To date there has been no one guide for the many decisions you have to make when buying a home - whether a single-family, condominium, or vacation property - and no resource that will help you avoid the pitfalls you may encounter. The fact is; there is a lot of things that can wrong - unless you understand how to avoid them.
A few of the critical concerns that the Handbook covers, are:
How to deal with mold and indoor air quality issues...
What real estate agents and sellers have to tell you and what they don't - unless you ask...
Should you buy or rent? Read this before even starting your home buying effort...
How to determine what critical things will make the property work for you...or not...
How understanding your mortgage options can save you money...
Specific types of properties that you need to avoid - or they will bankrupt you...
What issues are typically negotiable - and what typically aren't...
How to get your offer accepted over others...
Legal pitfalls to avoid... (some your attorney may not tell you about)...
Environmental issues you need to be aware of and how to deal with these when buying a home... (includes lead paint, radon, asbestos, vermiculite, electromagnetic fields, and more)
How to avoid getting stuck with a failed septic system...
Evaluating private wells and water quality...

Ernest A. Simpson is a building consultant and home inspector who has owned Evergreen Home Inspection in Haverhill, MA since 1982. He has taught courses for prospective home inspectors and has written materials used by the inspection industry. Mr. Simpson has been a member of ASHI since 1986.