You’ve all seen it – a house there one minute, gone the next. It might even be happening right now in your own neighborhood. Maybe you pass by a knock down every day on your way to work or drive by on your frequent trips around town. Sometimes it seems as if overnight, a new home jumped out of the ground. Of course it doesn't happen so suddenly, but it often appears that way because we just didn’t make note of the progress.

There also seems to be no shortage of opinions on what is often referred to as a “knock down”, an old outdated home replaced with a new construction home. Some people approve and some object to the changing landscape and what often appears as the proliferation of new construction. The closer a “knockdown” is to your own home, the stronger your opinion probably is on the subject. I try to keep an open mind on everyone’s opinions, because it's important to me that regardless of the shape and size of someone’s house, the people that reside there comprise a part of what we value dearly, our community.

Which, brings me to why I'm writing on the subject - regardless of whether you're looking to buy a new home or not, you may be curious about the process. Perhaps you'd like to learn about the many steps and details which are required to accomplish the goal of replacing an existing home with a new one.

There are many safeguards that have been adopted and in place to protect the neighborhood and the community. The builder and owner of a “knock down” must take precise note of the rules and regulations adopted by the Building Department and the local zoning laws. These rules and regulations are lengthy, complicated and usually require the guidance of experts--an attorney and licensed builder--to see you through a myriad list of regulations which affect your own individual situation and appropriate compliance, so proper and due discloser is made.

For the following 6-8 months, I'll be chronicling the events of an actual” knock down.” With photo and video, the actual events that are entailed in the process will be revealed to challenge your interest and provide reliable insight into the process. You'll see the pains and pitfalls discovered along the way with what hopes to be the joy of the eventual happy homeowner.

Spring is fast approaching. Real estate experts predict lower prices and attractive mortgage rates will create a strong sales season.

• Are you trying to decide between building a new home or updating an older home? Do your research and determine your costs for each project, in time and money, before signing on the dotted line.

• Pay attention to the age-old adage, “Location, location, location.” Take advantage of the lower real estate prices and buy a home in the best area you can afford.

• When calculating the costs of ownership, remember to factor in the monthly mortgage payment, utilities, property taxes, repairs, homeowner’s association fees (if any), and home maintenance work.

• Be sure to ask questions and do your research for the best mortgage rate. Ask your mortgage banker to break down what you will pay and evaluate different loan structures. Points, PMI (private mortgage insurance) and closing costs will increase your mortgage cost.

Check out my website, www.nedmahoney.com and search for your perfect home.