Smart Home-Buying

As a homebuyer, you should find out as much as you can about the house you're interested in. The most convenientsource is the real estate agent, but remember that the agent is working for the seller, not you. Still, if you don't getanswers to key questions, shop elsewhere. Most important is to find out if there is any structural damage to thehouse. If the house has been on the market longer than similar houses in the area, ask why. Be leery of housesthat are selling for less than fair market value and houses that are selling for more than the rest of the homes in theneighborhood. One way to get help is to hire a buyer's agent—you can locate one through the National Associationof Exclusive Buyer Agents (407-767-7700; www.naeba.org).