Checklist For Home Buyers

Here are some helpful tips that will help you in the future.
 

• Ask for a floor plan, if available
• Ask for a copy of the building / electrical and mechanical permits. If there were any problems, ask for documentation that the problems have been solved.
• Ask, if there are any additions, which would require a permit
• If there is a septic system, ask for the permit and the drawing with the exact location of the tank and the drain field. Ask when the septic was pumped the last time and by whom.
• If there is a private well on the property, ask for the documentations, permits and water test results
• Ask the seller to provide you with a drawing that shows the exact location of all underground electric wires, water lines, sewer lines, underground fuel tanks and fuel lines. This is very important in case there is no basement or crawlspace and the lines are underneath a concrete slab.
• Ask for a list of all contractors who’ve been involved to build the house or been involved in major repairs, like “roof is 5 years old – was installed by roofer ……, the shingles are Owens Cornings …..”
• Ask the seller to mark the property lines
• Ask the seller when the HVAC or any heating units were serviced the last time and by whom.
• Get any documentations, which are necessary for possible warranty claims for any components or materials used.
• If the home is located within a gated community or HOA ask for a copy of the covenants and a statement that there are no violations against the covenants.

 

Every home is different; therefore, this list is just a recommendation, some documents won’t be available and in some cases additional documents should be requested.