First Time Home Buyer: Tips and Advice for Purchasing a Safe Home

Congratulations! You're making that huge leap from being a renter to becoming a home owner. Purchasing a home for the first time is an exciting and fulfilling experience. It can also be a little frightening when you realize the responsibilities that come with purchasing a home. However, don't be scared away by all the horror stories you hear about the pitfalls of first-time buyers.

Being a first-time home buyer you may not be aware of the many things that can be unsafe in a home. Just do your homework. There are many ways to make sure that the home you purchase is safe and in good, solid condition.

One of the first things anyone purchasing a home should do is have a home inspection. This should always be done before you sign on the dotted line. The home inspection should be done by a professional. He or she will check the house for any conditions that could be considered unsafe or very costly to repair. A home inspection is not something a first-time home buyer should attempt to do himself.

The home inspector will look at things like the heating and cooling system, the plumbing, the wiring, and the foundation of the house. They will check the overall condition of the roof, the windows, and the doors.

If the inspector finds any potential hazards or any serious problems or conditions, he or she will specify on the report what those items are. They generally need to be repaired or replaced before the inspector will approve the house. And many banks and mortgage companies will not approve loans until these things are repaired.

One good thing about a home inspection is that by finding these problems before purchasing a home, the seller is usually more motivated to pay for the repairs. If the seller really wants to sell, he will realize that these problems could cost him the sale.

But beware of contracts or deals that specify that you are buying the property "as is" and "with no warranties, implied or given." If you agree to these types of contracts, you are agreeing that no matter what is wrong with the property, you accept it. This type of language in a contract is all the more reason that you should have a home inspection done. Even if you are willing to fix up the property, a home inspection will give you a more accurate idea of possible costs and pitfalls. In other words, it will let you know what you are getting yourself into. And sometimes, it may keep you from falling into a bottomless money pit.

First-time home buyers are often so eager to get into their first home that they don't always realize the serious costs of some repairs. A new heating and cooling system could cost thousands of dollars. The same is true with a new roof. So listen and understand the problems and costs related to repairing any problems before you agree to buy.

Of course, there are insurance policies now available to help pay for unexpected problems and their costs. However, first-time home buyers may not be able to afford these policies. They may already be strapped with the closing costs and other expenses associated with purchasing a home. But if you can afford the insurance, buy it.

Whatever you do, don't make the mistake of thinking that you can spot all the problems with a house. Even a home inspector may occasionally miss something. But he or she is trained to look for trouble. While you, on the other hand, being eager to become the first-time home buyer, may actually have blinders on, not wanting to see problems.

So just trust me on this one. Before you sign the contract, have the house inspected. It will give you peace of mind knowing that the house is safe for you and your family to enjoy.