Never too early to plan for move

      DEAR BOB: My husband is receiving a job promotion that involves a move to Memphis, but we aren't certain of the effective date. It could be next month, maybe later. Is it too early to start looking for a home? Should we sell our current home now while the market is strong? His employer has a relocation "consultant" who advises not doing anything until we are certain of the promotion date. Do you agree? -- Darcy H.
      DEAR DARCY: No. It's never too early to begin browsing for an out-of-town home. If you can take a long weekend trip to Memphis to get acquainted with the various neighborhoods and meet Realtors, that will be extremely helpful.
      DEAR BOB: I am a single "working girl," age 27, with no prospects of imminent marriage. But I hate wasting money on apartment rent each month. However, with house prices so high, I can't afford to buy a decent one. I have looked at several townhouses that seem like a reasonable compromise. Are there any pitfalls to avoid? -- Lucia S.
      DEAR LUCIA: I'll presume you are already preapproved for a mortgage so you know your price range. Townhouses are a combination single-family house and a condominium. When you find one you might want to buy, interview the neighbors to find out what they like best and least about the complex.
      Be sure to check on the soundproofing, since poor soundproofing is the number one complaint of condo owners. Also investigate the condo homeowner's association to be sure they have adequate reserves and are not planning any special assessments. Ask about the percentage of renters (if it's higher than 25 percent, stay away).
      Before you make a purchase offer, to avoid overpaying, ask your realty agent to prepare a CMA (comparative market analysis). This form shows recent sales prices of neighborhood townhouses, the asking prices of comparable nearby townhouses and the asking prices of expired townhouse listings that didn't sell. With your agent's help, you can then arrive at an intelligent offer price.
      Of course, include the usual contingency clauses, such as mortgage approval and professional inspection. Yes, even when buying a townhouse, you should have a professional inspection.
      DEAR BOB: My husband and I have been figuring out how we can ever afford to buy a home. We now live in an apartment with our baby son. As Dr. Laura says "I'm my kid's mom," meaning I stay at home and don't have a job.
      Almost every day I read the newspaper classified ads of houses for sale. I also noticed several ads looking for apartment managers, which say "handyperson wanted" and "no experience required." My husband is very handy and could paint and repair vacant apartments for extra money. Do you think it would be realistic for us to become resident managers so we can get free rent plus a small salary? I could show apartments during the day while my husband is at work and he could paint and repair evenings and weekends. Or am I dreaming? -- Olivia P.
      DEAR OLIVIA: There is always a shortage of good apartment resident managers, especially couples. Your situation is ideal so you can start saving for a home down payment. Apartment owners love "stay at home moms," who can manage and rent apartments while the husband is employed elsewhere. It won't hurt to apply for some of those jobs.
      -- Send your questions to Robert J. Bruss, Tribune Media Services, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, Ill. 60611.