Foremost are home inspections, which we always recommend. This practice has grown immensely in the last ten years and is a very important buying tool. Inspectors have also grown in their own professionalism. The best ones belong to associations aimed at educating and disciplining their profession, are insured, have most modern tools of their own to use such as gas sniffers, moisture detectors, digital cameras and the like. The best approach their jobs reasonably and not only look for faults but suggest reasonable remedies. The cost is $150 to $250 and always worth the money; you'll know far more about your new home with an inspection and have perspective on the problems and solutions.

 Often we'll recommend other inspections such as for radon, even lead, and ask for warranties on the mechanical elements, paid by the seller if possible. If it's not platted property, we request surveys. If it's on a well or septic system, we need those inspected.

 Obviously title insurance and its careful review is basic.

 In fact, we have lengthy checklists for every step ... pre-contracting, contracting, pre-closing and closing ... all designed to make sure the job is complete.

 We simply want all risks identified and analyzed. You've probably noticed that most surprises are unpleasant ... we simply don't want any of those for you after you've made the purchase.

 When we're always on your side of the transaction, we can do all of these things to keep you safe, all the time, to your exclusive benefit.