Here is a checklist to guide you when
buying a home.
What are the buyer’s
responsibilities in the transaction?
 Investigate
and inspect the property.
Reasonably consider the age and overall condition of the home.
Take an active role, ask questions.
Exercise reasonable care to protect yourself.
Verify verbal statements. Get them in writing!
Review the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS), paying
particular attention to the date prepared and to questions answered
"unknown" or left unanswered.
Hire a professional home inspector and attend the inspection.
Be aware of all contractual obligations.
What is the role of the buyer’s
broker?
Find properties that meet your needs.
Assist in answering your questions or
direct you to other sources for answers.
Prepare the purchase contract according to your instructions.
Submit all offers and counteroffers promptly.
Coordinate inspections and walkthroughs.
Promptly communicate the status of your transaction while in escrow.
What should the buyer
do to investigate and inspect the property?
Tell your broker
what’s important to you. Your broker
can
either answer your questions or direct you to other sources that can.
Verify all important information from any source (e.g., MLS information,
advertising, etc.) that could affect whether you’d buy the property or
how much you would pay for it.
Check nearby property uses.
Conduct the necessary inspections. At a minimum, your inspection of the
property should include: the roof, structural integrity, heating and
cooling systems, termites or other pests, electrical and plumbing, waste
disposal, square footage and property lines.
Conduct a final walkthrough to verify that the property is in
substantially the same condition as it was at acceptance and that all
requested repairs, if any, have been satisfactorily completed.
What other information might the buyer
want to look for?
This will depend on your needs, plans for the
property, and what’s important to you. The following checklist
contains some of the property’s non-physical conditions that you may
wish to address:
Neighborhood or area conditions
Schools, day care facilities, health facilities
Availability of fire protection, emergency, and other services
Crime statistics, adequacy of law enforcement
Proximity of registered sex offenders (Check www.azsexoffender.com)
Proximity to commercial, industrial, or agricultural activities
Existing and proposed transportation, construction, and development
Views, traffic, airport flight paths, other noises or odors from any
source
Wildlife and domestic animals; other nuisances, hazards, or
circumstances
Existence of required governmental permits, inspections, or certificates
Governmental limitations, restrictions, and requirements, including
zoning and flood plain, affecting the use of the property
Condition of common areas and facilities (if any)
Existence of deed restrictions, conditions, covenants and restrictions
(CC&R’s), easements, or other governing documents
Information regarding any homeowners’ associations, including, but not
limited to, minutes, financial statements, pending special assessments,
claims, and litigation
Current or past infestation by termites, scorpions, insects or other
pests
Conditions relating to your personal needs, requirements, and
preferences. You may have a wide range of concerns and may desire
additional information or investigation of issues. Discuss these with
your broker
. Many times, your broker
can
direct you to the appropriate inspector or consultant.
How can buyers protect themselves from
the cost of property defects?
Get a home inspection. The seller and the agents may not know of
existing property defects. A home inspection is critical to the buyer as
it enables a buyer to determine the condition of the property before
close of escrow and negotiate possible solutions to any problems before
electing to go forward with the transaction.
Get a home warranty. Buyers are strongly encouraged to buy a home
warranty. However, all policies are not alike. Read your policy for
possible coverage limitations or restrictions.
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