Get a Home Inspection

You've gone through the house hunting process and narrowed it to "the one".  It's just what you've been looking for, dreamed about, and it's priced just right -- at least until you prepare your offer.  So what do you do now?  There are a lot of items to consider when buying a home.  It's condition is a major one.  You may have questions about this.  Do you have the expertise to determine the working condition of a home's furnace, electrical system, water delivery and waste water systems -- just name a few?  No?  Then get a home inspection.  This is especially true when dealing with an older home or foreclosure.

Let me tell you what a home inspection isn't.  It isn't going to let you know if you're getting a "deal".  As HUD defines it in their disclosure, For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection:

A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of the home prior to purchase. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to:

• Evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems;
• Identify items that need to be repaired or replaced; and
• Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes.

It's the difference between kicking the tires on the used car you really have your eye on or taking it to your mechanic to have him tell you what you're really getting for your money. 

For an average home the cost may only be a few hundred dollars and could vary by region, but the information it provides may save you thousands in a negotiation or help you decide to keep looking.