Dean's Rules for Buying a Home

1. Have your REALTORŪ work as a buyers agent. The added input of the agent as he/she views houses with you, helps you come to an educated decision. While viewing homes, if the buyers agent you are using does not review details good or bad, FIND ANOTHER, he/she is not on your side, and just trying to make a sale. Make sure that you have an escape clause in your Buyers Agent Contract that covers this possibility.
2. While your are in the home, taste the water. This is something that you will have to deal with the entire time you live there so why not expect good water.
3. Have an attorney look over your purchase agreement, title commitment and closing documents.
4. HAVE AN INSPECTION DONE. Michigan does not license inspectors, so how do you pick one? Actually this is a lot easier than it sounds, find an inspector certified by either American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI). NIBI and ASHI certified inspectors are the only ones in the industry which are required to not only undergo extensive training programs, but to also participate in yearly re-certification programs. So just ask. And then be there for the inspection.
5. If you view a home that you like, come back later by yourselves and talk to a couple of the residents in the area (although not too close to the home in question, you don't want to tip them off that you're interested).
6. Call, city or township, county, and state governments, preferably the planning commission. Check to see if there is anything in a close proximity to the home that may potentially affect its value, now or in the future.