10 Tips Every New Home Buyer Should Know

The biggest investment many of us will make is buying a house, and mistakes can be costly. To help weed through the home-buying jungle, we've gathered the knowledge and strategies every home buyer should know before beginning the hunt.

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Hide CaptionShow CaptionDemand full disclosure and a professional home inspection.

- After the Sale
- Added Taxes

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By Stephanie Welch Alexander

Most states require that a home seller disclose potential problems with the property — but the homeowner may not always know or reveal existing structural problems (despite the legal requirement). The only way to truly know what's going on inside (and over and under) a home's structure is to secure the services of a reputable home inspector. Expect to pay $300 to $600 for the inspection. It seems like a lot of money, but consider the thousands it could save you if the home isn't up to code or has major issues.