Rob & Jeannie Steward

There's nothing worse than having a major appliance break, especially since most people depend heavily on their dish washer and laundry machines. Then, there is the inevitable choice that must be made: whether to repair it or just get a new one.

Of course, the primary factor to consider when making a decision is the cost of the repair versus the cost of replacing the appliance, factoring in such things as tax, installation, and removal and disposal of the broken unit. According to Angie's List, a national consumer ratings company, these things should also be considered:

Age/History - Older appliances may require ongoing service, which could cost more over time than simply buying something new. On the other hand, if you have not had trouble with the appliance in the past, it might be worth fixing it.

Energy Efficiency - New appliances could save you considerably when it comes to energy costs. Determine if the energy savings will offset the cost of a new appliance. In addition, tax credits may be available on energy-efficient units.

Features/Performance - As technology advances, appliances have more and more features and can do more things. Putting cost aside, purchasing a new appliance might be the right choice simply because it improves your quality of life.

If the decision is to purchase a new appliance, remember that quality products tend to last longer, and that proper care will help prevent problems and reduce the need for repairs.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales of existing single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops jumped 9.4 percent in September, with first-time buyers driving much of the activity. Existing-home sales have increased during five of the past six months, and sales activity is now at the highest level in more than two years.

The NAR 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers indicates that first-time homebuyers accounted for more than 45 percent of home sales during the past year. NAR President Charles McMillan said that "potential first-time buyers can take heart in that affordability conditions this year are the highest on record dating back to 1970." Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, adds that first-time buyers free up many other sellers looking to trade up into a larger home, which benefits the overall market.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of owning a home. HomesByRobandJeannie.com

It continues to be an excellent time to purchase a home. There are many factors that work in favor of homebuyers, both those looking to make their first home purchase and those seeking to move up into a larger home.

In recent weeks, there have been many indicators pointing to an improving real estate market, so buyers should act now while conditions remain ideal.

Consider these reasons why now is a good time to buy a home:

Housing affordability remains high.This allows buyers to purchase a bigger home, or one in a better location, than they might have in the past.

The number of homes on the market has started to decrease. Yet, homebuyers still have a wide variety of homes to choose from, making it more likely they will find their dream home.

Mortgages are at historically low levels, and some buyers are even able to get 30-year fixed rates below 5 percent. Low mortgage rates also positively impact affordability and allow buyers to enjoy lower mortgage payments for the lifetime of their loan. This may be of particular interest to renters whose rent payments typically rise each year.

For useful homebuying tools and calculators, click here... HomesByRobandJeannie.com

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Consumers are busy buying houses, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which announced this week that its Pending Home Sales Index rose 6.4 percent in August to its highest level since March 2007. The uptick in pending home sales marked the seventh consecutive monthly increase, the longest in the series of the index which began in 2001.

A forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed to purchase a home, the Pending Home Sales Index in the Northeast jumped 8.2 percent from July and is 12 percent higher than August 2008.

Conditions remain ideal for purchasing a home. Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are averaging less than 5 percent and nearing the all-time low set in March. In addition, first-time buyers still have a few weeks to get under contract in time to take advantage of the $8,000 buyer tax credit.

Homebuyers are more interested than ever in purchasing an energy-efficient home. With the warm weather months upon us, buyers will be looking at a home's cooling costs and energy-saving features with a more critical eye.

Get started by making some of these simple improvements to your home to help lower monthly utility bills, increase your property's overall appeal and reduce the impact on the environment:

Contact your utility company to arrange for an energy audit that will show where the home is energy inefficient.

Caulk and use weather stripping to fill air leaks around doors and windows. This will minimize the amount of air conditioning that is required to keep the house cool. It will also help keep the house warm during the winter months.

If you will be purchasing any new appliances, choose energy-efficient units that appeal to buyers because of the savings on energy costs.

For a major project like installing new windows, double-glazed windows are recommended because they help insulate the home from both hot and cold weather.