A BUYER'S CHECKLIST STRUCTURE 1. Secure and examine a copy of the State required Seller's Property Disclosure form 2. Check all appliances, age, functionality, and warranties 3. Check age of the property with county 4. Check correct square footage with county or have an appraiser verify the square footage 5. Check lot lines, county records, Improvement Location Certificate or Survey 6. Look for leaks, termites, rodents, structural damage, check with structural engineer or home inspector 7. Check for existence of Home-builder's Warranty 8. Check for recommendations from home inspection services 9. Check for availability of Homeowner's Warranty Insurance programs 10. Check to see if Seller had/has household pets NEIGHBORHOOD 1. Check with the local school district for their academic statistics, busing, test scores, and future plans 2. Crime - call the local police department 3. Future development plans - call the local planning department 4. Amenities - check access to: a. Fire and police/sheriff departments b. Shopping c. Schools d. Neighborhood recreation areas and fees e. Entertainment and arts 5. Homeowner's Association, applicable dues and last increase 6. Special assessments to be assessed 7. Neighborhood trends and community trends ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (Call E.P.A. etc.) 1. High power lines (electrical magnetic fields) 2. Urea formaldehyde foam insulation 3. Aluminum wearing 4. Lead based paint (1978 and older homes - ask for the Seller's Disclosure form) 5. Underground storage tanks in immediate area 6. Sewer/septic tanks 7. Check potability of well water with the Health Department 8. Radon check 9. Noise pollution 10. Air pollution 11. Check for flood plain 12. Septic system check
MISCELLANEOUS 1. Check average utility bills 2. Property taxes - County Tax Assessor 3. Check for future special taxing district obligations and financial status 6. Check telephone service availability for new homes. Become as informed as possible with your real estate purchase. We are not professionals in some of these areas, i.e., legal, tax, engineering, but we will be able to direct you to the proper experts who can answer your questions. CHECK OUT THE METRO DENVER AREA PREVAILING WINDS BEFORE BUYING TO ENSURE YOUR FAMILY HAS CLEANER AIR. When looking for a home, remember not only to consider travel time to work, quality of schools, and convenience to shopping. Be aware of our prevailing winds and how they affect air quality in different parts of Denver during winter months due to atmosphere temperature inversions. Some parts of the city historically have cleaner air than other parts. We will be happy to discuss this with you. SOUTHERN SUN REALLY HELPS MELT SNOW. Another point to consider before buying is that driveways on the north side of a home are more difficult to deal with when it comes to snow removal. Since the home will shade some or most of a north facing sidewalk or driveway, you will need to shovel more quickly following a snow storm to prevent ice from forming. A true story which I often relay to my clients occurred last March while showing homes on a relatively warm March day. Property owners on one side of the street were in shorts washing their cars, another owner was taking in some sun while sitting on her front porch reading the newspaper, and another owner was out front playing with his kids while owners outside on the other side of the same street were chipping away at the ice on their driveways. I often ask my clients the question, "All things being equal, which activity would you rather be doing?" One tip is to consider looking for a home that has a driveway exposed to the southern sun sometime during the day. You can then let our bright sunny days take care of most of your snow removal chores. We help our clients make the best location selection possible. If you would like to know more about When it comes to YOUR Metro Denver Real Estate needs,
This information will assist you in identifying issues which you may not initially identify in the purchase of your home.
4. Request "gap" insurance and correct extended title insurance coverage
5. Check comparable current sold values in the area
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Bill Kosena
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