Due Diligence During the home buying process, an independent inspection of the house is a common step. Ideally, the inspection uncovers or highlights areas that may need to be repaired, updated, replaced or perhaps simply disclosed as part of the purchase agreement. In addition, most states now require home sellers to reveal (or "disclose") any number of conditions, should they exist in the house. Beyond inspections and disclosures, it's fair and prudent to conduct your own investigation of the house and its surrounding lot, and to ask questions and expect satisfactory answers. Feel free to check the following: water pressure of the faucets and showers, monthly utility bills (especially in extreme climates), and documentation that shows how much the home has appreciated in value since it was purchased by the current owners. You may want to ask about neighbors and neighborhood services, such as recycling — and it's also wise to consider the style and size of the home in the context of its neighborhood. A home that's "out of place" may suffer in terms of its resale value down the road.