bkent,
Here is a nice HI site with hints:
http://www.inspectamerica.com/Get_Advice/First_Time_Buyer/first_time_buyer.html Also, if the inspector finds any problems areas and then you decide to negotiate w/the RE agent or owners for repairs, try and get them to state exactly what will be done and what will be used as the replacement; i.e., my sis bought a home that needed anew roofing shingles. The sellers agreed to have the entire roof replaced, however the lowest grade shingles were used and hardly any flashing was replaced.
Good luck,
Al
