Buyer Advisory
The Arizona Department of Real Estate Buyer Advisory lists the documents, property conditions and neighborhood issues every buyer should investigate. Deah goes over it with you before you write an offer.
A Resource for Buyers
Know What to Investigate
A real estate agent is vital to a purchase and can help you find a property, negotiate and advise you. An agent is generally not qualified to discover defects or judge the physical condition of a property, but can help you find qualified inspectors and gather the documents that matter.
This Advisory lists common documents to review, physical conditions to investigate and issues in the surrounding area. Tell your agent about any special concerns you have, whether or not they appear in the Advisory.
What the Advisory Covers
Three Areas to Check
Common Documents to Review
- Purchase Contract
- MLS Printout
- Subdivision Disclosure Report
- Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement
- CC&Rs
- HOA Governing Documents
- HOA Disclosures
- Community Facilities District
- Title Report or Commitment
- Loan Information and Documents
- Home Warranty Policy
- Affidavit of Disclosure
- Lead Based Paint Disclosure
- Professional Inspection Report
- County Assessor and Tax Records
- Termite and Wood Destroying Insect Reports
- FIRPTA
Physical Conditions of the Property
- Repairs, Remodeling and New Construction
- Square Footage
- Roof
- Swimming Pools and Spas
- Septic and Wastewater
- Sewer
- Plumbing, Cooling, Heating and Electrical
- Water and Well Issues
- Soil Problems
- Previous Fire or Flood
- Pests
- Deaths and Felonies on the Property
- Endangered Species
- Indoor Environmental Concerns
- Property Boundaries
- Flood Plain Status
- Insurance Claims History
- Other Property Conditions
Conditions Around the Property
- Environmentally Sensitive Land
- Electromagnetic Fields
- Superfund Sites
- Freeway Construction and Traffic
- Crime Statistics
- Sex Offenders
- Forested Areas
- Military and Public Airports
- Zoning and Planning
- Schools
- City Profile Report
A Closer Look
Four Items Buyers Often Miss
CC&Rs and HOA Rules
Covenants, conditions and restrictions are recorded against the property and bind every owner. HOAs may also have bylaws, rules and architectural standards, and some charge fees when a home sells. Read them before you buy.
Community Facilities Districts
A CFD is a special taxing district that finances roads, sewers and parks. Ask how much is still owed and how many payments remain, and review the detailed property tax statement.
Title Report
The title commitment lists exceptions such as easements and liens that may limit things like a future addition or pool. Review every listed document with the title or escrow officer.
Professional Inspection
An inspection cannot be over emphasized. Review the report with the inspector, ask about every concern and note anything excluded from the scope.
Other Ways to Learn
Do Some Homework
Paper records only go so far. The Advisory also points you to simple steps anyone can take.
- Drive around the neighborhood at different times of day
- Talk to the neighbors
- Investigate your surroundings in person
- Review the Market Conditions Advisory and the Wire Fraud Advisory
- Learn about Fair Housing and disability laws
Note that a property may be under video or audio surveillance, so do not discuss features or pricing while inside a home.
Your Next Step
Go Through It With Deah
Deah reviews the Advisory with every buyer before an offer goes in. Read the current edition online, then bring your questions.
Keep Reading
More Buyer Resources
Free Consultation with Deah
Let’s Talk About Your Home Search
(425) 407-2800, any day 7 am to 7 pm
Tell Deah where you are in the buying process and what you are looking for. She will take it from there.
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