HOME BUYING TIPS

Is the house worth the price tag? You may not be a home inspector or a real estate expert, but that doesn't mean you can't figure out a few things on your own.

Here's a checklist before you buy:

Size up the exterior

Is the paint in good shape? Is there a lot of life left in the roof? Is the driveway free of cracks?

Turn on taps and switches

Check the water pressure and find out if the stove burners work.

Follow your nose

Smell mold? Find the source. It might be a leaky basement, or a bathroom that's missing a circulating fan.

Look for telltale appliances

Watch for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or space heaters. These are sometimes clues that the home's humidity or heating isn't up to par.

Talk to the neighbours

Stop the guy walking by with his dog and ask him what it's like to live here.

Call the cops

Ask at the local police station about crime in the area. Visit the local school to find out about nearby parks and playgrounds.

MORE REAL ESTATE ADVICE.