buying real estate

[ITE]

can someone clue me in on what it takes and what the procedures are to buying real estate? what are the hidden costs, forms etc. that one can expect to face? And how important is it to use an escrow officer and what is the average fee for one or how is that fee determined, percentage of price or flat fee?

[geninfo@gmail.com]

do a google search for the National Association of Realtors and zero in on your state's association. There is a wealth of info regarding the practical, legal and financial steps to take.
Good luck!

[bkrahmer]

I have bought several houses and several more vacant lots over the past 10 years or so. Advice stemming from my mistakes: 1. If you are buying a house, ensure the appraiser is independent, and not swinging the values for anybody. 2. If a house, get it inspected by a good inspector. My friend Jan is an inspector, and he spends 3-4 hours on an inspection, and takes an average of 100 digital pictures. That's thorough! 3. If a survey hasn't been done in the last 10 years, get one, if you can. 4. When making an offer, add a contingency for the seller to disclose, and for you to approve, all easements. 5. If you are in a rural area where you will need to have septic, a well, electric, etc. installed, find out about those before making an offer, or add them as contingencies. I almost put an offer on one lot, but I was lucky enough to be on the lot at the right time of year, just after snow melt, and it was covered with water. I asked about septic, and sure enough, it would have required a mound septic. Not a bigggg deal, but something I didn't want to deal with. If I was concerned about hitting water, I wouldn't hesitate to add a contingency that the seller install a well to my specifications with the cost added to the buyer's total at closing. 6. Don't believe anything your realtor says. I'm in the middle of a lawsuit right now, suing a realtor that made representations that weren't true. I believe I will win, but it's still a hassle.