Smear test age 'to be reviewed'

Ministers are to review the age at which women in England are screened for cervical cancer.

The New Year's housing market holds great opportunities for anyone looking to buy a new home. With dramatically decreasing property values, smart home buyers can get an excellent deal on a new home for the New Year.

With home prices so low, potential home buyers run the risk of getting carried away and failing to properly research their home buying decision. Those considering a home purchase should proceed with caution and take the time to make an informed decision about buying the right home.

Home buyers can begin the search for the perfect new home by creating a solid plan that covers all of the necessary components of home ownership, such as that outlined below:

Examine Finances: All potential buyers should take a good look at their financial situation before embarking on home ownership. While upfront prices may be low, the month-to-month costs of home ownership can add up. Income, credit rating and current monthly expenses should all be taken into account when determining how much can be spent on a new home. Visiting a professional lender is the best way to get an accurate budget for home purchase.

Research Loans: The majority of home buyers will require some type of loan to cover the purchase of a new home. Buyers should shop around for the best deal by contacting several lenders to compare interest rates. The more knowledge a buyer has of the lending market, the better he will be able to negotiate for the best rates.

Find the Right Home: Once a buyer has determined how much they can spend and has secured the necessary loans, it is time to shop for the right home. Buyers should make a list of the various features and amenities they would want in their ideal home and neighborhood. Several home builders offer interactive features on their websites allowing home buyers to select their ideal home. Hans Hagen Homes' Design Studio helps Minnesota home buyers find and design a new home in Minnesota.

Seal the Deal: Once all the terms have been agreed upon and all the documents have been thoroughly read, home buyers are ready to close the deal and go to settlement.

By following the above steps, homeowners can ensure they have covered all of the bases and made an intelligent decision in selecting a home.

Jason Beack is the Marketing Coordinator for Hans Hagen Homes, a Minnesota custom home builder and Minneapolis new home community company. Hans Hagen Homes has new communities in St. Peter, Blaine, and Cologne, Minnesota as well as Hudson, Wisconsin. Learn more about Hans Hagen Homes' new homes in Minnesota.