Surveys
The survey is a diagram of the location of the home on the lot, as
prepared by a certified land surveyor. You must ensure that the seller
has an accurate, up-to-date survey so that your lawyer can make the
proper municipal zoning inquiries. If no survey exists, or the survey is
not accurate and up-to-date, this should be the subject of negotiations
and should form part of your offer.
Inspections
If your new car turns out to be a lemon, not only is it a headache, but
it could cost considerable money to set things right. If your dream home
turns out to be a nightmare, you could be facing huge expenses -- money
you may not have after making the biggest single purchase in your life.
Why do people take a mechanic for a test drive before buying a used car,
but spend much, much more on a home based only on a quick tour? One reason
may be that, until recently, it hasn't been all that easy to find a
knowledgeable professional who can make a detailed assessment of each of
the systems and components that can go wrong in a house. A carpenter
moonlighting as an inspector would probably check all the structural elements
but walk right past a deficient furnace or a soon-to-be-leaking basement
caused by improper grading.
Professional home inspection, backed by a national association, is an industry
that has become increasingly involved in residential real estate transactions
over the past few years.
So how do you find a professional home inspector to help you make an informed
decision prior to buying? Ask your RE/MAX agent for recommendations. You may
only buy one house in your lifetime, but RE/MAX agents are involved in home
purchases every day and come to know who does a competent and professional job.
Ask your prospective home inspector for references from recent clients. Ensure
the inspector is a member of a reputable industry association. Finally, to avoid
the possibility of conflict of interest, avoid any inspector who offers to do
necessary repairs, or who is involved in any way in real estate or home repair.
Professional home inspectors stick to inspections.
Be sure your home is inspected for termites, radon, lead paint, asbestos and other
hazards. Find out if your lending institution has any specific tests it requires
before it will approve your mortgage.
