Protecting Yourself Before Buying That House

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Jeffrey Johnson

Insurance Lawyer

Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

Written by
Jeffrey Johnson
Jeffrey Johnson

Insurance Lawyer

Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

Reviewed by
Jeffrey Johnson

Updated July 2023

As a new home buyer, prepare yourself to make one of the most important decisions over the course of your life.

For many people, this is their single biggest purchase and a major investment in their future.

However, though buying a house can be a great way to build wealth and create a home for yourself and your family, there are serious risks in making such an important purchase.

As such, some key items should be considered in the process of new home buying. Whether that’s in having ample homeowners insurance, or getting the right inspector, being prepared for a new home doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Keep reading as we offer our top need-to-know tips before buying a home. You can also get legal help today by entering your ZIP code in our free tool.

Getting a Home Inspection

The first and most important thing a potential buyer can do is find a certified home inspector.

The inspector knows the ins and outs of what makes a home structurally sound, as well as the relevant building codes, and can observe what you never would have noticed. 

It is well worth the investment to hire a home inspector before you consider finalizing your offer. It’s also worth it to invest in an inspector who adheres to good standards of practice.

In fact, any offer that you put in to buy a house should have a clause specifying that the home purchase is contingent on the house passing inspection. 

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Details of Your Home Purchase Contract

Aside from making sure your offer spells out the right to have the house inspected, you will want to make certain that the contract for sale is very clear on what you are getting. For instance,

  • Will the homeowners be leaving the appliances?
  • What about wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, light fixtures, frames, etc.?

You need to know exactly what you are getting as you are buying a house, because even if it passes inspection, you may not be too happy if you move in and find the stove has been ripped from the wall, and you have nothing but a gaping hole. 

Getting Help Buying a New Home

These are just a few examples of what buyers need to look out for when dealing with a home purchase. You will need to be sure your rights are protected in every aspect of the transaction, from getting a mortgage, making an offer, to getting a clean title to your home. 

Case Studies: Protecting Yourself Before Buying That House

Case Study 1: Getting a Home Inspection

In this case study, we examine the importance of John, a prospective homebuyer, hiring a certified home inspector before finalizing his home purchase. John, excited about his dream home, decides to invest in a professional inspection. The inspector uncovers hidden structural issues and identifies code violations that John would have never noticed. John protects himself from potential risks property with problems.

Case Study 2: Details of Your Home Purchase Contract

In this case study, we follow Sarah, a diligent homebuyer, as she navigates the process of reviewing her home purchase contract. Sarah carefully reads through the contract and ensures that all the necessary details are clearly spelled out. She pays close attention to what is included in the sale, ensuring that fixtures like the stove are specified and in proper working condition. 

Case Study 3: Getting Help Buying a New Home

In this case study, we explore how Mark, a first-time homebuyer, seeks legal assistance throughout the process of buying his new home. Mark understands the importance of having his rights protected and seeks professional guidance at every step. From securing a mortgage to reviewing contracts and obtaining a clean title, Mark’s lawyer helps him navigate the legal complexities of the transaction.

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