Answers by Ken Sisson

What you\'re looking out for on any home inspection are major things as well as minor things that may be indicative of a much larger problem. If you\'re having problems reviewing a general inspection yourself and evaluating what things on your inspection are minor versus what is major, then I would recommend finding a general contractor to talk to about it. Beyond obvious major items (like foundation issues, roof issues, etc.) and high-ticket items, it\'s a judgement call. The inspection provides you, as a prospective homebuyer, a lot more information about the particular home\'s current condition than you had before. You\'re not buying a new house (unless you are!). There\'s going to be loose door knobs or latches that are broken. As a homebuyer, you need to know that in your first year of owning a home, there\'s a good chance that something unexpected will go wrong or break. If the most major problem on the inspection is the air conditioner, I would pursue some relief or repair from the seller for that. IF it\'s broken. If, however, it\'s not broken and only at or near the end of its useful life (but still working), that may not be something to expect the seller to do anything about. When you own a home, you own all the little problems that inevitably come up over time. Sometimes a lot of things do happen in that first year, like I said. A decent 1-year home warranty program is something to look at. Only you can decide whether or not to go forward. Get professional (and specific) advice is my general advice here.

Condominiums are a great option for entry into home ownership. Ownership of a condo is simply a different type of property than a single-family home. Sometimes people love gardening and want a backyard; Sometimes people are more comfortable as \"apartment dwellers\". There\'s types of properties that suit all needs. While there are very few rules of thumb or \"blanket advice\" that apply to all (if there are any at all), Condominiums and Planned Unit Development properties are experiencing an increase in homeowner association fees across the country and that\'s mainly due to increased insurance premium costs. Also, sometimes people don\'t want to have to deal with a homeowner association at all. While buying a condo may not actually be a \"bad investment\" inherently, it\'s just simply a different market than the market for single family homes. In some markets across the country condos became the most achievable entryway to home ownership. While the different segments of the real estate market are related, they are indeed two separate markets. The decision, ultimately, needs to be based off of specifics. Specifics and the analysis of the local area (condo market vs. single family home) and specifics around you and your preferences, wants and needs in a home (or investment property). Opinions are only valid when said opinion is based on specific facts.