Before considering buying, no matter what well-meaning friends and family members tell you, a home inspection is imperative. Without a home inspection your hopes of owning a dream home could be shattered, if you do not proceed with caution. Being a savvy home buyer requires you to make informed decisions. With the help of professional inspectors this should be relatively easy.
Home inspectors can put your mind at ease they will look at the general condition of the home including the following:
The foundation:
Are there signs of leaks, cracks, or settling?
Check for areas that look uneven. if doors and windows don't close, the home may have settled to the point that it is no longer level. This is a cause of concern with older homes.
Electrical and plumbing systems:
Does the wiring and plumbing appear to be up to code? Are there any holes or leaks?
Check out cabinets under sinks. Do the lights flicker when an appliance is turned on? How is the water pressure?
The roof:
Is the roof sound?
How is the condition of the wooden structure beneath the shingles?
Does wood appear to be rotted? How old is the roof?
These are general guidelines. To be thorough, many other issues should be carefully addressed before you decide to sign any papers, but inspecting the property carefully and following up with a professional inspection, will help ease your mind.
I also recommend that my buyers get a sewer line inspection. I did this with my own home and it saved me thousands of dollars in repair costs.