Avoid a Money Pit

Learn From Our Mistakes

  • Our Story

    We were first time home buyers who ended up buying a home, at full asking price and “comparable market value” which turned out to need over $100,000 in repairs. Our realtor and inspector were long … Continue Reading

    Our Story

  • Lawyers

    If you find yourself in need of a lawyer, let us just say - so sorry to hear that. Dealing with lawyers is never fun, especially when it is due to a matter as personal as your home. No one will ever … Continue Reading

    Lawyers

  • Home Inspectors

    Not all home inspectors are created equal. The qualifications and responsibilities can vary widely state to state. Know your rights, as well as what is and even more importantly what is not included … Continue Reading

    Home Inspectors

  • Realtors

    Here is the dirty little secret realtors don’t want you to think about for too long – even as a buyer’s agent, their interests are never 100% in line with yours. No matter what, the more you pay for a … Continue Reading

    Realtors

For First Time Home Buyers

There are SO many ways buying your dream home can turn into a nightmare - we know, we lived it! In the spirit of wanting something good to come from something awful, we created this site to share all the things we wished we "knew then" in the hopes that we could spare someone else from having to go through what we went through.

Dealing With Realtors

They're supposed to work for you. Make sure that is what is actually happening.

Home Inspections

You're crazy if you buy a house without getting it inspected first. But who does that inspection really matters!

Lawyers

If you think you might need a lawyer, you need to know what to expect and how to manage them.

Be Smart & Ask Questions

It's better to ask too many than too few questions! Don't be afraid to speak up.

Termites In A House Are A Big Deal

If there is information disclosed to you regarding termites on the property, don’t let your realtor make it seem like it is no big deal. This is true whether the sellers disclose that they have had termites and/or if your inspector finds evidence of termite damage or infestation. Not because you can’t get rid or […]

Be Careful In Your Communications

If your situation ends up in some type of legal proceeding, understand that all of your communications with anyone involved in the case (except your lawyers) will probably end up being requested and read by the other party(ies) in your law suit. Keep this in mind as you are communicating in writing. There is another […]

Treat Buying A Home Like The Business Transaction It Is

This is probably one of the hardest pieces of advice to really follow. But, here is the reality – purchasing a home is the single biggest financial transaction that most people will be a part of in their entire lives. Take a moment to let that sink in… Part of the whole “American dream” is […]

Necessary Disclaimer

Neither of us are  a realtor, a home inspector or an attorney. The information shared here is not intended to take the place of quality professional advice or counseling from them. It is intended to help you be prepared with questions to ask your professionals and some thoughts on things to watch out for. If we can help someone else avoid the hell we went through, that would be wonderful!

NOTE: None of the pictures on this site are of anyone who was actually involved in our case.