There’s a great way to guard against buying a home that’s not worth the price you paid for it. Or even worse- a home which requires so many repairs, it becomes a money pit. Just hire an inspector. This trained professional will check every nook and cranny of your home before you buy. In many cases the sale of the home is contingent upon a successful inspection. Make sure the person you hire for the job looks at the foundation, tests the mechanical workings of your home, and checks for signs of termites. And go with the inspector as he walks through your home. Bring up anything you’re curious about. A normal inspection costs anywhere from about $125 to roughly $200, depending on where you live. 

The person selling you the home may have agreed beforehand to spend a certain amount of his own money to fix problems an inspector notes. Or you may decide repairs are not worth your money, and walk away from the deal. Even if there’s next to nothing wrong with the home you want to buy, hiring an inspector is worth that peace of mind you want when you own your own house. Find a reliable inspector by asking your realtor or lender, asking friends, and by asking for plenty of references.