The Martino Group Development, LLC

Buyer's Checklist

While looking to purchase a new home, there are several things you can do to greatly increase your changes of success. Here is a list of common questions that buyer's consider when looking for a new home, and a checklist to guide you through the home-buying process.

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 REALTOR®?

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 REALTOR® what’s important to you. Your REALTOR® 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
Look for sources of indoor moisture that can cause mold. If you see mold, or there is an earthy or musty ordor in the property, further investigation, testing, and mold removal may be warranted since some individuals may experience health problems related to mold exposure
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 REALTOR®. Many times, your REALTOR® 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.

*Information provided by the Arizona Association of REALTORS®.