Look before you leap, or you're sure to flop.

I was talking to my colleague, Michael Gonick, today about my new year exercise routine. Basically it consists of driving (or if I'm feeling especially urban, taking my bike, Lola) to Lake Eola, and doing 4, run/walk intervals around the lake....which I hear is .9 miles and therefore easy for me to keep track of during my "training."

I recently signed up for my first 5K. My first run ever. It may seem like small potatoes to you, but to me, the fact that I can do this and not die will be a major accomplishment. I am not a runner, but I have always wanted to be one. I just think it's amazing that someone can run 26.2 miles, equalling around 4 hours of running (maybe less if you are really fast), and not have something burst in their brain. I would like to be able to achieve such a feat. But I think maybe a half marathon may suffice as my goal for now.

As Mike and I were talking, he was telling me that I really need to arm myself with information and do it right; talk to runners, get the right shoes, and eat right. He really stressed that I should do some more research before diving into uncharted waters. And he was right. The last thing I need to do is tear or break something and have this running thing end before it ever really began.

I started thinking of real estate, as always, and how jumping in without a plan or a professional helping you could lead to disaster.

A first-time home buyer I was working with came to mind. He was looking for fixer upper in Winter Park. I went over the details regarding how things typically work in a transaction....from offer to acceptance to the inspection period and beyond.

A large part of my focus was on the inspection period. Even if you are buying an As-Is property (meaning the seller will not pay for any repairs) you still want to know what you are getting into BEFORE you buy.

It's better to pay for a termite inspection and a home inspection and find out the facts first, because if there are major problems with the home, you may not be able to handle all the repairs AND the mortgage for months at a time...especially if you are buying an investment property.

Sometimes, walking away from a home after you did the inspections, and losing several hundred dollars, is better than buying a home that turns into a money pit where you lose several hundred thousands.

Here are some tips and information on home inspections and choosing a home inspector that will help you while buying a home.

I will continue to run, get advice, do my research and do it right. And with real estate, if you are in the market for a home, don't go it alone. Having a real estate professional in your corner, taking you through the process and helping you avoid pitfalls, is always better than treading water and barely staying afloat.

Beth Hobart