New home buyer, new Bigger Pockets member, Monroe, NY

[Alex Gabb]

Hi everybody!

I've lived in rentals and have finally woken up to the benefits of buying my own home. I've actually been living in Yonkers, NY, but looking to get out, schooling system is awful.  I'm focusing on a particular home in Monroe, NY (Orange County), and I've scheduled a look at it with the listing agent.

A friend of mine suggested to look into Bigger Pockets, and I bought the No Money Down book by Brandon Turner, and reading up on the logistics of home buying.

All answers are welcome, but if you are savvy with the Monroe area, that would be excellent.

Questions:

Advantages vs. Disadvantages of having a buying agent. I know the listing agent wouldn't have to split the cut from the deal, and therefore I could use that leverage to lower my offer on the house, however I am new to the whole home buying ordeal. Buying agent is supposed to represent me, correct?

However, I do like to do my own research.

House conditions I know so far, as per agents I've talked with:

-No one has lived in it for 5 years.

-Exterior and interior look decent, looks like only needing some superficial TLC handy work, which I'm up to.

-Utilities have been shut off for a while, thus agents tell me either full cash purchase or 203K loan are the only options. But then again, I don't mind doing handy work. Are there other options, and can I be flexible with what 203K repairs will cover, and what I can do?

My initial, newbie assessment is that I would need contracted people to:

-Check electric, plumbing, water quality, septic to see if in good working order (Since it's a big question-mark now, and utilities have to be turned on for that to happen... hmm... thus I have to buy it first? What a predicament.)

-Check insulation, roofing, lead paint, radon, etc. From pictures, looks like no mold or roof leaks, or signs of flooding, which is a good thing.

-Check pool. There is a small outdoor pool, in the ground, covered.

Now, what resources can tell me all the tax history, any liens, anything to do with paperwork and history of the property? Any suggestions? Orange county or the Monroe websites don't pull up anything when I type in the address, so... anyone have any better sources?

Also, any tips as to how I can make an initial assessment based on clues when I look at the house in person? I'm no electrician, etc, but I can use common sense, and don't mind getting dirty.