooting during or after construction? Ask questions. Most people will be proud to discuss their home with you. This is also an opportunity to visit with possible future neighbors.

• Rushing into a decision. Settling for less. This is one of the largest, if not the largest, investment you?ll make in your lifetime. Patience is critical in heading off mistakes. Once you know it?s the correct choice then, with your real estate professional, move quickly.

• Waiting for interest rates to come down or hoping demand slows. There is no way to know for sure how market conditions will change. When you find the right home at the right price it?s time to move.

• Not investing at all. The benefits of home ownership begin with various tax deductions and end most likely with growing equity. Building home equity has proven to be a great way toward a rich fulfilling retirement.

Buying or selling real estate can be an emotional, stressful rollercoaster ride. It's important you find a real estate agent whom you can trust and help avert the pitfalls inherent in buying or selling real estate. Equally important-you should be able to count on an agent to do so for a fee structure that maximizes your bottom line.

I provide you with frank appraisals of the current market and ensure your interests are protected while your transaction stays on course. You can count on me to have the patience to invest as much time as necessary to make sure you are comfortable with every step of the process. We will always complete our business at hand before I move on to my next client. My first priority to you is the utmost skill, care and due diligence.

When listing your home, I take the approach of utilizing a non-traditional commission structure to make every effort to maximize your profit. I look forward to discussing with you my fair commission approach.

When buying a home learn how you will pay no commission.

http://www.claytonncrealestateagent.com

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

The Pontiac Solstice wowed 'em at the 2002 Detroit auto show. Of course, a sexy set of twins will do that. As you may recall, the Solstice was shown as both a coupe and a convertible. But while the roadster was fast-tracked for production, its hardtop sibling was left behind.

"We were all about the roadster, then all the things that came after," says chief engineer Bruce Kosbab, who heads development of GM's small, rear-wheel-drive Kappa platform. He claims that when the Solstice was being engineered, no thought was given to eventually adding a hardtop variant. But about a year and a half ago that changed, and work began on the car you see here, the Pontiac Solstice targa, which should reach dealers next spring.

"We originally wanted to do it as a coupe," says Jim Fleming, who oversaw the car's design. "But there are a lot of legal ramifications to taking a convertible and making it into a fixed hardtop. It would be much more involved, because you'd have to change all your front header structure, windshield, and all those pieces. We'd have to look at roof-rail air bags, pieces like that, and that gets into a big technical challenge. So as we started working on the program and what it would take to do it, a targa became the natural choice."

Therefore, all Solstice hardtops will be targas, with a lift-off center section. That panel weighs approximately thirty pounds, thanks to a relatively lightweight materials mix of SMC (sheet-molding compound) over a magnesium frame. The entire rear roof section also is made of SMC, and it neatly replaces the rear-hinged deck lid of the roadster. Otherwise, the hardtop and the convertible share all exterior body sheetmetal-including rear quarter panels-and fascias.

Despite those constraints, the designers were able to fashion a treatment that stays true to the original coupe concept created by designer Franz von Holzhausen (now at Mazda).

"We started with the 2002 concept vehicle," says exterior designer Jose Gonzalez, who is well-versed in the Solstice, having done three SEMA-show concepts of the car: the single-seat SD-290, the GXP-R, and the Club Sport Z0K. "But we wanted a more contemporary DLO [side-window opening]. So we got rid of the [external] B-pillar and stretched it all the way back."

The designers were able to retain the concept's beautifully shaped hatchback window glass, which is emphasized by a crease that starts above the A-pillar and runs back, down around the bottom of the rear glass, and then back up the other side. "That spline gives the car a more aggressive feel," says Gonzalez. Fleming ads: "The original concept was very British-roadster inspired, and when we were working on this, we wanted to be a little bit more racy, a little bit more aggressive."

The coupe may look aggressive, but the addition of a hard top won't significantly alter the Solstice's on-road demeanor. Kosbab estimates that the two cars' structural rigidity is pretty much the same and that the weight difference between the two is only about twenty pounds. Thus, the suspension is essentially unchanged, as are the powertrains: a 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the base car and a turbocharged, 260-hp, 2.0-liter engine in the GXP.

Although it's mechanically identical to the roadster, the coupe is a bit more practical. Peek under the deck lid of a Solstice roadster, and you'll find the folded fabric top and a large mound under which lives the fuel tank and its evaporative canister. What you don't find is much actual storage space. There was no folding top to worry about for the coupe, so the evaporative canister could move, meaning the cargo floor could be flattened and lowered to the point where it might actually accept a piece of luggage. Not a big piece, but something, and there are a few cubbyholes built into the floor as well. (In all, there is about 5.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk.) Unfortunately, one item that can't be stashed back there is the targa top. To make amends, Pontiac will offer an optional Lotus Elise-style canvas top that can be collapsed and stored onboard.

We hope the success of the minimally invasive surgery that created this shapely coupe from the Solstice roadster entices GM to further experiment with the Kappa platform. Kosbab is mum about future Kappa variants-except to say that there will not be a Saturn Sky version of this car. That's OK; but how about something along the lines of the sleek Chevrolet Nomad concept? That would be pretty cool, too.

Click the link below for high-resolution Solstice coupe images, as well as Pontiac's other New York arrivals.

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2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe Wallpaper Gallery Take a look at this sexy targa. More space in the trunk means longer all-weather trips.

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Pontiac has announced a G8 range-topper with a 402 hp 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. How does 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds sound?

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck Don't call it an El Camino. Pontiac will hold a contest to name this G8-based truck/car.

2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

When millionaires ask for more speed, the Brits always appear happy to deliver.

Bentley Motors has released information on its new, 600-hp Continental Flying Spur Speed, which will be the most powerful four-door Bentley ever produced. Inspired by the automaker's legendary "Speed" models (that first appeared in 1923), Bentley says the Flying Spur Speed develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more horsepower than the standard Flying Spur, allowing the luxo-sedan to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 mph. (A similar Speed package was announced for the Continental GT around this time last year.)

Compared to the ordinary Flying Spur, the Flying Spur Speed also offers more lightweight components, a lowered ride height, an uprated and redesigned suspension and retuned steering. The Flying Spur Speed is distinguished by subtle design cues, including a dark-tinted radiator and air intake grilles, wider rifled exhaust tail pipes and unique 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

For those bored with Bentley's usual cosmetic choices, three new Flying Spur exterior colors and four duo-tone paint combinations will be available, along with two new hide color options. Additionally, Flying Spurs can now be ordered with a radar-based adaptive cruise control system and an exclusive Naim for Bentley audio system.

Using 15 custom-built speakers, dual sub-woofers, and an 1100-Watt amplifier, Bentley says the Naim system becomes the most powerful unit offered in any production car. And yes, there is finally optional (optional!) iPod, MP3 & USB audio interface connectivity located in the Flying Spur's glove box.

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2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed - Bentley Makes Its Number Membership in the 200-mph club comes at a price for the Continental GT Speed.

2009 Ferrari California

Talk about a California special.

Ferrari has released the first official photographs of its sexy, V-8 powered Ferrari California grand tourer.

Available exclusively as a folding hard top convertible, the California's chassis and bodywork are all-aluminum, and the car's front-mounted, 4.3-liter, 454-hp direct injection V-8 is coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. With more power than a Maserati Granturismo S, Ferrari says the California should sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds.

A new multilink rear suspension system enhances the Ferrari's ride comfort, and the California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system (which debuted on the 599 GTB Fiorano). Brembo brakes with carbon-ceramic discs will come standard.

Complementing the Ferrari's classic styling cues is a cabin lined with new seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system.

More information about the California should be available before the car is officially unveiled at the Paris auto show.

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S

In typical Porsche fashion, the updated 911s are being rolled out in batches. We've already driven the coupe and convertible versions of the Carrera and Carrera S; now there are four more models, all with four driven wheels.

The big news for the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S coupes and convertibles is a new-to-Carrera all-wheel-drive system that's been nicked from the 911 Turbo, called Porsche Traction Management. The electronically controlled system replaces a viscous multi-plate clutch.

Engines and transmission choices mirror those found on the non-4 Carreras. Both engines now feature direct injection, which adds power while increasing fuel economy. The Carrera 4 gets a new 3.6-liter flat-six producing 345 hp and 287 lb-ft of torque, while the 4S features a 3.8-liter that sends 385 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through the new all-wheel-drive components. Both come standard with a traditional six-speed manual and can also be had with Porsche's new PDK (for Porsche Doppelkuplungsgetriebe) seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The 4 and 4S get all of the visual changes that are applied to the rear-wheel-drive cars - bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights and taillights - with one notable extra at the back. In addition to the rear-haunch widening that accompanies the cars, a reflective strip has been added between the taillights. The all-wheel-drive 911 will now be identifiable from a distance, even at night.

Also like the rear-drive cars, the 4 and 4S get an updated interior with the new Porsche Communication Management system as its centerpiece. The new head unit is a touch screen affair and will manage its communications with Bluetooth, USB, and an iPod interface.

The updated Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S go on sale in October of this year.

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2009 Porsche 911 The requisite visual changes are accompanied by revised engines with direct-injection as well as Porsche's new seven-speed double-clutch transmission.

2009 Porsche 911 Wallpaper Gallery Porsche only made a few visual changes to the 2009 911 line. Take a look at our wallpaper gallery to see if you can spot them.

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Audi A5 3.2 Quattro

In the old days, a coupe was considered more of a driver's car than a sedan. A two-door car provided its owner with more style and driving pleasure than a family-oriented four-door.

Times have changed, as sedans have gotten more adventurous designs and more powerful engines. The coupe has pretty much lost its place in the market, and a decreasing number of manufacturers are producing them now, since a lot less customers are buying them.

The A5 is just beautiful, as it looks like the stunning R8's little sister.

But the luxury brands haven't given up on the coupe, as they still seem to believe that they have potential, as long as they don't simply look like the 2-door variation of an existing sedan. The new A5 and S5 models in Audi's line-up are perfect examples.

Absolutely gorgeous
Now, here's a great-looking car. The A5 is just beautiful, as it looks like the stunning R8's little sister. A lot of time can be spent admiring the headlight clusters, with the LED driving lights that support the xenon headlights. When the car approaches in your rear view mirror, you'll know it's a new Audi.

The car's fluid shape races right down to the rear end, with an integrated trunklid spoiler and tasteful taillights. A character line floats over the front and rear fenders, gracing them with muscle and elegance. Top all this off with a set of magnificent-looking, optional 19-inch alloys, and you've got quite an attention-grabbing car. Audi's artistic department deserves a bonus for creating such a striking corporate design, because the A5 draws more stares than a federal minister's hot girlfriend.

Sumptuous cockpit
Inside, the car's officespace is finished with high-quality materials, including comfortable leather seats and solid-feeling switchgear. The dashboard's conception isn't as breathtaking as the car's bodywork, but you get to appreciate its elegance.

Surrounding the shift lever is an array of buttons, including those that control the MMI on-board information center. The latter is isn't all that complicated to use, maybe because I'm slowing getting used to it, but somehow it feels a little less intuitive than in the competition's similar setups.


At night, the console glows blood-red, which is a little marginal. The navigation system is reasonably easy to operate and the screen is very legible, but finding a specific location such as a restaurant is much more complex.

Rear-seat space and comfort is adequate, although getting in is obviously a little complicated. A thoughtful feature that helps entry and exit is power switches located on the top of the front seats, which moves them fore and aft without having to reach for the controls located on the side of the seat cushions. As for the power sunroof, it opens up only about an inch, so it's not very useful.

The 3.2-liter V6 that powers many Audi models is on duty in this coupe.

Smooth operator
The 354 horses of the S5'S V8 might seem alluring, but the truth is that for everyday driving, the A5 is plenty quick. The 3.2-liter V6 that powers many Audi models is on duty in the coupe, providing 0-100 km/h blasts in 6.7 seconds and quarter-mile times of 14.7 seconds at 155 km/h.

I really like this engine for its smoothness, fluid power delivery and reasonable fuel consumption; my average of 11.4 L/100 km is quite good, and at a steady 100 clicks on the highway, you'll consume less than 9 litres.

What I like less is the Tiptronic transmission; from a standstill, it always takes a half-second to react before getting the car moving forward. That may not sound like a long delay, but it's just long enough for your brain to say to your right foot: "hey, nothing's happening; you'd better press on the gas pedal even more."

By the time your foot complies and presses harder, the transmission wakes up and summons the engine. Voilà! You're now launching the car faster that you originally planned, and your passengers are now cursing at you. Dumping the gear selector in the 'S' position reduces the delay, but it's still quite irritating.

The A5's ride is pretty good; the suspension provides the car with some nice moves, and isn't too stiff for everyday use. On the highway, however, every time I'm hitting a bump, a vibration is felt from the front left wheel right up through the dashboard. But for the suspension setup alone, I'd choose the A5 over the rougher S5.

Competition The 2008 Audi A5 3.2 quattro starts out at $51,850. To obtain a car identical to this tester, add a metallic paint job ($800), the Technology Package that includes keyless entry and adaptive headlights ($1,600), the 6-speed automatic transmission ($1,500), a navigation system with backup camera ($3,500), a blind-spot monitor ($650) and the aforementioned 19-inch wheels with 255/35R19 tires ($1,200), for a total of $61,100. The Audi A5 is a great car that could very well succeed on looks alone. The A5 measures up to these rivals, if we include a similar level of equipment: Audi TT 3.2 quattro, 250 hp, $59,600 BMW 328xi with options, 230 hp, $50,700 Infiniti G37, 330 hp, $47,350 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 with options, 268 hp, $73,300 As you can see, there aren't many sport-luxury coupes on the market anymore. But in this small group, the A5/S5 is clearly the most beautiful. Only the BMW is available with all-wheel drive, and the Mercedes-Benz is really expensive. Conclusion The Audi A5 is a great car that could very well succeed on looks alone. That is, until the 2009 A4 sedan comes along which looks just like the A5 but with two extra doors. Personally, this coupe makes better sense to me than the S5, because I don't need the extra 100 horsepower and stiffer ride. I'd even skip on the options, but I would gladly pay extra for the 19-inch wheel package. However, I just wish Audi would offer the S tronic sequential transmission in this car instead of the patience-depleting Tiptronic. After all, the TT and the A3 get it with the 3.2, so why can't the A5?

Mercedes-Benz Gl320 Bluetec First Impressions

Manchester, Vermont - Big, powerful, athletic... and now green. The new 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 benefits from the next-generation BlueTEC diesel technology. Thusly equipped, it offers a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and emissions while delivering the same outstanding performance.

BlueTEC is basically the only significant upgrade for the 2009 GL-Class. With an enviable position in the premium SUV/CUV segment, this M-B continues to pit itself against the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and the like -- only this time, it will be the cleanest of the bunch.

BlueTEC is basically the only significant upgrade for the 2009 GL-Class.

BlueTEC, a sustainable solution
The German automaker's BlueTEC technology was introduced in 2006 with the E320 CDI. That car went on to receive the crown of "2007 World Green Car of the Year".

The technology is now being applied to the GL-Class sport utility vehicle. Using all the latest filter systems out there, BlueTEC ups the ante by adding a urea-based fluid called AdBlue, which neutralizes nitrogen oxides to the extent that the GL320 now meets the stringent U.S. emission standards.

This environmentally-friendly system has little to no impact on performance and the driving experience. True, the vehicle feels a bit different and a tad noisier, like any diesel-powered SUV for that matter, but it certainly isn't unpleasant by any stretch.

Torque to spare
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is remarkably explosive. While 210 ponies might not sound like a lot, the engine produces nearly 400 pounds-feet of torque at only 1,600 rpm. That's the beauty of diesels.

With so much low-end torque, the vehicle is never hesitant off the line, although a bit more juice, while not necessary, would have been appreciated. Fortunately, the torque curve remains strong at most engine speeds, which allows you to exploit the GL to the fullest. I have to admit that the 7-speed automatic transmission also does a wonderful job.

Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are completed in 9.5 seconds, while fuel consumption hovers around 11.5 liters per 100 kilometers in the city -- and considerably lower than that on highways and byroads.

Luxury and refinement
Inside, expect to find the same high levels of luxury as in other Mercedes-Benz products. Aside from the complicated ergonomics, particularly the ill-positioned gear selector (right above the left turn signal stalk in typical Mercedes fashion), occupants enjoy top-notch fit and finish as well as theater-like soundproofing.

Driving dynamics are not on par with the segment's top contenders (which has always been true about the GL), but the experience behind the wheel is definitely pleasant and comfortable.

Efficient, luxurious and high-performing, not to mention exclusive to North America, the 2009 GL320 BlueTEC will appeal to Earth-conscious buyers who see clean diesel as part of the solution to protect the environment. Other people, meanwhile, will barely realize that they're driving a diesel.

Volkswagen Polo

VW supermini set to get a lot more stylish thanks to Scirocco inspired design.

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The Polo is getting a ‘fresher’ flavour! VW’s fifth-generation supermini will go on sale next year with a more upmarket look – and a front end which has been given ‘the Scirocco treatment’.

The car’s nose reflects the styling of VW’s sleek coupé – and inside, there is a classier cabin. A range of new engines includes hi-tech, low-emission diesels and super-turbo petrol powerplants.

As you can see from our pictures, produced using insider information, the Polo draws on the next Golf and Scirocco, dropping the large chrome grille seen on recent VWs for a simpler design with twin horizontal air intakes and angled headlights. It’s a cleaner look all-round, with uncluttered flanks, neat tail-lamps and a purposeful stance.

Under the skin, the Polo gets the new PQ25 small car platform – first used by the latest SEAT Ibiza. This means a bigger cabin, even though the dimensions are similar to the current model’s.

Quality will improve, as VW bids to address criticism over falling standards. It promises the Polo will be the best-built car in its class, with a Scirocco-style dash and soft-touch materials.

The generous kit tally will include an MP3 player input and Bluetooth connectivity on most models. Plus, the Polo could get the same sat-nav docking port as the Ibiza – this allows portable, hand-held units to be plugged into the dash.

While the car is unlikely to match the likes of Ford’s next Fiesta for driver fun, the steering will be improved and the ride made more compliant. Engine highlights will include 1.4 and 1.6-litre FSI direct-injection petrol units, plus new TDI turbodiesels.

The Polo will also make use of VW’s 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged TSI motor, available in a 138bhp ‘warm hatch’ and a 168bhp GTI variant. There will be a new Bluemotion model, too – this promises to emit less than 100g/km of CO2 and return 75mpg economy.

The firm’s seven-speed DSG twin-clutch box should appear as an option throughout the range. As well as three and five-doors, there will be a coupé-cabrio, inspired by the Karmann-built drop-top seen at 2007’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

In addition, buyers get the option of a four-wheel-drive SUV variant to replace the Dune – as we revealed in Issue 1,018 – and a compact MPV. These models won’t appear until at least 2010, while the hatch arrives next year, starting from around £9,000.

In a related story, VW has revealed more about its future by unveiling its first-ever plug-in hybrid. The Golf-based Twin Drive can run for up to 30 miles solely on battery power thanks to an 82bhp electric motor. When it runs out of energy, a 122bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel takes over.

It gets stop-start technology, regenerative braking and hits a top speed of about 75mph. Energy comes from lithium-ion batteries that can be plugged into a household socket.

While there are currently no plans to put the Twin Drive into production, some of its features are set to debut on VW models within the next two years.

Mini's future has five doors

Mini's future has five doors

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This is the next new Mini model, expected to hit showrooms in 2010. The five-door Mini 4x4 will be previewed at the Paris motor show in October and could spawn a more mainstream front-drive hatchback variant, according to high-level sources.

The 4x4, which Mini is calling Sports Activity Vehicle, will feature a new, taller, five-door body. But in order to make the new ‘SAV’ financially viable, Mini plans to build a two-wheel-drive model on the same chassis, creating a five-door hatchback.

While the successful launch of the SAV would take annual Mini brand sales up to the 340,000 mark, industry specialists say that Mini probably needs to make 500,000 cars per year if it is to be profitable and its research and development programmes are to become self-funding.

To this end, insiders say that if the Mini SAV proves a success, the two-wheel-drive ‘Mini Maxi’ hatch could be launched by 2012.

Confusion surrounds the make-up of the SAV’s chassis. Some sources say it is a development of the current Clubman, equipped with a taller bulkhead and new upper-body structure. However, other sources say that it uses the existing Mini frontal structure but adds a new floorpan modified to accommodate both four-wheel drive and completely different seating positions.

Officially, BMW says that while its engineers “devised the SAV vehicle concept”, “series development and production” will be handled by Austrian company Magna Steyr, which has been involved in the

car’s engineering.

BMW also says that it completed “the majority of the drivetrain development” for the Mini SAV. This could mean that Getrag’s prototype 4x4 system, designed specifically for the Mini, has not been employed for the production car.

The SAV will get a similar range of petrol and diesel engines to the current Mini range, with prices likely to start at around £16,500.

BMW says it plans to make just 80,000 Mini SAVs each year at Magna’s factory in Graz when the current X3, the plant’s current production model, is phased out. The Mini factory in Oxford is already operating at full capacity and the new X3 will be built in the United States.