1. Previous Maintenance

If you're not an expert, you may not know what makes a foundation unsafe or how leaky that roof will be in a downpour. How well have the previous owners cared for the house?

Before you purchase a home, it's important to have a trustworthy home inspector come out and take a look at the shape it's in. A home inspector can tell you how long that roof is going to last and estimate when you'll need to do other costly repairs, like replace the hot water heater or overhaul the HVAC.

Keep in mind that what seems like an affordable home can become less affordable if you have to make these large repairs within a few years of purchasing.

2. Job Stability

Do you like your current job? How long have you been there? Are you confident that your position is stable, and are you expecting annual raises and bonuses?

Of course, you can never be 100 percent certain that your job is secure, but when you're looking into buying a home, it's a good idea to take an honest look at your workplace's climate. Have there been rounds of layoffs? Have you heard of more? It's much easier to break a lease if you suddenly can't afford it than it is to sell your home. If you feel like your current job situation is iffy, you may want to hold off a few years on such an important purchase.