Move cautiously and deliberately. It could save you big dollars. Hire a professional home inspector. Not just a local builder or electrician. Get a report on the condition of the home and the systems in it.
Negotiation is the key to getting a good deal.
A few simple tactics will save you money and protect your interests. Negotiation of this type is quiet and subtle - no haggling or hard bargaining is required. It is also suggested you use an exclusive buyer broker - an agent whose SOLE loyalty and skills are used on your behalf. As bizarre and unfair as it seems, in MOST typical home purchases, the ONLY one NOT represented is YOU - the buyer.