Wow, there is so much to know that one might wonder where to begin. 

NOTE: At VitalBodies.net we are primarily a site for buyers. We are not sellers and are not licensed to sell. We wanted to create a site that is a paradise for buying. We do have our featured Realtor who is licensed to sell so you can buy when you find what you are looking for. plus we are purveyors of fine Real Estate sites we hope to sell to Realtors that can be crafted to their style and needs. In addition we can make you a web page or site to help you sell your property. But this site, is primarily for buyers and we here at VitalBodies.net are buyers also, so we want this site to be the best buying site. We pioneered many features just for buyers. Like, the largest clearest images, all images on a single page so you do not have to click through them all to see them and etc.  

Yet, there is a lot to know as a buyer. So where to begin?

This document is great start for Oregon buyers: 

OREGON PROPERTY BUYER ADVISORY - A CONSUMER INFORMATION PUBLICATION OF THE OREGON REAL ESTATE AGENCY.

Clearly the document has a slant (as it is was created for a specific purpose), but it also has a lot of quality information. 

Below we thought we would list some things to consider. A TO DO list so to speak. 

INSPECTIONS:

Consider getting all the inspections done that you feel are needed and gaining a clear overview of what is important: 

• Pest and Dry Rot Inspection: http://oda.state.or.us/dbs/search.lasso#pesticide
• Plumbing & pipes (primarily for older buildings) Lead, corrosion, leaks, etc. 
• Electrical service capacity and integrity of wiring.
  
• Defective Products and Materials.
  
• Repairs and Remodels.
  
• Sewer and Septic Systems.
  
• Wells.
  
• Underground Oil Storage Tanks.
  
• Environmental Hazards.
  
• Wood stoves.
• Mold.
  
• Smoke Alarms.
  
• Deaths, Crimes and External Conditions.
  
• Neighborhoods.
  
• Toxic Releases, Air Traffic, Pesticide spray (trains, highways etc) and other things like is "The Dump" next door?
  
• Water Quality Report.
• Radon check/monitoring.
  

CCB For Consumers: (This is who usually does the work suggested by the inspectors) 

• Visit the CCB's Consumer Website
• Best Practices - Hiring Contractors
• Check on a Contractor's License

Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB):

Before hiring an inspector, as a buyer, you can check with the CCB to determine the inspector’s current license status and whether there are any past or pending claims against the inspector.

How? Do a CCB Search: Check on a Contractor's License

You can also review state home inspector requirements and standards of practice (for inspectors) on-line at: http://ccbed.ccb.state.or.us/WebPDF/CCB/Publications/hi-s-sop.pdf
This will let you know most all you need to know to be a savvy buyer in terms of investing in inspections and what you can expect and what is not allowed so you know if they are being straight with you. 

Additional information about inspections and inspectors is available from the Oregon Association of Home Inspectors at: http://www.oahi.org

FEES AND COSTS: 

• Available local utilities services and fees. 
• City/state/County fees taxes and any restrictions, etc.
  

INCENTIVES AND TAX CUTS:

• First Time Home Buyers Tax Cuts. http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=203083,00.html
  
• Green/eco incentives: http://www.energytaxincentives.org/consumers/ 
• Up to$8000 Tax Credit: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/index.html

DOCUMENT INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATION: (Verify what matters to you - It is up to you to do so...)

• Information Generally
• MLS Information
• Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement
• Real Estate Sale Form (Sale Agreement)
• Financing
• Title Report and Commitment
• Homeowners’ Insurance
• Square Footage and Acreage
• Homeowners’ Association Documents, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form

ECO: 

If you need appliances for your home go green go eco:

• EnergyStar: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.
• EnergyStar: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index
• Choose optical non-ionizing smoke detectors rather than the ionizing (see below) ones with radioactive Americium. 
• Energy Tax Incentives: http://www.energytaxincentives.org/
• Energy Efficient Home and Vehicle Tax Credits: http://ase.org/content/article/detail/2654
• LaneElectric Rebates: http://www.laneelectric.com/rebates.htm
• Central Lincoln: http://www.cencoast.com/Energy%20Efficiency.html
• Home Depot Eco options: http://www6.homedepot.com/ecooptions/index.html?

UTILITIES: (Consider looking up your areas Chamber of Commerce for some nice lists of what is available and who to contact)  

• Power
• Water
• Gas
• Phone
• Cable
• High Speed Internet
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Oregon Real Estate Agency: http://www.rea.state.or.us/
• Oregon State Government: http://www.oregon.gov/
• Association of Oregon Counties: http://www.aocweb.org
• League of Oregon Cities: http://www.orcities.org
• Oregon Association of REALTORS®: http://www.oregonrealtors.org
• Dune City: http://dunescity.com

How To Recycle A Smoke Detector? Send them to the manufacturer. Do NOT throw in the garbage as they are radioactive. For more information see below...

What To Buy: Photoelectric Sensor Smoke Alarms

According the Wikipedia:

Americium can be produced in kilogram amounts and has some uses, mostly involving ²⁴¹Am since it is easiest to produce relatively pure samples of this isotope. Americium is the only synthetic element to have found its way into the household, where one common type of smoke detector contains a tiny amount (about 0.2 microgram) of ²⁴¹Am as a source of ionizing radiation.^[2] This amount emits about 1 microcurie of nuclear radiation when new, with the amount declining slowly as the americium decays into neptunium, a different transuranic element, with a much longer half-life (about 2.14 million years). With its half-life of 432 years, the americium-241 in a smoke detector includes about 5% neptunium after 22 years, and about 10% after 43 years. After the 432-year americium-241 half-life, a smoke detector's original americium would, by definition, be more than half neptunium.

RECYCLING:

Find the name of the manufacturer and look them up on line to find their address. Package and mail the device by ground mail only. Mark the package and make sure that the outside of the package is properly marked.

Marking The Package:

(According to USPS Postal Document 347.4)

The outside of the inner receptacle or the outside of the secondary packaging must be marked “Radioactive.” The address side of the mailpiece must clearly and prominently display the following markings, as applicable:
Mailable Instruments and Articles: “This package conforms to the conditions and limitations specified in 49 CFR 173.424 for radioactive material, excepted package-instruments or articles, UN2910 and is within Postal Service activity limits for mailing.”

Hand letter or Copy and Paste and Print:

RADIOACTIVE (Smoke Detector For Recycling)

This package conforms to the conditions and limitations specified in 49 CFR 173.424 for radioactive material, excepted package-instruments or articles, UN2910 and is within Postal Service activity limits for mailing.

Send by Ground Mail Only.

NOTES: Check with your mail person to make sure that your package is fine to ship under the current ever changing rules of the postal service.

Consider Taking Some Video: Often you end up seeing and noticing things you might not have otherwise. Pan very slowly, give your self enough time to really notice all the details and use a tripod if you have one.

Disclaimer: Be aware all of this is just suggestions for you to use at your own risk. It is up to you to make the right choices, due diligence and act wisely...