[grania]

don't get the question about "lived in the area before?"

Unless you're familiar with an area, you could be buying into an area with a lot of problems or problems on the horizon.

Rules I used when purchasing out-of-area:

1. If houses for sale aren't very rare in the area, be sure to know why. Also research how long it takes to sell a house around there. More than a few nearby foreclosures, be very careful.

2. A rule from a few years ago from Forbes: Know what's on all four sides of you.

3. I asked some teens how they liked the police in town. They said they hated them, so I bought the house.

[Alberta's Child]

I know a guy who did extensive research on high school sports when he was looking to purchase a home. He bought his home in a town where the high school basketball team hadn't had a winning team in years.

True story. LOL.

[Catmom]

Three properties have been abandoned on my street in the last two years. I’ve been a responsible home buyer and owner and now own my home free and clear.

I’d love to punch all these irresponsible bastards who’ve lowered the value of my thrift and pride of ownership.