Most homes purchased have been previously lived in. They are basically in a used condition.

Think of a used car. Sitting in a seat, playing with the windows and dash, taking a short drive and kicking the tires do not actually tell you very much about the condition of the vehicle. Taking the vehicle to a professional mechanic is not only a good idea, but is recommended by consumer advocate groups across the country.

Knowledge is power—and the more you know, the more informed your negotiations and decisions will be.