DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] The present invention is a method and apparatus for storing information regarding the purchase and ownership of a home. While the term “purchase” is used, the information could likewise be used on leased or rented properties.

[0019] Referring initially to FIG. 1 , the present invention 10 , both the method and apparatus, utilizes at least one pre-printed folder 20 . This folder 20 having printed thereon information 22 which is typically deemed relevant to a home purchaser. For instance, the builder's name, contact information and address; information regarding the person or company responsible for follow-up, touch-up and repair of the home; the name, address and phone number of the realtor; the name, address and phone number of the title company and/or escrow officer; the name, address and phone number of the utility companies; contact information for other relevant companies (phone company, cable company, school district, homeowner's association); construction materials information (i.e, the paint store where paint was bought, the names and remixing numbers for the paint used for the interior, exterior and accent colors); information regarding tile suppliers, carpet and flooring specialists, plumbing fixtures and plumbers; information regarding local nurseries, landscapers, lawn and yard care professionals, pest control professional, day care centers, veterinarians, house cleaning services, window cleaning services, athletic clubs, insurance agent, churches, and local service organization such as rotary, Lion's Club, Optimist, Quanta's, Soroptomist, Oddfellows, Garden Club, etc.

[0020] Some, none or all of this information 22 can be provided in “fill-in-the-blank” format. Thus, the user himself/herself would type or write in the names of the individuals involved, as well as their contact information, etc., upon provided blanks 24 or space. With such a format, the exact same folder could be used in different communities or locals.

[0021] Some, none or all of this information 22 may be completely provided for the user. For instance, the folder 20 could be preprinted with some contact information (such as information on Rotary, utility companies, etc.), whereas other information (such as information regarding the specific builder or mortgage company) would be left “fill-in-the-blank.”

[0022] Likewise, a combination of the two methods could be presented. For instance, the contact information for Cable Company A could be preprinted on the folder with a blank left for the user to write in Cable Company B's contact information should the user choose to do so. The folder can also be provided with slots for holding business cards of businesses related to home ownership.

[0023] It is preferred that this folder 20 have an attached binding tabs or integral paper fasteners 40 for holding thereon additional sheets of paper 42 (preferably two hole punched) whereby the home buyer can make notes during the process, including individuals to follow up with regarding specific projects that need to be done. The homebuyer could also fix other legal sized paper documents into the folder, such as a copy of the title insurance information, a copy of the mortgage papers, etc. Alternatively, loose sheets of blank (or preprinted) paper could be placed within the folder, or the folder itself could be configured with one or more pockets for receiving and holding a portion of such loose paper.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 , the invented folder 20 of the present invention is provided with a box 50 . This box 50 for holding said folder 20 and miscellaneous loose papers associated with the home purchase transaction. This box 50 preferably includes at least one carrying handle 52 allowing the user to conveniently carry the box. While the box shown has rigid sides generally rigidly fixed to one another, other makes and models of boxes or containers could also be utilized with the present invention.

[0025] The preferred box 50 is capable of holding legal-sized paper. This is due to the fact that home purchase documents can range in size, and typically include legal size paper. Through utilizing a “legal-sized paper” length box, all of these documents could be accommodated. It is envisioned that the user would place copies of important documents associated with the home purchase into the box, along with aforementioned folder. For instance, a copy of the mortgage documents, a copy of the insurance papers, the user manuals and warranties of the appliances provided with the home, etc.

[0026] The box is sized to hold all the papers typically relating to a home mortgage, and to physically fit on a shelf for easy storage and retrieval. The box can be generally similar to a briefcase in dimensions, and thus able to be placed on a closet shelf in a horizontal, vertical, or flat configuration. The configuration of the present invention accords easy storage and protection of the documents in question. Likewise, when these documents are later needed by the homebuyer, they can be easily and completely retrieved in a hasty manner by merely locating the box containing them therein.

[0027] It is preferred that a fastener 54 , 55 be provided for holding the box in a closed position ( FIG. 2 ) and allowing the box to be used in an open position ( FIG. 3 ). This fastener can comprise any suitable means, including elastic bands, snaps, buckles, tabs, and the preferred hook 55 and loop 54 style fastener.

[0028] While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.