Buying a home will probably be the biggest investment of your lifetime. Before you sign on the dotted line, inspect the house thoroughly. You'll get the information you need to understand the safety issues and maintenance challenges ahead.
What To Look For
Determine the extent of deterioration, especially in an older home, how much work you can personally handle, what it will cost to have a professional do the work, and what problems you can live with. Most of all, safety should be your major concern.