How can a buyer protect themselves from undisclosed issues in a property?

A buyer can protect themselves from undisclosed issues in a property primarily by conducting thorough inspections and requiring sellers to provide complete disclosures. This approach allows the buyer to uncover potential problems before completing the purchase. Inspections can reveal issues such as structural damage, pest infestations, or code violations that may not be evident during a casual walkthrough. In addition, by mandating full disclosures from the seller, buyers can ensure they receive honest information about the condition and history of the property, allowing for informed decisions.

Other strategies like offering a higher price, negotiating a shorter escrow period, or relying solely on title insurance do not adequately address the need for awareness of the property's physical condition and any existing liabilities. While these tactics may have their own benefits in certain contexts, they do not provide the direct protection necessary against hidden problems, which thorough inspections and seller disclosures specifically target.