Low price not always best value

A home at a low price may be no bargain at all if the maintenance costs are prohibitive. Find out when the house was last painted and re-roofed. Ask the seller to provide copies of utility bills so you can accurately budget the ongoing cost of your home purchase. If the house has a large yard, trees, a swimming pool or a spa, and you don't have the time or expertise to do pool cleaning or yard work, find out what the current owner pays to maintain those amenities.