Comments on: How to Buy a Home

on 3/6/2006 If the house is not currently occupied, be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency to have them check their logs to see if they were ever been called to the house for methamphetamine production or other illicit drugs.

If you end up buying a "meth house" you could be stuck needing a very costly cleaning service to remove the dangerous chemicals from the "bones" of the house (walls, floors, etc.).

You would be surprised at the nice houses in nice areas that have dangerous chemicals in them from previous labs.

on 11/22/2005 Check out the crime rate in the area. Public right of way such as alleyways that run past the property between large housing estates and public ameneties can leave you vunerable to criminal abuse.

on 11/22/2005 If possible, visit the home at different times of the day. A night visit would be essential; this way, you can determine the different types of noise levels in the area. This is imperative when buying a house or even a flat. Noise levels such as birds singing at 4am in the morning and people across the road singing songs at 10pm at night can deter the most determined home buyers from a purchase.

on 11/22/2005 Please consider the family's opinion and be sure you fulfill their wishes as well as yours. You don't want anyone to be miserable, especially children.

on 11/22/2005 You've heard it before, but location is one of the most important factors for your happiness in a home. Visit the area at different times of the day and days of the week. What seems quiet and peaceful at one time might be noisy and congested at others.