Buying a new home requires more due diligence than other kinds of transactions. After all, it’s going to be the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. However, many prospective owners fail to perform a comprehensive inspection, choosing to base their decision on walkthroughs instead. Without a proper inspection, you’ll have no way of verifying the property’s condition, which could lead to thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements down the line.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a real estate veteran, you need all the knowledge you can get to make an informed decision. Being thorough, asking the difficult questions, and hiring a mortgage broker all play a role in ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.

• Check the neighborhood

A house is only as good as the neighborhood it’s in. Many prospective owners are left disappointed because they thought they found the right property for them, only to realize that the community is a disappointment. Make it a point to drive by the area three times: the morning rush hour, the afternoon, and at night. That way, you’ll get a feel of the neighborhood dynamic.

You can also simulate the expected commute from the property to ensure that it’s something you can live with. Drive from your place of work to the home you’re eyeing to check the travel time. Don’t forget to scout for shopping areas, hospitals, and other services.

• Bid the smart way

Once you’ve decided on a property, the next thing you should do is to make a bid. Your opening bid should lie somewhere the seller’s asking price and what you think the home is worth. However, presenting a lowball offer may offend the seller and put you out of contention.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the seller, though. A lot of factors influence the property’s price, such as market conditions and the average selling price in the neighborhood. One way to check if the asking price is reasonable is to divide the figure by the property’s square footage. Compare that number to other recent property purchases in the area.

• Be logical

It’s easy to let your emotions take over when looking at houses. However, if you buy a property based on your feelings, you might end up making poor financial decisions. Always understand that instinct and emotion are two different things.

If you let the color of the walls or a broken doorknob interfere with your decision-making process, then that’s a sign that you’ve let your emotions cloud your judgment. A decision based on your guy makes you see beyond the superficial things and recognize the real value of the property.

There are just some of the things that will help you choose the right home for you and your family. Buying a home is half science and half art, so you need to make sure you’re doing it correctly. Scoping the neighborhood allows you to see the bigger picture. You also need to learn the art of bidding properly. Finally, be smart about your decisions and avoid letting your emotions ruin the deal.