Here is some advice for buying a home anywhere in the United Staes, for the first time home buyer or the more experienced buyer. This is especially true for individuals buying out of state or in an unfamiliar real estate marker.

First, decide what you want in a home: number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of lot, amenities, etc. Stick as closely to this plan as possible keeping in mind that no houise will fit your bill 100%.

Second, thoroughly research the area you would like to buy in: what is its economy like? Where are the better neighborhoods? What area can you afford? What is the crime rate? How close are youto schools, banks, shopping, etc.?

Third, perform some online research with reputable internet sites. Look up the area and price range you are interested in. See what is available in the area of interest.

Fourth, interview at least 3 Real Estate firms. Come to the table with a set list of questions of what you are looking for in a home AND a realtor. Determine how much experience they have in the field and what their sell rate is or how quickly they in particular turn over homes. How aggressive are they willing to be for you? Choose a company you feel youcan work with. Trust your gut.

Fifth, once you feel you have a home you are very interested in, locate a very reputable home inspection service. Find out what they exactly look for and how thorough they will be. Do they look under the house? In the attic? at the plumbing? The more thorough the better.

Sixth, if the home is not brand new and especially if it is more than 30 + years old, ask the realtor specific questions such as: how old is the furnace (air conditioning), what does it cost to heat(cool)the home? If the home has a water heater, get the age. Have the owners had to make any plumbing repairs recently(within the past year). Has there ever been water in teh basement, or a flood in the basement? When was the roof last replaced? Are there any leaks? Is there any asbestos in the home? Are there any termites, bugs, spiders, mice, stc. When was the last time it was treated for termites or other insects/rodents? When was the fireplace last thoroughly cleaned out?

Seventh, if you cannot get satisfactory answers to any of these questions, do not go through with the sale unless you have an unlimites source of money to make all these repairs! These suggestions will help keep your dream home from becoming a living nightmare!