I’m not usually one for the forums, and don’t bother reading n00b posts when I do go sniffing around, but this response to a n00bs question about the pitfalls of buying sites is excellent:
Buying a site is usually plain sailing when you are dealing with someone reputable, like Honey says. A couple of things I do before buying a site …
Run a linkage data check using SEOBook’s LinkHounds
Use the Neat-o backlink tool from WeBuildPages to find anchor text on inbound links
If linked from the Yahoo! directory, is it a recent addition with a recurring annual fee
Is it in DMOZ.org?
Does it have any .ac.uk / .edu / .gov links?
Ask about existing reciprocal links, will they stay up?
Ask if there are any paid links, if so what do they cost per month?
Establish the history of the domain using Whois.sc
Does the site rank in Google / Yahoo! / MSN? If so, what are the phrases?
Does the current owner buy traffic using PPC?
Get screenshots of income and traffic stats (Forget about Alexa)
Chat with the vendor
Check out their history on other forums by searhing for their nameI tend to concentrate on getting a solid picture of the site’s foundation because this is what will make you the money in the month’s ahead.
Once you are satisfied, go ahead and make the deal. Settle on a price and a timeline. Most buyers accept PayPal for smaller transactions. However, if you would feel more secure using an escrow service then go for it.
Good job, Andy Boyd. One of the best posts I have ever seen on Digital Point, and a real help to newbies & some of us more ‘experienced’ types too.