It is better to find out what is wrong about a house before you buy it. Make your purchase of the home contingent on a home inspection. You want to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises after you move in — things that may cost you substantial sums to repair that may not have been obvious to you when walking through a home. Having a professional inspector look at a house before you plunk down an enormous amount of money — or take out a mortgage — is one of the best ideas to come along.