The fact that they have their washer and dryer on concrete blocks says that at times there is standing water down there until the sump pump removes it........this is not a good sign. Doesn't really matter how "not real wet" things seemed at the time of your visit.....you don't put your dryer and washer up on blocks for no reason at all...

Water in basements usually comes from two area.......1. the walls. 2. the floor. Water infiltration could be from inadequate water proofing of the exterior basement walls, sub soil hydrology issues, surface run off, improper construction details used in the basement wall and slab, improper base under the slab...........or a combination of all of these. Only some proper and expert investigation can determine exactly what the cause or causes are.........either way the remedies are usually expensive.

I would strongly suggest that you have an expert home inspection done prior to signing anything..........the water presence could very well be the tip of the ice berg. Water presence can and often leads to other more costly conditions (i.e foundation problems, structural rot problems and the ever dangerous mold issues).

Sorry if this isn't the answer you wanted to hear. I know how that first home purchase is exciting, but don't throw caution to the wind.......you could very well be buying an bottomless money pit.

I completely agree with you. Scary stuff. Buyer beware.

No, I appreciate the responses!! I wanted the truth bc I don't know. We are in the process of making an offer. I KNOW that doesn't mean we have the home yet but most of the homes we've looked at and liked have the same problems, so even if we don't get this one I would still like this information in the future. As for an inspection we are absolutely going to get one done!! And yes we will back out if there is or will be extensive damage etc like you mentioned above. I know the information given isn't much but its all I had to go on and was wondering where it'd eventually end up leading us so your answers are very helpful! Thank you! (:

It was curious to me that the laundry was on blocks but the freezer wasn't!

Good. I was under the impression that you had already bought it. You seem to know plenty so as not to put yourselves in a bad situation. So many first time buyers go in and buy on emotion or think that they don't need inspections, etc..
Good luck in your search.

that is odd..... maybe they just hadn't got to putting it on blocks........or maybe the water doesn't reach where the freezer is..........either way, I would be very leery of problem for sure.

Thank you! It's such a large amount of money that I'm not trying to risk anything. I have realized that I have to know EVERYTHING about everything before even considering! We're also looking in a small town, it makes it a little bit harder because our price range isn't TOO high and there aren't a ton of homes to pick from. We were hoping to find one to be in before August when the baby comes but if we don't then we aren't going to rush it and we'll look later or continue to look while we rent. We're very smart about money and aren't going to get into something we will have a hard time with or like it was said above be a money pit. Not if I can help it! Besides that I'm still in school and we've got our second kid on the way and one starting school this year. We don't really have money to blow on silly things that could have been prevented.

be sure your inspector is experienced, certified, insured and comes recommended. usually your realtor or mortgage broker can help with referrals.
you may also want to have a waterproofing company take a look. waterproofing is expensive and must be done right by a pro.