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Advisory Guides Home Buyers By K. Michelle Lind Posted: March 2003 ~ Reviewed December 2004 |
QUICKLINKS
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The Arizona Association of REALTORS® ("AAR"), in cooperation with the
Arizona Department of Real Estate, developed an online Buyer Advisory
containing a great deal of information for home buyers. For example, the
Advisory explains home conditions that should be investigated and
directs buyers to sources of additional information on the Internet.
Although every buyer and every home is different and the physical
conditions requiring investigation will vary, the Advisory
addresses the most common concerns. Below is just some of the
information contained in the Advisory.
Repairs and New Construction If the property has undergone a major repair or remodel, the buyer should request copies of invoices or other documentation pertaining to the work. Also, a roof inspection by a licensed roofer is highly recommended. For information regarding building permits, the buyer is directed to the city or county building department. Swimming Pools A pool company may be needed to perform a pool inspection or evaluate any problem. Also, since each city and county has its own swimming pool barrier ordinance, city and county contact information is listed so the buyer can make sure the pool will be in compliance. Square Footage The square footage listed on the MLS printout or the county assessor's records is often inaccurate. An appraiser or architect can measure the home's size to verify the square footage. Sewer and Septic Even if the seller indicates the home is connected to the city sewer, it should be verified by a plumber, home inspector or a city test. If the property has a septic tank that was approved by a certain date, it must be inspected by a qualified inspector prior to transfer. Expansive Soil Some areas of Arizona have expansive soil, soil that swells when it is wet and shrinks when it dries out. On occasion, homes built on expansive soil experience significant movement, which can be a major problem. Any concerns about evidence of cracking in the home should be assessed by a licensed, bonded, and insured professional engineer. Previous Fire/Flood If there has been a fire or flood in the property, a qualified inspector should be hired to evaluate any possible future problems as a result of the damage or any subsequent repairs. Pests Scorpions, termites, roof rats and other pests are common in parts of Arizona. Sources of information on these insects and rodents are provided. Deaths and Felonies on the Property Sellers are not required by law to disclose that the home was the site of a natural death, suicide, murder, or felony or is in the vicinity of a sex offender. This information is often difficult to uncover if buyers don't ask. However, neighbors and the local law enforcement agency are sources of information on these issues. Mold and Other Indoor Air Quality Concerns It is a rare home that does not have some mold. The Advisory provides some good information about mold, the problems it may cause, and how it may be removed. Radon gas and carbon monoxide poisoning are two of the more common and potentially serious indoor air quality concerns. Both of these concerns can be addressed by the home inspector and a host of EPA resource materials. Property Boundaries Information on surveyors is included. For example, a survey may be advisable if there is an obvious use of property by others such as a well-worn path across a property, parked cars on the property, or fences or structures of adjacent homeowners that appear to be built on the property. Flood Plain Status If the home is in a flood zone, an additional annual insurance premium of several hundred dollars may be required. The Advisory provides information on determining if this is an issue for a homebuyer. Homeowners Insurance (Claims History) A home's insurance claim history may affect its insurability and at what cost. Many insurance companies use a database known as "CLUE" to track a home's claim history and to cancel a buyer's homeowner's policy even after close of escrow. Some suggestions on dealing with this problem are included in the Advisory. PLEASE NOTE!
The Advisory is just one tool available to help buyers. Contact a
REALTOR® for other important tools and assistance in the home
buying process.This PDF file is best viewed with Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or newer. To download the current version of 6.0: Click on the yellow "Get Acrobat Reader" icon below. When the page opens, go to the bottom of the page and find the box labeled "Step 1 of 2." Once you make your selections, "Step 2 of 2" will automatically open. After reading the information, click "download" and follow the prompts to download Adobe Reader. Click here to view the Buyer Advisory K. Michelle Lind, Esq. K. Michelle Lind is General Counsel/Assistant CEO to the Arizona Association of REALTORS® (AAR). She serves as the primary legal advisor to the association. Michelle oversees AAR’s Risk Management Committee, which includes professional standards administration for twenty of the state’s local REALTOR® associations, and the development of standard real estate forms. She is the author of Arizona Real Estate: A Professional’s Guide to Law & Practice and a regular contributor to the Arizona REALTOR® and the Arizona Journal of Real Estate & Business. Please note that this article is of a general nature and may not be updated or revised for accuracy as statutory or case law changes following the date of first publication. Further, this article reflects only the opinion of the author, is not intended as definitive legal advice and you should not act upon it without seeking independent legal counsel. |
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