Cracks

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AG:

Hopefully some more knowledgeable people will post here too, but here's some info from my literature on cracks.

Cracks in walls and ceilings, particularly above doors and windows, can indicate weakening posts, sagging beams, or the foundation settling. Small cracks are common in old plaster walls, but with your large crack in the foundation and the fact that you've noticed new cracks appearing in a short time, there may be a real problem.

Inspect the crack in the foundation. Find out if it is and "travelling". You can draw a line at the end of the crack and check later to see if it has moved. Check doors and windows above the crack to see if they are jammed. If it turns out that the crack is travelling, it may be a structural problem that you can not fix yourself.

I would advise calling an inspector to be sure of everything, but these are some things you can check yourself to set your mind at ease (or not). In the future, consider hiring a home inspector before you buy a house, it costs a few hundred but can save thousands.

Best of luck.