This time, Amos got one right!..Make sure the cracks are not due to structural damage, like shifting on the foundation, or settling. This can, and should be, and required by law,(depending on where you live) be done, by inspection, at the expense of the owner. Most all realtors have a form that is filled out, by the owner called a 'Disclosure Form', where the seller, has to disclose any known things, wrong with the house, before the deal is closed. You can make an offer to buy, contingent on the defects being corrected, at the owners expense, during the time in escrow. You can also have and inspection done, at you own expense, usually after a deposit has been made, in the time of escrow, so you can withdraw your offer, and have your offer refunded, without penalty, should they find something wrong, OR if they find something wrong, and the two of you do NOT come to an agreement, on fixing it! Repairs are normally done at the sellers expense, before the closing of escrow. Being as these are hard times for sellers, you have an advantage. The money to be used for the repairs,can be taken out of the purchase price, but from their (the sellers)end...unless you negotiate differently. Good luck!