Even with the cost of theater tickets going up and a large popcorn costing as much as lunch at a decent restaurant, I would still, fork over my hard earned money. Why? Because some movies I just wanted to experience in a movie house. I could not imagine the latest superhero action blockbuster on my meager home screen. I wanted the big screen experience.

A few months ago, I decided to realize a dream and build a home theater. I had been planning this for years, and quietly stashing away money while continuing to improve my home theater plans. Finally the day had come, and now you will never see me in a theater again. A movie house cannot compare to a good home theater system; from personal experience – here’s why;

1. Picture Quality - sure some theaters have begun to upgrade to digital, but they still cannot keep up with the advances in the home consumer market. As of this writing the typical resolution of a high definition television is 1080 pixels using a progressive scan. Newer sets use 120hz and 24fps creating and even smoother, crisp picture during fast pans and fast action scenes. Using a top quality plasma television of 1080p projector, your home theater will beat a movie house picture hands down.

2. Customization - Movie theater normally adhere to industry standards in setting contrast, brightness, color balance, sharpness, etc. This standard set to what accurately represent to a wide audience what the filmmaker had envisioned. This may or may not be your taste. If not, it’s your home theater, you are free to adjust the picture to what is perfect for you.

3. Environment control - Too cold? turn the thermostat up, or get a blanket. Never again miss a critical part of the movie because you had to use the bathroom or refill you popcorn. You have a lovely little pause button. You control the volume, when the movie starts, you can even go back if you missed some important dialogue.

4. A good sound system, such as the one I purchased is in an entirely other league than a movie house. The surround effects are amazing, and the clarity of shattering glass will make you flinch. Car crashes and explosions will shake your seat and literally pound your chest. You don’t just hear the movie you feel it. If a crystal clear display allows you to feel like you are looking through a window into the film makers creation, a good sound system will make you feel like you are actually in the movie.

5. Comfort - I have seven leather recliners with built-in cupholders. Try finding that in a theater. The carpet is free of sticky soda residue and candy.

6. Sharing – It’s great to share this experience with friends and to enjoy a good movie with close friends.

7. Sports – You can also enjoy all the above while watching the NBA playoffs and or watching the Superbowl.

For my home theater I opted for a 1080p projector with a 110″ screen (that’s 9.2 feet) and a 7.1 speaker system with two 10″ 300 watt subwoofers. A 7.1 system means I have a center speaker for dialogue, two front speakers, two surround speakers and two rear speakers. Since I have two subwoofers I guess you could call it a 7.2 system.

While spending years planning out my system and countless hours testing out components and displays I have amassed a good deal of expertise in home theaters.

With real estate contracts, a buyer and seller are getting to the heart of the matter. A contract is a binding agreement where each party agrees to provide consideration for the other party doing something. In the case of the buyer, he or she agrees to pay money on a specified date in exchange for the title to the property in question. As you might guess, the seller agrees to transfer title upon receipt of said funds. This is how real estate contracts work when boiled down to their basic function.

Real estate contracts also cover more than the basic funds and title transfer. The contract should include representations from the seller that they are transferring “good title” to the property, to wit, they actually own the property and no outstanding debts are recorded against it such as lawsuits. Other conditions that can arise include things such the transaction being conditioned upon the buyer obtaining financing, the completion of a home inspection, certain assets being left with the property such as furniture and the deposit of an earnest money deposit by the buyer to show he or she is serious.

As you know, owning real estate is part of the American Dream. One characteristic of this dream is the fact that people have been buying and selling real estate for hundreds of years. Given this history, it is not particularly surprising that real estate contracts have evolved into pre-printed forms. In fact, these are the very forms being used by real estate agents!

5 tips for success for finding the ideal home builder.

1. Solicit Referrals from Family and Friends
Your friends and family know you best. If they have bought a new home from a homebuilder, ask them how they found the home builder and who they recommend (and indeed, who they would avoid). If you have been inside their home, ask yourself if you like it and ask them if they are having problems. Remember, a referral from friends and family is more valuable than one from a stranger – or a marketing pitch.

2. Research Area Home Builders
87% of future home buyers begin their search online for the simple reason that, because a new home purchase is the biggest purchase of a lifetime, it is best to know your options. But there are a lot of new home builders out there. In busy markets like North Carolina, there are literally dozens all competing for business. Visit their websites. If they invest in a good website with valuable information, it shows they care about demonstrating professionalism and integrity. If they speak to your needs (upmarket, first time home buyer, large family, etc.), it suggests they have worked with people like you. If a website is all glitz and little substance, do not call. If the site has valuable information, interactive floor plans, new house plans, sample photos and the functionality to print plans and brochures, this demonstrates competence. So if you like the site – and like the information it contains – sign up for information. You may be given special promotions and will be the first to hear of new offerings.

3. Research the Experience of Previous Customers
It is extremely unlikely that you will be the first person to buy a home from a prospective homebuilder. Because the internet offers such a diversity of voices and opinions, if you do not know anyone who has worked with a considered homebuilder before, see what the online community has to say about the home builder. Some homebuilders have inspired such contempt that websites exist to showcase reasons to avoid them while others have created incredible loyalty. A little research may save you hours of pain and thousands of dollars.

4. Tour Model Homes and Ask Questions
When a home builder unveils a community of new homes for sale, there will be a model home open for public tours. Take one. Some “tip of the iceberg” questions to ask include: How often will access to the new home be given during building; Are there any fees required that need to be paid upon closing; How many times has a given plan been built; Is there a premium on the home site; What will be built on adjoining properties; What are area zoning laws; and How is code-compliance guaranteed?

5. Read the Paperwork
The new home purchase is a major decision so take the time to read all documents thoroughly. If something is unclear, ask questions. Everybody says “read the fine print” but in this case, perhaps more than any other, this is crucial.