1. Get a home inspection.
Whether you are buying a brand-new home among 100-year-old Victorian or a townhouse, the condition of the home should factor onto the buying equation.

2. Verify the credentials of the home inspector you select.
Credentials in the home inspection industry vary as much as prices do. Bargain price inspectors are often the least credentialed. Make sure the home inspector you select has been professionally trained and tested, has access to experienced technical support, and completes continuing education on a regular basis.

3. Go along on the inspection.
No matter who you choose for your home inspection, be sure to attend the inspection in person! And feel free to ask questions, no matter how “naive” you think they sound. In just one tour of a home with a qualified professional, you will learn a lot about the property, and feel much more confident about your decision.

Looking for more great tips? Check out these links:

10 Best-Kept Secrets for Buying a Home

8 Ways to Boost Your Home Value

Top 10 Disasters That Can Hit Your House While You’re on Vacation