So, having worked in an architectural office for four plus years and having been looking for a house to buy for way too long.. I have been working on this list of rules to date by.. it is a work in progress.. but I figured that it will probably never be complete, so I might as well post it as is for comment and criticism.. Feel free to attack it all you want.. but deep down, you know that every single one of these statements is correct.

IFF you feel the need to repost this... please at least attribute me and don't steal it as yours.. that's not very nice.

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Architect's guide to dating:

Height must not exceed surroundings w/ standardly worn heels (+/-) 1 inch (F.V)

Naturally occurring substances are preferred over artificial. Real materials preferred over synthetic varieties.

Maintenance is always an issue. Strive for materials that do not require painting, etc.

Be wary of cracks and crevices that require constant caulking. If your caulk isn't handling the job, they will find one that will.

Be wary of long term leases. Even though they may look good on the outside and feel good on the inside, they will find a way out of the lease, usually at your expense.

Be wary of fixer uppers. When in doubt, look for good "bones."

Similar to restaurants, be wary of pre-existing faults. If one failed just before you, the chances are you will fail too.

If you are into flipping. Remember the rules: Get in and get out QUICKLY with little financial expenditure but much gain.

In order for a project to succeed, remember that it is a team effort. If any one part of the team is hesitant, jump ship! The seed of doubt has been cast.

If you see a jewel and it is single, remember that there is probably some hidden fault that is covered up with a fresh coat of paint.

Be wary of short term leases which appear to be win/win. Verify clean and clear title work.

When doing surveys, do not rely on the surveyor to be correct. Field Verify ALL conditions.

When doing inspections, do not rely on the inspector to be correct. Field Verify ALL conditions.

Just because they tell you that the plumbing exists, someplace, before proceeding too far forward, Field Verify!

Missed progress meetings are a sign of trouble. Never miss one and be extremely diligent of the project progress if the superintendent missed one.

Be leary of lack of schedules. A lack of schedule means that there likely are underlying issues.

Be leary of deadlines. Deadlines cause a lose/lose situation.

Be leary of product reps. They are always trying to sell you thier product over competing ones, regardless of quality.